Around 22,000 fires in the workplace occur across the UK each year – plus thousands more around the world. On top of the human cost in terms of injury or fatality, the financial implications for a business can be huge.
This briefing, sourced from IOSH Fire Risk Management Group publications, looks at the most common causes of such fires and what can be done to reduce the risks. The general information is relevant worldwide, though some regulations and guidance are UK-specific.
1. Faulty or misused electrical equipment
This is the leading cause, accounting for 25% of workplace fires in the UK. Fires could be due to damaged cables, loose wiring, old equipment or overloaded sockets, all of which can result in sparks or overheating.
All electrical equipment should be well maintained, regularly tested and replaced as necessary. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require a business to carry out Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR) every five years. Recommendations for the frequency of PAT testing depend on the type of workplace and equipment.
2. Flammable or combustible materials
Flammable materials such as paper, cardboard and wood can fuel and escalate a fire, so must be stored appropriately and disposed of regularly.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) provide guidance about the safe storage of flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, solvents, thinners and cleaning agents.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) set out minimum requirements to protect workers from the fire and explosion risks related to dangerous or explosive substances.
3. Dirt and clutter
Workplaces should be kept clean and tidy to prevent rubbish, dirt, dust and grease from building up, which can obstruct vents or fans and cause machinery or other equipment to overheat. Similarly, clutter on desks and around computers can also pose a hazard.
Regular cleaning, inspections and staff reminders about keeping the place tidy should help limit the risks, as well as help to ensure escape routes are clear in the event of a fire.
4. Human error
Human error is a significant factor, with UK Government statistics suggesting it contributes to 85% of fires in the workplace. This includes improper use of machinery, failing to follow health and safety guidelines, spilling flammable liquids and overusing equipment.
The risks can be reduced by ensuring all staff are fully aware of health and safety guidelines, with regular refresher training. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), staff should be given appropriate fire safety training on the first day of their employment.
5. Smoking
Discarded cigarettes can easily set light to nearby flammable materials, such as waste paper in rubbish bins.
All businesses should have a signposted designated smoking area for staff at least a few metres away from the building (and well away from flammable substances or hazardous liquids stores), with a safe place to dispose of smoking materials.
6. Cooking
A common place for fires to start is in the staff canteen or kitchen, where the potential presence of open flames, hot surfaces and flammable liquids such as cooking oil can all pose a fire hazard.
Make sure staff are aware of and follow kitchen safety procedures, with relevant signage in these cooking areas, and that they receive training so they know what to do if a fire breaks out.
7. Arson
Around a fifth of fires on business premises are caused by arson, with unattended industrial and commercial sites the most common targets for vandals.
As well as automatic fire detection systems (such as smoke alarms), installing CCTV cameras and motion sensor lights around the building can act as a deterrent, and fire suppression systems such as sprinklers fitted throughout the premises should limit the damage caused by any such attack.
8. Substandard safety measures
Out-of-date fire risk assessments, poorly maintained fire alarm systems and lack of staff fire safety training can result in fires that could have been avoided or prevented from spreading.
Always make sure equipment is inspected, systems are tested, staff training is kept up and fire drills are regularly carried out to keep your business and employees safe.
Guidance around such measures can be found in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FS0), which is the main piece of legislation governing fire safety in the workplace in England and Wales.
Fire safety awareness is not just about managers fulfilling their duties to protect themselves and their employees, but about all members of a workforce understanding what fire safety means in their workplace and the role they play in it. International Workplace's Fire safety course is designed to introduce people to the related dangers, controls and personal responsibilities they must be aware of to help contribute to a safer working environment for themselves and their co-workers.
The course combines an exploration of relevant UK fire legislation (the course has been updated to include the new duties that were introduced at the start of 2023) with health and safety best practice. It explores the safety features that organisations should have in place to prevent and control fire and, in the event of a fire, the actions that should be taken to assist in swift and safe evacuation. Find out more here.