If you own a business that’s housed in a commercial building, you know that fire safety is extremely important. Unfortunately, fires come out of nowhere and quickly cause property damage, financial issues, and even serious injuries and death. You need to take a strategic proactive approach and create the safest working environment you can. Keystone Fire and Security, a commercial fire protection company near Philadelphia encourages you to take a look at some of the common fire safety hazards found in commercial buildings and correct them right away.
Outdated Electrical Equipment
One of the leading causes of fires is faulty or outdated electrical equipment. For example, overloaded outlets, outdated wiring, and defective, frayed electrical cords all contribute to electrical fires. These out-of-sight, out-of-sight, out-of-mind problems can be corrected with regular professional inspections and maintenance
Clutter and Garbage Piles
If there are paper, cardboard, garbage, and clutter piles in your building, not only do they block access to aisles, exit doors, and fire extinguishers, they can act as fuel for an unexpected fire. Dust and debris create poor building ventilation, another fire fueler. Keeping all commercial property areas clean, ventilated, organized and garbage-free is important for fire safety and prevention.
Improper Storage of Flammable Liquids
It is common for commercial buildings to use flammable materials in their daily operations. A single spark could ignite and cause a fire or explosion if they are not maintained and stored properly. They should always be completely sealed and stored in a secure, dry space. Spills should be cleaned immediately.
Not Enough Fire Alarms and Sprinkler Systems
If the commercial property does not have enough fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems, this could lead to greater damage and risk. As your business grows and changes so do your safety requirements. Work with a professional, experienced provider like Keystone Fire and Security who will evaluate your entire fire protection system, from the control panels to the detection devices, to make sure everything in the building is working correctly. We also test the fire alarm systems to make sure they will activate properly when needed to put your mind at ease.
Fire Exits and Doors Blocked
Fire doors are constructed with special materials to slow the spread of fire and smoke. But for them to do their job they must be kept closed and professionally inspected and maintained. If these critical assets are blocked or locked during a fire, it could prevent employees from escaping the building and emergency responders’ rescue efforts. Regular training and fire escape drills for everyone in the workplace are recommended so everyone is familiar with what they need to do when there is an actual fire.
Human Error and Careless Mistakes
Careless employees or under-trained employees are often the cause of fires in the workplace. This could be anything from improper use of equipment, smoking cigarettes inside the building, or leaving cooking appliances unattended. Management should always provide safety training, enforce a no-smoking policy, and encourage and reward a safe working culture.
Protect Your Property and Employees Today
Now that you are aware of the common fire hazards, it is time to evaluate your workplace and take the next steps. The expert team at Keystone Fire and Security has more than 65 years offering fire protection services in Lehigh Valley. We will come to you and show you ways to prepare for fires with fire safety training, fire alarm testing, fire extinguisher service, fire sprinkler systems and maintenance, fire suppression system installation, and more. We are here for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet your commercial property safety needs. For more information, contact us today.