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    • Fire and Ignition Source Safety

    Fire and Ignition Source Safety

    Feb 21st 2022

    Home  ›  Safety Blog

    Hazards of Fire in the Workplace

    Posted by ZING Safety • Updated 2025
    FIRE SAFETY
    Understand how fires start, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency.
    Why it matters
    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace fires account for ~200 deaths and 5,000 injuries each year. Major hazards include burns, smoke inhalation, and toxic fumes (e.g., carbon monoxide).
    Key takeaway
    Fire prevention focuses on separating the three elements of fire—heat, oxygen, fuel—and preparing for rapid response.

    How Do Fires Start?

    Fires require three elements: heat, oxygen, and fuel—often present in industrial settings.

    Heat
    Ignites fuel. Common sources: electrical cords, motors, welding sparks, power tools.
    Oxygen
    Present everywhere; cannot be eliminated, so control focuses on heat and fuel.
    Fuel
    Anything that burns: pallets, cardboard, gasoline, combustible dust (solid, liquid, or gas).

    Fires spread via convection: hot air rises and pulls in cooler, oxygen-rich air to feed the flames. Prevention focuses on keeping the three elements separated and ensuring robust emergency measures are in place.

    Fire Prevention Techniques

    Good Housekeeping

    Keep the workplace free of clutter, debris, and combustible dust. Separate heat sources from fuel and train all employees on daily housekeeping routines:

    • Keep potential fuel away from ignition sources.
    • Regularly remove dust, grease, and other flammable residues.
    • Clean all spills immediately.
    • Store combustible materials in designated safe areas.

    Ignition Source Best Practices

    Identify all potential ignition sources (electricity, flammable liquids/chemicals, static, lighters, matches) and separate them from fuel.

    Electricity

    • Keep electrical cabinets closed.
    • Properly ground equipment.
    • Avoid overloaded circuits/outlets.
    • Keep equipment clean and lubricated.

    Flammable Liquids

    Many common liquids (gasoline, oil, hydraulic fluid, paints/thinners) emit flammable vapors. Create clear handling and storage procedures.

    Flammable warning sign
    Flammable Liquid Category Flashpoint (°F) Boiling Point (°F)
    Category 1 < 73.4° ≤ 95°
    Category 2 < 73.4° > 95°
    Category 3 ≥ 73.4° to ≤ 140° —
    Category 4 > 140° to ≤ 199.4° —
    Storage guidance: Store flammable liquids in segregated, ventilated areas. Do not exceed 60 gallons (Category 1 or 2) or 120 gallons (Category 3) per cabinet. Use approved safety cans for transfers.

    Other Ignition Sources

    Beyond electrical sources and flammable liquids, watch for static discharge from personal electronics, and enforce designated smoking areas that are safely separated from fuel sources.

    The Written Plan

    A written fire prevention plan must be posted and accessible. Include:

    • List of all potential fire hazards.
    • Handling/storage procedures for hazardous materials.
    • Comprehensive list of ignition sources & controls.
    • Location/type of emergency fire equipment.
    • Procedures to control/dispose of flammable waste.
    • Safeguards for heat-producing machinery & responsible roles.
    • Role responsible for controlling fuel source hazards.
    • Training/refresh schedules and documentation access.

    Emergencies

    Firefighters responding to emergency

    Maintain a site-specific emergency response procedure with exit routes, emergency contacts, assembly points, and fire-extinguisher locations. Train workers to remain calm and follow the plan.

    Important: Do not fight fires that extend beyond the point of origin. Train at-risk employees on selection and proper use of extinguishers for small, contained fires.
    Fire Class Fuel Type Notes
    Class A Wood, paper, some plastics Common combustibles
    Class B Flammable liquids Includes flammable vapors
    Class C Electrical equipment De-energize when possible
    Class D Combustible metals Requires Class D extinguishers
    Extinguisher tip: The most common workplace unit is an A-B-C extinguisher (for Classes A, B, and C). If you store/handle combustible metals, place Class D units where needed.

    Conclusion & Standards

    Preventing unplanned fires is foundational to workplace safety. A compliant prevention plan, disciplined housekeeping, careful control of ignition sources, and robust emergency procedures reduce the risk of severe injury, fatalities, and property damage. Fire prevention is one component of a comprehensive fire safety program that includes emergency response, safe chemical handling, and clear exit route procedures.