In 2022, 140,000 fires occurred in non-residential buildings, causing $4 billion in damage and 150 deaths. A solid fire safety plan can save lives and protect your business if you operate a commercial space. Here’s what to include in this fire safety plan.
Protect your investments
According to FEMA, 40% of businesses cannot reopen after a natural disaster, but fire safety can help avoid this outcome. We explore the main causes of commercial fires and the key components of an effective fire safety checklist.
Common causes of fires
In industrial properties, electrical distribution and lighting systems are the main cause of fires, while in manufacturing properties, heat is the main cause. The most common causes of warehouse fires include smoking, electrical machinery, storage practices (e.g. with flammable liquids) or overloading of extension cords. Other causes include sprinkler blockages, door blockages, flammable waste or debris, and out-of-service firefighting equipment.
What to include in a fire safety checklist
An effective fire safety plan requires routine maintenance, inspections and training. Follow this checklist to ensure maximum protection:
1. Maintenance of the security system
Regularly inspect all safety equipment, including smoke detectors, fire doors, sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries and troubleshoot as necessary.
2. Emergency lights and exit signs
In the event of a fire, emergency lights and exit signs will help direct occupants to safety, so inspect them regularly to ensure they are visible and operational. Exit signs and emergency lights should be capable of operating on both normal and backup power sources.
3. Easy exit from the building
Confirm that the emergency exits are unlocked, then clear the corridors leading to these exits. Make sure all employees know the correct evacuation routes to follow.
4. Emergency personnel access
Building regulations require firefighters to have direct access to the premises. To comply with this, mount fireman’s safes on the outside of the building and ensure that firefighters can reach the hydrants. There should be at least three feet of clearance on all sides of fire hydrants, so remember to keep any vehicles from blocking them.
5. Fire extinguishers
Place fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas throughout the building. Check pressure levels and expiration dates regularly and train employees to use them. OSHA requires that portable fire extinguishers be mounted on the wall and not on the floor.
6. Fire doors
Fire doors can resist both fire and smoke. Inspect them for damage, tight sealing and structural integrity. Fire doors to areas with telephone or electrical equipment must remain closed. Other fire doors should close automatically when a fire triggers the alarm.
7. Irrigation systems
Inspect and maintain indoor fire sprinklers regularly to ensure they function properly in an emergency. There should be at least 18 inches of vertical clearance between the sprinkler head and any other materials stored underneath it.
8. Flammable and combustible materials
Store all flammable materials in approved containers away from boilers, electrical rooms or other areas that produce heat. Keep these combustible items away from heat-producing appliances, such as stoves or space heaters.
9. Storage of incompatible chemicals
When mixed with other substances, incompatible materials (such as ammonia and bleach) form a chemical reaction that could cause a fire or gas explosion. Store incompatible chemicals at least 20 feet away or separate them with a noncombustible partition.
10. Heat systems
To reduce the risk of heat-related fires, perform regular maintenance on all heated appliances or production equipment such as boilers, ovens, ovens and stoves.
Protect your business with this fire safety checklist
A thorough fire safety checklist is the best defense against commercial fires. Routine inspections, employee training and compliance with the latest safety protocols and building codes must take priority. Precautionary measures can make all the difference in an emergency, so be vigilant and protect your investment from the threat of fire.
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