Accidents happen at home and at work during the most mundane tasks. However, following proper fire safety guidelines is your first step toward preventing devastating loss. In this claims story, a fire sparked by an overloaded electrical outlet caused major building damage. Read on to learn exactly what happened.
Overlooking Fire Safety Guidelines Costs a Business
An employee used an extension cord to plug a power washer into a busy electrical outlet. This single outlet already powered multiple other devices. Next, he ran the power washer all afternoon to clean the building’s exterior. In total, he operated the machine for about four hours.
Unfortunately, a fire started inside the building later that afternoon. The flames went undetected and quickly spiraled out of control. Ultimately, the fire destroyed the entire structure. Experts concluded the power washer overloaded the circuit and sparked the blaze. This costly mistake highlights exactly why strict fire safety guidelines are so important for every workplace.
Thankfully, no customers or workers suffered injuries. Still, the estimated rebuilding costs hit roughly $500,000. Furthermore, this massive figure excludes the business income lost during the lengthy construction process.
Preventing Losses
Always follow manufacturer recommendations when tackling projects at home or on the job. Specifically, pay close attention to power usage limits and extension cord ratings. Implementing standard fire safety guidelines can save lives, protect your property, and keep your business running smoothly.
Disclaimer:
While based on an actual Kapnick client’s insurance claim, details of this story have been changed to protect privacy.
