If you just finished your degree and graduated from university to start a startup, you’ll have a lot on your mind.
There are so many things to do when you set up a new business.
One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether your startup office is fire-safe.
Are you meeting building regulations, or are you going to get into trouble if you have an audit?
Let’s take a look
Check daisy chained power strips
It’s easy to daisy-chain power strips when you’re in an office that isn’t quite built for your purposes.
There might not be enough outlets along the wall, so you’re plugging one extension cord into another to support all of your computers and equipment.
If you draw too much current through thin wires, it can cause them to overheat and ignite.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to install more outlets.
You can either go to the building manager or get your landlord to add fittings for you.
Kitchenette appliance overload
It’s a similar story in the kitchen.
Many startups get into problems when they connect a premium espresso machine, toaster, and high-wattage microwave to the same outlet and then run them simultaneously.
Make sure that all of your heavy appliances have a dedicated circuit.
This is particularly important for large printers, dishwashers, and anything else that draws a lot of power.
If you don’t get this right, you may do more than just burn your toast in the morning.
You could initiate a fire that starts behind the walls in your kitchen and then makes its way through the drywall and into the building itself.
Hidden or expired extinguishers
Be sure that you always audit your extinguishers to make sure they’re up-to-date and ready to use.
Many office spaces have extinguishers, but they aren’t always functional.
You should always check the dial on them to see if the pressure is within an acceptable range.
Make sure you also inspect any fire curtains on the premises.
These should function reliably in response to a fire situation.
Exit routes being used for storage
Be sure you’re not using your exit routes for storage.
Many startups and new businesses use their corridors and hallways for things like whiteboard stands, office chairs, and banners.
This means that they often block secondary exits to your workplace or premises.
Remember that regulations state that emergency paths need to remain 100% clear at all times.
If a room fills with smoke, it will be hard for people to exit the building if their path out of it is filled with clutter and things getting in the way.
Space heaters on fabric
Lastly, be especially careful with space heaters and fabric in your office startup.
Space heaters are great during the winter when you’re trying to keep everybody warm and you’re on a budget.
If you place them on fabric, the risk of fire increases significantly.
Synthetic carpets are particularly prone to igniting.
Therefore, if you allow space heaters on your property, they should have an automatic shut-off switch in case they tip over.
Hope you’ve found our article, Is Your Startup Office Fire-Safe? useful.
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