Fire Prevention Strategies for Safer Construction Sites

From 2017 to 2021, fire departments responded to an annual average of 4,440 structure's under construction fires*. Fire prevention is critical in every situation, and this includes on a construction site. There are many opportunities for fires to start on a construction job due to a variation of combustible and flammable materials. Combine this with several ignition sources makes it extremely necessary to provide fire prevention training for all employees on construction sites.

Three Elements to Create Fire
For fire to take place, there must be three elements involved:

1. Heat or an ignition source

2. Fuel

3. Oxygen

Fire is a chemical reaction of these three elements when combined in a specific way to start and continue. Without one of these three elements, fire cannot start or will be extinguished if already burning. This is known as the “fire triangle”.

Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids, such as gasoline or solvents; and flammable gases, such as propane or natural gas can cause unexpected fires and explosions if not handled properly. Other fuel sources include combustible materials, such as wood, paper, trash and clothing are dangerous material that can be found on construction sites.

When handling flammable liquids on construction sites here are some safety tips to consider:

• Properly train employees to help them understand the hazards of flammable liquids and how to use and store them.

• Use only OSHA-approved fuel containers and store flammables in proper locations.

• Post “Flammable No Smoking “signs at storage areas.

• Minimize flammables stored on the jobsite. Only keep those that are being used for that day or week.

• Place fire extinguisher within 50 feet of any flammable liquids or gasses storage area that contain more than 5 gallons/pounds.

• Properly place and secure tanks such as oxygen and acetylene tanks that is under high pressure on a stable base and chained or laying down.

Ignition Sources

There are several possible ignition sources that can ignite a fire or explosion while work is being performed. This may include welding, cutting torches, grinding or cutting steel with an abrasive blade, sparks from poor electrical connections and wiring, and the use of any kind of heat source such as a heat gun.

Here are some things to remember during work:

• When creating sparks, make sure there is no combustible materials in your working area.

• Wear proper fire resistance clothing or covering.

• Keep a fire extinguisher close by.

• Maintain adequate ventilation. Flammable vapors can travel from across a room and can be easily ignited.

• The use of fire blankets can be helpful in many areas including above ceiling work.

• Make sure all electrical cords, wiring, and temporary lighting is properly inspected and insulated.

Good Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is critical for safety and fire prevention. The accumulation of building materials laying around such as wood, paper, cardboard, and other combustible debris can be fuel when ignited by sparks, heat, and cigarettes. Poor house keeping can also hamper a worker’s ability to exit a building or site in an emergency event. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Clean up your work area daily.

• Remove combustible materials and debris when begins to accumulate.

• Keep all exits clear for easy access in an emergency.

Employee Training

OSHA requires that all employees be trained to use fire extinguishers. Training is required upon employment and at least annually thereafter. It is recommended the training session cover how to determine when a fire is too big to handle; what type of extinguisher to use; and the PASS system of early-stage firefighting. It also is recommended that live fire training be conducted periodically (this level of training is not needed each year). Live training exposes employees to the pressure released from a fire extinguisher when the handle is squeezed and provides hands-on practice extinguishing a fire. Some local fire departments and most fire extinguisher suppliers offer this type of training.

All company fire-prevention training sessions should be documented. If an outside organization conducts the training, it would be a good idea to obtain training certificates for the attendees.

* https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/fires-in-structures-under-construction

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/fireprotection.pdf