Workplace Fire Safety: A Simple Guide & Infographic

Let’s talk about workplace fire safety. It’s one of those things that’s easy to ignore… until you smell smoke. A fire can break out in seconds, and having an effective plan (and knowing the risks) is the only thing that matters in that moment. This guide breaks down the key stats on workplace fire safety, what you need to know, and includes a free infographic you can share.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Workplace Fires?

Understanding the risk is the first step to preventing it. While the infographic below shows the stats, the main culprits are almost always the same:

• Cooking Equipment: This is the #1 cause, especially in offices with kitchens or breakrooms. A forgotten microwave meal or dirty toaster oven can ignite easily.
• Heating Equipment: Space heaters are a major hazard. Placing them too close to paper, curtains, or other combustible materials is a classic mistake.
• Electrical Malfunctions: Overloaded power strips, frayed cords, and old/faulty wiring are huge fire starters.
• Flammable Materials: Improperly stored chemicals, solvents, or even large amounts of paper and cardboard can provide fuel for a fire.

The 2 Acronyms Every Employee MUST Know

In a fire, panic makes you forget everything. That’s why safety pros rely on simple acronyms. These are the two most important ones for workplace fire safety.

1. P.A.S.S. (How to Use an Extinguisher)

If you are trained and the fire is small (no bigger than a small trash can), use the P.A.S.S. method:

• PULL: Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
• AIM: Aim the nozzle at the *base* of the fire, not the flames.
• SQUEEZE: Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly.
• SWEEP: Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire.

If the fire doesn’t start to go out immediately, get out. Your life is not worth saving a building.

2. R.A.C.E. (What to Do When You Hear the Alarm)

This is the plan for a full-scale evacuation. This is what you drill into your team.

• RESCUE: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, *if it is safe for you to do so*.
• ALARM: Pull the nearest fire alarm and/or call 911.
• CONTAIN: Contain the fire by closing doors and windows behind you as you leave. This starves the fire of oxygen.
• EVACUATE: Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest exit. Do not use elevators!

Workplace Fire Safety Statistics (The Infographic)

The numbers don’t lie. Here’s a breakdown of the statistics regarding workplace fire safety.

Want to make sure your team is prepared? A Fire Safety Training course is the best way to ensure everyone knows these life-saving steps.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Fire Safety

What are the most common causes of workplace fires?

The top causes are often related to human error. This includes faulty or misused electrical equipment (like overloaded power strips), heating (like space heaters too close to paper), and cooking equipment left unattended in a breakroom.

What is the P.A.S.S. method for fire extinguishers?

P.A.S.S. is an acronym to help you remember how to use an extinguisher: PULL the pin. AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames). SQUEEZE the handle. SWEEP the nozzle from side to side.

What does R.A.C.E. stand for in a fire emergency?

R.A.C.E. is an emergency evacuation plan: RESCUE anyone in immediate danger (if safe to do so). ALARM (pull the alarm and call 911). CONTAIN the fire (by closing doors as you leave). EVACUATE the building immediately.