Common Workplace Fire Hazards in Michigan & How To Prevent Them

Workplace fire hazards are a critical concern for business owners and managers. Identifying and eliminating potential risks can help prevent fires at your commercial property and ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations and codes.

Understanding common fire hazards in workplaces helps businesses create an effective fire protection plan. Maintaining and implementing essential fire prevention systems can safeguard your property and employees from fire-related harm and damages.

Here, Fire Systems of Michigan provides a list of the most common fire hazards in businesses and offers tips on how to prevent them.

Common Workplace Fire Hazards

Forewarned is forearmed in ensuring fire safety at your Michigan workplace. Together with a fire protection plan that addresses common workplace fire hazards, safety equipment like fire sprinklers, fire alarm monitoring, and kitchen fire suppression ensures your business complies with Michigan’s workplace fire regulations.

Examples of the most common workplace fire hazards include:

Electrical Hazards

Faulty wiring, overloaded electrical circuits, and damaged equipment are leading causes of workplace fires. Improper extension cord use and lack of maintenance can also increase the chances of fire.

Combustible Materials

Improperly storing flammable materials like chemicals and fuels can lead to a fire. Combustible dust in industrial settings can ignite and explode if not properly controlled, causing a fire to spread rapidly.

Heating Equipment

Malfunctioning or improperly used heating devices can quickly cause workplace fires. Placing heaters near combustible materials can ignite a fire, leading to significant damage and safety risks.

Improper Waste Disposal

When flammable materials like paper, chemicals, and oily rags aren’t discarded correctly, they pose a significant fire hazard that can easily ignite and spread, endangering property and employee safety.

Kitchen Fires

Cooking equipment, open flames, and greasy surfaces in commercial kitchens pose significant fire risks. Breakroom toasters, air fryers, and microwaves also increase fire risks if left unattended or improperly used.

Smoking Materials

Smoking materials like cigarettes and matches can quickly spark a workplace fire if improperly disposed of.  Vapes, cigarette. and matches can also cause fire and explosion if they’re used or discarded near flammable materials like propane, natural gas, and gasoline.

How To Prevent Workplace Fires in Michigan

A proactive approach to fire safety includes identifying and eliminating potential hazards. These fire prevention tips can reduce the risk of fire in your facility:

1. Regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems by a qualified professional help minimize fire risks.
2. Store combustible materials, including flammable chemicals and fuels, away from heat sources to avoid accidental ignition. Manage combustible dust by installing ventilation systems and regularly cleaning dust accumulation.
3. Space heaters and industrial equipment should be used with caution. Avoid improper placement and have malfunctioning equipment immediately repaired or replaced.
4. Implement a waste disposal plan for flammable items like oily rags and chemicals.
5. Kitchens should be consistently cleaned to remove grease buildup. Install kitchen fire extinguishers and train employees on how to use them. Consider installing a kitchen fire suppression system to ensure maximum protection.
6. Designate outdoor smoking areas far from flammable materials, equipment, or buildings. Equip them with proper disposal containers, such as metal bins or self-extinguishing ashtrays. Enforce strict no-smoking policies indoors and in areas where combustible materials are stored or used.
7. Partner with Fire Systems of Michigan to protect your business. We offer comprehensive solutions to meet your facility’s unique needs.

Request a Quote Today

For over 40 years, Southeast Michigan business owners and managers have looked to Fire Systems of Michigan as their single source for fire safety solutions. Our dedication to excellence in fire safety services has built our reputation for being reliable partners in protecting lives and properties from fires.

Call Fire Systems of Michigan today to request a quote for fire protection services.