As a business owner, your first responsibility is to protect your employees, customers, and anyone else who comes to your property. At the same time, you want to make sure your building, records, and inventory are safe. That’s why fire protection systems are so important. But along with having the right plans and equipment in your building, you’ll also want to use common sense to avoid fires in the first place. Here are four common commercial fire hazards you should be aware of.
- Combustible materials. If you work in an industrial setting, you’re probably very aware of any chemicals or solutions you use that may be flammable. However, offices have more than their fair share of combustible materials. Think of all the paper that’s present in most offices, along with furniture, carpet, and other fabrics. Regardless of where you work, keep any combustible items away from heat sources.
- Damaged electrical equipment. Sometimes fire hazards are easy to spot, like when there’s a frayed cord on a piece of office equipment. But faulty wiring behind the scenes is just as dangerous. Inspect the electrical components you can see and hire an electrician to check the things you can’t.
- Improper use of extension cords. It’s tempting to use an extension cord to make things more convenient. These cords are generally safe if you use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On the other hand, they can be a fire hazard if you use them improperly. Ask your employees to help by educating them on the proper use of extension cords.
- Overheating computers. Computers and laptops are everywhere in today’s commercial buildings. From time to time, these machines will overheat. For the most part, the damage is contained to the computer itself. But on occasion, the heat created by the computer can cause a fire if combustible materials are nearby. This is especially true for laptops that are left on soft materials (such as upholstery) for long periods of time.
Working with a fire protection company like AllFire Services gives your business the advantage when it comes to safety. We’ll come to your location and help you identify potential fire hazards. Then we’ll create customized fire suppression systems and recommend the right selection of fire extinguishers for your property. Call our Rock Hill, SC office for fast service throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.