Understanding Fire Risk: Essential Safety Measures for Every Workplace

Introduction to Fire Risk and Safety

Workplaces today must contend with far more than just incidents like slips and falls. In modern industrial, commercial and warehouse settings, fire risk looms large. Understanding robust fire safety practices is no longer optional, being aware is integral to protecting employees, assets and to protect business continuity.

For organisations managing facilities in malls, parking garages, office towers, warehouses or data centres, the mandate is clear: you must assess potential sources of ignition, recognise combustible materials, and ensure your systems, protocols and people are ready. A strong risk assessment and clear evacuation procedures are vital parts of your fire-safety strategy. That’s why seasoned specialists like the team at ERF Group (with over 50 years’ experience supplying fire-extinguishers, fire-hoses, hydrants, reels and servicing programmes) emphasise their advice through both product and service excellence. Contact us here erfgroup.co.za/contact-us

In this article we walk through the major themes: identifying hazards, conducting assessments, implementing prevention, managing flammables, and setting building departure plans, all grounded in the future health and to carry on the safety of your business property.

Identifying Fire Safety Hazards

What are the common fire hazards in the workplace?

In every facility property you manage, fire hazards can arise from unexpected quarters. Understanding and controlling these potential ignition sources is foundational to reducing fire risk.

Examples include:

Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment (potential threats include damaged cords, overloaded outlets)
Improper storerooms or handling of flammable liquids and flammable substances (such as solvents, gases)
Combustible materials such as paper, wood, packaging, textiles — i.e., carrying flammable materials
Combustion sources: sparks, open flames, heaters, overloaded circuits, hot work
Poor housekeeping (dust accumulation, blocked exits, combustible waste)

Why this matters in South Africa

In SA, fire incidents are frequent and costly. For example:

One dataset shows 41,873 fires reported in 2016, with substantial monetary loss. FPASA+1
The major insurer Santam identifies commercial fires as the single biggest risk for business claims. Cover
In informal settlements the risk is magnified: In 2019 alone some 5,544 fires were reported in such settlements in SA. MDPI+1

Key hazard-categories

To help you structure your inspection and controls, here’s a table summarising common categories of hazards:

Hazard category	Typical ignition sources	Why it raises fire risk
Electrical Wiring & equipment	Overloaded sockets, faulty wiring, heaters	Electrical faults are among the top causes of workplace fire.
Combustible contents / packaging	Paper, cardboard, wooden pallets	These act as a propellent and enable rapid fire spread.
Flammable liquids & gases	Solvents, paints, petrol, gases	Lead to sudden combustion or explosion if mishandled.
Heating or hot-work operations	Welding, cutting torches, space-heaters	Provide ignition plus heat, often in proximity to fuel.
Oxygen-enriched atmospheres	Medical or industrial oxygen systems	Higher oxygen levels make fires start faster, burn hotter.
Poor housekeeping / blocked exits	Dust build-up, corridors filled with waste	Increases load and obstructs escape/response routes.

Insight

“Regular maintenance and inspection of electrical equipment can help prevent fires and reduce the risk of electrical hazards.”
— This simple advice applies directly to everyday facility-management.

Similarly:

“Flammable materials, such as wood, paper, and other combustible substances, can fuel fires and increase the risk of damage and harm.”

Recognising ignition sources and propellent loads is non-negotiable. The moment a spark meets fuel with oxygen, a fire can start, so controlling each link in that fire-triangle is critical.

Conducting a Safety Risk Assessment

Why a risk assessment is fundamental

A thorough risk assessment identifies where and how your facility is vulnerable, and enables you to design mitigation strategies. The workplace is dynamic: new equipment, changes in storerooms, usage of flammable liquids, etc., mean that complacency leads to exposure.

In many commercial settings in South Africa, legal frameworks (fire-safety by-laws, occupational safety standards) require that a risk assessment be documented, reviewed and updated. For example, the Fire Protection Association of South Africa (FPASA) references legal compliance as central to fire-risk management. FPASA+1

What to assess: the three-fold structure

Your assessment should consider three core elements: ignition sources, fuel (or flammable materials/liquids/chemicals/substances) and oxygen. Consider this structure:

Likelihood of ignition (how probable)
Impact if ignition occurs (damages, injuries, business interruption)
Control measures that reduce either or both of the above

Steps to conduct a proper safety assessment

Identify hazards – such as poor electrical connections, flammable liquids, ignition sources, etc.
Evaluate who might be harmed – employees, contractors, visitors, cleaning staff, etc.
Analyse and evaluate the risk – combining the likelihood of a fire starting with its potential consequences.
Record the findings and implement actions – name the control measures, assign responsibility, and set a timeline.
Review the assessment regularly – ideally annually, or sooner if changes occur.

Risk-Assessment Summary

Area / item	Hazard	Likelihood	Impact	Control Measures	Responsible	Review Date
Warehouse zones	Stacked cardboard + heater nearby	Medium	High	Move heater, remove cardboard from heater zone, install fire detection	Facilities-Team	31 Oct 2025
Electrical panel room	Aging wiring + overloaded circuit	High	High	Engage qualified technician, upgrade wiring, schedule regular inspection	Electrical Contractor	15 Nov 2025
Chemical stock (flammable liquids)	Solvents stored under skylight	Medium	High	Relocate to dedicated flammable-liquid cabinet with signage & ventilation	FM Manager	20 Nov 2025

Key reminders

Ensure your assessment covers flammable liquids and flammable substances because these are among the highest-risk categories.
Don’t overlook electric equipment, many fires stem from faulty wiring or overloads.
Make sure the assessment is not a one-time event. Regular review and training ensures your controls remain effective as conditions change.

Fire Prevention Measures

Why prevention matters

Once you’ve identified the risks (via a risk assessment), the next phase is to implement fire prevention and fire safety measures. A fire that never starts is always better than one you attempt to fight. Prevention reduces disruption, damage to property, risk of injury, and reputational harm.

Core prevention strategies

Install and maintain fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire-suppression systems and emergency lighting.
Conduct regular fire drills so employees know how to respond.
Ensure safe storage and handling of volatile liquids, substances and other combustible materials.
Maintain electrical systems, inspect equipment and remedy defects promptly.
Keep the workplace clean, waste removed, corridors free, exits unobstructed.

Checklist for workplace fire prevention

Are fire alarms tested monthly and linked to the monitoring centre?
Are fire extinguishers (portable and fixed) positioned, labelled and maintained annually (or monthly as required)?
Is there a scheduled evacuation drill at least once per year (or more frequently in high-risk areas)?
Are flammable materials and liquids stored in approved cabinets away from ignition sources?
Is electrical hardware inspected for damage, overloads or heat-stress?
Are ignition sources (hot work, heaters, welding, overly dry land where debris can cause fires) properly supervised and hazards managed?
Are exit procedures established, escape routes clearly marked, and staff trained in their roles?

Prevention in the South African context

South African businesses frequently suffer major losses from fire. A recent article states the dangers:

“Commercial fires the single biggest risk to SA businesses.” Cover

That means your facility or property must be especially diligent and not just adequate. Implementing robust tactics to prevent fire is both proactive risk-management and a business continuity strategy.

Managing Flammable Liquids

Why flammable liquids are high-risk

Working in facilities often involves storage of liquids like petrol, solvents, paint-thinners, cleaning agents, dangerous substances and other flammable chemicals. These can ignite easily and burn into major fires or explosions if mishandled.

Best practices for flammable-liquid management

Use approved, labelled containers and cabinets designed for flammable-liquid stores (metal, self-closing).
Store flammable liquids away from ignition sources (open flames, heaters, hot work).
Limit quantities to the minimum operational requirement.
Provide correct ventilation and signage in storage areas.
Train employees in handling, dispensing and disposal of flammable liquids.
Establish spill-response protocols and equipment.
Ensure compliance with relevant fire safety regulations and standards (e.g., SANS codes in SA).

Essential Risk Assessment Tips

Never store flammable-liquid containers near electrical panels or heaters.
Only trained personnel handle refuelling or transfer of flammable liquids.
Spill-kits and containment trays must be available and maintained.
Inspections for container integrity (no leaks, corrosion) must be scheduled.
Disposal of empty flammable-liquid containers must follow environmental and fire-safety guidelines.

Safe storage practices for flammable liquids reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
Regular training and awareness help employees understand the risks associated with flammable liquids and take necessary precautions.

Flammable-Liquids Storage Classifications (simplified)

Class	Description	Notes
Class 1	Extremely flammable (e.g. petrol)	Store in approved cabinet, no ignition sources
Class 2	Highly flammable (solvents, paint thinners)	Ventilation, limited quantities, signage
Class 3	Combustible liquids (higher flash point)	Similar management, but slightly lower risk

Implementing these assessment rules for significant risks reduces your workplace’s potential and increases the fire safe eligibility, lowering your overall fire-risk profile.

Handling Flammable and Dangerous Substances

What we mean by flammable substances

Beyond liquids, facilities often store or use substances such as gases (propane, acetylene), vapours, dusts, aerosols and other materials. These may contain hidden fire hazards and require specialised management.

Strategies for flammable materials

Store gases in upright cylinders in well-ventilated areas, secured to prevent tipping.
Monitor gas usage and leak detection systems.
Ensure flammable gases are contained and not accumulating in low-lying areas or enclosed spaces.
For combustible dusts (sawdust, packaging) implement housekeeping, dust-extraction and cleaning protocols.
Use explosion-proof equipment in areas where flammable vapours or gases may be present.
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment and safe-handling training for staff.
Include flammable gases in your risk-assessment process because these may ignite far from the original source.

Key Risk Assessment insights

“Understanding the risks associated with flammable vapours and substances is essential for safe storage and handling practices.”

“Increased oxygen concentrations can create conditions that make fires easier to start and harder to extinguish.”

