Fire Safety – In Case of Fire Stats and Facts
FACTS
1. The main causes of fire in the workplace are:
- electricity – neglect or misuse of wiring can lead to short circuits.
- rubbish and waste material – fire is likely to spread through accumulated waste.
- smoking – carelessly discarded cigarette butts or lit matches are one of the major causes of fire.
- cooking – kitchens provide opportunities for a fire to start and materials on which it can feed.
- heating appliances – portable heaters are a threat when placed beside combustible furniture or fittings.
- combustible materials including – flammable liquids, glues and solvents are all liable to combust unless stored and used properly.
2. Fire Hazards include:
- Flames
- Sparks
- Hot objects
- Flammable chemicals
- Chemicals accelerants, which can increase a fire’s rate of spread
STATS
- The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires. Actual flames and burns only account for about 30 percent of fire-related deaths and injuries.
- Hot tap water scald burns cause more deaths and hospitalizations than any other hot liquid burns.
- OSHA has reported that there are more than 5,000 work-related burn injuries in the U.S. each year. 8% of all burn injuries occur on the job. These burns can be: First-degree – Superficial burns with minimal skin damage; Second degree – Burns than go beyond the top layer of skin, which can cause blisters, pain and swelling; or Third degree – Burns that destroy the skin and tissue underneath, causing permanent damage.