Damaged, overloaded, or incorrectly installed or maintained cords, cables, or devices can cause electrical fires. Electrical fire prevention starts with eliminating the hazard altogether, the same hierarchy of controls approach used to manage any workplace hazard. There are a number of steps you can take to minimize the potential for electrical fires and protect yourself as well as others. Here are a few of them:
Everyday Electrical Fire Prevention Habits
Do not misuse equipment or operate equipment that is defective or is malfunctioning. Sparks could become an ignition source, causing a flame or combustion of materials nearby. Always keep any type of motorized equipment far away from combustible materials and in locations where there is adequate ventilation.
Extension cords are not to be used in a permanent setting. OSHA has indicated that a power strip that is used for surge suppression for computers, printers, or monitors can be used in a continuous manner. The minute something such as a heater, radio, or coffeemaker is plugged into it, it becomes a substitute for permanent wiring and can result in an OSHA citation.
Anytime there are extension cords or power strips being used, they should be inspected frequently to make sure they are in good condition and are the proper size and type for the task. Never use a small household extension cord in an industrial setting. This could create an overload situation, causing the cord to actually catch on fire. Never place extension cords in high-traffic areas where they can be damaged by foot traffic.
Never overload circuits. If you turn on a device and the lights dim or there is a reduced output of the equipment you are using, that is a sign of overloading. Anytime there is a fuse that blows or a circuit that trips repeatedly while in normal use, an inspection for shorts or other faults in the lines must be performed.
Always make sure that all electrical devices and systems are installed properly and meet the current electrical code. All electrical devices and equipment must be checked regularly and tested by a certified electrician or someone who is knowledgeable on how to perform the tests. Electrical work should be performed by people who are qualified to do it. For a deeper dive into which federal standards apply to your business, see our overview of OSHA’s regulatory framework.
OSHA Standards and Electrical Fire Prevention
Workplace electrical fire prevention is also a matter of regulatory compliance. OSHA’s electrical safety requirements, found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, spell out how wiring, equipment, and work practices must be designed and maintained to reduce shock and fire hazards. You can review the current standards directly on the OSHA electrical safety page. Employers who build routine inspections and qualified electrical work into their safety programs are not only reducing fire risk, they’re also staying ahead of citations and the costly downtime that follows a preventable incident.
Responding to an Electrical Fire
In the workplace, everyone who works around electrical equipment should be aware of necessary safety procedures. Especially if there is a requirement for lockout/tagout. This plan should be communicated throughout the organization, and there should be periodic fire drills to ensure that if an electrical fire were to break out, no one would risk their life trying to extinguish it. Multipurpose fire extinguishers and fire alarms should be throughout the workplace.
If fire alarms are not installed, there are other methods that can be used to signal when there is a fire. There should be an assigned method to alert all employees when a fire breaks out. Only personnel knowledgeable of how to fight fires should attempt to use a fire extinguisher, and only after they are properly trained. In the event of an electrical fire injury, having emergency equipment such as eyewash stations and safety showers nearby can also help protect workers. No one should attempt to throw water on an electrical fire, as water can conduct electricity.
Make Electrical Fire Prevention Part of Your Safety Culture
None of these steps work in isolation. Electrical fire prevention is most effective when it’s treated as part of a broader workplace safety mindset rather than a one-time checklist. Train employees to recognize warning signs, empower them to report damaged cords or overloaded outlets without hesitation, and revisit your inspection schedule regularly as equipment ages and workspaces change.
Stay tuned to the Formetco blog for more on electrical fire prevention. Read more of Formetco’s coverage on electrical fire prevention and related topics.