Facilities must not only focus on visible fuel (wood, paper) but also on hidden hazards such as vapours escaping from containers, gases accumulating in poorly ventilated spaces, and soot layering in ceilings or ducts.

Practical tip

Consider conducting a risk assessment “flare-up” simulation that will carry out the following: identify potential fire hazards with flammable-elements storage zones, review ventilation, check for leaks or gas build-up and inspect housekeeping for lint accumulation. This reveals vulnerabilities that standard walk-throughs might miss.

Creating an Evacuation Plan

Why evacuation is critical

Even with the best prevention, a fire may still start. That’s why robust procedures are indispensable. Clear escape routes, trained staff carry out practiced drills can make the difference between orderly exit and chaos, which can save lives and limit injuries.

Components of a strong exit plan

Alerting mechanism (fire alarms, PA system).
Designated escape routes and assembly points.
Clear responsibilities (fire-wardens, evacuation coordinators).
Regular fire drills so employees know what to do.
Accountability system (roll-call at assembly point, reporting).
Review and update the plan when layout, occupancy or processes change.
Communication plan for those with disabilities or mobility issues.

Evacuation plan essentials

Map out at least two escape routes from each zone in your facility.
Mark all escape routes and emergency-exit doors with signage.
Train employees annually (or more often) in evacuation procedures.
Conduct full-scale drills at least once a year (higher-risk sites might do quarterly).
After each drill, document performance, identify shortcomings and adjust the plan accordingly.
Ensure assembly points are outside the building and clear of fire-fighting operations.
Ensure liaison with local fire-service (e.g., Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Fire & Rescue Services or relevant area service) is aware of your site layout and hazards.

Table: Evacuation Procedure Checklist

Item	Completed (Y/N)	Notes
Alarm system tested quarterly
Escape-routes map updated
Assembly point signage visible
Fire-drill held in past 12 months		Date:
Staff trained (new + refresher)		Last session date:
Accountability roll-call system

Key take-away

Having an evacuation plan is not enough, practising it is critical. The difference between “we have procedures” and “staff can reliably execute evacuation” can mean lives saved. In South African settings, where fire-risk is elevated, evacuation readiness is a major differentiator.

Summary

In managing fire safety for facilities in malls, parking garages, office blocks, warehouses or data centres, you are responsible for mitigating fire risk, implementing robust fire safety programmes, and staying compliant with fire safety regulations. Let’s recap the major themes:

Identifying fire hazards: Recognise ignition sources, fuel (flammable materials, flammable liquids, flammable compounds) and conditions (oxygen enriched, poor housekeeping).
Risk assessment: Conduct structured assessments, record findings, implement controls and review regularly.
Fire prevention measures: Invest in fire-alarms, sprinkler/suppression systems, drills, safe-storage and electrical maintenance.
Managing flammable liquids: Store and handle them safely with approved containers, in designated zones, with training and spill-response.
Handling flammable matter: Recognise the risks of gases, vapours, dust in the air, and ensure specialised management and training.
Evacuation procedures: Ensure escape routes, assembly points, well-trained staff, and realistic drills.

Quote

“Staying informed about fire safety and taking proactive precautions can help prevent fires and reduce the risk of harm.”

Why this matters to you

Fires cost South African businesses millions of Rands every year. Cover+1
In many settings, fire-incidents are triggered by preventable causes, these fire risks can be mitigated though management of ageing electrical equipment, poorly stored flammable liquids, inadequate drills.
By embedding a fire safety culture of readiness and working with established specialists like ERF Group you turn fire-safety from a compliance task into a competitive advantage (fewer disruptions, lower insurance premiums, better business continuity).

Actions you can take to secure your Fire Safety

If you manage a facility with any of the fire risk-exposures we’ve discussed, now is the time to act:

Book a full fire-risk assessment with an experienced service provider.
Review your inventory of fire hazards, flammable materials, liquids and substances. Are they stored properly?
Run an evacuation-drill this quarter and capture learning.
Ensure your extinguishers, hydrants, reels and fire-hoses are serviced (many need monthly or annual inspection).
Link to specialists: Find out how the ERF Group can support you with risk assessment, supply and servicing. Contact us here erfgroup.co.za +1

Links & References

Fire Burns Statistics – Children of Fire: South Africa fire-calls & residential injury/fatalities. childrenoffire.org
Risk Know-How: Fire-risk in South Africa’s informal settlements. Risk know-how
Fire Protection Association of South Africa – FIRE Journal June 2024. FPASA
Commercial fires the single biggest risk to SA businesses (Cover). Cover
Fire disaster management in South Africa: stats, dwellings destroyed. wmpllc.org
Safety from Fire at our Homes – Arrive Alive. Arrive Alive
Fire causes in informal settlements (MDPI study). MDPI
ERF Group — About Us & services. erfgroup.co.za +2erfgroup.co.za +2
SA Risk & Vulnerability Atlas – wild-fire data. sarva.saeon.ac.za

Understanding Fire Risk: Essential Safety Measures for Every Workplace