Fire Risk Reduction : Why Good Housekeeping is key in fire prevention and containment

Reality TV shows such as Hoarders focus on how messy a cluttered home or office looks. The even bigger issue in disorganised spaces? Clutter fire risks. Learn about fire hazards in the workplace and home and why good housekeeping practices help mitigate and even prevent disasters.

Identifying Fire Hazards in Clutter

A clutter-free work environment ensures fire risk reduction. Potential hazards that could fuel fires include:

• Clutter blocking escape routes, fire detectors, cooling systems and vents
• Flammable materials that are incorrectly stored or stored too close to other fire hazards
• Overloaded electrical outlets where too many electrical devices are plugged into a single outlet or power strip, increasing the risk of overheating
• Cluttered electrical cords
• Overflowing waste containers

To identify fire hazards in the workplace, conduct a visual inspection. Check for blocked fire exits. Inspect electrical cabling or overloaded outlets. Ensure exposed wires are insulated again and tangled cords are untangled.

Once you’ve identified hazards, you can address and implement good housekeeping practices and place fire safety signage and/or conduct fire safety training programs. These measures will reduce the risk of similar clutter building up in the future.

Keeping Exit Routes Clear

In the event of an electrical fire or a fire involving flammable liquid storage, flames may spread fast.
Keep exit routes clear by removing clutter that may block passage to safety. Improving employee fire prevention awareness will help to reduce absent-mindedness which may lead to serious fire risks.

Manage Flammable Liquid Storage and Materials Appropriately

Clutter in areas storing flammable liquids is dangerous. A spill or overheating in these areas could be particularly dangerous.
Protect your flammable liquid stores by installing the correct fire detection and suppression system. Ensure there is proper ventilation so that vapor does not pool around containers to create low-lying fire risks.
Also ensure that SABS-approved, flame-resistant cabinets and other storage provide additional layers of protection.

Electrical Safety and Fire Prevention

Good housekeeping is only one part of fire risk reduction. Electrical safety and fire prevention requires understanding common causes of electrical fires. The most common causes are:

• Faulty or damaged wiring that may cause short circuits and sparks
• Improper use of extension cords (such as connecting multiple extension strips together)
• Overloaded electrical circuits (with too many devices plugged into one outlet) which may lead to electrical overload fires
• Improper placement of electrical equipment (such as near heat sources or in poorly ventilated areas)

That last risk reminds us why it is important to avoid clutter, from detritus lying around to a cluttered configuration of equipment placement. If in doubt, it is wise to get electrical fire prevention experts to assess your workplace environment.

Keep Waste Management Practices Fire Safety Savvy

Consistent, responsible waste management practices also help to reduce fire risks.
Fire-safe waste management practices include:

1. Using flame-resistant trash bins: Especially if heated materials are sometimes disposed of
2. Regular emptying: Never allow trash bins to overflow with flammable materials
3. Separating waste types: This avoids the presence of fire hazards which could fuel each other’s combustion
4. Storing waste away from heat sources: This reduces the risk of a spark jumping to flammable materials
5. Training employees on fire-safe waste management: Ensure that employees know the most preventative way to handle and process waste and follow these protocols.

Fire Safety Through Good Housekeeping Practices

What are general good housekeeping practices that improve fire safety?

• Keep dust and debris swept up, especially flammable types such as shredded paper or wood dust and shavings
• Dispose of waste regularly to avoid risky buildup
• Check electrical cords and equipment regularly to address overheating, tangled cords, and other issues
• Minimize clutter to eliminate blocked fire suppression systems and escape routes
• Keep fire detection and suppression systems properly maintained (this also ensures that you have adequate protection in place for fire inspections or should you ever need to claim from your insurance provider in the event of a fire)

Training will also boost employee fire prevention awareness.

Invest in Employee Fire Safety Training and Awareness

Good housekeeping practices that will prevent fire outbreaks (and minimize damage in the event of fire) starts with employee fire safety training and awareness.

Conduct regular fire drills – these must be carried out twice per year in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Ensure you have clear signage placed reminding employees of important fire safety measures and how to follow them.

Also make sure that fire escapes and exits are well marked so that employees can easily find their way to the nearest exit in an emergency.

Just because clutter is common doesn’t mean it should become part of workplace culture!

Implementing a zero-clutter policy creates a first line of defence, before your fire detection and suppression system even kicks in.

If you need fire safety signage, equipment servicing, fire suppression systems or an inspection of your workplace for fire safety, get in touch today.