09 Mar Fire Protection and Control

Fire Protection and Control

Fires can develop quickly and may result in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Good housekeeping, proper storage of combustible and flammable materials, safe electrical practices, and prompt correction of fire hazards can significantly reduce the risk.

Employees should know how to report a fire, when to evacuate, where fire extinguishers are located, and what actions they are authorized to take before an emergency occurs.

If a Fire Starts

If you discover a fire:

• Sound the alarm immediately and warn everyone in the area.
• Follow established procedures for notifying emergency responders.
• Call 911 or the designated emergency number when required.
• Provide the dispatcher with the jobsite address or location, nearest cross street or access point, type of emergency, and other requested information.
• Evacuate immediately if the fire is spreading, producing heavy smoke, or cannot be safely controlled.
• Proceed to the designated assembly area and remain there until accounted for.
• Never re-enter an evacuated area until authorized by emergency personnel.

Only employees who are trained and authorized to use portable fire extinguishers should attempt to extinguish a fire. Extinguishers should only be used on small, incipient-stage fires when the correct extinguisher is available and a clear escape route is maintained.

Never place yourself between the fire and your exit.

Know Before an Emergency

Employees should know:

• How fires and other emergencies are reported.
• The jobsite address and location information needed by emergency responders.
• The location of emergency telephone numbers.
• The location and type of portable fire extinguishers.
• The sound and meaning of emergency alarms.
• Primary and alternate evacuation routes.
• The designated assembly or muster point.
• Who to report to for accountability following an evacuation.

Emergency information should be clearly posted and kept current.

Fire Prevention

Preventing a fire is safer than having to respond to one. Employees should:

• Maintain good housekeeping and promptly remove unnecessary combustible debris and waste.
• Keep fire extinguishers, exits, aisles, and emergency equipment unobstructed.
• Store flammable and combustible liquids in approved containers and designated locations.
• Keep ignition sources away from flammable liquids, gases, vapors, and combustible materials.
• Observe all smoking restrictions and use only designated smoking areas.
• Inspect extension cords, temporary wiring, electrical equipment, and power tools before use.
• Remove damaged electrical equipment from service.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
• Maintain required clearances around temporary heaters and other heat-producing equipment.
• Follow hot-work procedures when welding, cutting, brazing, grinding, or performing other spark- or flame-producing work.
• Maintain required fire extinguishing equipment and fire watches during hot work when applicable.

Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers should be properly selected, located, mounted, identified, inspected, and maintained.

Employees should never:

• Block access to an extinguisher.
• Use an extinguisher for purposes other than fire protection.
• Tamper with extinguisher seals, pins, or inspection tags.
• Return a partially or fully discharged extinguisher to its normal location without reporting it for servicing.

Any missing, damaged, discharged, or inaccessible extinguisher should be reported immediately.

Jobsite Discussion

Before beginning work, employees should be able to answer:

• Where are the emergency numbers and jobsite address posted?
• What is the nearest cross street or emergency access point?
• Where is the nearest fire extinguisher?
• Where is the designated assembly area?
• Who is responsible for contacting emergency responders?
• What fire hazards are present in today’s work?
• If hot work is being performed, have the equipment, permit requirements, combustible-material controls, and fire-watch needs been addressed?

Remember

Do not wait until a fire occurs to determine what to do. Know how to report the emergency, know your evacuation route, maintain good housekeeping, control ignition sources, and never attempt to fight a fire that is beyond your training or ability to control safely.