Storage warehouses are crucial buildings for businesses. Oftentimes, they hold a high-volume of items or valuable inventory. Storage warehouses are essential to protecting product inventory or business materials. One of the biggest threats facing storage warehouses in the threat of a fire. Preventing warehouse fires protects employees as well as business assets and inventory. Businesses should have fire protection protocols in place to ensure storage warehouse fire safety. Code 4 Fire Watch provides some storage warehouse fire safety tips to keep your assets safe.
Storage Warehouse Fire Safety Risks
Warehouses can face a variety of fire hazards. If a fire were to start, there are usually many flammable materials that can fuel a large fire. By mitigating any fire risks and have fire prevention devices in place, you can prevent warehouse fires.
Inspect Electrical and Lighting Fixtures
Make sure that all electrical and lighting fixtures are in good working order. Damaged electrical components can create sparks that may ignite a fire. Lighting fixtures should be monitored for damage and replaced whenever any damage is present. Have an electrician come to inspect your electrical equipment to prevent electrical fires. If your warehouse utilizes any extension cords, replace them when they are damaged and do not overload them.
Keep the Warehouse Free of Trash
Accumulated trash in warehouses or garbage collection areas pose a threat. Discarded items that build up are usually flammable and can be the source of a fire. Dispose of any trash on a frequent basis and keep the warehouse clean and free of litter. Pay special attention to fast burning or highly flammable materials, such as paper or cardboard boxes
Monitor Heating Equipment
If your warehouse is in a cold climate, it most likely has some sort of heating system. No matter what type of heating system is in place, make sure it is well maintained and inspected regularly. Keep any sources of heat free of trash or debris.
Properly Handle and Store Flammable Materials
Warehouses may hold materials that are more volatile than others. If your warehouse has items such as oil, gasoline, or other dangerous chemicals, make sure they are handled and stored properly. Extremely flammable or combustible materials must be treated with care. Educate your warehouse employees on local codes, as well as the NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
Smoking Related Fire Hazards
Irresponsible smoking habits can pose a threat to a warehouse. Cigarette smoking should not occur within a warehouse. Employees should utilize designated smoking areas outside and away from the building. Butts from cigarettes should be disposed of properly into a cigarette receptacle. Improperly disposed of cigarette butts can cause fires in the surrounding area and spread to the warehouse.
Ensure Fire Sprinklers and Suppression Systems are Functioning
If your warehouse does experience a fire, it needs a front-line defense. Fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems protect the safety of employees and business property. They are a crucial system and should be checked on a frequent basis. Fire alarms need to be in working order and your warehouse should conduct monthly fire drills. Every employee should understand the evacuation plan when fire alarms sound. Fire suppression systems and fire sprinklers can prevent the spread and growth of a warehouse fire. Keep these systems in working order and have them serviced according to guidelines. If any of your emergency fire systems are offline, it is time to call in fire watch patrol.
Warehouse Fire Watch Services from Code 4 Fire Watch
When fire sprinklers, alarms, or other fire suppressions systems are offline, manual fire watch patrol must be on-duty. This protects your business as well as employees. If your warehouse need fire watch on-site, contact Code 4 Fire Watch. We provide 24/7 fire watch services for warehouses. Our team is trained by fire fighters and specialize in keeping your business safe.
