FACTS

1. The main causes of fire in the workplace are:

• electricity – neglect or misuse of wiring can lead to short circuits.
• rubbish and waste material – fire is likely to spread through accumulated waste.
• smoking – carelessly discarded cigarette butts or lit matches are one of the major causes of fire.
• cooking – kitchens provide opportunities for a fire to start and materials on which it can feed.
• heating appliances – portable heaters are a threat when placed beside combustible furniture or fittings.
• combustible materials including – flammable liquids, glues and solvents are all liable to combust unless stored and used properly.

2. Fire Hazards include: 

• Flames
• Sparks
• Hot objects
• Flammable chemicals
• Chemicals accelerants, which can increase a fire’s rate of spread

STATS

• The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires. Actual flames and burns only account for about 30 percent of fire-related deaths and injuries.
• Hot tap water scald burns cause more deaths and hospitalizations than any other hot liquid burns.
• OSHA has reported that there are more than 5,000 work-related burn injuries in the U.S. each year. 8% of all burn injuries occur on the job. These burns can be: First-degree – Superficial burns with minimal skin damage; Second degree – Burns than go beyond the top layer of skin, which can cause blisters, pain and swelling; or Third degree – Burns that destroy the skin and tissue underneath, causing permanent damage.