Fire Protection Contractor Safety Manual

Fire Protection Contractor Safety Programs

The safety programs needed by a fire protection contractor depend on the work performed and the environments where employees work. A comprehensive manual may include programs covering:

• Fire Sprinkler Contractor Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Fall Protection
• Aerial Lift Safety
• Ladder and Stairway Safety
• Scaffolding Safety
• Electrical Safety
• Lockout/Tagout
• Welding, Cutting and Hot Work
• Hand and Power Tool Safety
• Crane and Rigging Safety
• Confined Space Entry
• Excavation and Trenching Safety
• Hazard Communication
• Respiratory Protection
• Silica Exposure Control
• Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck Safety
• Material Handling
• Job Safety Analysis
• Emergency Action Plan
• First Aid

Additional programs should be included when specialized fire-protection systems, chemicals, construction activities, or customer locations create additional hazards.

Fire Protection Contractor Safety

Fire protection contracting can include construction, service, inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and emergency work.

Employees may perform work involving:

• Fire sprinkler systems
• Standpipes
• Fire pumps
• Fire alarm systems
• Detection systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Clean-agent systems
• Commercial kitchen suppression systems
• Fire extinguishers
• Hydrants
• Control valves
• Piping
• Underground fire-service mains
• Monitoring and control equipment

Each project should be evaluated for the hazards associated with the system and work environment.

Fire Sprinkler Contractor Safety

Fire sprinkler contractor safety should be a major component of a Fire Protection Contractor Safety Manual because sprinkler installation and service can involve construction, elevated work, piping, pressure, power tools, material handling, and active building systems.

Sprinkler contractors may perform:

• New sprinkler installation
• Retrofit installation
• Sprinkler relocation
• Pipe replacement
• Valve installation
• System inspection
• Testing
• Maintenance
• Emergency repairs
• Tenant-improvement work

The hazards should be evaluated before work begins.

Fire Sprinkler Installation Safety

Fire sprinkler installation may involve overhead piping, ladders, lifts, scaffolds, drilling, anchors, pipe threading, grooving, cutting, welding, material lifting, and work near electrical systems.

Pre-job planning should consider:

• Ceiling height
• Access
• Pipe size and weight
• Existing utilities
• Fall hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Building occupancy
• Material staging
• Required lifts or scaffolds
• Hot work
• System shutdowns

Work methods should be selected to minimize unnecessary overhead handling and exposure to falling materials.

Sprinkler Fitter Safety

Sprinkler fitters frequently work overhead and handle heavy pipe, fittings, valves, hangers, and tools.

Employees should:

• Use appropriate access equipment.
• Maintain control of pipe and fittings.
• Avoid working beneath unsecured materials.
• Use mechanical lifting assistance when practical.
• Protect hands from pinch points and sharp edges.
• Use required eye and face protection.
• Maintain safe body positioning.

Employees should not stand beneath suspended pipe.

Pre-Job Planning

Fire protection work should be evaluated before employees begin.

Pre-job planning may include:

• Defining the work scope
• Reviewing plans and drawings
• Identifying active systems
• Identifying electrical hazards
• Evaluating access
• Identifying fall hazards
• Planning material handling
• Coordinating system shutdowns
• Identifying permits
• Reviewing customer requirements
• Establishing emergency procedures
• Selecting PPE

Planning should be updated when conditions or the work scope changes.

Job Safety Analysis

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) can help identify hazards before fire-protection work begins.

JSAs may be appropriate for:

• Fire sprinkler installation
• Sprinkler system modifications
• Fire pump work
• Underground fire-main installation
• System testing
• Pipe threading
• Pipe grooving
• Welding and hot work
• Aerial-lift work
• Scaffold work
• Alarm-system installation
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Confined-space entry
• Excavation
• Rigging
• System impairment
• Emergency repair

The JSA should identify task steps, associated hazards, and controls.

Working in Occupied Buildings

Fire protection contractors frequently work in operating offices, hospitals, schools, warehouses, stores, manufacturing plants, apartments, and other occupied facilities.

