Lesson 3 – Preventing Fires in Offices and During Property Visits

3.1 Good housekeeping

Good housekeeping can reduce fire risk.

Employees should:

• Remove waste regularly;
• Avoid excessive storage;
• Keep corridors and stairs clear;
• Store paper away from heat;
• Keep electrical cupboards clear;
• Avoid blocking ventilation;
• Keep kitchens clean;
• Deal with spillages appropriately;
• Avoid leaving combustible waste outside buildings; and
• Report unsafe accumulation of materials.

3.2 Safe electrical use

Employees should:

• Use approved office equipment;
• Check equipment visually before use;
• Avoid overloading sockets;
• Avoid connecting extension leads together;
• Use the correct charger;
• Keep liquids away from electrical equipment;
• Switch off equipment in accordance with office procedures;
• Report damaged items;
• Keep cables away from escape routes; and
• Follow portable-appliance inspection arrangements.

3.3 Cooking and kitchen areas

Staff should:

• Never leave cooking unattended;
• Keep combustible materials away from hobs and toasters;
• Clean grease and food residue;
• Avoid using unauthorised appliances;
• Report defective equipment;
• Switch appliances off after use; and
• Follow the office kitchen rules.

If a cooking fire occurs, employees should raise the alarm and evacuate. They should not take unnecessary risks or use water on burning oil or electrical equipment.

3.4 Combustible materials

Combustible materials may include:

• Paper;
• Cardboard;
• Furniture;
• Fabrics;
• Packaging;
• Cleaning materials;
• Aerosols;
• Paint;
• Solvents;
• Fuel;
• Waste; and
• Some office supplies.

These materials should be stored:

• Away from ignition sources;
• In appropriate containers;
• In designated areas;
• In sensible quantities;
• Away from exits and corridors; and
• In accordance with product instructions and the risk assessment.

3.5 Smoking and naked flames

Smoking and vaping rules must be followed.

Employees should not:

• Smoke in prohibited areas;
• Leave smoking materials carelessly;
• Use candles in the office;
• Use unapproved naked flames; or
• Permit smoking waste to accumulate near combustible materials.

3.6 Property visits

During a viewing or inspection, an employee should not:

• Ignore an active burning smell;
• Continue an appointment where smoke is present;
• Enter a smoke-filled area;
• Touch exposed wiring;
• Attempt to investigate a suspected gas leak;
• Remain where alarms are sounding;
• Block open fire doors; or
• Move dangerous materials without training.

Where there is an immediate danger, the employee should leave, warn others where safe, raise the alarm and contact emergency services.

3.7 Vacant properties

Vacant properties may present increased risks from:

• Arson;
• Unauthorised occupation;
• Damaged electrical systems;
• Accumulated waste;
• Vandalism;
• Missing fire equipment;
• Blocked access;
• Unsecured doors and windows; or
• Contractors carrying out hot work.

Employees should follow the relevant vacant-property and lone-working procedures.

3.8 Contractors

Contractors may introduce fire risks through:

• Welding;
• Soldering;
• Cutting;
• Grinding;
• Roofing equipment;
• Temporary heaters;
• Electrical tools;
• Flammable substances; or
• Disabling fire alarms.

Hot work requires appropriate controls. Employees should not authorise high-risk work unless permitted under MyEstate’s contractor-management procedure.

Lesson 3 key point

Good housekeeping, safe electrical practices and control of combustible materials prevent many fires before an emergency develops.