A construction site can be a chaotic place. Thus, it is important to eliminate any potential for further chaos in a construction site. Fires can be very injurious and damaging to both construction workers and the environment. That is why awareness of fire safety is a necessity. The cost for prevention is much less than the cost for intervention.
Listed below are some examples of common fire hazards and ways to practice fire safety around them.
Combustible Materials
Storing combustible material away from other hazards is a practice of fire safety.
Woodworking
Unkempt woodwork can be a fire hazard. Regularly removing refuse, dust, and scraps is a wise fire safety practice.
Storage and Usage of Flammable Liquids
Fuels, solvents, paints, and adhesives are examples of flammable liquids commonly used on a construction site. A common fire safety practice to utilize around flammable liquids is proper maintenance of storage and ventilation.
Electrical
Make sure over-current protective devices are in good condition. Also, make sure devices have been inspected and meet the guidelines of the National Electrical Code.
Combustible Refuse
All combustible refuse including scraps, packaging, and waste should be removed from the construction site regularly. Oily rags should be placed in a separate metal waste can.
Smoking
Smoking on a construction site is a potential hazard. Make certain no one smokes while on a work site. To ensure rules are established, making a “no smoking” sign may be helpful.
Practicing Prevention
There are also ways to ensure fire prevention practices are followed prior to involvement on a new construction site. Construction workers should be prepared for a potential incident prior to its occurrence. This will ensure less damage if there is potentially a situation on the site involving fire. Suggested below are several ways to help prepare and prevent a fire on a construction site prior to beginning a construction project.
Check Automatic Sprinklers.
Inspecting automatic sprinklers before starting a job could ease a disaster. Hire a professional to inspect automatic sprinklers, and if they are not working ensure you repair any damage. Sprinklers could be very helpful if a small fire starts. Sprinklers could be the difference between a small and big fire.
Prepare a Fire Prevention and Extinguish Plan
Assess potential hazards on a construction site and prepare a fire prevention plan around those hazards. Make sure everyone involved in the construction project is aware of the prevention plan and how to follow it. Also, prepare an extinguish plan to eliminate a potential disaster from growing. Preparing ahead of time can make an ample difference in how a fire situation is handled.
Equipment Maintenance
Before anyone is placed to work on a construction site it is of utmost importance that all safety equipment is inspected and repaired. Furthermore, it is essential that all safety equipment is provided to construction staff to ensure they are as safe as possible when working in a hazardous environment.
If you’d like more information about safety on construction sites, contact T.F. Harper & Associates LP in Austin, TX.