Procedures should address:

• Public access
• Employee access
• Barricades
• Falling objects
• Noise
• Dust
• Tools
• Cords and hoses
• Wet floors
• System impairment
• Emergency exits

Work areas should be controlled so occupants are not exposed to unnecessary hazards.

Working Above Occupied Areas

Sprinkler and fire-protection work is frequently performed above employees, customers, patients, students, tenants, or other occupants.

Controls may include:

• Barricades
• Restricted access
• Tool control
• Material control
• Scheduling
• Spotters
• Catch platforms where appropriate

Tools, pipe, fittings, and other materials should not be stored where they can fall.

Fire Sprinkler Pipe Installation

Sprinkler pipe can be heavy and difficult to position overhead.

Employees should plan:

• Pipe length
• Weight
• Access
• Support
• Lift methods
• Employee positioning
• Temporary support
• Final hangers

Mechanical lifting equipment should be used when practical.

Pipe should be adequately supported before employees release it.

Pipe Threading

Pipe-threading machines expose employees to rotating equipment and pinch points.

Employees should:

• Keep clothing away from rotating components.
• Secure long hair.
• Avoid loose jewelry.
• Maintain manufacturer-provided guards.
• Keep hands away from rotating pipe.
• Use suitable supports for long pipe.

Employees should not reach across rotating material.

Pipe Grooving

Grooving machines should be operated according to manufacturer instructions.

Employees should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Maintain guards.
• Keep hands away from pinch points.
• Support pipe properly.
• Keep clothing clear of rotating components.
• Remove defective equipment from service.

Employees should not attempt adjustments while equipment is moving unless the equipment is specifically designed for that procedure.

Pipe Cutting

Sprinkler pipe may be cut using saws, cutting machines, abrasive equipment, or torches.

Employees should:

• Secure pipe.
• Use appropriate guards.
• Wear eye and face protection.
• Keep hands clear.
• Control sparks.
• Maintain stable positioning.

Cut ends and burrs should be controlled to prevent cuts.

Pipe Reaming and Deburring

Cut pipe may have sharp edges and burrs.

Employees should use appropriate tools and gloves when handling cut pipe.

Pipe should be secured before reaming or deburring.

Employees should maintain control of rotating or powered tools.

Pipe Supports and Hangers

Fire sprinkler piping must be supported during installation.

Employees installing hangers should evaluate:

• Structural attachment points
• Drilling locations
• Existing utilities
• Overhead work
• Access
• Falling objects
• Material weight

Temporary support should be adequate until permanent supports are installed.

Drilling and Anchoring

Sprinkler installation often requires drilling into concrete, masonry, steel, or other building materials.

Employees should evaluate:

• Electrical wiring
• Piping
• Structural components
• Silica exposure
• Flying particles
• Noise
• Dust
• Overhead work

Appropriate dust controls should be used when drilling materials containing crystalline silica.

Silica Exposure

Drilling, coring, cutting, grinding, or disturbing concrete and masonry can expose employees to respirable crystalline silica.

Work should be evaluated to determine required controls.

Controls may include:

• Integrated water delivery
• HEPA-filtered vacuum systems
• Local dust collection
• Work-practice controls
• Respiratory protection when required

Employees should be trained regarding silica hazards applicable to their work.

Core Drilling

Core drilling may expose employees to rotating equipment, water, electricity, silica, falling cores, and hidden utilities.

Before drilling:

• Review the drilling location.
• Identify utilities.
• Secure equipment.
• Control water.
• Establish protection below the opening.
• Select appropriate dust controls.
• Use required PPE.

The area beneath the core location should be protected where falling material could create a hazard.

Wall and Floor Penetrations

Penetrations may expose employees to hidden electrical wiring, piping, gas systems, or structural components.

Before drilling or cutting:

• Review available drawings.
• Coordinate with the facility.
• Evaluate hidden utilities.
• Inspect both sides of the surface where possible.
• Control access.

Openings should be protected as required after they are created.

Fall Protection

Fire protection contractors commonly work at elevation while installing sprinklers, piping, alarms, detectors, and other equipment.

Fall hazards should be evaluated before work begins.

