Why AC units must be included in fire risk assessments

During the summer months it’s only natural that responsible employers like to keep their members of staff happy by providing quality air conditioning. However, it’s absolutely vital that you keep your AC unit properly maintained. If you don’t then it could become a fire hazard.

Air conditioning units are a common cause of fire in offices during summer. It’s not a question of stopping using your air conditioning – it’s just a question of having the right people in to clean them and address faults frequently. This way you can be sure that you’re not running any risk by having the AC unit running day-in day-out.

There is a side-issue related to air conditioning and fire incidents. Since air conditioning units are all about increasing the flow of air around the building, they are actually very good at feeding fires when the break out and helping them spread. It’s very important that they are included in risk assessments and that their shutdown is part of the measures employed to control a fire when it breaks out.

It’s all food for thought as the summer draws on and businesses continue to have sustained need of their AC units.