The construction industry has a variety of hazards to deal with and fire is a top concern among them. Buildings in all stages of construction are likely to be affected by fire and the effects can be very damaging. Natural or accidental, they are often difficult to control. At Calgary Security Services, we provide expert security at construction sites, with our officers well trained for all kinds of emergencies. We can customize our services to your specific requirements, protecting your valued property and employees. This blog should help you learn what fire safety precautions you need to take before calling in our experts.
The construction industry has a variety of hazards to deal with and fire is a top concern among them. Buildings in all stages of construction are likely to be affected by fire and the effects can be very damaging. Natural or accidental, they are often difficult to control.
At Calgary Security Services, we provide expert security at construction sites, with our officers well trained for all kinds of emergencies. We can customize our services to your specific requirements, protecting your valued property and employees.
This blog should help you learn what fire safety precautions you need to take before calling in our experts.
Recognizing the Points of Fire Hazards
The dangers of fire can be controlled or eliminated if its likelihood of happening is reduced. The two main areas where you can exercise control are with ignition and fuel sources.
Ignition Risks:
Electrical faults –Construction sites will usually have an integration of fixed electrical wiring and electricity produced from fixed or transportable power generators. All installations are to be inspected, tested and commissioned before being used.
Hot-working –These are processes that involve generating heat with an electrical arc, naked flames, sparks and use of bitumen boilers. Cutting operations may use disc cutting or open flame gas cutting tools. It should be ensured that acetylene is not allowed on-site unless it’s critical for the job.
Portable heaters should also be regarded under hot work.
Smoking – It should be prohibited on site. Designated smoking areas can be provided away from the main working sites.
Temporary lighting and lamps – It should be ensured that lighting units aren’t kept too close to combustible items. Check that halogen and halide lights are not used because of their high operating temperatures. They should also be inspected from time to time, and units that are broken should be replaced without delay.
Arson – Access to your construction site should be strictly monitored around the clock. This will reduce the chances of arson. Waste should also be managed as combustible materials may be present in them which can cause a fire.
Lightning – It should be ensured that appropriate lightning protection systems are installed and tested annually.
Fuel Source Risks:
Combustible building components – The number of combustible materials kept in construction sites should not go above what’s required. A gap of six – ten metres should also be maintained between fuel packages.
Flammable liquids and gases – LPG or liquid fuel may be required for hot cutting and power generators. The site manager should properly manage the fuel present in the vicinity and should consider the entire process from procuring to refuelling.
Waste materials – Waste should be minimized and effectively disposed of every day. Oils, grease and cleaning rags should not be stored together. These materials can easily catch fire even with the slightest ignition, accidental or otherwise. A proper waste management plan should beimplemented, and management should ensure that it’s followed religiously.
Other Controlling Measures That Have to Be Followed
Fire safety and emergency procedures should be included in the construction phase plan. The plan must include:
Enough number of emergency routes and exits that must be free from obstacles
Exit routes must include suitable signs and emergency lighting
Enough fire-fighting equipment and fire detection alarm systems must be installed
Workers must be taught to use fire-fighting equipment
Let Us Help At Calgary Security Services, we have been providing trained security officers, since 2000. Whether it’s for one-off services such as watching tools and equipment for a few hours or day-to-day security, we can help you out. Our team expertly handles all kinds of emergencies including fire hazards. For information on whether your property needs increased security, read our blog post.Call us to know more about our cost-effective construction site security services.