How to Protect Against Fire Hazards on Construction Sites

It’s nothing new that the development industry has got to affect a spread of hazards. Still, a growing number of construction site fires are drawing attention to the present particular risk in construction.

On average, between 2010 and 2015, firefighter’s skilled quite ten fires each day at buildings under construction in the region. However, Citiguardsecurity professionals have noted an upward trend in significant fire losses at construction sites in recent years, as construction activity has increased within the country.

Fires can occur on any construction project. However, “with more wood-frame structures being built, we’ve noticed a rise in fire losses during construction course,” said Jay Hurin, Technical Director for Travelers Inland Marine Risk Control. “These structures are particularly vulnerable to fires.”

And fires during construction can increase quickly, especially when sprinklers haven’t yet been installed or activated and other flammable materials are present. “These are often precarious situations.” You may know that all it takes is one small spark source to start a severe fire.

With walls often not complete, void spaces can create a structure effect during a fireplace, intensifying the flames. Firefighters could also be unable to securely enter unfinished buildings, which can have unprotected stairwells and other dangerous conditions. Often, they need to require a defensive position to contain the hearth to the development site.

Fire prevention must, for that reason, be a top main concern when planning and managing construction work. Construction sites are at an amplified hazard of fireside due to a variety of things.

The presence of combustible waste materials, hot works processes, solvents, and unfinished electrical systems. There’s also an amplified risk of destruction, trespass, and malicious acts.

The nature of the unfinished building and the storage of building materials on site that are often combustible surges the damage caused once a fireplace takes hold and may pose more significant risks to fireside and rescue teams.

Fire Hazards during Construction

There are several common protection against fire hazards during the development process. Examples include:

Hot work

Hot work operations pose a severe risk because they will introduce ignition sources into many areas of the worksite. Even after many hours of soldering, grinding, welding, or other hot work has been completed, a spark can burn and inflame combustibles, sometimes after crews have left for the evening. Implementing a hot working papers system with a warm fire watch, a minimum 30-minute cool-down period, and assigning a fireplace prevention Program Manager to oversee operations will help you avoid fire.

Temporary Heaters

All kinds of temporary heaters should be UL Listed and utilized by the manufacturer’s instructions. However, keep safe feet from flammable materials and never allow others to bring temporary heaters onto job sites without permission. Heaters should be monitored by employees or security guards for safe operation during use.

Arson

Unsecured construction sites could also be in danger of vandalism, theft, and arson. Having a layered security approach, including perimeter controls, fencing, lighting, electronic intrusion detection systems, and security guards on duty after hours, can help reduce the danger of unauthorized entry to the area.

Smoking

Smoking presents a significant fire risk to any construction site. A strict “no smoking” policy that’s communicated to all or any employees and subcontractors, and providing a delegated safe smoking area, help prevent fireside risks thanks to ash or carelessly discarded cigarettes.

Explosive and Flammable Materials

All flammable and flammable liquids and gases should be used and stored to present a fireplace hazard to the location. Limit the quantity of combustible and flammable materials inside the building under construction and designate safe storage locations.

Cooking

While having an opportunity area on-site is suitable, workers shouldn’t be allowed to bring any cooking equipment, like grills, hot plates, or small microwave ovens, to the development site.

Temporary Electrical and Lighting

It is good to install all temporary electrical service lighting under National Electric Code standards. Systems and lighting should be maintained and frequently inspected by the electrical contractor.

Rechargeable-lithium ion Batteries

Cordless tools and other battery-run equipment present risks of overheating and igniting fires. Charging stations should be outside the building under construction and stored in a safe location.

Lack of Fireside Protection

Until fire sprinklers are activated, having fire extinguishers distributed throughout the location, standpipes for firefighting equipment, and identified proximity to fireside hydrants closest to the worksite, also can help firefighters contain fires and minimize damage. Where provided, automatic sprinklers should be activated as soon as practical as construction progresses.

However, by following the standard for fire prevention during construction, you can reduce fire risk factors related to construction purposes.

As the building or construction continues, taking the time to implement proper fire safety precautions can help protect your construction site and project timeline from delays and prevent unwanted negative publicity.