An industrial facility may have more fire risks than an office, retail store, and other such commercial setting; oily rags, grease, and welding equipment all increase the risk of fire, and these are commonly found in industrial facilities. To reduce your risk of fire in any industrial setting, note a few simple but important tips.
Metal canisters
Anything that is flammable should be kept in metal canisters with thick, sturdy lids. This includes oily rags and any type of oil or grease. It's also good to have metal canisters with lids for your standard rubbish bins; office papers, paper towels, and other such items can easily catch fire from sparks and surrounding heat. If a fire should start in such a bin, you can use the metal lid to smother it and help keep it from spreading. Practice good housekeeping; don't allow rags and papers to pile up outside these bins, and regularly wipe down any spilled grease or oil outside the canisters as well.
Machinery
Maintaining your facility's machinery properly will mean fewer repair bills over time, but this can also mean reducing your risk of fire! Bare and frayed wires on any equipment can create sparks that might start a fire. Poor wiring can also result in electrical shorts and electrical fires behind the walls. Overheating equipment that isn't properly cooled and lubricated can also be a fire risk.
To reduce these risks, maintain all your machinery, including forklifts, pallet movers, and power tools. Be sure they're always well-lubricated, used in a cool and well-ventilated area, and are not overloading the building's electrical circuits.
Ventilation
You may not think that ventilation is associated with fire risks, but note that many types of vapours and fumes can be hazardous and even flammable. If your facility uses gas-powered machinery or any type of chemical for metal treatment or production, the fumes created can easily get trapped and then build up in your facility. Not only is this a breathing hazard for your staff but it can also create a fire risk.
Invest in a good roof vent for your facility and try to keep warehouse or delivery doors open as much as possible. Use floor fans to direct air outside your facility, and never run gas-powered pieces longer than necessary; letting them idle when not in use just means more wear and tear on the equipment and more fumes and emissions, so turn off the forklifts and other pieces between uses.
