Electrical fire safety in the workplace

A practical guide to preventing electrical fires in Australian workplaces

The best electrical fire is the one that never starts. Most workplace electrical fires are preventable, and the steps to avoid them are practical and inexpensive compared with the cost of downtime, equipment loss or an insurance claim. This guide is about prevention: the hazards to watch, and what to put in place.

At Industro, we supply fire extinguishers, fire blankets, signage and workplace fire safety equipment to businesses across Australia. our fire extinguisher range

Where electrical fires start

The common causes are consistent across workplaces: faulty or ageing wiring, overloaded circuits and power boards, damaged cords and cables, loose connections, electrical arcing, faulty appliances and equipment, overheated motors, and battery charging faults. Many begin small and out of sight, inside a switchboard or behind equipment, before anyone notices.

Practical steps to prevent them

• Maintain your electrical systems. Regular inspection and testing of switchboards, wiring and equipment by a qualified electrician catches faults before they become fires.
• Test and tag portable appliances and leads on the appropriate schedule.
• Do not overload circuits or power boards, and avoid daisy-chaining power boards.
• Replace damaged cords, plugs and equipment rather than running them on.
• Manage charging areas , charge batteries in a designated, monitored spot, away from combustibles, and watch for overheating.
• Keep equipment ventilated so motors and electronics do not overheat.
• Train your team to recognise warning signs (burning smells, discoloured outlets, tripping breakers, hot equipment) and to report them.

What to have in place

Prevention pairs with preparedness. Make sure the right extinguishers are available, accessible and signed, and that staff know how to isolate power and respond. See Electrical Fire Safety Equipment for the full kit, and What Fire Extinguisher for Electrical Fires for choosing extinguishers.

Related

• High-risk areas: Switchboard, Server Room, EV Charging Station fire extinguishers
• Understanding the risk: Electrical Fire Classes Explained

Want a hand reviewing fire safety across your site? Talk to the team at Industro. get in touch