In season five of “The Office,” receptionist Pam famously started a passive-aggressive note battle in a vain attempt to get her co-workers to clean the office kitchen’s microwave. It was a situation that wasn’t too far away from reality. In 2017, Bon Appétit magazine devoted an entire article to office microwave etiquette rules.
But cleanliness aside, there are some serious safety concerns regarding the office kitchen. According to a report published by the National Fire Protection Association, office fires in the pre-pandemic era accounted for over $112 million in damages. Of those fires, 29% were started by cooking equipment in office kitchens.
In September, public policy and advocacy organization the Partnership for New York City reported that the percentage of Gotham’s office workers returning to onsite work in either a full-time or hybrid capacity jumped from 38% in the spring to nearly 50%. According to their survey of over 160 major Manhattan office employers, those numbers are expected to climb into 2023. With increased and increasing foot traffic to the office a reality, now is an excellent time to consider some potential electrical hazards that extend past the office kitchen.
Heat and Paper Don’t Mix Well
Even in today’s digital age, offices generate a lot of paper. Law firms are particularly guilty of this offense. If you’re walking around with a folder of papers for review, be sure to keep them away from any heat-generating equipment like kitchen toasters or space heaters.
Keep Your Equipment Updated and Watch Those Frays
A major cause of electrical fires is outdated or faulty equipment. Keep your computers, printers, monitors, photocopiers, fax machines, etc., current and up to code. Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord, which can send heat onto flammable objects like curtains and rugs that can start a fire.
Never Jerry-Rig Cables
Mishandling power cords is another cause of a lot of office electrical fires. Some people think that removing the grounding plug from a cord so it can be used in a two-prong electrical outlet is a good idea. It’s not. The reason why cables have the extra prong is so they can be only used in outlets that can handle the amount of electricity that the equipment draws.
Know Your Power Strips’ Limitations
If you’re using a power strip with a surge protector and that power strip trips, you’ve got the wrong item(s) plugged in. Also, be sure to never plug in a space heater or other heavy energy-drawing appliances into a power strip. Those items should only ever be connected to grounded outlets that aren’t shared with other plugs.
Ensuring electrical safety in the office is crucial for the well-being of employees and the smooth operation of your business. PK Electric NYC, a trusted team of electrical contractors, offers expert electrical panel wiring and commercial electrician services to help maintain a safe workplace environment. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, our team has you covered. Additionally, our residential electrical services extend to contractor home renovations, providing comprehensive electrical solutions for all your needs. Remember, electrical safety is a shared responsibility, so follow these tips and prioritize the well-being of your office: regularly inspect electrical systems, avoid overloading outlets, and hire a reputable electrical contractor for any repairs or installations.
If you’re concerned that your workplace may have inadequate outlets or faulty wiring, call PK & Altman Electric. We’re available for both routine inspections and emergency repairs 365 days a year. Fast, professional, fully trained, and committed to customer service, our business has thrived in the highly competitive New York market for decades thanks not only to our expertise when handling large projects, but also our willingness to respond quickly when emergencies arise.
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