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Top Fire Risks for Warehouse and Distribution Centers

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Top Fire Risks for Warehouse and Distribution Centers

If you operate a warehouse or distribution center, it is important to understand the fire hazard associated with the building. In general, these spaces are quite large and have a multiplying fire hazard. Those responsible should understand Chicago fire safety codes and keep track of protection needs. Reviewing the information below will give you an idea of what you might need to consider moving into your warehouse or distribution center space to create a more secure environment. These are the three main hazards that cause fire damage in warehouses: -

  • Electrical distribution & Lighting equipment

The NFPA reports that fires caused by the electrical distribution and lighting equipment were the leading cause of warehouse fires. Electrical failure or malfunction was the primary factor contributing to the ignition of warehouse fires, as well as direct property damage and civil injuries. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment were responsible for the highest number of civilian injuries. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment refers to related wiring/equipment, lamp/bulb or lighting, transformers and power supplies, or cables/plugs.

  • Heating Equipment

Heating equipment is the second leading cause. If you think about it, it is a dangerous combination. Warehouse heating systems require powerful energy to maintain adequate temperatures in winter. Mix any heat source with combustible materials and it is a potentially dangerous mixture. Of note is the uncontrolled use of portable heaters or portable forced air heaters, commonly known as salamanders. Fire safety training can help prevent these types of fire hazards.

  • Exposures 

In the firefighting community, exposures refer to combustible materials that are not yet on fire but could be if the fire spreads. Warehouses that leave stacks of dry wood or reams of paper near sources of heat, flames, or sparks increase the exposure of your facility and therefore the likelihood of a destructive fire. Exposure fires accounted for 7 percent of the warehouse fires recorded in the study.

  • The inadequate fire detection system

Automatic fire alarm systems that directly alert fire services can make a big difference. Without them, fire crews often arrive after the fire has already spread too far to be contained without extreme difficulty.

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