MEDIA RELEASE
Wormald issues fire safety reminder to businesses
13 June 2012: With the onset of winter and short, colder days, fire protection specialist Wormald is warning businesses to be extra
vigilant about using portable heaters and electrical appliances in the workplace.
According to Peter Fermor, general manager with Wormald, “Regardless of what industry you’re in, electrical fire hazards
exist in almost every workplace. These hazards can increase during the winter months as a result of the increased use of
electrical heaters and other equipment. We would advise against the use of portable heaters; however, if they are in
use, it is important that they have been adequately serviced and are in proper working order.”
Fire costs New Zealand an average of $50million * per year in commercial property damage alone. This excludes the costs
associated with loss of output due to damage, as well as direct or indirect injury costs.
Fermor continues, “Fire can impact businesses with significant costs resulting from personal injuries, damage to plant
and property and lengthy downtimes. Being adequately prepared is vital and can help to minimise such impacts. It is
essential that business owners and managers identify and assess all fire hazards in their workplace and understand the
level of risk associated with those hazards.
'Almost all electrical equipment is potentially hazardous and can cause serious injury or damage if improperly used or
maintained. Many workplace fires can be attributed to malfunctions in electrical equipment due to overworking,
inappropriate use, inadequate ventilation or overheating, neglect, ageing or lack of maintenance.”
Wormald recommends the following to help reduce the risk of electrical fires in the workplace:
• If using portable fan heaters, avoid placing them under desks or in enclosed spaces. The heat from these units can
cause paper or other combustible material to catch on fire or melt the insulation around electrical appliances.
• Multi-way outlets and extension cords are often used in the workplace due to the number of devices and machines
operating at any one time. Do not overload electrical circuits and extension cords as such overloads can result in a
fire.
• The use of unsafe, poorly maintained and/or poor quality electrical appliances should be avoided as they can develop
electrical shorts which could result in a fire. Careful attention should be given to the condition of equipment and
extension cords, including regular maintenance and testing by qualified tradespeople. All appliances should be turned
off when not in use.
• Replace any electrical tool or apparatus if it causes even the smallest electrical tingle/shock, shows evidence of
overheating, shorts out (e.g. trips a circuit breaker), or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Electrical office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners and shredders should be checked and tested regularly
to ensure their power cords are not defective, frayed or improperly connected. Cords should never be placed on or near
hot surfaces, such as radiators, or fastened to walls or windows or pushed tightly against or behind furniture such that
the cord could become acutely bent, compressed or damaged.
• Working on "live equipment" is a serious hazard. Before cleaning, adjusting or applying flammable solutions,
electrical machines should be disconnected.
• Combustible material such as cardboard boxes and paper should not be stored or allowed to build up in inappropriate
locations near sources of heat or ignition.
Wormald provides a wide range of fire safety products from portable fire equipment to large scale fire detection and
suppression systems for commercial and industrial facilities. Wormald also offers a number of fire safety training
courses for businesses ranging from the use of fire extinguishers to first aid training to comprehensive warden
training. For more information on Wormald products and services, call 0800 4 WORMALD or visit www.wormald.co.nz .
-Ends-
*The Cost of Managing the Risk of Fire in New Zealand: Report by BERL for The New Zealand Fire Service Commission 2005
About Wormald
Wormald is a leading provider of fire protection solutions, protecting people and property since 1889. Wormald designs,
manufactures, installs and services fire detection and protection equipment for a wide variety of industries including
building and construction, mining, healthcare, defence, oil & gas, leisure management, corporate, education and IT Wormald also provides a comprehensive range of fire services from engineering advice to fire safety training www.wormald.co.nz
About Tyco Fire Protection Services
Tyco Fire Protection Services (TFPS) is a business segment of Tyco International Ltd. Its major brands include Wormald,
Vigilant, Simplex Time Solutions, Exelgard and GAAM Emergency Products. TFPS employs approximately 1,500 personnel in
Australia, New Zealand and Fiji and its products are used to detect and suppress fires, safeguard firefighters and
protect people and property.