Fire prevention safety is very commonly overlooked. However it is of special importance during construction. There are considerably more hazards present during construction than will be present in the completed facility. It is very important to pay constant attention to the fundamentals of fire prevention.
A fire protection plan should be developed for each job site, containing the following information:
• Procedure in place for reporting fires.
• A written description and pictorial site map of all fire-fighting equipment locations which describes each floor. As well as emergency escape procedures and routes.
• Procedure for accounting for all personnel
• Rescue and medical duties, if applicable.
All employees, subcontractors, property owners, and the local fire department should review the fire protection plan. The plan shall also be posted in full view of employees. Fire hazard inspections of the entire site shall be made on a regular basis by the site safety officer or superintendent. Immediate corrections shall be made in the case that any deficiencies are discovered.
• When welding and cutting in locations that include any type of combustible, particular care should be taken. If cutting and welding are to be done, all surrounding areas must be protected with fire resistive material and an adequate number of approved fire extinguishers must be immediately available.
• All flammable and combustible materials shall be stored, piled and handled with due regard to their fire characteristics.
• Flammable liquids must be stored in an approved manner and dispensed only in acceptable safety containers.
• Welding gases shall be stored in isolated areas and segregated by type of gas.
• Debris and rubbish shall not be allowed to accumulate adjacent to any electrical equipment, buildings or structures.
• All personnel shall be trained on the types of fire extinguishers and how to use them.
