Fires cause over 3,000 injuries and billions of dollars in property damage each year in the U.S. alone. For those responsible for workplace safety, identifying fire hazards and knowing how to prevent them is crucial.
This article covers the top five fire hazards commonly found in workplaces and offers practical steps to help reduce the risks.
Electrical fire hazards include faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged equipment, and improper use of extension cords or power strips. These hazards often cause fires that start out of sight, like behind walls, above ceilings, or in hidden outlets, making them difficult to detect until they’ve already spread.
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Flammable materials include everyday workplace items like cleaning supplies, solvents, paints, fuels, and even large amounts of paper or cardboard. The risk of fire rises significantly when these materials are improperly stored, handled carelessly, or exposed to heat sources.
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Heating equipment, such as space heaters, furnaces, boilers, and heat lamps, can easily ignite nearby combustibles like paper, fabric, or flammable liquids. The risk of fire also increases with equipment malfunctions, poor maintenance, or when devices are left unattended, leading to overheating or electrical issues.
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Human error is one of the most unpredictable causes of workplace fires. It often stems from careless actions such as improperly disposing of smoking materials, leaving cooking appliances unattended, mishandling flammable substances, or neglecting basic fire safety procedures.
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Having the right fire safety equipment isn’t enough if it’s faulty, poorly maintained, or hard to access during an emergency. This applies to critical items like fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and clearly marked exits.
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Preventing workplace fires requires more than just awareness, it takes the right tools, training, and support. That’s where Thompson Safety comes in. We offer comprehensive fire protection solutions designed to meet the unique needs of your business, including:
Fire Extinguishers and Inspection Services: We supply, inspect, and maintain fire extinguishers to ensure they’re always ready when needed.
First Aid Supplies for Burn Injuries: Our first aid products help you respond quickly and effectively to fire-related injuries.
Customized Safety Training: Our fire safety training programs teach employees how to prevent fires, respond to emergencies, and use fire extinguishers correctly
NFPA 70E Training and Inspections: Our certified inspectors got you covered, from NFPA 70E inspections and labels to mock OSHA walkthroughs.
Flammable Cabinets and Storage Supplies: We offer a wide variety of types and sizes to store your hazardous materials.
Fire Suppression Systems and Inspection Services: We offer comprehensive suppression system services in select markets from inspection all the way to repair, we have you covered.
When you partner with Thompson Safety, you’re not just getting equipment, you’re gaining a trusted safety partner committed to keeping your employees safe, your business compliant, and your operations running smoothly. Ready to strengthen your fire prevention strategy? Contact Thompson Safety today to learn how we can help protect your workplace.
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