Protection may include:

• Guardrails
• Personal fall arrest systems
• Work platforms
• Aerial lifts
• Scaffolds
• Covers
• Other approved methods

Employees should receive appropriate fall-protection training.

Aerial Lift Safety

Boom lifts and scissor lifts are frequently used for overhead fire-protection installation.

Only trained and authorized employees should operate aerial lifts.

Employees should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Evaluate the work area.
• Observe capacity limits.
• Maintain required fall protection.
• Keep platforms free of unnecessary materials.
• Maintain electrical clearances.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.

Employees should not climb on platform guardrails to gain additional reach.

Scissor Lift Safety

Scissor lifts may be used for sprinkler piping, alarms, inspection, and service work.

Operators should evaluate:

• Floor condition
• Openings
• Overhead obstructions
• Electrical hazards
• Travel path
• Platform load
• Other workers

Materials carried on the platform should not create instability or interfere with access.

Boom Lift Safety

Boom lifts may be required for high ceilings, warehouses, exterior systems, and difficult-access areas.

Employees should:

• Inspect the lift.
• Maintain required fall protection.
• Evaluate overhead hazards.
• Avoid crushing hazards.
• Maintain electrical clearances.
• Use appropriate ground controls.

Boom movement should be stopped when the operator cannot maintain a safe view of the work area.

Ladder Safety

Ladders are commonly used for inspection, alarm work, sprinkler service, and installation.

Employees should:

• Inspect ladders.
• Select the correct ladder.
• Maintain three points of contact.
• Avoid overreaching.
• Use stable surfaces.
• Keep ladders away from traffic.
• Maintain electrical safety.

Damaged ladders should be removed from service.

Scaffold Safety

Scaffolds may be used when extensive overhead installation requires a larger work platform.

Scaffolds should be erected, inspected, accessed, and used according to applicable requirements.

Employees should understand:

• Capacity
• Access
• Fall protection
• Falling-object protection
• Electrical hazards
• Mobile-scaffold procedures

Falling Objects

Overhead fire-protection work can expose employees and building occupants to falling pipe, fittings, tools, anchors, and other materials.

Controls may include:

• Barricades
• Toe boards
• Tool tethering where appropriate
• Controlled access
• Material restraints

Employees should not work beneath unsecured materials.

Material Handling

Fire-protection contractors may handle pipe, fittings, valves, pumps, extinguishers, cylinders, tools, and equipment.

Material-handling procedures should address:

• Weight
• Length
• Balance
• Sharp edges
• Pinch points
• Storage
• Mechanical assistance

Employees should use carts, lifts, forklifts, hoists, or team lifting when practical.

Manual Lifting

Long lengths of pipe and heavy valves can create significant lifting hazards.

Employees should evaluate loads before lifting.

Mechanical assistance should be used when loads are heavy, bulky, unstable, or difficult to control.

Employees should coordinate team lifts before movement begins.

Pipe Storage

Pipe should be stored to prevent rolling, shifting, or collapse.

Controls may include:

• Racks
• Chocks
• Restraints
• Stable stacking
• Controlled access

Pipe should not obstruct aisles, exits, electrical equipment, or emergency systems.

Crane and Rigging Safety

Fire pumps, large valves, pipe assemblies, tanks, and other fire-protection equipment may require cranes or rigging.

Lift planning should address:

• Load weight
• Center of gravity
• Rigging
• Capacity
• Load path
• Employee positioning
• Landing area

Employees should remain clear of suspended loads.

Hoists and Chain Falls

Chain falls, lever hoists, and other manual lifting equipment may be used to position pipe and equipment.

Before use:

• Inspect the equipment.
• Verify rated capacity.
• Inspect hooks and chains.
• Verify the supporting structure.
• Evaluate employee positioning.

Employees should not overload hoists or use improvised extensions.

Forklift and Telehandler Safety

Forklifts and telehandlers may be used to move pipe, pumps, pallets, and other equipment.

Only trained and authorized employees should operate equipment.

Operators should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Observe capacity.
• Maintain visibility.
• Keep loads stable.
• Control speed.
• Remain alert to pedestrians.

Equipment should not be used beyond manufacturer limitations.

Fire Pump Installation

Fire pumps can be large, heavy, electrically powered, diesel powered, or connected to pressurized piping systems.

Installation and service procedures should evaluate:

• Rigging
• Equipment weight
• Electrical energy
• Fuel
• Pressure
• Alignment
• Rotating machinery
• Startup

Employees should keep clear of rotating shafts, couplings, and other moving components.

Fire Pump Testing

Fire pump testing can involve high water flow, pressure, moving machinery, electrical systems, and diesel engines.

Testing procedures should address:

• Water discharge
• Pressure
• Equipment movement
• Noise
• Exhaust
• Electrical hazards
• Access
• Communication

Employees should remain clear of exposed rotating equipment.

Standpipe Systems

Standpipe installation and service may involve large-diameter piping, valves, pressure, elevated work, stairs, shafts, and construction environments.

Employees should evaluate:

• Pipe handling
• Access
• Fall hazards
• Pressure
• Material storage
• Lifting
• Testing

Open shafts and floor openings should be protected.

Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

Fire alarm contractors may install and service:

• Control panels
• Initiating devices
• Notification appliances
• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• Pull stations
• Monitoring systems
• Wiring

Hazards may include electrical exposure, ladders, lifts, drilling, ceiling access, tools, and occupied-building work.

Electrical Safety

Fire alarm and fire-protection equipment may involve energized electrical systems.

Employees should:

• Identify electrical sources.
• Inspect tools and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate electrical clearances.
• Use suitable test equipment.
• Avoid damaged cords and components.

Only qualified employees should perform electrical work requiring specialized knowledge.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting may require some equipment to remain energized.

Only qualified employees should perform testing where exposure to electrical hazards exists.

After troubleshooting is complete, required energy-control procedures should be established before repair or servicing when applicable.

Lockout/Tagout

Fire pumps, compressors, alarm equipment, valves, machinery, and other systems may contain hazardous energy.

Energy sources can include:

• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Pressure
• Gravity

Employees should follow applicable hazardous-energy-control procedures when servicing equipment where unexpected startup or energy release could cause injury.

System Impairment

Fire protection contractors may temporarily disable or impair sprinkler, alarm, detection, pump, suppression, or other fire-protection systems during installation, testing, repair, or maintenance.

System impairments should be coordinated with the building owner, facility representative, or other responsible parties.

Procedures should address:

• Authorization
• Notifications
• Scope of impairment
• Fire-protection alternatives
• Work duration
• System restoration
• Required testing
• Documentation

Impaired systems should be restored promptly when work is complete.

Sprinkler System Shutdown

Before shutting down a sprinkler system, employees should confirm:

• Correct system
• Correct control valve
• Affected area
• Required notifications
• Existing pressure
• Drain location
• Customer authorization

Systems should not be disabled without appropriate coordination.

System Drainage

Opening or draining sprinkler systems may release significant amounts of water.

Employees should:

• Verify drain locations.
• Control discharge.
• Protect building contents.
• Maintain safe walking surfaces.
• Anticipate residual water.

Wet floors should be controlled promptly.

Pressurized Systems

Sprinkler and suppression systems may contain significant stored pressure.

Before opening piping, fittings, valves, or components:

• Verify system identity.
• Isolate the system.
• Relieve pressure.
• Drain the affected section as appropriate.
• Verify safe conditions.

Employees should anticipate residual pressure.

Opening Sprinkler Piping

Employees should position themselves to avoid exposure to unexpected water, pressure, or debris when opening piping.

Fittings should be loosened carefully after the system has been isolated and pressure relieved.

Appropriate eye and face protection should be worn.

Hydrostatic Testing

New or modified sprinkler piping may be pressure tested.

Testing procedures should address:

• Test pressure
• Equipment ratings
• Temporary components
• Employee access
• Leaks
• Communication
• Pressure relief

Employees should remain clear of components that could move or fail during testing.

Pneumatic Systems

Dry-pipe, preaction, and other systems may use compressed air or nitrogen.

