Common causes of fire and how to guard against them

Electricity
Neglect and misuse of electrical wiring, fittings and equipment can easily cause fires in the workplace. Overheating of electrical circuits, poor wiring connections, use of unauthorised electrical appliances, multi-point adaptors and problems with the use of extension leads are all hazards which frequently result in fires starting.

Therefore:

• Ensure that all electrical circuits and equipment in the workplace are inspected and tested on a regular basis. (Remember, there is a requirement to do this under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.)
• Have any faults in wiring or fittings repaired promptly by a qualified electrician.
• Switch off electrical equipment when it is not in use and particularly at the end of the day’s work.

Rubbish and Waste Materials
Rubbish and waste materials left to accumulate can easily contribute to the spread of fire; they are also an place for malicious fires to be started. Make sure that you remove all waste materials from the workplace on a regular basis and place them in a suitable container located in a safe position outside the building. Ideally this container will be of metal construction and fitted with a lockable lid. Arrange for the container to be emptied regularly.

Do not burn rubbish on bonfires, even if it is thought safe to do so. They can easily get out of control and spread fire to nearby buildings or structures.

Smoking
Smoking is still a major cause of fires in buildings. You should:

• Consider having a ‘No Smoking’ policy in your workplace. (But remember to make provision for those employees who like to smoke. Ideally this will be a designated area or room where sufficient glass or metal ashtrays are provided. A fire extinguisher should be provided in or near the room and any seating have only small amounts of padded upholstery.)
• Prohibit smoking in storage areas. If the public visit your premises and you allow them to smoke, be extra vigilant.

Check rooms at the end of the working day to ensure that no smoking material has been left burning.

Cooking
Many small businesses have kitchens where staff may prepare food themselves. These facilities are similar to domestic kitchens and cooking hazards may still arise:

• Avoid undertaking deep fat frying unless a thermostatically controlled pan is provided. Even then it would be wise not to leave the pan unattended.
• Ensure that combustible materials such as cloths, towels and loose fitting clothing (especially sleeves) are kept well clear of hobs.

Toasters and microwave ovens should not be sited in office areas; they should only be available in kitchens.

Heating Appliances
Portable heaters can often be hazardous in the work environment, especially if placed too close to combustible furniture, fittings or materials. Convector heaters are safer than radiant fires. If you do need to use heaters:

• Ensure that they are securely guarded and properly fixed to prevent them from being knocked over.
• Place them well away from any materials which could easily ignite.
• Never stand papers or books on them or drape clothing over them.
• Do not allow ventilation grilles to become obstructed.
• Clean portable heaters on a regular basis.

Combustible Materials
If combustible items, such as packing materials, glues, solvents, flammable
liquids or gases, are used or stored in the workplace, it is recommended that:

• The amounts brought into the premises should be kept to a minimum and sufficient for the day’s work only.
• The bulk supplies of such materials should be locked in a secure store, preferably outside the main premises.

Hazardous Materials
If you use paints, solvents, adhesives, chemicals or gas cylinders, keep them in separate storage areas and well away from any sources of ignition. Gas cylinders, even when empty, can explode when exposed to heat. Remember that the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972 may apply to your operations.

Arson and Deliberate Fire Setting
The setting of deliberate fires by vandals, thieves or disgruntled persons is, unfortunately, on the increase. Over 50% of major fires in the UK are caused by arson. Help prevent this happening to your workplace by ensuring that all doors, windows, gates and fences are secured effectively, especially when it is closed at night and over the weekend.

Waste materials and rubbish are easy targets for the arsonist, so ensure that all such material is carefully stored away and not left lying about where it can be easily ignited.