To avoid potentially deadly situations on their job sites, workers need to recognise potential fire hazards and take every safety precaution. Holding regular safety meetings is the best thing any employer can do.
Office Building Fire, Visible Exit Sign
U.S. according to In recent years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has killed over 200 workers annually as a result of fires and explosions.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org) reports that U.S. fire departments reported an estimated 37,000 fires per year during 2009-2013, including: 26,300 outside or unclassified fires, 7,220 structure fires, and 3,440 vehicle fires. In addition, $1 billion in property damage, 18+ deaths and 270+ injuries per year were caused by these fires.
Building Site Fire
OSHA Construction Standard 1926.152(g)(8) states that in the areas used for fueling, servicing fuel systems for internal combustion engines, receiving or dispensing of flammable liquids, smoking or open flames shall not occur. And the 1926.152(g)(9) OSHA Construction Standard states that conspicuous and legible signs prohibiting smoking are posted.
Examples of Danger Signs from Fire Prevention
Fire Signs for Prevention (mysafetysign.com)
“OSHA General Industry Standard 1910.106(b)(6) “Sources of ignition.” Precautions shall be taken in places where flammable vapours may be present to avoid ignition by removing or controlling sources of ignition. Open flames, lightning, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, friction heat, sparks (static, electrical and mechanical), spontaneous ignition, chemical and physical-chemical reactions, and radiant heat may be sources of ignition.
Incorporate the subject of fire prevention in your schedule for safety meetings. Ensure that the following significant issues are part of your meeting on fire prevention.
Fire prevention is the responsibility of every worker!
Be vigilant about your operations and avoid creating fire hazards.
Smoke in designated areas only.
OSHA Construction Standard 1926.150(a)(1) OSHA Construction Standard 1926.150(a)(a)(1) The employer shall be responsible for the development of a fire protection programme to be followed in all stages of construction and demolition work and shall provide for the firefighting equipment referred to in this subpart. There shall be no delay in providing the necessary equipment as fire hazards occur.
More points to cover during any safety meeting on fire prevention:
Ensure that all staff know where the fire extinguishers at the work site are located.
Employees should immediately report any missing, damaged, or spent fire extinguishers.
All team members should be familiar with the parts of a fire extinguisher and how to tell if it has been discharged.
Unless they have been trained to do so, no one should try to use a fire extinguisher! For every employer, setting up fire extinguisher training is a great idea.
To use, store, or transport fuel, always use the correct containers.
Immediately report any fires or possible fires!
Safety at Work 