Identifying Construction Fire Risk Begins with 5 Questions
The following article was written by Ray O'Brocki, Construction Fire Safety Coalition Fire Service Relations Manager, and was first published on the Construction Fire Safety Coalition’s website on May 22, 2019.
In March, we covered the fire vulnerability of buildings under construction and renovation. This month, we recognize that the key to preventing construction fires is to first identify your fire risks and hazards. However, this may be easier said than done. That’s why the Construction Fire Safety Coalition (CFSC) offers tools and resources to determine your project’s risk and keep your development and staff safe.
The goal of risk assessments is to identify the potentially hazardous relationship that a material or action has in relation to fire.
To identify the fire risk of a material or action, construction site managers can begin by asking the following questions:
Does this material or work require an open flame?
Hot work requires an open flame and is commonly used on construction sites. Knowing this, it is important to keep hot work away from combustible materials and conduct the work in a properly ventilated area. A hot work permit must always be obtained. For a model Hot Work checklist, click here.
Where are hazardous materials stored?
Fuels, gases and the like, must be stored in safe containers and placed away from any hot work or open flames. These materials must also be properly labeled to prevent any mistakes and misidentification.
Funding and support for this project has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects
