The Most Common Fire Safety Code Violations for Businesses to Watch For | SERVPRO of Bartow County

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

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If you own a Bartow County business, you are likely juggling many things throughout your daily work routine, and it is not uncommon for a hectic schedule to allow for fire safety to slip through the cracks. While fire codes may seem like quite the nuisance, they are actually vital in keeping you and your staff safe when on the commercial premises. Though keeping up with them can be taxing, the safety they provide is extremely worth it.

Unfortunately, commercial fires are more common than most business owners realize, and it is estimated that over 100,000 businesses are impacted by fires every year. This can lead to costly damage to your commercial property as well as downtime while you have the damages restored—but by adhering to fire codes, you can reduce the chances that your business will experience a fire at all.

Below, we will take a look at the most common workplace related fire violations that have been reported in commercial spaces across the United States so you can be on the lookout for these issues at your own business.

Blocked Fire Exits

According to a 2019 report, blocked fire exits were the No.1 fire safety code violation among businesses. Leaving merchandise, stored items or other blockages in front of fire doors may seem harmless, but in the event that everyone needs to evacuate quickly, it could be a deadly oversight. All fire doors in a commercial space must be able to be opened quickly and easily, and must be self-closing to hinder the spread of fire.

Improper Use of Extension Cords

Many businesses that utilize a lot of technology, such as stores and office spaces, will make use of extension cords regularly. However, when used improperly, extension cords can cause a serious problem for fire safety. Plugging extension cords into one another and overextending them are both fire risks that are entirely avoidable.

Malfunctioning Exit Signs

Did you know that all commercial buildings are required to have illuminated, unblocked exit signs? While this may seem like a silly rule, if the lights go out during a fire, having a properly illuminated sign can be key for a safe escape for those left in the building.

*If you have experienced fire damage in your commercial space, you can count on SERVPRO of Bartow County for assistance getting your business back up and running. We are here 24/7 to provide a swift response to your business’ damage—Contact us today at (770) 387-7455 or visit www.SERVPRObartowcounty.com for more information.