3 Common Fire Hazards in the Break Room

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Malfunctioning appliances in the break room can lead to a lot more than simply burned popcorn.

There are several fire hazards present in most office break rooms, and employers in Newtown, PA, should take mind to remedy them before they escalate out of control. Building deodorization and smoke cleanup will be necessary in the event a fire does break out, but prevention is always the best course of action.

1. Malfunctioning Refrigerator

Refrigerators are typically plugged in every hour of the day, so they are particularly prone to fires. The fact they also contain insulation makes the likelihood of a fire breaking out all the more likely. It is recommended for commercial property owners to have professionals come out at least once annually to inspect fridges and other appliances. In the event your fridge is getting old, then you may be better off investing in a new one.

2. Improper Microwave Use

Burned popcorn is the least of your worries when it comes to a microwave. Microwaves are not perfect, and employees need to be mindful of what they put inside. For example, people should never place metal inside of a microwave. Additionally, this appliance should never be left unattended. Always keep an eye on it when you cook something in case it boils over or something explodes.

3. Oven Dangers

People also need to be careful of how they use ovens, which are not as common in some office break rooms but can still be found in some buildings. People should never leave the room when cooking something in an oven. Additionally, they should turn the oven off after removing food. Leaving it on wastes energy and also increases the likelihood of a fire.

After you hire someone, you should review all of these safety tips so that the new hire knows how to behave responsibly in the break room. Preventing even just burned popcorn will prevent you from requiring professional deodorization.