It’s common knowledge that flammable materials at home and in the workplace pose a serious risk, but how many are you really aware of?
Below, we’ll outline some flammable things at home and in the workplace that might not be what you first think of when considering your fire risks.
Fire Hazards at Work and at Home
Aerosols
Aerosols contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are highly flammable and easy to explode. When exposed to a flame, the pressure and temperature of an aerosol rise much higher than they are designed to cope with, often resulting in their explosion.
You may have a range of different aerosols around depending on your workplace. For example, they may include deodorant, hairspray, spray paint cans, and cleaning products. Aerosols should always be safely and correctly stored to avoid risk.
Over-use of Extension Cables
There’s no harm in utilising an extension cable on the odd plug socket, but cramming too many electricals into one outlet for too long can be incredibly dangerous. The number of watts that a socket can handle will vary based on the current and voltage of the outlet, but as a general rule of thumb, try not to exceed 1,500W for one socket.
There are other reasons, too, that can cause an extension cable to start a fire. For example, if they’re torn in any way. You should also be incredibly careful using extension cords outside as exposure to poor weather can damage the cords and make them more hazardous.
Hand Sanitiser
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many homes and establishments have equipped more hand sanitiser, rubbing alcohol, and other cleaning products. From a hygiene perspective, this is of course a good idea, but it’s something to be wary of when considering fire risks. This is because ethanol, a common ingredient in such products, is extremely flammable.
Ethanol is an ingredient in a lot of household items that are flammable, and if this is seen as a listed ingredient on a product, you should take caution with how you store it.
Smokers
One of the reasons it’s so important to have a designated outdoor smoking area in a workplace is that smoking is a huge fire hazard. If a cigarette is not properly extinguished, for example, around flammable materials, it could very easily start and spread a fire. In fact, this is one of the biggest fire risks in the workplace.
The smoking area in your workplace or establishment should be far enough away from the main building that any small fires or still-lit cigarettes don’t pose a threat. You should also provide ashtrays and bins in this area so that people can properly dispose of their cigarettes.
Flammable Foods
This one is less common knowledge, but did you know that some foods are more flammable than others? It’s a good idea to keep foods like these in a separate area if possible, such as in a pantry. By keeping them shut away, it will take longer for fire to get through to them.
Powder products, in particular, are quick to combust in a fire. This includes foods like flour, sugar, and many seasoning powders like chilli. As well as these, anything with a high fat or grease content is usually very flammable; think bacon and garlic, or anything that’s quick to sizzle when you drop it into a pan.
Flammable Materials
Your workplace is likely full of flammable materials, whether this is paper, fabric, or any other number of things. Take caution with where you store materials, being sure to keep them far from potential fire-starters.
For example, consider having blinds instead of fabric curtains or storing paper in its own unit far from anything electrical to minimise the quick spread of fire in an emergency.
Stay Safe with Label Source
Stay safe with Label Source in the risk of fire and any other number of dangers with life-saving signage like our fire safety signs. You can also keep up to date with the latest advice on our blog, or get in touch with us today for specialist advice.
