Housekeeping Practices

Good housekeeping is good business!

Poor housekeeping contributes to the threat of a fire occurring and for a small fire to grow big for several reasons:

  1. Areas where ignition can occur are increased, thus causing a small/originating fire.
  2. A continuity of combustibles may allow a small fire to spread and easily grow larger.
  3. The greater the amount of combustible material (fuel load) the greater the size of a possible fire.
  4. Accumulation of dust, lint, flammable liquids and oil residues etc. allow for easy ignition, the possibility of a "flash" or fast spreading fire and possibly and explosion.
  5. In some cases the possibility of spontaneous ignition may develop.

Good housekeeping practices require a commitment to establish suitable standards and a system to ensure the continued effectiveness of housekeeping efforts and expectations. Housekeeping is NOT simply limited to proper handling of waste and trash, but involves both cleanliness and order.

Waste, Trash and Debris Control:

 Noncombustible (metal) waste containers are preferred over combustible containers such as plastic. However, special "self-extinguishing" type plastic, as well as metal, containers are available. Such containers should be listed by a recognized third party testing firm.

 Combustible wastes and debris should be frequently discarded. Typical waste materials should routinely be collected and discarded. All trash receptacles should be emptied at the close of business.

 Combustible materials associated with packaging related to new equipment, merchandise; etc. should be promptly discarded.

 Materials should always be disposed of in the proper manner. For example, rags containing residue of combustible liquids should be placed in special waste cans which have self-closing covers.

Order, Arrangement of Storage and Operations:

 Avoid overcrowding and clutter. This can present several problems. For example staging storage within and aisle between storage racks or shelf units in a warehouse or stockroom can help a fire originating in one rack to quickly spread to another. At the same time, the blocked aisles, corridors or doors can block needed escape/evacuation routes or hamper access for fire fighting.

 Keep all exit doors and corridors clear. Never place equipment or storage in fire or smoke door openings. Special doors that are intended to automatically close in the event of a fire to prevent the spread of fire and/or smoke could be blocked open.

 Keep combustible materials such as waste, storage, etc. away form ignition sources such as electrical equipment, machinery, cooking equipment, heaters or other heat producing objects.

 Maintain clear access to fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, etc.

 

 

 

Commercial/Business Series - Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau