How to Avoid a Fire Accident

Fire accidents are a common problem, and can result in severe property damage, serious injuries or even death. The best way to avoid these occurrences is to keep your workplace and home safe by following the proper safety precautions and being aware of what you are doing.

There are many things that can cause a fire to break out and start. For instance, a faulty electrical system or defective product could be to blame. Another possible factor is a lack of maintenance or an inadequacy in building design.

Using the wrong equipment or materials can also lead to a fire accident. For example, improperly storing flammable materials such as paints, chemicals or plastics can lead to a fire. It is always a good idea to have a safety data sheet at your disposal that will provide you with the correct procedures for handling and storing these materials.

When a fire breaks out, it is important to take immediate action and call for help from the emergency services. This can save lives in the event of an explosion or fire.

If you are able to, evacuate the area quickly and move outside of the structure. Never try to go back into the area after a fire has started, as this can worsen the situation. If the fire is confined to a small area, you should use a fire extinguisher if there is one available. If not, you should stay alert and wait for the fire to be put out before attempting to evacuate.

The majority of fires involve the inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes which are caused by a combination of oxygen from the air, flames and the chemical reaction between these two elements. Burn injuries are also very common and can be life-threatening.

Injuries from a fire can be very difficult to heal, requiring extensive medical care and expensive physical therapy to recover. In addition, they can leave permanent disabilities or disfigurements. If you have suffered from a fire accident, a New York fire injury attorney at Shuman Legal(r) may be able to help you pursue compensation for your losses.

Workplace Fires

Despite the efforts of companies and individuals to ensure that their buildings are safe from fire, it is not uncommon for fires to occur in businesses. Construction sites are a popular place to find fires, as are restaurants and other commercial establishments.

While the majority of fires are the result of arson or open flame, a significant number of workplace fires can be traced to an electrical issue. In fact, electrical failures account for a large portion of structural fires in buildings and are responsible for over 4,800 fires per year.

Other causes of fires in the workplace include leaking fuel tanks and lines. Poorly-routed or poorly-constructed wiring can be another common cause of fires. Leaks can be particularly dangerous because they can easily ignite when they are exposed to a spark or a hot surface.

Smoking Material in the Workplace

The most common smoking material used in workplaces is cigarettes, but there are other types of combustibles that can also lead to fires. For example, cooking equipment can also be a fire hazard, as can flammable chemicals and cleaning products.