Fireproof Your Business with These Tips for Preventing Electrical Fire

The Importance of Fire Safety in the Workplace

Imagine your business in full swing, employees moving in sync, machines humming along, productivity at its peak—and then, out of nowhere, an electrical fire. It’s a worst-case scenario that no business owner wants to consider, but it’s more common than you might think. 

In fact, in 2019 a total of 5059 claims were lodged for fire damage to Australian commercial properties, resulting in $469 million in losses. While these statistics on the financial impact are shocking, electrical fire can also lead to serious injuries and, at worst, loss of life.

Fire safety in the workplace is more than just a good practice; it’s essential to protecting both your people and your property. A proactive approach to preventing electrical fires can make a world of difference. 

From regular inspections to proper equipment use, here’s how to keep your business fireproof. 

Regular Electrical Inspections: A Key to Electrical Fire Prevention

So, how do you stop an electrical fire from occurring in the workplace? Routine electrical inspections are the best way to spot any potential hazards before they become costly disasters. 

A licensed commercial electrician, like us here at Lakewood, can conduct an electric service to identify outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and faulty outlets—common culprits in electrical fires. We can take care of things like switchboard services and regular testing of your electrical PLC programming to ensure all your systems are in top working order.

Electrical wear and tear might not seem like a big deal until it’s too late. Wires degrade over time, outlets loosen, and circuit breakers weaken, making them prime fire starters if left unchecked. 

Think of routine inspections as preventive maintenance, like getting your car serviced before a road trip. You wouldn’t take chances with a car breakdown, so why risk your business’ safety with unchecked electrical systems?

Proper Usage of Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment is designed to make your life easier, but like anything powerful, it requires careful handling. Overloaded circuits are one of the most frequent causes of electricity fire. Plugging too many devices into one outlet or relying on power strips and extension cords can easily overwhelm your electrical system. Spread the load by using separate circuits for heavy-duty appliances and avoid daisy-chaining power strips.

Regular maintenance of electrical appliances and machinery is another crucial step. Dust build up, loose connections, and overheating can cause malfunctions and—yes, fires. By keeping equipment in top shape, you not only extend its life but also reduce the risk of electrical faults that can turn into sparks.

Implementing Electrical Fire Safety Protocols

When it comes to how to stop an electrical fire, having solid safety protocols in place is paramount. Think of them as a backup plan in case things go wrong.

A good quality fire alarm system is your first line of defence, giving you an early warning to get everyone out safely and call for help. 

You want to install good quality smoke detectors and fire alarms, particularly in areas where electrical equipment is heavily used. Ensure they are kept in perfect operating order through routine checks and testing. A small investment in these systems can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.

But it’s not enough to just have alarms. Your team needs to know the ropes, too. Educating employees on electrical safety and fire prevention is key to stopping an electrical fire. 

Training sessions can cover the basics, like how to use equipment safely, what to avoid, and what to do if they smell something burning. When everyone knows how to spot a potential hazard and respond quickly, your business is a lot safer.

Safeguard Your Business with Proactive Fire Prevention

Keeping your business safe from an electrical fire isn’t rocket science, but it does take a dedicated, proactive approach. Regular inspections catch issues before they escalate, proper equipment usage prevents overloads and overheating, and fire safety protocols ensure a quick response if the unthinkable happens.

There’s no need to take unnecessary risks when it comes to fire safety. Make sure you’re prioritising it in your workplace by partnering with experts who can help you maintain a fire-resistant environment. 

If you’re after an emergency electrician in Sydney, Lakewood Electrical Services has the know-how to keep your business powered up and protected. Schedule an inspection with us today, and let’s keep your business’ lights on and fire hazards off!