Industrial fires or any kind of fire is preventable when you are aware of your surroundings and keep fire safety in mind
Between 2011 and 2015, 37,910 industrial fires happened, according to the NFPA. As a result, 16 civilians lost their lives, 273 civilians suffered injuries, and direct property damage resulted in a loss of $1.2 billion. There are many reasons why industrial fires happen. If you’re a commercial property owner or an employee at an industrial or manufacturing property, you can prevent them by being aware of fire safety. It helps when you understand the risks that you surround you each day at work. Here are the top causes of industrial fires and explosions.
Combustible Dust
In food manufacturing, woodworking, chemical manufacturing, metalworking, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and many other industries, combustible dust is an issue. People often overlook this fire hazard, but it can be highly deadly. Chemicals, metals, food, dyes, or non-hazardous small materials in larger pieces can become combustible once they turn into dust. The best way to combat combustible dust is to have a regular housekeeping regimen. It’s impossible to get rid of dust altogether, but the less, the better.
Hot Work
Hot work includes welding, torch cutting, brazing, burning, heating, and soldiering. These all pose fire hazards. Sparks and molten materials can get as hot as 1000ºF and can also travel up to 35 feet. Hot work can also ignite combustible dust. You can prevent industrial fires caused by hot work by training personnel thoroughly on the proper policies and procedures. Ensure that the area is clear of any flammable or combustible materials, including liquids, gases, and dust. Also, supervise the employees that are new to performing hot work.
Flammable Gases and Liquids
This cause is especially true for chemical plants. Industrial fires caused by flammable gases and liquids end up being very destructive and disastrous. You can stop this type of fire from occurring in the first place by being aware of the safety information of each liquid in your building. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) comes with these products. Store all liquids according to OSHA. You should also keep ignition sources far away from combustible materials and provide your employees with protective gear.
Do you not have the fire protection systems in gear to keep your business safe? Are your fire protection systems out-of-date? Reach out to Judd Fire Protection, LLC, to ensure that fire safety is always at the forefront.
Residential and Commercial Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.