Managing a fire outbreak at your business

If a fire started in your workplace, would you know what to do? Do your employees know who to call, how to safely evacuate, and where to meet? Workplace fires are more common than many realize. There were 15,986 structural fires across Canada in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. That includes residential, industrial, assembly, mercantile, and storage property fires, among others. (That’s not including wildfires, which can also burn down businesses and industrial buildings.)

In a workplace, especially in the manufacturing and warehousing sectors, electrical faults, combustible materials, malfunctioning equipment, hot work, and, in some cases, arson are key fire starters. These can disrupt your business, damage your property, put lives at risk, and take years to recover from. If you own or operate a business or manage a facility, it’s important to have a fire risk mitigation strategy in place.

Common causes of workplace fires

• In the workplace, electrical fires are a major hazard. They’re often caused by faulty, damaged, or outdated electrical equipment, such as wiring, cords, extension cords, lights, or outlets. You may want to upgrade wiring systems that are more than two decades old, since they may not be able to handle today’s power needs.
• Human error and negligence, such as cigarette butts that haven’t been properly disposed of or the use of open flame tools for hot work.
• Ignition of combustible materials, flammable substances, dust, and solvents, which are often found in warehouses, storage facilities, and certain types of businesses such as auto repair shops, can also be a major cause of workplace fires.
• Arson, which is alarmingly on the rise — both property arson and violent arson have been on the uptick in recent years, according to data from Statistics Canada.

That’s why fire risk management is critical, from keeping a tidy workplace, to providing designated areas for smoking, to providing deterrents to would-be arsonists such as fencing, lighting, and security cameras.

What are the early signs of a fire that employees should watch for?

Aside from conducting regular fire drills and ensuring fire alarms and detectors are regularly tested, employees should know the warning signs of a fire — and what to do if one breaks out.

One early warning sign seems obvious:

• Smoke or alarm activation: Smelling smoke or something burning, even if you can’t see it. Even false alarms could signal danger – always investigate.
• Electrical irregularities: When it comes to electrical fires, there are a few warning signs that something might be wrong. If cords seem unusually hot, it’s best to unplug them or avoid using them until they can be investigated. The same goes for a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. It’s important to keep fire extinguishers for electrical fires on hand and employees should know how to use them.
• Noticing overheating equipment or unusually hot cords.

What should you do immediately when a fire breaks out at your business?

If a fire breaks out:

1. Pull the fire alarm (if it isn’t already going off) and immediately notify your supervisor.
2. If it’s a large or rapidly expanding fire, dial 911 for emergency services.
3. The building should be immediately evacuated, following the procedures that employees have practiced during fire drills. Every employee should know the location of the exits closest to their work area, as well as the location of the nearest fire alarm and how to use it. They should also know how to evacuate the building and where to meet. If the business is located in a high rise, they should also be aware of fire safety protocols for high rises (such as not using the elevator).
4. Smoke rises, so if there’s smoke, employees should stay low to the ground to avoid breathing it in. As they evacuate, they should close doors behind them to contain fire and smoke.
5. All businesses should have a designated meeting spot in case of emergencies so the supervisor can make sure everyone got out safely and no one is left behind.
6. Employees should be familiar with exit locations, alarm operations, proper extinguisher use, and emergency procedures for high-rise buildings.
   

   Prevention and Preparedness strategies

• Electrical safety: Regular inspections and upgrades by licensed electricians – prevention beats reaction.
• Housekeeping: Keep work areas free of debris, maintain orderly storage, and designate safe containment areas for hot work.
• Hot work measures: Implement permit systems, hot work zones, fire watchers, and routine inspections.
• Fire suppression systems: If an automatic fire sprinkler system is present, ensure the system is well-maintained, and regularly tested.
• Smoke alarms and extinguishers: Install on every level and test them monthly; provide training in common extinguishing techniques.

Protect your business with insurance and risk services support

Sometimes, a fire can’t be prevented, and your business could face a major loss. Knowing what to do can minimize the damage caused by a workplace fire and even save lives, and the right insurance can help protect your business from such risks. Northbridge’s Risk Services team, backed by partnerships like Troy Life and Fire Safety, is here to help you design, implement, and maintain effective fire protection strategies. From customized training to on-site risk assessments, they provide tailored solutions that safeguard your business environment. To learn more about our comprehensive fire risk solutions, set up a consultation on our Risk Management Solutions page.