When a mild winter suddenly turns bitter cold, it can make our bodies feel confused. Sometimes the urge to snuggle up by the fire increases our body temperature while the cold makes us shiver.
For the safety of your guests and the cleanliness of your establishment, you shouldn’t add a fireplace to the list of mixed-up body signals your commercial enterprise may be experiencing.
To keep your guests safe and feeling warm and cozy, do your homework first. Read on for some fireplace safety information you should know before handing over control to your guests.
Common Causes and How to Avoid Them
Fireplaces in commercial establishments are a common source of fires. The most common cause of these fires is improper operation and/or maintenance of the fireplace.
Other common causes include: faulty or outdated wiring, defective or improper insulation. Also, flammable materials got stored too close to the fireplace.
To help prevent fires in commercial establishments, it is important to have a properly maintained and operated fireplace. All wiring should be up to date and in good condition. Insulation should be in good condition and not defective.
Flammable materials should be stored away from the fireplace.
In addition, it is important to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the commercial establishment. These detectors can help alert occupants to a fire and help limit the amount of damage caused by the fire.
Special Precautions to Prevent Fires
Commercial establishments are required to take special precautions to prevent fires. Fireplaces in these buildings must be enclosed by fire-resistant materials and have properly functioning flues and dampers.
Ashes should be removed from the fireplace regularly and stored in a metal container outside the building. Commercial establishments should also have a fire escape plan and conduct regular fire drills.
Respond To a Fireplace In a Commercial Establishment
In the event of a commercial establishment fire, it is important to follow these safety tips. First, evacuate the building immediately. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.
Second, call 911 and give the dispatcher your location. Third, if possible, close all doors and windows to contain the fire. Fourth, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
Finally, await further instructions from emergency personnel. With these tips and you can help keep yourself and others safe in the event of a commercial establishment fire.
The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Fireplaces
It is important to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. This odorless, colorless gas can be emitted from any type of burning fuel. It can quickly reach toxic levels in enclosed spaces.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to convulsions, unconsciousness, and death.
To prevent this, always make sure that your fireplace is properly ventilated, and have a carbon monoxide detector installed in the room where the fireplace is located.
Conducting a Fireplace Safety Inspection
A fireplace safety inspection should be conducted periodically to ensure that the fireplace is in good working order and that there are no potential hazards. The first step in conducting a fireplace safety inspection is to identify any potential hazards.
The most common hazard is a build-up of creosote, which can ignite and cause a dangerous fire. Other potential hazards include cracked or damaged chimney bricks, a clogged flue, or a defective damper.
Once any potential hazards have been identified, they need to be addressed. The best way to do this is to hire a professional like Dreifuss Fireplaces to clean the fireplace just like and inspect it for any damage.
They will also be able to make any necessary repairs. It is also important to have working smoke alarms in the commercial establishment. These should be tested monthly and replaced every ten years.
Fireplaces can be a wonderful addition to any commercial establishment. It is important to follow proper safety protocols to avoid any potential accidents.
Different Types Of Fireplaces
There are many different types of fireplaces that need special safety precautions. There are three main types of fireplaces that need to be considered: wood-burning, gas, and electric.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
These require the use of a metal screen. It prevents sparks from flying out and igniting nearby combustibles.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America also recommends that a fire be built in the fireplace with only dry, seasoned wood to help prevent creosote build-up.
Gas Fireplaces
These need to have the gas shut off when they are not in use. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that a certified technician inspect the fireplace and chimney yearly to ensure that there are no leaks.
Electric Fireplaces
These need to be turned off when not in use and should never be left unattended. If an electric fireplace is going to be used in a commercial setting, it is important to have it installed by a qualified electrician.
Keep Your Commercial Establishments Safe
To prevent fires in commercial establishments, it is important to have a clear understanding of fireplace safety. This means knowing how to properly maintain and operate your fireplace, as well as understanding the building code requirements for fireplaces.
Commercial establishments need to take special precautions to ensure fireplace safety. A fireplace safety plan should be designed and implemented by a qualified professional. The plan should address emergency and non-emergency situations.
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