Commercial Lighting Equipment Safety in Summit Township

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

According to the NFPA, electrical fires are the second leading cause of office property fires.

How much do you know about the lighting equipment and safety features in your commercial building? According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) electrical fires are the second leading cause of office property fires. Yet, many electrical fires can be easily prevented through proper installation, maintenance, and a greater overall awareness of potential hazards. 

SERVPRO of West Erie County is here to keep you and your business stay well informed and safe. Below are some tips to reduce the likelihood of an unpredictable electrical fire.

Corroded Wiring, Hot Spots, Fuses, and Circuits: Use an infrared thermal imaging scanner to periodically check electrical circuits and equipment for hot spots. Smaller businesses may consider hiring a licensed electrician to come perform the inspection and scan, whereas; a larger business may consider training one of their own employees.  

Location and Maintenance of Electrical Distribution Equipment: Good housekeeping practices greatly reduce the risk of electrical fires. The electrical distribution equipment should be stored in a separate room that is temperature controlled, well ventilated and kept clean and dry. Too often electrical rooms become storage closets for excess inventory or supplies. It is important to keep combustible materials away from the electrical distribution room, even if it has an overhead sprinkler system.

Best Practices: Building sprinklers should be inspected every five years. Wet pipe sprinklers installed in in the ceiling are very effective in helping to fight fires. There should always be a fire extinguisher in reach, and it should be checked annually to make sure it is in working order. 

In the case of a fire, exit the building immediately and do not try to fight the fire yourself. If there is an abundance of smoke accumulating in the building, cover your mouth and nose and avoid inhaling the smoke as much as you can.   

In the unfortunate event that your commercial building does catch fire, the certified professionals at West Erie County are here to help! Call us at (814) 806-1987 or message us on social media via our Facebook page.