Fire Department > Prevention > Workplace

Most workplace fires are caused by people who fail to guard against these common hazards:

SMOKING - Obey all "No Smoking" signs.  Smoke only in designated areas, and dispose of all butts and ashes properly.  Never leave burning cigarettes unattended in ashtrays or on table edges.  Poor smoking and match-handling habits cause almost 25% of all fires.

SPONTANEOUS IGNITION - Heat slowly builds in piles of trash, oily rags, and damp waste.  Put all rags soaked with oil, paint, and grease; shavings; and other highly combustible waste in proper waste receptacles (which should be emptied daily).  Never allow empty boxes, cartons, packing materials or loose paper to accumulate.  Recycle or dispose of them immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - Inspect all electrical cords for frays or broken wires before using equipment.  Repair or replace defective cords.  Never overload circuits or bridge fuses.  Be on the lookout for electrical maintenance defects in equipment, such as exposed wires, overheating motors, and faulty switches, lamps, or heating elements.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS - Never use alcohol, gasoline or other flammable liquids as cleaning agents.  Make sure that all flammable liquids are stored away from direct heat and in their original, labeled container.

FRICTION AND MECHANICAL SPARKS - Watch for overheated bearings, misaligned or broken machine parts, jammed materials, and poor adjustment of moving parts, all of which could cause serious accidents.  Be careful when cutting and welding.  These operations are highly dangerous in areas where sparks can ignite combustibles.

STATIC ELECTRICITY - Do not expose combustibles to furnaces, hot ducts or flues, static electricity, and electric lamps or heating elements.  Static sparks are most often produced in dry, low humidity areas.

FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT - Working smoke detectors, fire alarms, and automatic sprinkler systems as well as fully-charged fire extinguishers should be in each department.  Everyone must know how to use a fire extinguisher and how to escape the building during a fire.

To prevent on-the-job fires:

• Keep fire doors, stairways, aisles, and exits clear.

• Maintain a clean, safe work area.

• Immediately report or correct unsafe conditions.

• Learn emergency procedures.

• Always wear appropriate safety gear.