Fires in companies: what are the most common causes?
On April 28th, we celebrate World Day for Health and Safety at Work, a day dedicated to raising awareness about preventing workplace accidents.
And although fires in the workplace are not considered one of the most common threats, the truth is that fires in companies do happen.
For this reason, it is important to understand what are the most common causes of fires in companies in order to implement effective preventive measures. From simple oversights to complex electrical problems, each incident arises from a series of causes that can be prevented.
What will you learn in this article?
Electrical failures
Damaged cables, broken outlets, short circuits… Electrical failures are the main cause of fires in companies. These can occur due to worn cables, faulty connections, circuit overloads, or poorly maintained electrical equipment.
A regular inspection of electrical installations, installation of overload protection systems, such as circuit breakers and fuses, and timely repair of any detected issues can significantly reduce the risk of fire.
You may be interested → Electrical fires, what causes them?
Human errors
Human oversights, such as smoking in restricted areas, leaving equipment on unattended, or using electrical tools incorrectly, are also a common cause of fires in companies.
Raising awareness, training, and educating staff are key to minimizing these risks. Establishing clear protocols, conducting regular inspections, and fostering a safety culture in the workplace can help prevent accidents caused by human error.
Hot work has a higher fire risk
Hot work is characterized by producing open flames, heat, or sparks capable of causing fires or explosions.
Welding, cutting, and burning are considered hot work activities, and since the fire risk in these trades is higher than in most sectors, performing these functions requires a hot work permit, which adds an extra layer of fire safety.
Improper storage of flammable materials
Improper storage of flammable materials, such as chemicals, combustible liquids, or waste materials, can lead to a fire incident in a company, particularly affecting the logistics and industrial sectors.
These materials should be stored in designated areas, away from heat sources, and properly labeled. Additionally, it is essential to train staff on the safe handling of flammable substances and emergency procedures in the event of spills or leaks.
Now that we’ve seen the most common causes, it’s important to note that fires in the workplace can be prevented with active and passive fire protection measures tailored to each sector and through a strong safety culture in the workplace.
Are you thinking about how to improve fire safety in your business? In that case, it’s important that qualified professionals conduct a customized preliminary study that addresses the needs of your facility and takes into account the applicable regulatory specifics in your sector.