The most common causes of fire and how to avoid them

Fire safety is a complex system that can be difficult to navigate, especially when trying to work out what the hazards are and how to avoid them. Conducting thorough fire risk assessments is essential for avoiding common causes of fire. In this guide we will discuss some key fire risks that face not only workplaces, but homes too. 

Common causes of fire in the workplace

Each year, on average, there are 22,000 cases of fire in the workplace. To avoid fires, it is important to be aware of the risks and follow the correct procedures to ensure safety.

What are the causes of fire?

• Faulty Electrical Equipment: Electrical equipment is one of the leading causes of fire in the workplace. If there is a malfunctioning electrical device, an exposed wire, or an overloaded socket then it should be repaired, disposed of, or replaced. Electrical devices can cause sparks when faulty and therefore start fires when the sparks hit flammable materials.
• Messy workplaces: Housekeeping in the workplace should always be a priority. An accumulation of waste and clutter provide the fuel that a fire needs to grow and become unmanageable. The storage of materials such as flammable liquids and gasses should be secure and out of range of potential fire hazards. If your workplace that houses chemicals then ensuring that they are correctly stored and the people with access to them are correctly trained.
• Heating Equipment: In winter, many businesses make use of portable heating systems, central heating and other systems to heat their workplaces. If these are placed too close to flammable materials such as curtains or paper, malfunction or accumulate large amounts of dust and debris, they can present a huge fire risk.
• Arson: It may not seem like much of a risk, however, it is one of the most common reasons that fires start. Deliberate starting of fires should always be considered as a risk, especially if a building is not always occupied or easily accessible. Precautions such as CCTV should be taken as a deterrent against arson.
• Human Error: Sadly, most fires start because of lack of consideration towards the risk of fire. This can be anything from incorrectly disposing of smoking materials, not handling flammable substances correctly and incorrectly following fire safety guidelines. This can easily be resolved with training to raise awareness of the risks and causes of fire.
• Workplace Hazards: Some workplaces present a higher risk of fire than others. For example a welder who may solder materials and generate heat is more likely to encounter a fire than a florist. It is important for those who present a higher chance of igniting a fire to be keenly aware of the risks that their work presents and what precautions to take to prevent them.

How can you prevent fire?

1. Fire Doors: A fire door won't help to prevent a fire, but internal fire doors can help to slow the spread of fire. A fire rated door can hold back fire for a period of time, allowing workers to safely leave a building and prevent further damage to other spaces on a premises. This extra layer of fire protection is an ideal solution for workplaces who wish to develop their defences against fire.
2. Fire Risk Assessments: A fire safety risk assessment is essential for businesses in the UK. If your business employs more than five people, this risk assessment must be formally documented. These provide an essential layer of fire resistance by alerting people to the risks of fire within a workplace. Once these risks have been identified, it is much easier to take steps and precautions to make sure that they are avoided.
3. PAT Testing: Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is often used to inspect and test portable appliances to ensure that they are safe and do not present a fire risk. This process of rigorous testing is referred to in various health and safety regulations and is suggested for most workplaces. PAT testing will alert workers if there is a problem with their devices that may lead to a fire, mitigating the risks and allowing businesses to take steps to dispose of or repair potentially faulty devices.

Common causes of fire in the home

Often, the causes of fire in the home can be similar to those within the workplace. Accidents can occur at any time and it is important to be aware of the risks to then avoid them.

What are the causes of fire?

• Cooking Equipment: Fires related to cooking are the most common causes of fire in the UK. Pans left unattended, grease fires and oil getting too hot can easily start a fire. It is important that when cooking, food is not left unattended and the temperature should be monitored to make sure that nothing gets too hot while cooking - this will help to avoid the risk of fires starting.
• Faulty Electrical Devices: Electric devices are known for starting fires, this includes space heaters and extension cords. Wires should be monitored and if a device pumps out heat, then it should be kept away from flammables such as paper or fabric. Older or poorly maintained appliances such as toasters or washing machines should be reviewed, repaired or replaced to ensure safety.
• Smoking: Individuals who smoke are also at considerably higher risk of starting a fire. Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and cigars, should be properly extinguished and kept far away from flammable liquids and materials, such as furniture. If someone is a smoker, it is always recommended that they go outside to keep away from flammable materials.
• Flammable Liquids: Sometimes flammable liquids will be found within the home - this can range from paint thinner, to solvents, and it is important that they are stored safely. For example, it is not a good idea to keep your paint thinner in the kitchen near your hob. Storing liquids safely can prevent the exacerbation of a fire.
• Tumble Dryers: Another common fire starter in the home is a tumble dryer. Though it may seem that the heating element is what would cause a fire to start, it is instead lint build-up in vents and filters that can start a fire. Regular cleaning can easily prevent this from becoming a fire hazard though.

How can you prevent fire?

1. Fire Rated Doors: There are a range of fire doors out there, and having a fire rated door in your home, particularly around high risk areas such as the kitchen can allow people time to safely exit a building in the case of a fire.
2. Cleanliness: Keeping your home clean is also a good way to prevent fire. The fewer flammable materials that are dotted around, the better. Keeping your home well maintained and tidy can help to slow the spread of fire and also prevent several causes of fire.
3. Vigilance Around Electrical Equipment: If you notice that you have faulty electrical equipment or wiring it is important that it is seen to. This can help to prevent fires from starting. If you want an extra layer of security around this then getting your house PAT tested may also be a good idea so that you have an awareness of if there are any faulty electrics in the home.