Compressed gas introduces stored energy.

Before opening a pressurized system:

• Isolate the source.
• Relieve pressure.
• Verify pressure has been removed.
• Control employee access.

Employees should not place themselves in potential failure trajectories.

Dry-Pipe and Preaction Systems

Dry-pipe and preaction systems can involve air compressors, supervisory pressure, valves, electrical detection, and control equipment.

Service procedures should address:

• Pressure
• Electrical energy
• compressors
• Valve movement
• System restoration
• Testing

Employees should follow manufacturer and facility procedures.

Special-Hazard Suppression Systems

Some fire-protection contractors install or service clean-agent, carbon dioxide, foam, dry-chemical, wet-chemical, or other suppression systems.

Hazards depend on the extinguishing agent and system.

Procedures should address:

• Agent properties
• System pressure
• Stored energy
• Cylinder handling
• Accidental discharge
• Employee exposure
• Area evacuation
• System isolation

Only trained and authorized employees should service specialized suppression systems.

Clean-Agent Systems

Clean-agent systems may use pressurized cylinders and discharge agents into protected spaces.

Employees should understand:

• Cylinder pressure
• Discharge hazards
• Alarm sequences
• Abort controls
• Room evacuation
• System isolation

Systems should be protected against accidental discharge during service.

Carbon Dioxide Systems

Carbon dioxide can displace oxygen and create an immediately dangerous atmosphere at sufficient concentrations.

Work involving carbon dioxide suppression systems should include strict controls against accidental discharge.

Procedures should address:

• System isolation
• Employee access
• Alarms
• Ventilation
• Atmospheric hazards
• Emergency response

Employees should not enter affected areas after an accidental discharge unless appropriate atmospheric conditions have been established.

Commercial Kitchen Suppression Systems

Kitchen suppression service may expose employees to:

• Grease
• Chemicals
• Elevated work
• Hot equipment
• Electrical systems
• Sharp surfaces

Work should be coordinated with kitchen management.

Equipment should be allowed to cool when necessary before service begins.

Fire Extinguisher Service

Contractors servicing portable extinguishers may handle pressurized cylinders and extinguishing agents.

Procedures should address:

• Cylinder condition
• Pressure
• Disassembly
• Recharge equipment
• Agent exposure
• Storage
• Transportation

Damaged cylinders should be handled according to established procedures.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Fire-protection work may involve nitrogen, carbon dioxide, compressed air, clean-agent cylinders, or other compressed gases.

Cylinders should be:

• Identified
• Secured
• Protected
• Stored appropriately
• Transported safely

Employees should not handle cylinders by valves or protective caps.

Welding and Cutting

Sprinkler piping, supports, structural attachments, and equipment installation may require welding or cutting.

Hazards may include:

• Fire
• Burns
• Welding fumes
• Sparks
• Electrical shock
• Compressed gases

Employees should receive appropriate training and use required PPE.

Hot Work

Hot-work procedures should address:

• Combustible materials
• Building contents
• Hidden spaces
• Fire watch
• Fire extinguishers
• Ventilation
• Sprinkler-system impairment

Particular care should be taken when hot work is performed while fire-protection systems are impaired.

Fire Watch

A fire watch should be provided when required by the hazards, facility procedures, or applicable requirements.

Fire-watch personnel should:

• Monitor the work area.
• Have access to suitable fire-extinguishing equipment.
• Know how to report a fire.
• Remain alert for ignition.
• Continue monitoring for the required period.

Adjacent and concealed spaces should be evaluated.

Hand and Power Tools

Fire protection contractors use drills, saws, grinders, threading machines, groovers, impact tools, and other portable equipment.

Tools should be:

• Inspected
• Properly guarded
• Maintained
• Appropriate for the task
• Used according to manufacturer instructions

Damaged tools should be removed from service.

Grinding Safety

Grinding may expose employees to sparks, flying particles, noise, rotating equipment, and abrasive-wheel failures.

Employees should:

• Inspect grinding equipment.
• Maintain guards.
• Verify wheel ratings.
• Wear eye and face protection.
• Secure work.
• Control sparks.

