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So what does an act of vandalism have to do with SHE principles? For one thing, this incident proves that one of the dangers of fire is its suddenness – that it can happen in a moment, and it is best to be as prepared as possible so that if a fire does occur, you can minimise both the danger to people and the damage to property.
Let’s first take a look at the most common causes of workplace fires, and then the strategies to counteract them.
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Improperly installed, operated, or maintained furnaces can cause fires. Every furnace or heater has minimum clearance distances on all its sides and above it.
Simple safe practices
Misused, overloaded, damaged, or improperly maintained electrical equipment is a common cause of workplace fires.
Simple safe practices
Microwaves, coffeemakers, and stoves can cause fires if they are misused.
Simple safe practices
Improperly maintained or cleaned mechanical equipment can lead to a fire.
Simple safe practices
Poor housekeeping practices are a common cause of fire.
Simple safe practices
Simple safe practices
Watch out for hazards outside of buildings, such as other buildings within 100 feet of your site.
Other hazards include nearby fuel tanks, dumpsters, and weeds, grass, and brush.
Unauthorised smoking or poor setup of smoking areas can put everyone at risk for fire.
Simple safe practices
Local legislation is exceptionally stringent when it comes to smoking in public spaces. As long as you adhere to these regulations, you should minimise the risk of fires starting at your premises as a result of cigarette butts negligently discarded.
Other special hazards include flammable liquid storage and handling; spontaneous combustion from oily rags, chemicals, hay, and leaves; commercial cooking equipment; and LPG and natural gas.
Simple safe practices
Take extra precautions if you have cutting/welding and other hot work that can produce flames, slag, or sparks.
Action #1: Conduct a fire risk assessment
You need to conduct a thorough assessment of the potential fire risks present in your workplace, and based on these a fire safety action plan (which should include an evacuation plan and emergency assembly points). Ensure that your fire alarms are functional and test them regularly.
Action #2: Stock the legally required number of fire extinguishers
There are four types of fire extinguisher, all of which work by removing one of the elements of the ‘fire triangle’:
Sources:
Virginia Tech