When you think about building safety, some of the first few things that probably come to your mind are the fire hazards in your commercial establishment. But, chances are, you don’t think as much about the electrical wiring in the building as necessary. After all, they are safely hidden behind the drywall and plaster.
At least, this was the case for me. But, it didn’t take long for me to realise that they can be as much of a hazard as human negligence can be, particularly if they’re already old. In the article that follows, let me share with you some of the hazards of having old electrical systems and the reasons that made me invest in commercial electric parts.
5 Ways Your Electrical System Can Become a Commercial Fire Hazard
1. Knob & Tube Wiring
Older establishments usually have what is called knob and tube wiring, which while this is not an issue in itself, they can be damaged, chewed by rodents, or compromised in other ways. In this case, they become a hazard that may result in electrical fires.
Another major electrical fire risk is the old wiring that can no longer keep up with the modern appliances and equipment being used today. This can result in the increased tendency of overloading the circuits, which can also cause electrical fires. You can work with a commercial electrical supplier to replace old breakers and avoid any wiring problems.
3. Compromised Wiring
In older buildings, it’s typical for the wirings to have been tinkered with in the past years and it’s also not uncommon for those to have been tinkered by people who had no professional electrical training. This can mean that there may be loose wires behind the walls, among other connection and wiring problems in your commercial building.
4. Faulty Breakers
It’s not only the wiring that is a fire risk in your building, but the rest of the industrial electrical products too including the switches and breakers. When these components are faulty and won’t do what they are supposed to, it can be highly dangerous for your employees and the rest of the occupants in the building.
5. Poor Electrical Design
Another problem on the list is the poor electrical design. Based on how old the commercial building is, the electrical system may have been designed in a way to meet codes that were implemented at the time it was constructed. Guidelines may have changed since then and it may be time to update the electrical work too.
Fire Safety: How to Increase Workplace Safety and Prevent Fires
✔ Regular Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance for your electrical wires to make sure everything is up to code. It is also during maintenance when you will find faulty wires or other commercial electrical parts that require replacing, so make sure to get in touch with your commercial electrical parts supplier.
✔ Proper Appliance Usage
This is particularly true for heat-generating appliances, which when accidentally left for an extended period of time, can overheat and cause a fire. You will also want to avoid your employees to use extension cords only temporarily. If you need an additional permanent power source, you may want to contact a qualified electrician.
✔ Avoiding Usage of Damaged Power Cords
Don’t plug-in devices with cords that are cracked, frayed, or loose from its pug. Make sure to have it repaired before plugging it in again. Replace if necessary and when purchasing any appliances, make sure to follow the instruction manuals to prevent any electrical malfunction.
✔ Proper Storage and Disposal
Store flammable materials such as oils and chemicals properly in a safe and well-ventilated place, and discard any waste in a metal container that has a lid. The same goes for any combustible materials to prevent fire accidents. It’s also a great idea to keep fire protection equipment just in case.
✔ Keep Equipment Accessible
To further elaborate, make sure that your fire protection equipment including fire extinguishers, control panels, etc. are easily accessible. Check to see if the fire sprinklers or fire alarms are not blocked with anything such as paint, dust, or debris that could compromise their functionality.
✔ Clean Environment
Aside from the regular electrical maintenance and repairs, make sure to keep your building clean and tidy. This is to get rid of any clutter, particularly flammable materials such as paper, cardboard boxes that can spread fire faster. Make sure that no clutter is blocking the exits that could make it harder to escape in case of a fire.
✔ Update Electrical System
Partner with a commercial electrical supplier to conduct regular maintenance and inspections on your electrical wiring. While it may seem costly, these services helped me prevent any accidents down the line, which could have been more costly in repairs, reputation damage, even claims.
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