Monday, June 13, 2011

The Top Four Reasons Fires Start in Commercial Buildings

Even though every business is different, fires tend to start for the same reasons. As an owner, it's important to be aware of the reasons fires start--and do your best to prevent them.

Smoking. Even with a smoke-free building, you can't watch what your employees do all the time--and it only takes one cigarette to start a fire. Many historic hotel fires were started by guests who fell asleep while smoking.

Improper storage. Many fires are started when flammable materials are stored too close to heat. In a Paris shopping centre, a fire started when clothes were left too close to a spotlight--luckily, the owners had installed commercial fire sprinklers, and the building was barely damaged.

Faulty wires. Worn electrical cords and faulty wiring are also a major cause of commercial fires. A recent, fatal fire in a care home was determined to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Improper maintenance of heat sources. Fires are often caused by mistakes when workers handle hot machinery. A forge, furnace, stove, or oven can easily cause a fire if not used properly. Such heat sources often require careful maintenance--kitchen fires in restaurants are common, for example, because employees sometimes forget to clean grease traps.

Your business may have fire risks that aren't covered here. Commercial fire sprinklers can protect all types of businesses from fire--and are a worthwhile investment in your building's safety.

Fire Protection Consultation

No comments:

Post a Comment