As a business owner, you should ensure your office is a safe and functional space for your employees. Part of that is making commercial fire protection a priority. A fire in your workplace can cause catastrophic damage. It may lose critical data and documents that you can never recover. More importantly, it will harm the occupants in the building. Knowing what the common fire hazards are will help you take the proper measures to protect your business.

Common Office Fire Hazards

1. Cooking

Chances are you have a kitchen with a cooking space in your office. Any heat-producing devices in the kitchen pose a fire risk. This rule is valid even if there are only small appliances such as a coffee maker, kettle, or microwave. It only takes one of these devices to be left unattended for a fire to start and quickly spread. In your commercial fire protection plan, install fire extinguishers in the kitchen. Prohibit employees from leaving any cooking or heating device unattended.

2. Damaged Power And Electrical Cords

As with any office, you likely have a multitude of computers and other digital devices that require power cords. Over time, the casing of electrical wires begins to deteriorate. When this happens, it exposes the wiring inside and leaves them susceptible to sparking onto flammable materials and starting a fire. You should ensure that all commercial fire protection plans involve regular electrical inspections. Replace any wiring with visible signs of wear-and-tear.

3. Smoking

If you have employees who smoke, they can pose a fire risk. Cigarettes that are not properly put out and disposed of can start a fire, especially in dry weather. You should have a cigarette disposal bin as well as a designated smoking area that is a safe distance from the building. However, if your employees aren’t careful, their stubbed cigarettes may still cause a fire. As part of your commercial fire protection program, make regular checks on the cigarette bins and empty them consistently. Consider having a bucket of sand in the area to enhance the distinguishing of cigarettes further.

GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, AK, has provided the area with residential and commercial fire protection materials for over 15 years. From fire alarms and extinguishers to sprinkler systems and emergency and exit lighting, GMW has what you need to keep your office building safe. Their skilled and experienced technicians will help you with installation, repairs, and inspections. They can even design a fire safety system specifically for your property to safeguard your building and your employees. In the event of a fire, they offer 24/7 emergency and same-day service. Give them a call today at (907) 336-5000 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services!