10 Tips for fire safety in the workplace

When a fire breaks out while you're locked in at work, having a level-headed team can save lives. In this article, we'll explore 10 essential tips for fire safety in the workplace to prevent and prepare for any fire emergencies. 

Importance of fire safety in the workplace

Workplace safety statistics show that workplace fires in the US cause around $932 million in property damage every year, with offices and stores accounting for 16,500 fires annually. Regarding their causes, electrical issues are responsible for 22% of these fires, while cooking mishaps also make up a significant chunk.

Establishing fire safety in the workplace helps combat these risks through proper planning and training. This way, your team can help stop disaster before it even strikes or learn what to do during the emergency to make every second count.

Fire safety tip #1: Identify fire hazards.

Whether it's a faulty electrical cord or a pile of papers sitting too close to a heater, these seemingly small issues can lead to big problems. By spotting these hazards early on, you can take action to eliminate or control them, reducing the risks of a fire emergency.

In industries like construction, identifying fire hazards can keep your team safe and prevent potentially devastating fires. Here’s a look at some common fire hazards mentioned alongside construction safety tips:

• Hot work operations: Activities like welding, soldering, and grinding generate sparks and heat, which can ignite nearby combustible materials. 
• Flammable materials: Construction sites often have various flammable substances, such as paints, solvents, and wood. 
• Electrical hazards: Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are common fire hazards that can cause bigger problems when not addressed.
• Temporary heaters: These devices can pose a fire risk if placed too close to flammable materials. 
• Cooking equipment: While not always present, cooking appliances used on-site can also lead to fires. 

Fire safety tip #2: Get rid of fire hazards.

Once you’ve identified what could potentially cause a fire, the next step is to either get rid of it or prevent it from causing a fire. This includes proper storage when not in use, standard training on handling flammable materials, and regular maintenance of faulty equipment.

Fires can escalate quickly, and eliminating hazards reduces the risk of injuries or fatalities. On top of this, a safe workplace allows employees to focus on their tasks without the looming fear of a fire emergency.

Fire safety tip #3: Set up designated smoking areas.

Smoking in the wrong places can lead to dangerous fires. Setting up designated smoking areas in workplaces keeps open flames and cigarette butts away from flammable materials like paper, wood, or trash. 

Fires can start in seconds, and a designated area helps control where those risks happen. Plus, these places are usually equipped with proper ashtrays or containers to safely dispose of cigarette butts, reducing the chance of something catching fire later.

Fire safety tip #4: Keep your workspaces tidy.

Construction sites often have flammable materials like wood, paper, and chemicals lying around. When these items are all over the place, they can easily catch fire from sparks generated by tools or equipment. By keeping the area free from unnecessary clutter, workers can minimize the chances of a fire starting and spreading.

When tools and materials are properly stored, it’s easier for workers to navigate the site without tripping over obstacles or misplacing equipment. This not only helps prevent accidents but also makes sure that emergency exits are clear in case of an evacuation.

Fire safety tip #5: Make sure smoke alarms and sprinklers are working.

Smoke alarms are reported to lower the risk of dying in a fire by 60%. Between 2015 and 2019, civilian fire deaths were 89% lower in buildings with sprinklers than those without. So while they might not be the first things on your mind during a busy day, smoke alarms and sprinklers are the unsung heroes of fire safety in the workplace. 

Smoke alarms detect smoke early to give you enough time to evacuate. Meanwhile, sprinklers can quickly douse flames before responders even get to the scene. 

But just like any equipment, both need consistent maintenance to make sure they’re ready to work when needed. This includes checking for obstructions, testing the system, and verifying that water pressure is adequate. 

Fire safety tip #6: Have a fire extinguisher near fire-prone areas.

Fire-prone areas need to have extinguishers readily accessible. When a fire starts, every second counts. Having an extinguisher close at hand can mean the difference between putting out a small flame and a full-blown emergency.

But it’s not just about placing extinguishers; it’s also crucial that everyone knows where they are and how to use them. Different types of fires require different extinguishing agents. Knowing these distinctions makes sure that your team can effectively douse a fire and stop it from spreading any further. 

SC Training’s Portable Fire Extinguishers - General Industry (US) is a workplace fire safety training that walks your team through the different types of fire. It teaches them which fire extinguishers are most effective for certain situations.

Fire safety tip #7: Teach your team the PASS method.

With portable fire extinguishers all around the job site, your team must now feel prepared to use them during a fire emergency. The PASS method uses a short abbreviation to help your team remember how to properly handle a fire extinguisher.

PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. It’s often covered in multiple OSHA fire extinguisher training courses and can also be found in our free Portable Firefighting Equipment - Construction (US) SC Training course in more detail. 

Fire safety tip #8: Brief the team on emergency exits and evacuation plans.

Understanding how to get out quickly and safely can make all the difference during a fire. This is why knowing all emergency exits and even the secondary routes on-site is important. 

Create evacuation procedures that your team can implement in a more practical setting. This way, everyone knows where to go and what to do during an emergency.

Make sure your team understands how to operate exit doors, especially if they have any special locking mechanisms or alarms. This is important for everyone to feel confident about using these exits without hesitation.

Fire safety tip #9: Assign a fire warden.

Assigning a fire warden designates someone to oversee fire safety training in the workplace and evacuation efforts during emergencies. They are responsible for activating the alarm system if it hasn’t already been triggered, alerting everyone in the building to evacuate immediately. 

Since they play a critical role in fire safety, wardens must be well-trained to respond effectively. This allows them to guide employees to the nearest exits and ensure that evacuation routes remain clear of obstacles. 

Fire safety tip #10: Facilitate routine fire drills.

When the alarm goes off, panic can set in if people aren’t sure where to go or what to do. Regular fire drills can familiarize your team with evacuation procedures. This awareness makes all the difference in a real emergency, allowing for a quicker and more organized evacuation.

Routine fire drills also allow teams to identify any potential issues with the evacuation process. Addressing these concerns ahead of time can help ensure a smoother evacuation when it really counts.

Fire up your team during emergencies with fire safety courses from SC Training.

A well-prepared team can make all the difference in case of a fire emergency. SC Training offers a range of fire safety courses that equip your employees with the knowledge and skills they need to respond when it matters most.

Every workplace is different, and SC Training understands that. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, or hospitality, we offer an editable course library to fit your specific needs. This helps you address them head-on so your team is prepared for the challenges they’re most likely to face.

In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility matters. SC Training makes it easy for employees to access materials anytime, anywhere—whether they’re in the office or out in the field. With mobile-friendly options, learning fits seamlessly into even the busiest schedules.

Get access to fire safety hot tips to keep your team safe. Join SC Training today.