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In recent years, workshop fire accidents have occurred frequently, each one resulting in tragic casualties and losses. Behind these incidents are often recurring safety hazards. Case 01: Location – a grinding workshop at a company in Wujin District, Changzhou City. Casualties: 8 deaths, 8 injuries. Course of events and cause: At 3:54 a.m. on the day of the incident, the vacuum tube at the bottom of the No. 2 five-axis grinder in the workshop suddenly caught fire; white flames spread rapidly along the passageways, and the No. 6 and No. 3 grinders also caught fire one after another. The personnel on site failed to shut down the equipment in a timely manner; instead, they tried to adjust it in order to resume production. This led to an initial explosion in the No. 1 wet dust collector, and the shock wave caused the aluminum alloy dust accumulated in the workshop to ignite, resulting in multiple successive explosions. The root cause of the accident was the company’s long-term illegal operations: a five-axis grinder that should have used wet grinding was instead operated in dry mode, and the plastic vacuum tubes experienced \"propagating brush discharge\" due to static electricity accumulation” ； The pipeline of the water pump used in the dust collector is blocked, yet no monitoring device has been installed; it operates without water for extended periods of time ； The dust in the workshop is not cleaned out at the end of each shift, resulting in dust layers several centimeters thick inside the equipment and on the floor. Worse still, the landlords and enterprises deliberately concealed the \"factory within a factory\" production model to evade safety regulations, allowing potential hazards to remain out of control. Case 02 Location: Warehouse of a packaging materials company in Yexie Town, Songjiang District. Losses: 1,500 square meters were affected by the fire, resulting in direct economic losses of 6.167 million yuan. Causes: At 17:14 on that day, employee Huang filled metal tanks with ethyl acetate using plastic valve drums, without taking any measures to eliminate static electricity. Just three or four seconds after the operation began, the liquid caught fire suddenly due to static electricity; the spilled flammable liquid formed a spreading fire that rapidly spread throughout the entire warehouse. The investigation found that the company not only lacked explosion-proof tools and static grounding devices, but also illegally stored large quantities of hazardous chemicals in ordinary warehouses. The workers had not received specialized training and were even unaware of the flammability and explosiveness properties of ethyl acetate. The lessor failed to ensure proper safety management at \"Garden within a Garden,\" failing to detect this long-existing serious hazard. Case 03: Location: A workshop of a technology company in the Lingang New Area. Casualties: 3 deaths, 1 serious injury. Course of events and cause: Employees violated operating procedures by adding water to moisten the aluminum-magnesium dust filters while replacing those that had previously experienced flash fires. Semi-dry and semi-wet aluminum powder accumulates heat due to its poor thermal conductivity; when it comes into contact with water, it reacts to produce hydrogen, which ultimately leads to a violent explosion. The shock waves from this explosion destroy equipment and walls. The accident revealed the company’s insufficient understanding of the properties of metal dust: aluminum powder releases heat and can catch fire on its own when in a semi-wet state. The employees failed to follow the requirement of leaving the filters to sit for 1 day, nor did they wear explosion-proof protective equipment, which ultimately led to the disaster as a result of improper handling. Every fire accident can reveal shortcomings in hazard identification, operational procedures, and emergency response. In the cases mentioned above, issues such as electrical faults, improper storage of hazardous materials, and dust accumulation are precisely the key weaknesses in daily safety management in workshops. To help businesses and employees systematically identify risks and acquire the necessary skills, the editor has compiled 50 core questions related to workshop fire safety, covering all aspects including fire lane management, storage of hazardous materials, electrical safety measures, and emergency response. These questions not only serve as a summary of lessons learned from past accidents but also act as practical guides for ensuring production safety. 01: Can miscellaneous items be stored in the fire lanes within production workshops? No, fire exits must remain unobstructed; no debris should be piled there to ensure that people can evacuate quickly in an emergency. How should flammable and explosive chemicals used in production be stored? 02 It should be stored in dedicated explosion-proof warehouses or storage cabinets, away from sources of fire and heat. It must also be stored separately to prevent reactions that may occur as a result of mixing. 03 What actions should be taken immediately upon detecting electrical sparks from production equipment? Immediately cut off the power to the device, stop operations, diagnose and fix the fault, and restart it only after ensuring safety. How often should fire extinguishers in the production workshop be inspected? 04 Check at least once a month to verify that the pressure is normal, and that it has not expired or been damaged, to ensure it is always available. 05 How many meters away from the welding area must there be no flammable materials? Generally, no combustibles should be present within 10 meters; when necessary, fire prevention measures such as isolation and covering must be taken. What should be done if the fire hydrants in the production area are blocked? 