Fire Hazards in Construction
Common Fire Causes
- Electrical issues (damaged cords, overloaded circuits)
- Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding)
- Flammable liquids and gases
- Smoking materials
- Temporary heating devices
- Combustible materials (wood, paper, cardboard)
- Equipment malfunctions
- Spontaneous combustion of oily rags
High-Risk Construction Activities
- Roofing operations with hot tar
- Welding near combustible materials
- Cutting or grinding producing sparks
- Painting and chemical applications
- Demolition exposing hidden ignition sources
- Temporary electrical installations
- Fuel transfers and refueling operations
Understanding Fire
Fire Triangle
A fire needs three elements to exist:
- Fuel (wood, paper, flammable liquids)
- Heat (spark, flame, hot surface)
- Oxygen (air)
Remove any one element and the fire will go out.
Classes of Fire
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth)
- Class B: Flammable liquids and gases
- Class C: Energized electrical equipment
- Class D: Combustible metals
- Class K: Cooking oils and fats (rarely on construction sites)
Fire Prevention Measures
Housekeeping
- Keep work areas clean and free of debris
- Dispose of waste materials regularly
- Store oily rags in metal containers with self-closing lids
- Keep exit paths clear at all times
- Don't allow trash to accumulate, especially near ignition sources
- Clean up spills immediately
Flammable and Combustible Materials
- Store flammable liquids in approved containers
- Keep only minimum amounts in work areas
- Maintain proper ventilation around storage areas
- Keep ignition sources away from storage areas
- Clearly mark containers with contents
- Separate incompatible materials
- Bond and ground containers when transferring flammables
Hot Work Safety
- Obtain permits for hot work when required
- Remove combustibles from area or protect with fire-resistant covers
- Assign a fire watch during and after hot work
- Keep fire extinguishers readily available
- Check area for 30-60 minutes after work is complete
- Schedule hot work during less busy times when possible
Electrical Fire Prevention
- Inspect cords and tools before each use
- Don't overload outlets or circuits
- Use proper extension cords for construction
- Keep electrical panels clear (minimum 3 feet)
- Turn off equipment when not in use
- Protect temporary wiring from damage
- Use GFCI protection
Temporary Heating
- Keep heating devices away from combustible materials
- Set heaters on stable, level surfaces
- Turn off when unattended
- Provide proper ventilation for fuel-burning heaters
- Follow manufacturer's instructions
- Inspect for damage before use
Fire Protection Equipment
Fire Extinguishers
- Must be available within 100 feet of travel
- Minimum 2A rating for general protection
- 10B rating for flammable liquid areas
- Must be accessible and visible
- Must be inspected monthly (visual check)
- Must be serviced annually (by qualified person)
- Placed near exits when possible
Extinguisher Types
- Water (Class A): For ordinary combustibles
- Dry Chemical (Class ABC or BC): Most common on construction sites
- Carbon Dioxide (Class BC): For electrical and flammable liquid fires
- Class D: Special extinguishers for metal fires
- Class K: For cooking fires (rarely needed on construction)
Fire Extinguisher Use (PASS method)
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
When NOT to Fight a Fire
- The fire is spreading beyond the initial stage
- You don't have adequate or appropriate equipment
- You might inhale toxic smoke
- Your instincts tell you not to
- There's a risk of explosion
- Your exit path could be compromised
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- May be required on some construction projects
- Temporary systems during construction of high-rises
- Must be tested regularly
- All workers should be familiar with alarm sounds
- Know how to manually activate alarms
- Directly connect to monitoring service when possible
Emergency Response Planning
Fire Emergency Plan
- Establish clear evacuation procedures
- Designate assembly points
- Assign evacuation wardens
- Post emergency numbers
- Conduct regular fire drills
- Document all emergency plans
- Review and update as site conditions change
Evacuation Procedures
- Stop work immediately when alarm sounds
- Shut down equipment if safe to do so
- Leave the building using nearest exit
- Don't use elevators
- Report to designated assembly area
- Account for all workers
- Never re-enter until authorized
Emergency Access
- Maintain clear access for fire department
- Keep fire lanes open
- Ensure fire hydrants remain accessible
- Post site address visibly for emergency responders
- Have someone meet fire department to direct them
Special Considerations
Multi-Story Construction
- Provide at least one stairway at all times
- Install standpipes as construction progresses
- Ensure exits are clearly marked
- Consider temporary sprinkler systems
- Add additional extinguishers at higher levels
Underground Construction
- Provide special ventilation requirements
- Monitor air quality regularly
- Establish clear emergency evacuation routes
- Use only approved lighting and electrical equipment
- Have redundant communication systems
Demolition Sites
- Shut off all utilities before starting
- Check for hazardous materials before beginning
- Remove combustible debris daily
- Maintain extra fire watches
- Have additional extinguishers readily available
OSHA Requirements
Fire Prevention Responsibilities
- Develop fire protection program for each job site
- Train employees on fire hazards and prevention
- Conduct regular inspections for fire hazards
- Maintain fire suppression equipment
- Ensure clear access to firefighting equipment
Training Requirements
- All workers must know fire hazards of materials they work with
- Training on fire extinguisher use
- Understanding evacuation procedures
- Reporting fire emergencies
- Specific training for fire watch duties