May 23, 2024
On the Job Safety with Trio: Fire Protection
Welcome to On the Job Safety with Trio. We’re happy to share these key tips on fire protection from our Director of Environmental Health & Safety, Steven Verdi.
Fire Protection
Fire protection on a construction site is highly important for ensuring the safety of workers, neighboring properties, and the environment. This protection includes implementing fire prevention measures such as proper storage of flammable materials, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment, and adherence to local fire safety regulations. Additionally, potential risks can be reduced by having adequate firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, hoses, and sprinkler systems readily available.
Proper training for personnel on fire safety protocols and emergency response procedures is also essential. Regular communication and coordination with local fire departments can further enhance preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a fire emergency. By prioritizing fire protection measures, construction sites can minimize the likelihood of accidents, protect assets, and safeguard the well-being of everyone involved.
Eliminate fire hazards:
- Check for damaged or overloaded electrical outlets, cords, and cables.
- Keep anything that can burn away from electrical equipment.
- Never leave portable heating devices unattended.
- Remove all combustibles from areas where hot work and welding is being done.
- Inspect all tools and equipment for damage before use.
Prepare for emergencies:
- Make sure smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are properly installed and working.
- Have an adequate number and type of fire extinguishers in the office or job site.
- Inspect fire extinguishers monthly.
- Replace, correct, or repair any deficiencies found with fire protection equipment.
- Post clear fire escape plans on every level of a building.
- Teach employees about exit locations, escape routes, and fire protection equipment.
- Train employees on how to use fire extinguishers.
- Have emergency action plans in place.
Inspecting a fire extinguisher:
A faulty fire extinguisher puts lives at risk. To ensure the reliability and efficacy of your extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Agency recommends visual inspection once per month and a yearly maintenance inspection performed by a professional.
A visual inspection can be done by anyone on site, but it is best to have a designated person for this task who can then sign off following inspection. The inspection itself should consist of the following steps, at minimum:
- Make sure the extinguisher is located in its designated place.
- Make sure it is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located.
- Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher.
Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position. - Make sure the extinguisher is full, which can be done by lifting or weighing it.
- For wheeled extinguishers, make sure the condition of the tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle are acceptable.
- For non-rechargeable extinguishers, operate the push-to-test pressure indicators.
*Provided by the NFPA
Using a fire extinguisher
Preparedness is key when it comes to any emergency, particularly fire. When one breaks out, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Ideally, everyone on site should be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher. However, this sometimes tends to not be the case, or people tend to simply forget in moments of high stress.
The NFPA has created a handy mnemonic to help people remember how to operate an extinguisher:
Pull the pin:
Pull the small pin at the base of the trigger to allow operation. It’s there to prevent accidental discharge when not in use.
Aim at the base:
Aim the fire extinguisher’s nozzle low at the base of the fire.
Squeeze trigger:
Squeeze the trigger slowly and evenly.
Sweep:
Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover all areas the fire may have spread to.
Fire protection signage and equipment at the Adventist Health, Shady Grove job site.
In conclusion, implementing fire prevention strategies, maintaining adequate firefighting equipment, providing proper training to personnel, and fostering regular communication with local fire departments significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and mitigates potential risks. Through vigilance, preparedness, and adherence to safety protocols, we can safeguard lives, protect assets, and foster a secure working environment for all.