06 Obstructions should be removed immediately to ensure there are no barriers around the fire hydrant, allowing for quick access in emergency situations. 07 What should employees do first when they detect an early fire? First, assess the size of the fire. If it is small and can be extinguished on its own, use the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment to put out the fire immediately ； If the fire is large, call the police immediately and organize an evacuation. What is the safe distance between oxygen cylinders and acetylene cylinders used in production? 08 The safety distance between the two should be no less than 5 meters, and it should also be at least 10 meters away from any source of fire. 09 How often should emergency lighting and evacuation signs in the workshop be inspected? Check it once a month to ensure it is in good working condition and can light up properly in the event of a power outage, indicating the evacuation direction. How should flammable waste generated during the production process be handled? 10 Should be cleaned up promptly, stored in dedicated fire-resistant containers, and transported regularly to designated locations for disposal; it must not be piled up casually. 11 Do employees need to know how to use fire extinguishers? Yes, all employees should know how to use fire extinguishers correctly, and companies should organize regular training and drills. Can the fire doors in the production workshop be left open at normal times? 12 No. Fire doors must be kept closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke during a fire, thereby ensuring the safety of evacuation routes. 13 What are the risks of aging wiring in electrical equipment? Aging wires can lead to short circuits and electrical leaks, causing electrical fires; it is necessary to replace aged wires promptly. Is it allowed to smoke in the production area? 14 Smoking is strictly prohibited. The production area is a key fire prevention zone, and smoking there could cause fires; smoking should be done only in the designated smoking areas. 15 How to use a wet towel correctly to cover your mouth and nose in case of a fire? Wet the towel, wring it out until it is half-dry, fold it several times to cover your nose and mouth, and move forward with your head lowered to avoid inhaling toxic smoke. How often are fire drills conducted in the production workshop? 16 It should be carried out at least once a year, using drills to familiarize employees with evacuation routes, the use of fire extinguishing equipment, and emergency response procedures. 17 When using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, which part of the flame should it be aimed at? The base of the flame should be targeted in order to effectively extinguish the fire and prevent it from reigniting. Can the heating equipment used in production continue to operate without supervision? 18 No, heating equipment can cause a fire due to excessive temperatures when left unattended; it must either be monitored by someone or equipped with an automatic power-off mechanism. 19 What qualifications are required for the personnel on duty in the fire control room? Professional training and the corresponding qualification certificates are required; familiarity with the operation of fire-fighting equipment and emergency response procedures is essential, as well as 24/7 manned supervision. What requirements should the width of evacuation passages in production workshops meet? 20 The width of evacuation passages should be determined based on the number of people to be evacuated, and it generally should not be less than 1.1 meters to ensure smooth passage for people. 21 What should be done if fire protection equipment is found to be damaged? It should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities, who will arrange for repairs or replacement; meanwhile, temporary fire prevention measures must be taken to ensure safety. How should flammable liquids such as alcohol used in production be stored after use? 22 It should be stored in a sealed container in a cool and well-ventilated area, away from sources of fire and heat, and should not be stored in large quantities at the work site. 23 Can you use the elevator to escape in case of a fire? No, during a fire the elevator shaft can become a chimney, and the elevators may stop working due to power outages; therefore, one should use the evacuation stairs to escape. What are the hazards of storing flammable materials around the machinery and equipment in a workshop? 24 Machinery and equipment may generate sparks and high temperatures during operation, which can ignite surrounding flammable materials and lead to fires. 25 Who is the person responsible for fire safety in an enterprise? Generally, it is the legal representative or principal person in charge of the enterprise who is fully responsible for the fire safety efforts of that organization. Where should the fire extinguishing sand in the production area be placed? 26 Should be placed near areas prone to fires, such as those where flammable liquids are stored or where welding operations take place, to facilitate quick access for covering and extinguishing fires. What fire safety checks should 27 employees carry out before leaving work? Check that unnecessary power sources and ignition sources are turned off, remove combustible materials from the work area, and ensure that fire-fighting equipment is in good condition. What are “three-in-one” venues, and what are their hazards? 28 A “three-in-one” facility refers to a place where production, storage, and living take place in the same building, which makes fires highly likely to occur and makes escape difficult. 29 What should be noted after using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher to put out a fire? Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers release large amounts of carbon dioxide when used to put out fires, which can cause oxygen deficiency in people. After extinguishing a fire, ventilation should be ensured to prevent people from staying in that area for long periods of time. Can iron bars be installed on the windows of the production workshop? 