Workplace fires can start in an instant, through faulty wiring, improper storage of flammable materials, or something as simple as a propped-open fire door. Every employer has a responsibility to protect employees, property, and operations from fire. Understanding how fires start, recognizing common hazards, and developing a strong fire safety plan are key to preventing incidents before they occur.

Consider this: One in three fire deaths in Ontario occur during November, December, and January. This is a reminder that seasonal activities and overlooked hazards can quietly increase risks. Fire safety deserves attention year-round.

 

The Fire Triangle: How Fires Start

Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three elements, commonly referred to as the “fire triangle”:

  • Heat or Ignition Sources: any material, equipment or operation that emits a spark or flame. This includes torches, static electricity, grinding operations and equipment or components that radiate heat, such as kettles, catalytic converters and mufflers.
  • Fuel source: include combustible materials, such as wood, paper, trash and clothing; flammable liquids, such as gasoline or solvents; and flammable gases, such as propane or natural gas.
  • Oxygen: primarily from the air around us.

If any one element of the fire triangle is missing or removed, fire will not start. If a fire is already burning, it will extinguish.

 

Common Workplace Fire Hazards

Workplaces often contain all three fire triangle elements. The key to prevention is keeping heat and ignition sources away from materials, equipment and structures that could act as fuel to complete the fire triangle. A high standard of housekeeping and building maintenance are among the simplest and most effective defenses against workplace fires.

Common hazards to be aware of include:

  • Storage Issues: combustible or flammable material stored in non-approved areas.
  • Blocked Safety Systems: Fire doors wedged open, smoke barriers not operating properly or obstructed exits.
  • Electrical Risks: defective electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, over-fusing, use of extension cords as permanent wiring.
  • Equipment & Appliances: Kitchen hoods and filters not cleaned regularly and/or properly and are grease laden. Clothes dryer lint collectors full or improperly vented.
  • Poor Housekeeping: Improper disposal of oily rags and/or accumulation of combustible trash.
  • Careless Smoking: smoking in non-designated areas, especially near flammable materials.

 

Fire Classifications & Extinguishers

Not all fires are the same and neither are extinguishers. Knowing the class of fire you’re dealing with is critical:

  • Class A: Ordinary combustibles, such as paper, trash, some plastics, wood, and cloth. A general rule of thumb is if it leaves an ash behind, it is a Class “A” fire.
  • Class B: Flammable gases or liquids, such as propane, oil and gasoline.
  • Class C: Energized electrical components.
  • Class D: Combustible metals. A helpful rule of thumb is if the name of the metal ends with the letters “um,” (aluminum, magnesium, beryllium and sodium), it’s likely a Class “D” fire.
  • Class K: Vegetable or animal cooking oils or fats; common in commercial cooking operations using deep fat fryers.

Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse. Always check the label on the extinguisher for the types of fires that can be extinguished. Ensure staff are trained in proper use.

Remember the PASS method:

  • PULL the safety pin, which is usually a twist-pull action.
  • AIM the nozzle, horn, or hose at the base of the fire.
  • SQUEEZE the trigger handle.
  • SWEEP from side to side (watch and ensure the fire will not re-ignite)

Extinguishers must be properly installed, regularly inspected, and located nearest to the greatest hazards.

 

Fire Safety Plans: A Legal and Practical Requirement

Fire safety plans are required by your local Fire Code, especially for certain buildings and occupancy rates. Conducting a thorough audit or review of your property or business will help identify factors that could affect fire safety.

A strong fire safety plan includes:

  • Emergency procedures for sounding the alarm; notifying the fire department, building or business officials or other designated staff; evacuating occupants; assisting those who may need help, and controlling or extinguishing the fire where safe to do so.
  • A schedule and method for conducting fire drills.
  • Clearly defined fire safety duties and responsibilities for designated staff.
  • Training requirements for all staff with fire safety roles.
  • Detailed maintenance procedures for all fire protection systems.
  • Diagrams and instructions showing the type, location and operation of any fire or emergency systems.
  • Clearly marked evacuation routes for all locations of the facility.
  • Procedures to ensure fire department access to the building and to the fire location.

 

Practical Fire Safety Tips
Every workplace should make fire safety a daily habit. Key practices include:

  • Keep fire exit doors clear and easily opened; ensure fire doors are not obstructed and never propped open.
  • Confirm exit signs and emergency lighting are illuminated, and visible.
  • No smoking inside any building, including garages, stairwells or ramps.
  • Do not overload electrical circuits and remove frayed or damaged extension cords immediately.
  • Unplug space heaters before leaving for the night and keep them away from flammable materials.
  • Maintain at least 18 inches of clearance between sprinkler heads and stored merchandise.
  • Never dispose of burning materials into garbage containers.
  • Store flammable liquids in approved, properly labelled and sealed containers.
  • Inspect fire extinguishers monthly. Check the pressure gauge, inspect the hose and fittings, invert the extinguisher to re-suspend the material, and complete the inspection card.
  • Conduct daily workplace inspections to check for accumulation of fire hazards, clear egress routes, and proper chemical storage.
  • Train all employees on fire hazard awareness and proper evacuation procedures, and hold fire drills at least once per year.

 

A Note from the Field
In my years working with workplaces on fire safety, one pattern comes up again and again: most employers know fire safety matters, but they often don’t act on it until something goes wrong, or until an inspector shows up.

I’ve walked through facilities where extinguishers hadn’t been inspected in years, fire doors were routinely propped open for convenience, and workers had never once practiced an evacuation. None of these employers were careless people, they were simply busy, and fire safety had quietly slipped down the priority list.

The good news is fire safety doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to get right. A consistent inspection routine, trained staff, and a clear emergency plan go a long way. Start with the basics, fix what you find, and make it a habit, not a reaction.

 

The Bottom Line
Fire safety is not optional, it’s essential for protecting people, property and business continuity. By recognizing hazards, maintaining strong prevention practices, and developing a compliant fire safety plan, you can significantly reduce the risk of a workplace fire.

Don’t wait for an inspection or an incident to find out whether your workplace is prepared.

 

REMEMBER: PREVENT NOT REACT! THAT’S THE GOAL OF EVERY GOOD FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM.

At Sooley’s Safety Services, we help business build safer workplaces including fire safety plans and regular inspections that include checking fire safety requirements. We can also provide fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, lights and annual inspections.

If you have further questions or would like to learn more, please contact me today.