Construction Fire Risks

Construction fire safety is often neglected but considering the nature of the work, it should be of paramount importance. As you are perusing this article, there is a chance that a fire is taking place on a construction site somewhere in the UK. In fact, there are approximately 11 construction fires every single day on average. Failing to take proper construction fire safety measures could be lethal to employees and financially devastating to owners. Construction fire safety measures such as preventing fires on site, preparing for fires if they occur and learning how to effectively evacuate will be looked at here.

Always makes sure that cylinders which contain flammable materials like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are correctly stored. Indeed LPG should not be stored in a building, rather it should be placed in a securely locked and well ventilated area. Solvents and adhesives should be locked away in steel containers. Never leave LPG supplies on if not in use. Many site huts have been involved in explosions because no one remembered to shut off an LPG cylinder. If you feel that an LPG cylinder may be leaking, immediately stop using it and check. Don’t check it with a naked flame, instead use your sense of smell or soapy water. Try not to burn waste materials on site if possible and avoid using petrol or similar stimulants to start fires. Construction fire safety regulations should also have a strict policy regarding smoking on site.

Choose a fire alarm system that ensures every single person on site can hear the alarm. The amount of fire fighting equipment required will vary from site to site depending on how large it is and how great the risk of fire is. Nonetheless, an essential part of construction fire safety is having the requisite materials at hand in case the worst does happen. Whether the site has fire extinguishers of other forms of fire fighting equipment, always have it in plentiful supply and in easily located spots spread throughout the site. Each worker should be fully trained in the use of the equipment including knowledge of the extinguisher’s colour codes and which cylinder should be used for a particular fire.

If the time comes and employees are forced to leave the premises, then prudent construction fire safety measures would include a minimum of two escape routes located in completely different directions. Open sites are usually quite easy to leave, but for those working indoors, a fire could quickly trap them. There should always be emergency lighting in place in case the fire damages the electrical supply. If the area plunges into darkness during a fire, panic could ensue and lives could very well be lost.

Construction fire safety is critical, particularly in sites that deal with flammable material on a regular basis. Materials like LPG are an accident waiting to happen if not handled and stored correctly. All workers should have the ability to use any form of fire fighting equipment if necessary and that equipment should be easily located at all times. Knowing how to evacuate in a calm and orderly manner and having back up light should ensure that employees will be able to safely negotiate escaping from any fire.