Fire safety on the construction site is an essential part of the work routines. The tools, chemicals, electrical wiring, and materials used on a daily basis to get the work done can quickly become hazardous if proper procedures are not followed.
Part of keeping sites safe is the use of fire retardant materials. Fire sleeves and blankets, heat resistant sealants, tape and ropes provide essential safeguards for preventing flammable events from occurring. Strict regulations are also in place to ensure the safety and well being of the people on and around the area. While there are standard health and safety protocols, staff can take other steps to keep their worksite free of fires or other accidents.
1. Develop Good Working Habits
Developing good working habits is one of the first things you can do to ensure the safety and wellbeing of yourself and those around you. While it can be easier and less time consuming to take short cuts with certain jobs, those small tricks-of-the-trade methods can lead to bigger, more dangerous issues. Developing good working habits is just as essential as developing good lifestyle habits. Once you make it a regular routine, it becomes a natural part of your day-to-day.
2. Wear the Right Clothing and Footwear
Industrial jobs often have policies in place regulating the type of clothing and footwear all staff must use while on the job. Hard hats, steel toed boots, fire resistant coveralls or other fabrics are essential to help keep you safe and free of injury. Most sites will not let their staff in the zone without the proper wardrobe and accessories. Keeping your gear in good condition and replacing old, worn suits will help protect you from injury.
3. Keep Your Worksite Clean
Debris should be cleaned up and discarded in a designated spot regularly. Leaving unwanted building materials and junk lying around creates hazards and are a fire risk. Construction zones should always be clear of clutter so there is less risk of a fire starting or injury occurring.
4. Use Steel Bins
When discarding materials, place them in designated steel bins away from the immediate site. Steel is a strong, flame resistant metal that can easily withstand high temperatures. Should a fire break out, the metal container will keep the flames its structure.
5. Communication
Everyone on the jobsite should know what the other teams are doing, especially when the work involves highly flammable or dangerous tasks. Effective communication skills will keep the work moving smoothly while reducing the risk of fire.
6. Ongoing Training
Knowledge is power, especially in job sites where dangerous situations can happen easily. Staff should be kept up-to-date with all the equipment usage, policies and procedures around maintenance, performance and safety.
7. Use Safety Certified Appliances and Tools Properly
Construction sites use many tools and appliances to get the jobs done. These resources make the job much easier but can be hazardous if not used properly. It is essential that all tools, heaters, ventilators, and other machinery be safety certified and approved for the job site first. Once pre-approved machines are in the zone, proper usage and care will help keep the area and employees safe free of fire or injury.
Construction zones are dangerous areas filled with flammable and other hazards. There is always a great risk of fires starting if proper procedures and care are not followed. While companies and legislating bodies put rules in place to protect staff, each person on the site can do their part to keep the immediate and surrounding areas safe from fires and accidents.
