Causes of company fires: how to avoid them
A fire can destroy in minutes what a company has taken years to build. In Cameroon as elsewhere, fires in business premises are often due to avoidable causes: lack of maintenance, dilapidated installations, or lack of prevention.
For business owners, craftsmen or traders in Douala, it is essential to be aware of the main causes of fires to better protect their offices, warehouses or workshops. This article gives you the right reflexes to adopt, while improving your comfort and safety, particularly when it comes to air conditioner installation in Douala or split air conditioning maintenance.
⚠️ What are the most common causes of fire in the workplace?
- Electrical installation faults
An old or poorly maintained electrical installation is the main cause of fire in business premises. This includes :
- Overloaded or undersized cables,
- Loose connections that create sparks,
- Lack of differential circuit breakers or earthing.
Tip: Have your installation checked by a qualified professional at least every 5 years.
- Faulty or misused electrical equipment
Chargers, power strips, computers, industrial machines or split air conditioners: all these items of equipment can cause a fire to start if they are:
- Damaged,
- Clogged with dust,
- Overheated (e.g. blocked fan, poor ventilation),
- Used without following instructions.
Tip: Regularly service your equipment, including your air conditioning systems in Cameroon.
- Lack of preventive maintenance
Many companies do not have a regular maintenance plan. This applies to :
- Electrical installations,
- Air conditioning equipment,
- Fire extinguishers or alarms.
Tip: Set up a regular maintenance schedule, including air split maintenance and installation checks.
- Storing flammable products
In workshops or warehouses, certain products (paints, solvents, paper, fuels…) can promote the spread of fire if stored without care.
Tip: Store flammable materials in a dedicated, ventilated area, away from any source of heat or current.
- Human inattention
A charger left plugged in, a cigarette put out incorrectly, an appliance left on standby at the end of the day… Human error is a major risk factor.
Tip: Raise your employees’ awareness of fire prevention on a regular basis, and implement a secure closing procedure at the end of the day.
Fire prevention: simple gestures that save
✅ Have your circuit breakers, sockets, switches checked.
✅ Don’t plug several powerful appliances into the same power strip.
✅ Maintain your split air conditioner (clean filters, check fluid, keep motor running smoothly).
✅ Equip your premises with working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
✅ Entrust electrical and air-conditioning work to qualified professionals.
A well-thought-out installation = a safe business
A well-protected business against fire is also a more reliable and sustainable business. From bringing your electrical installation up to standard to air conditioning installation in Douala, via preventive maintenance, every gesture counts.
Call on RCK DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES
Are you located in Douala or any other city in Cameroon?
RCK DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES can help you with:
- Securing your electrical installation,
- Installation and maintenance of split air conditioners,
- Preventive maintenance of your equipment,
- Video surveillance and electronic protection solutions for your business premises.
Protect your business against fire with professional, durable, made-to-measure solutions. Contact us today for a free diagnosis !