5 Common Causes of Commercial Fires
Commercial fires can occur at any time, with the potential to cause immense devastation to your property and potentially even loss of life. Whilst most business owners take precautions and install fire safety equipment to minimise the risk of a fire occurring, it is still important to be aware of the most common ways fires occur in commercial premises. Safety always comes first – be prepared and know how to prevent these common causes of commercial fires.
1. Electrical Malfunctions
As a leading cause of commercial fires, it is crucial that you check your wiring, circuits and electrical systems on a regular basis. Frayed or faulty wiring, overloaded circuits and unmaintained electrical systems are hazards which should be addressed immediately. If it has been a while since your last electrical inspection, you may wish to engage a licensed professional in order to identify and remedy any potential issues. This will enable you to rest assured that your electrical systems are up to date, safe and reliable which will allow your business to run smoothly and reduce your risk of fire.
2. Cooking Equipment
If you run a food business, you would be all too aware how easy it is for a fire to occur. Safety protocols are of the utmost importance in commercial kitchens, and at a minimum you should make sure that grease build-up around your rangehoods and stoves is removed on a regular basis. Grease is highly flammable, and all it takes is a small flame or spark to generate a fire.
3. Smoking
Cigarettes remain a leading cause of commercial fires, and butts should be disposed of in designated ash trays to reduce your fire risk. Smoking should only be allowed in designated outdoor areas free of flammable materials, with appropriate disposal receptacles installed.
4. Flammable materials
Many commercial premises utilise flammable materials such as petroleum, chemicals and oils. These should be stored in appropriate storage locations away from heat sources, and staff should have a good understanding of proper handling procedures.
5. Heaters and Furnaces
When winter comes around, many businesses rely on heaters and furnaces for warmth. Whether utilised indoors in the office or outdoors to ensure the comfort of your patrons, this equipment should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure safe function.
Reducing your fire risk
All commercial premises should have a fire-suppression plan in place. Additionally, fire alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems should be installed throughout the building to alert occupants in the event of a fire and attempt to extinguish the fire before it gets out of control. Don’t risk your business or the safety of your valued employees, get in touch with Astute Fire today for a comprehensive fire safety inspection and we will advise you on appropriate equipment to protect your premises.
Contact Astute Fire Today
Astute Fire are a leading provider of fire safety systems in Sydney. Our team design, install, certify and maintain the full range of fire services and have extensive experience working with property developers, building firms and owners.
Contact us today to learn more about our service offering and book a fire safety inspection.