Fire Prevention in Commercial Buildings: Protect Your Business During Heating Season

11/6/2024 (Permalink)

As the temperature drops and heating systems kick into high gear, the fire risk in commercial buildings rises.

As the temperature drops and heating systems kick into high gear, the fire risk in commercial buildings rises. Heating equipment, space heaters, and electrical malfunctions are common fire hazards during the colder months. For business owners, proactive fire prevention is essential to protect both property and employees. Below, we’ll cover key fire risks during heating season and provide actionable tips to help keep your business safe.

Common Fire Risks During Heating Season

Understanding heating season fire risks can help you better prepare your commercial property. Here are some common hazards:

Heating Systems
Heating systems, while essential, can pose fire hazards if not properly maintained. Malfunctioning furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps can overheat, leak gas, or cause electrical fires. Dust accumulation on heating elements and blocked vents also heighten fire risks.

Space Heaters
Space heaters are popular for supplementing heat, especially in spaces where central heating doesn’t fully reach. However, they contribute to numerous workplace fires each year, often due to overheating, tipping over, or igniting nearby materials like paper or furniture.

Electrical Malfunctions
Increased use of heating equipment strains your building’s electrical load, making electrical fires a major concern during heating season. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged cords can all spark fires, particularly in older buildings with outdated electrical systems.

Flammable Materials Near Heat Sources
Storing flammable items like cleaning supplies, paper, or chemicals too close to heating systems, furnaces, or space heaters can quickly turn a small spark into a large fire.

Fire Prevention Tips for Business Owners

Preventing fires requires regular maintenance, employee training, and safety protocols. Here’s how to reduce fire risks in your commercial property during heating season:

1. Schedule Regular Heating System Inspections
   Have a licensed HVAC professional inspect and service your building’s heating system annually. This ensures efficiency and safety, as technicians can spot potential risks like gas leaks or clogged vents.

   • Clean Filters and Vents: Clogged filters can cause overheating, so regularly clean or replace them to ensure safe airflow.
   • Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure detectors near heating equipment are functional, as they provide early fire or gas leak warnings.

2. Set Space Heater Safety Guidelines
   If your business uses space heaters, establish safety rules to prevent accidents.

   • Certified Heaters Only: Use heaters certified by recognized labs (like UL or ETL) with safety features like tip-over shut-offs.
   • Keep Heaters Clear of Flammables: Position heaters at least three feet away from combustible materials, such as paper, curtains, or furniture.
   • Turn Off When Unattended: Ensure space heaters are off when rooms are empty or at the end of the workday. Models with automatic timers are ideal for added safety.
   • Use Proper Outlets: Plug heaters directly into wall outlets to avoid circuit overloads that power strips or extension cords might cause.

3. Conduct Electrical Safety Checks
   With increased heating use, make sure your building’s wiring can handle the load.

   • Inspect Outlets and Cords: Look for frayed cords, loose outlets, or other wear. Damaged cords should be replaced immediately.
   • Monitor Electrical Load: Avoid overloading circuits and consider an electrician’s load test to ensure your system is code-compliant.
   • Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): These protect against electrical shocks and fires, especially in damp areas.

4. Create a Fire-Safe Workspace
   Reduce potential fire hazards with these safety practices:

   • Clear Combustible Clutter: Keep flammable materials, like paper or cleaning supplies, away from heat sources and outlets.
   • Designate a Smoking Area: Ensure any smoking area is outside and away from the building, with proper cigarette disposal containers to reduce fire risks.
   • Ensure Accessible Fire Extinguishers: Place extinguishers in high-risk areas and make sure employees are trained in using them.

5. Train Employees on Fire Safety
   Fire safety training is crucial for prevention and response. Include these essentials:

   • Using a Fire Extinguisher: Teach employees the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) to operate extinguishers correctly.
   • Evacuation Procedures: Communicate a clear evacuation plan, including exit locations and assembly points, and practice fire drills regularly.
   • Hazard Reporting: Encourage employees to report potential fire risks, such as faulty cords or heating equipment issues.

With heating season comes an increased fire risk in commercial buildings. By scheduling heating system inspections, setting space heater safety guidelines, conducting electrical checks, and fostering a fire-safe workspace, you can help protect your business from the devastation of a fire.

Take Action Today
Fire prevention is all about preparation. Routine maintenance, employee awareness, and adherence to safety protocols can protect your business. Don’t wait until an emergency happens—start implementing these fire safety tips today to ensure a safe heating season.

If you need assistance preparing your commercial property for fire safety this winter, our team is ready to help with fire risk assessments, inspections, and preventive maintenance. Contact us to learn more about how we can safeguard your business this season.

SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley provides the training and equipment necessary to restore your business or home. Contact us at (617) 332-9000.