by Brianna Crandall — August 15, 2014—According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), summer fires rank second in incidence rates compared to other seasons, averaging almost 5,000 fires per day. With summer in full swing, Cintas Corporation, provider of fire protection services, recently announced six fire safety tips to prevent the likelihood of a fire in high temperatures.
“During the summer, we are most concerned with fire hazards associated with fireworks,” said Jamie Samide, Senior Director of Marketing, Cintas. “However, grills, camp fires and other items that are in high use during warm temperatures can also pose additional risks. No matter the time of the year, facility managers should continuously audit their facility for potential risk areas and have an ongoing fire protection program in place to address concerns.”
Cintas suggests keeping the following tips in mind to keep a facility safe from a fire in the summer:
- Properly maintain air conditioner (A/C) units — Dust can settle over electrical components, such as capacitors, and cause tracking faults, which can result in a fire. Additionally, running multiple A/C units consistently and at the same time for long periods of time can cause the units to overload and generate excess heat, resulting in a fire.
- Properly maintain exhaust fans — Clean exhaust fans regularly and clear any debris that may build up in the vents to prevent fires from starting. Also, just like A/C units, avoid running exhaust fans consistently for a long period of time.
- Properly maintain lawn mowers — For FMs in charge of a facility’s landscaping responsibilities, make sure to follow proper lawn mower maintenance schedules. Regularly remove debris and grass clippings from cutting units, mufflers and engines, and never fuel a lawn mower if it is overheated.
- Properly store gas cylinders — High ambient temperatures in addition to relief valves that open at too low of a pressure can increase the risk of fires. Always store gas cylinders upright, and never store them indoors.
- Practice grilling safety — If there are grills on-site, keep them away from facilities and overhanging branches. The USFA states there should be a “safe zone” of three feet around the grill. Regularly clean them by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below the grilling component. Never leave a grill unattended.
- Check facility fire alarms — Keep all fire protection equipment up-to-date and in good working order. Test all fire alarms to make sure they will properly detect a fire and notify building occupants. Replace any old or burned-out batteries. Consider working with a certified fire protection provider to create a streamlined fire protection program and keep track of all required maintenance and inspection schedules.
“With each new season comes a new set of hazards,” added Samide. “We hope by keeping these tips in mind, facility managers and their building occupants can enjoy the remaining summer months ahead of us.”
Cintas offers Fire Protection Services to ensure that facilities are properly equipped to face fire emergency and compliants with all applicable regulatory codes.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types, primarily throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom cleaning and supplies, tile and carpet cleaning, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services and document management services for more than 1 million businesses.