Grinding should be evaluated as hot work when sparks could ignite combustible materials.

Hazard Communication

Fire protection contractors may use or encounter:

• Adhesives
• Sealants
• Thread compounds
• Cleaning chemicals
• Suppression agents
• Fuels
• Lubricants
• Welding materials
• Paints and coatings

Employees should have access to Safety Data Sheets and receive appropriate hazard information and training.

Respiratory Protection

Fire protection work may expose employees to:

• Silica dust
• Welding fumes
• Construction dust
• Chemical vapors
• Smoke
• Suppression agents
• Other airborne contaminants

Engineering and work-practice controls should be used as required.

When respirators are necessary, employees should be covered by the company’s Respiratory Protection Program.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected according to the work being performed.

Common PPE may include:

• Hard hats
• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Work gloves
• Safety-toe footwear
• High-visibility apparel
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection
• Fall protection
• Welding PPE

Additional chemical or electrical PPE may be necessary for specialized work.

Hearing Conservation

Pipe threading, drilling, grinding, hammer drilling, cutting, compressors, and other equipment may produce hazardous noise.

Employee noise exposures should be evaluated.

Hearing protection and a Hearing Conservation Program should be implemented when required.

Confined Space Entry

Fire protection contractors may enter:

• Tanks
• Vaults
• Pits
• Crawlspaces
• Utility areas
• Mechanical spaces
• Other confined spaces

Confined spaces should be identified and evaluated before entry.

Permit-required spaces should be entered according to applicable procedures.

Underground Fire-Service Mains

Fire protection contractors may install underground fire mains, hydrants, valves, and related piping.

Hazards may include:

• Excavation
• Trenches
• Heavy equipment
• Pipe handling
• Utilities
• Traffic
• Water

Underground work should be planned before excavation begins.

Excavation and Trenching

Excavations for fire-service piping should address:

• Underground utilities
• Soil conditions
• Cave-in protection
• Competent-person inspections
• Access and egress
• Spoil placement
• Water
• Equipment near edges

Employees should not enter unprotected excavations where cave-in hazards exist.

Underground Utilities

Before excavation, underground utilities should be identified as required.

Utilities may include:

• Electrical
• Gas
• Water
• Sewer
• Communications
• Process systems

Employees should follow appropriate procedures when approaching known utility locations.

Traffic Control

Fire-protection contractors may work near streets, parking lots, loading areas, or facility traffic.

Controls may include:

• Cones
• Signs
• Barricades
• High-visibility apparel
• Spotters
• Work-zone procedures

Employees should remain aware of vehicles while unloading and installing underground systems.

Working Around Other Contractors

Fire-protection work is often performed at the same time as electrical, mechanical, structural, drywall, ceiling, and other trades.

Coordination should address:

• Shared lifts
• Overhead work
• Material staging
• Hot work
• Electrical shutdowns
• System impairments
• Restricted areas

One contractor’s work should not create uncontrolled hazards for another.

Contractor and Host-Employer Coordination

When working at customer facilities, relevant safety information should be exchanged before work begins.

Topics may include:

• Facility hazards
• Emergency procedures
• Confined spaces
• Hazardous energy
• Fire-protection impairment
• Restricted areas
• Chemicals
• Required PPE

Employees should understand applicable customer requirements.

Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

Fire-protection contractors performing inspections, testing, and maintenance may work in operating facilities where systems remain partially active.

Procedures should address:

• System status
• Pressure
• Electrical energy
• Access
• Testing alarms
• Water discharge
• Occupants
• System impairment
• Restoration

Work should be coordinated with responsible facility personnel.

System Testing

Testing may activate alarms, pumps, valves, notification devices, waterflow equipment, or suppression-system controls.

Before testing:

• Notify affected personnel.
• Establish the test scope.
• Control unintended activation.
• Evaluate water discharge.
• Confirm emergency procedures.

Systems should be returned to normal service when testing is complete.

Alarm Testing

Alarm tests may affect building occupants, emergency responders, monitoring companies, or facility operations.

Testing procedures should include appropriate notifications and system controls.

Employees should verify restoration when testing is complete.

Emergency Service and Repair

Emergency service work can introduce additional hazards because employees may arrive during leaks, system failures, alarms, fire events, frozen piping, or other abnormal conditions.

Employees should first evaluate the area before beginning repairs.

Emergency conditions should not be allowed to bypass required safety procedures.

Frozen Sprinkler Systems

Frozen sprinkler piping can contain trapped pressure and ice.

Employees should use caution when thawing or opening systems.

Open flames should not be used in a manner that creates fire hazards.

Employees should anticipate sudden movement or water discharge as ice clears.

Water Damage and Wet Surfaces

Sprinkler testing, leaks, drainage, and repairs can create wet floors.

Employees should:

• Control discharge.
• Use warning signs or barricades.
• Clean water promptly when practical.
• Protect electrical equipment.

Walking surfaces should be kept as safe as reasonably possible.

Housekeeping

Fire-protection projects can create pipe, fittings, packaging, anchors, scrap, cords, hoses, and tools.

Work areas should be kept orderly.

Aisles, stairs, exits, electrical equipment, emergency equipment, and access routes should remain clear.

Scrap pipe and sharp materials should be removed regularly.

Heat and Cold Stress

Fire-protection employees may work outdoors, on roofs, in warehouses, mechanical rooms, unfinished buildings, or unconditioned spaces.

Procedures should address:

• Drinking water
• Rest
• Shade
• Acclimatization
• Appropriate clothing
• Warming or cooling opportunities

Employees should recognize symptoms of heat- and cold-related illness.

Emergency Procedures

Fire protection contractors should plan for foreseeable emergencies.

Potential emergencies may include:

• Falls
• Electrical incidents
• Fires
• Water releases
• Suppression-agent releases
• Pressure-system failures
• Equipment incidents
• Medical emergencies

Employees should know how to stop work, protect the area when possible, obtain assistance, and communicate the emergency.

First Aid

Employees should know how to obtain first aid and emergency medical assistance.

First-aid planning should reflect the work location and hazards.

Employees should promptly report injuries.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

Employees should report:

• Injuries
• Near misses
• Property damage
• Equipment damage
• System releases
• Hazardous conditions

Incidents should be investigated to identify contributing and root causes.

Corrective actions should address the underlying hazards and system weaknesses.

Fire Protection Contractor Safety Training

Employees should receive training appropriate to their work and exposures.

Training may include:

• Fire sprinkler installation safety
• Fall protection
• Aerial lifts
• Ladders
• Scaffolding
• Hand and power tools
• Pipe-threading equipment
• Electrical safety
• Lockout/tagout
• Hot work
• Rigging
• Excavation
• Confined spaces
• Hazard communication
• PPE
• Silica
• System impairment
• Emergency procedures

Training should be documented as applicable and updated when equipment, work methods, system technologies, or hazards change.

Building a Fire Protection Contractor Safety Manual

A Fire Protection Contractor Safety Manual should be customized to the company’s actual services rather than relying solely on a generic construction safety manual.

A fire sprinkler contractor installing wet-pipe, dry-pipe, preaction, and standpipe systems may require extensive procedures for pipe installation, threading, grooving, drilling, aerial lifts, ladders, fall protection, system pressure, hydrostatic testing, and fire-protection impairments.

A broader fire protection contractor may also require procedures for fire alarm and detection systems, fire pumps, clean-agent systems, commercial kitchen suppression, compressed gases, electrical testing, fire extinguishers, and inspection, testing, and maintenance.

Companies installing underground fire-service mains may additionally need excavation, trenching, utility-location, heavy-equipment, traffic-control, and pipe-handling procedures.

The manual should reflect the company’s fire-protection systems, employees, tools, vehicles, lifts, construction activities, service work, inspection and testing operations, customer facilities, and emergency hazards.

The completed manual should provide practical procedures employees and supervisors can use while supporting OSHA compliance, employee training, pre-job planning, JSAs, equipment inspections, incident investigations, contractor coordination, customer requirements, and the company’s overall safety-management system.