30 No, unless the iron fences can be opened quickly in emergency situations, otherwise it will hinder evacuation and rescue efforts. 31 Can water be used to extinguish an electrical fire? No, water is a conductor and can cause electric shock; the power supply must be turned off first, after which fire extinguishers such as dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers can be used to put out the fire. What fire safety management systems should enterprises establish? 32 This includes systems for fire inspection and patrol, management regulations for fire facility maintenance, safety management regulations for the use of fire and electricity, fire emergency response plans, etc. 33 How should leaks of flammable gases used in production be handled? Immediately close the gas supply valve, open doors and windows for ventilation; it is strictly prohibited to turn on electrical appliances or use open flames. Evacuate people to a safe area and then call the police. Can obstacles be placed on fire evacuation routes? 34 No, the evacuation routes must remain unobstructed; no organization or individual shall place obstacles in their way. What are the “four capabilities” of fire safety that employees should memorize? Assess the ability to eliminate fire hazards, the ability to organize the suppression of incipient fires, the ability to organize the evacuation of people, and the capacity for fire safety awareness and training. What type of material should be used for the ceiling in the production workshop? 36 Non-flammable or fire-retardant materials should be used, and flammable materials should be avoided to prevent the spread of fire through the ceiling in case of a fire. 37 What should be done if it is discovered that someone is performing welding work illegally in the production area? Stop it immediately and report to management; illegal welding operations can lead to serious fire accidents. What does it mean when the pressure gauge on a fire extinguisher points to the red area? 38 Indicates that the fire extinguisher has insufficient pressure and cannot be used properly; it should be replaced or refilled promptly. 39 What dangers can dust generated during production (such as flour, aluminum powder) pose? When dust reaches a certain concentration in the air, it may explode upon contact with a fire source; therefore, measures such as dust removal and anti-static controls are necessary. What is the fire alarm phone number? What information should be provided when reporting a police incident? 40 The fire emergency number is 119. When reporting a fire, it is necessary to indicate the location of the fire, the materials burning, the intensity of the fire, whether there are people trapped, as well as the reporter’s name and contact information. 41 How often should the fire pump in the production workshop be started for testing? The fire pump should be started once a month for testing to ensure it is operating properly and that the water pressure meets the required standards. What should employees do if their clothes catch fire while trying to escape a fire? 42 Roll on the ground immediately to smother the flames; never run, as running will intensify the fire. 43 What should be done if the explosion-proof lighting fixtures in the production area are damaged? It should be immediately replaced with an explosion-proof lamp of the same type; ordinary lamps must not be used as a substitute to prevent sparks from causing an explosion. Must new employees in a company receive fire safety training when they start working there? 44 Yes, new employees must receive fire safety training upon joining the company, so as to understand the fire hazards associated with their position as well as the appropriate fire prevention measures. 45 How should the hoses and nozzles of fire hydrants be stored? They should be neatly rolled up inside the fire hydrant cabinet to ensure easy access, with the hoses in good condition and the nozzles intact. How should a fire in an oil pan used in production be extinguished? 46 The heat source should be turned off immediately; cover the oil pan with a lid or pour in some chopped cold vegetables. Do not use water, as this can cause the oil to splash and intensify the fire. 47 In which direction should the doors of evacuation stairwells open? It should open in the direction of evacuation, that is, outward, to facilitate quick evacuation of people and prevent the door from being blocked by a crowded crowd. What functions should an emergency broadcast system in a production workshop have? 48 Should be able to open automatically or manually in case of a fire, playing evacuation instructions and alerts clearly to guide people to evacuate in an orderly manner. 49 What are fire hazards? What should be done when a fire hazard is detected? Fire hazards refer to various potential safety risks that may cause a fire or increase the severity of a fire. Once identified, corrective actions should be taken immediately; if immediate correction is not possible, a corrective plan should be developed and preventive measures implemented. What should be done with the containers of flammable chemicals after production is completed? 50 The lid should be kept tightly closed to prevent vapor leakage, and it should be stored in a designated safe location with proper labeling. Fire safety in workshops is by no means just a slogan; it is a defense system built through every circuit inspection, every proper operation, and every emergency drill. Hidden dangers are more perilous than open flames, and prevention is better than disaster relief. It is hoped that every enterprise will use such accidents as a lesson, making “safety first” a fundamental principle in its operations in order to protect lives and property