Fires at construction sites are a common occurrence that can lead to injuries, fatalities, and property loss. From careless behavior, such as tossing
cigarettes on the ground, to unsafe and improper storage of combustibles, there are several potential causes of construction fires. However, there are steps that managers and employees can take to reduce the risk on construction site fires. Implementing the following construction fire safety codes can help you lower the risk of fires at your work site and keep your employees, business, and property safe.
Fire Safety Codes For Construction Sites
Have a Plan in Case of Emergencies
You should come up with an emergency plan before your construction project begins. In order to create an emergency plan for fires, you should evaluate the work site and determine which areas have the highest risk of fires. Your emergency plan should also include information on what workers should do if a fire breaks out, where emergency exits are located, and where workers and anyone else on site should go in order to remain safe.
All workers should receive training on how to handle this type of emergency to ensure that they are prepared in case a fire occurs. Keep in mind that
emergency exits should be clearly marked, and all workers should take part in fire drills before work begins. This helps lower the risk of injuries and
fatalities in case of a fire.
During your construction project, you should go over your emergency plan and update it as needed. This might include ensuring that new workers receive training or taking additional measures to lower the chance of fires in newly identified high-risk areas.
Set Up Temporary Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems are one of the most effective ways to save lives when fires occur, but construction sites aren’t always able to have permanent alarm
systems installed. Temporary fire alarm systems should be set up instead, so that anyone on site who sees a fire can raise the alarm immediately.
Temporary fire alarm systems can include items such as air horns or manual alarms, as long as all workers on site receive training beforehand to ensure that they recognize what these alarms mean and what to do if they hear them. These manual devices should also be placed in several areas around the work site in spots where workers can easily see and access them. They must also be loud enough to be heard over the sounds of machinery and other equipment on the construction site.
In addition to manual devices, emergency telephones should also be set up in different locations around the work site in order to reach the local fire
department. These phones should have emergency numbers and the construction site address clearly marked on them.
Provide Access To Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers provide workers with a way to put out small fires immediately, which can help prevent them from spreading. Extinguishers should be placed in areas that offer clear access, including near exits and stairways and close to areas that contain combustibles. All workers should undergo
training on how to properly use them. Don’t forget that fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are not damaged.
Plan Placement and Process For Combustibles
Combustible materials carry a higher risk of starting fires at constructions sites and must be handled carefully. The amount of these materials on site at a given time should be kept to a minimum when possible. These materials should be properly stored at a safe distance away from any possible source of ignition. Additionally, fire alarm systems and fire fighting equipment should be kept close to these locations.
Combustible liquids and gases carry the risk of causing explosions and fires. These should be properly stored in safe containers that are kept away from possible sources of ignition. Access to areas where combustible materials, liquids, or gases are stored should be restricted to prevent workers who are untrained in handling these items from access.
Regulate the Use of Open Flames
Open flames should not be used on site if possible either for cooking or waste management. Microwaves and other devices that allow cooking without the use of open flames should be used instead for preparing food on site. For waste management, materials should be taken to a safe off-site location to be burned or disposed of. If heating devices will be used to keep workers warm in cold weather, these should not be ones that have open flames, such as heating drums. Devices such as space heaters can be used instead, but these should not be placed near items that are combustible or flammable.
Protect Your Construction Site From Fire Dangers
Managing the safety of a construction site is a tough job. However, by following these fire safety codes for construction sites, you can keep your employees, property, and business safe from harm. Remember if you building is of a certain height, there may be additional rules and recommendations to follow. Check with your local fire department for more information for your specific area.
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