Common Causes of Workplace Fires
Understanding how workplace fires can start — and the practical steps businesses can take to reduce the risk.
Understanding the Risks Within Your Workplace
Every workplace presents different fire risks. The hazards within an office will differ from those found in a warehouse, factory, workshop, retail premises or commercial kitchen.
However, many workplace fires can be associated with common hazards such as electrical equipment, combustible materials, smoking, human activity and deliberate fire-setting.
Recognising these hazards and managing them appropriately forms an important part of workplace fire prevention.
5 Common Causes of Workplace Fires
Good fire prevention starts with recognising where a fire could begin and taking practical steps to reduce the risk.
Electrical Equipment & Installations
Damaged electrical equipment, overloaded sockets, unsuitable extension leads, faulty wiring and poorly maintained electrical installations can all increase the risk of fire.
Reduce the Risk
- Remove damaged electrical equipment from use
- Avoid overloading sockets and extension leads
- Maintain electrical equipment appropriately
- Investigate electrical faults promptly
Combustible & Flammable Materials
Paper, cardboard, packaging, waste, chemicals and other combustible or flammable materials can allow a fire to start or spread rapidly if they are not stored and managed appropriately.
Reduce the Risk
- Keep combustible materials away from ignition sources
- Store flammable materials appropriately
- Remove waste regularly
- Maintain good housekeeping throughout the premises
Smoking & Smoking Materials
Carelessly discarded smoking materials can provide an ignition source, particularly where combustible waste, vegetation or other readily ignitable materials are nearby.
Reduce the Risk
- Control where smoking is permitted
- Provide suitable disposal arrangements
- Keep smoking areas away from combustible storage
- Regularly inspect designated external smoking areas
Human Error & Unsafe Working Practices
Everyday activities can create fire risks when equipment is used incorrectly, procedures are not followed or employees are unaware of potential hazards.
Reduce the Risk
- Provide appropriate fire safety information and training
- Maintain clear workplace procedures
- Keep escape routes clear
- Report and address fire hazards promptly
Deliberate Fire-Setting
Deliberately started fires can present a risk to many commercial premises, particularly where combustible materials or waste can be accessed from outside the building.
Reduce the Risk
- Keep external waste and combustible materials secure
- Control unauthorised access where practical
- Maintain appropriate site security
- Consider external fire risks within the fire risk assessment
Fire Prevention Is Only Part of the Picture
Reducing the chance of a fire starting is important, but businesses also need suitable measures to detect a fire, protect people and support safe evacuation if one occurs.
Assess
Identify hazards and determine the precautions required.
Fire Risk Assessments →Detect
Provide suitable means of detecting fire and raising the alarm.
Fire Alarms →Contain
Help restrict the spread of fire and smoke through the building.
Fire Doors →Fight
Provide appropriate first-aid firefighting equipment.
Fire Extinguishers →Escape
Support safe evacuation if normal lighting is unavailable.
Emergency Lighting →Prepare
Help employees understand procedures and their responsibilities.
Fire Safety Training →A Safer Workplace Starts With Good Everyday Practice
Fire prevention should form part of the day-to-day management of your premises rather than being considered only when equipment is serviced or a fire risk assessment is carried out.
Employees should know how to report hazards and everyone responsible for the premises should understand the importance of maintaining fire precautions.
ASSESSMENT
Could These Risks Exist in Your Workplace?
A fire risk assessment considers the particular hazards within your premises, the people who may be at risk and whether appropriate fire precautions are in place.
Fire Services Central provides professional fire risk assessments for commercial premises, with clear findings and practical recommendations.
Fire Risk Assessments →Common Questions
Straightforward answers to some common workplace fire prevention questions.
What are common causes of workplace fires?
Workplace fire risks can include electrical faults and damaged equipment, combustible or flammable materials, smoking materials, unsafe working practices and deliberate fire-setting. The particular risks will vary between premises.
How can businesses reduce the risk of workplace fires?
Businesses can reduce fire risk through appropriate housekeeping, maintenance, safe storage, staff information and training, effective fire procedures and by acting on the findings of their fire risk assessment.
Does electrical equipment need to be tested every year?
There is not a single annual testing interval that applies universally to every item of electrical equipment. Inspection, maintenance and testing arrangements should be appropriate to the equipment, its use and the level of risk.
Do workplaces need a fire risk assessment?
The Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment of fire risks is carried out so that appropriate fire precautions can be identified.
Is preventing fires enough to keep a workplace safe?
Fire prevention is important, but appropriate arrangements may also be required for fire detection and warning, firefighting equipment, escape routes, emergency lighting, fire doors, procedures and staff training.
This page provides general workplace fire safety information. The hazards and fire precautions required will depend on the individual premises, how it is used and the findings of the fire risk assessment.
Need Help With Workplace Fire Safety?
From fire risk assessments to fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire doors and ongoing maintenance, talk to Fire Services Central about your requirements.