Fire hazards in the workplace are, unfortunately, all too common. In 2022 alone, a total of 154,772 fire-related emergencies were recorded in workplaces around the UK. Staying informed and aware of hazards and risks involved with workplace fires is half the battle of prevention and protection. Keep reading for a full run-down of approaching and preventing fires in the workplace.
What Constitutes a Hazardous Environment for Fire Risks?
A hazardous environment in terms of fire risks in the workplace can encompass a wide range of factors. Depending on the nature of the work, the likelihood of a fire and the potential for severe consequences will vary, but it’s not just the stereotypically ‘high-risk’ environments that pose the threat of a fire occurring. A fire can emerge as a result of anything from electrical malfunctions, to improper storage of materials, to negligence of safety protocols, such as smoking in prohibited areas or improper use of electrical appliances.
Lack of employee training in fire prevention also contributes significantly to the dangers of fire in the workplace, as improper awareness can often result in negligence, however accidental. Identifying and mitigating hazards and deepening the understanding of fire safety across the entire team is essential for preventing potentially catastrophic situations and maintaining a safe working environment.
5 Common Workplace Fire Hazards
Familiarise yourself with these five major fire hazards in the workplace to ensure your place of work doesn’t become vulnerable to each common threat.
1. Flammable Chemicals & Hazardous Materials
A working environment that regularly handles flammable chemicals and hazardous materials are usually extremely high risk areas for potential fire, as improper storage, handling, and disposal of these materials can lead to dangerous chemical reactions or spills that can cause sparks or explosions.
Oxidisers, corrosive materials, and other reactive substances can exacerbate these risks even further. However, by implementing proper storage practices, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, clearly labelling hazardous materials, and providing safety measures such as adequate ventilation are critical steps to managing these high-risk workplace environments.
2. Heating Systems
This is an incredibly common fire risk, and is typically found in all workplace environments, high-risk or otherwise. Radiators, boilers, and storage heaters all pose significant fire risks if not properly maintained or monitored. Malfunctions in heating equipment are very common, such as leaks or blockages, and these can result in the accumulation of flammable gases if left unaddressed. Placing heaters too close to combustible materials also poses certain fire risks, as well as using heaters in too confined a space.
Regular inspection and maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of workplace heating, and regularly-checked carbon monoxide detectors are also an essential.
3. Human Error
One of the most significant factors at play when it comes to fire risks at work, negligence and improper safety practices contribute immensely to how hazardous an environment may be. Smoking in public areas, leaving cooking appliances unattended to, and failure to follow safety protocols are just some examples of human error that can increase the likelihood of an accident at work.
By implementing robust safety training programmes and enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols, workplaces can promote a culture of accountability and mitigate certain human-related fire hazards.
4. Electrical Malfunctions
These are one of the most common causes of workplace fires, with issues such as overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, and faulty equipment leading to electrical sparks and short circuits which can ignite any combustible materials that might be nearby.
Electrical systems can often be poorly maintained in workplace and office environments, especially when it comes to older buildings, which increases the risk of fires. The use of extension cords and power strips can also heavily exacerbate electrical hazards.
It’s essential for regular inspections and maintenance of all electrical equipment at work in order to mitigate these risks.
5. Improper Storage & Handling of Materials.
Flammable liquids, gases, and other combustible materials stored near ignition sources can very easily ignite, leading to rapid fire spread. This could look like gasoline stored next to heat-producing electrical equipment, or stacks of paper or cardboard boxes kept in close proximity to electrical outlets.
Proper storage procedures, adequate ventilation, and the segregation of flammable materials is crucial for preventing the risk of fire in the workplace.
Step-by-Step Guide to Risk Assessments for Hazardous Environments
1. Identify Hazards
The first step to a proper risk assessment is to identify any potential hazards present in the workplace. This could be sources of ignition, combustible materials, or electrical equipment. It’s also helpful here to review previous incident reports and involve all employees across the team to ensure comprehensive hazard identification.
2. Assess Risks
Once you’ve got the hazards identified, you can then evaluate the likelihood and severity of each risk, along with its potential consequences. Use a risk matrix here to allow you to prioritise hazards based on their level of risk.
3. Determine Controls
With hazards and risks mapped out, developing control measures to mitigate each risk is a simple and straightforward task. From administrative controls, to personal protective equipment, to proper training, you can work through and prioritise each control based on its effectiveness and feasibility of implementation.
4. Implement Controls
Now, it’s time for action – set about implementing the controls you’ve planned out in your risk assessment, and ensure they are regularly checked and updated as needed. Training and resources are also essential here to ensure compliance across the entire workforce.
5. Review & Improve
Regularly monitor the effectiveness of your control measures so you can adjust any areas for improvement, as well as identify any new or emerging risks that occur as working conditions evolve and change.
How We Can Help With Fire Safety at Work
The importance of implementing proper fire safety measures in the workplace can’t be overstated. As health and safety professionals, we understand the risks at play when it comes to the dangers of fire in a professional setting, from a legal as well as protective standpoint.
Since the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers and organisations are responsible for making sure that everyone can evacuate the building safely in the case of a fire, including those at additional risk. It is also a legal requirement for every business and block of flats to have a designated ‘responsible person’, who is accountable for fire safety and must ensure that relevant fire safety duties are carried out. Not only that, but only a designated ‘competent person’ can carry out a fire risk assessment – someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience in carrying out risk assessments, like our team of fire risk safety specialists.
When you work with The Health & Safety Dept, you can guarantee that you’ll always be working with seasoned health and safety professionals, fully trained and on-hand to provide you with the necessary competent person in your business and professionally conduct fire risk assessments to the level your team deserves. Our tailor-made fire prevention plans come fully equipped with established safety protocols designed to keep you and your business safe, giving you the peace of mind that you’re 100% compliant.
We provide extensive training and awareness programmes designed to keep employees educated and aware of fire safety practices, including the proper handling of hazardous materials, safe use of electrical equipment, and actions to take in the event of a fire.
We ensure all employees know how to operate fire safety controls such as extinguishers, and who to alert in the case of a fire, with a professional team of experts here to offer on-hand support with your fire safety and awareness strategies in the workplace.
Our expert advice and tailored evacuation plans are entirely unique to the specific requirements of the individual workplace, with the relevant GEEPs (General Emergency Evacuation Plans) and PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans) needed to keep staff safe. Our fire safety support is always designed to give you the peace of mind that your evacuation plans are effective, robust, and professionally designed.
If you’re looking for an extra pair of hands to support you with your fire safety and prevention at work, look no further. At The Health & Safety Dept, we draw up bespoke emergency fire and evacuation plans for your business, giving you the peace of mind you need that your plans are robust, effective, and expertly designed. Reach out today to find out more about how we can help you and your business stay safe.