Construction sites can be very dangerous if you don't have adequate training. There can be many hazards when working in construction, one of them being fire risks. This is why it is important that you are aware of the potential hazards and that you have the correct training in place for working in construction.
Every year, there are many fires on construction sites and in buildings, with many people being injured or killed, and property being destroyed. This is why it is important that all construction staff or construction workers are correctly trained and know how to act in case of an emergency.
Throughout this blog, we will be discussing why fire safety is important in construction work, as well as discussing some fire safety tips and much more. For more information on fire safety in construction, read on.
Why is Fire Safety So Important in Construction?
Fire safety in construction is all about eliminating fire risks - as well as preventing them. Having the correct fire safety training and procedures in place reduces the risk of injuries, as well as building damage as a result of fires.
Fire safety is important to protect and prevent injury. By implementing a fire protection plan and assigning an emergency response team, customers and employees can be protected.
Fires can be unpredictable and more often than not, the signs can be easily missed. This is why fire safety training is crucial in all construction workplaces.
If there was a fire risk, the workplace would know what to do and how to deal with it. In order to prevent a fire on the construction site, you are advised to:
- Provide adequate fire extinguishers
- Conduct a fire risk assessment at the premises to assess the risk of any potential fires
- Have a fire plan and evacuation procedure
- Have a waste disposal plan ready at all times
- Check electricals
- Conduct regular fire risk inspections
Potential Fire Hazards on Construction Projects
On a construction site, almost anything can be a hazard. If the hazard can be eliminated or controlled, the likelihood of the fire starting or growing to the point where life is at risk is significantly reduced. There are many potential fire hazards in construction, such as:
Electrical Faults
Construction sites will have a combination of fixed electrical wiring from main sources and fixed or mobile power generators. It is important that all electrical installations are tested before they are used.
Portable Heaters
Another potential fire hazard is portable heaters - and they should only be permitted if it is necessary. However, the most hazardous types of heaters should be avoided at all times to avoid any fires.
Flammable Gases and Liquids
In most construction sites, fuel is required for hot cutting. This may be in the form of flammable gases, such as liquid fuel for certain generators. The management of the fuel is the site manager's responsibility.
Fire Safety Tips for Construction Sites
When it comes to working on a construction site, it is important to have safety measures in place to avoid any hazards from occurring. There are many ways in which this can be done, such as:
Providing Functional Fire Extinguishers
There are many ways to ensure you are staying safe at work. Whether it be installing fire alarms and detectors, or providing fire extinguishers, it is best to have as many fire safety measures as possible in place.
Fire extinguishers are important in any workplace - they are a first-aid response to fire and can help prevent damage to property and even loss of life! There are many different types of fire extinguishers for different hazards.
For example, there are fire extinguishers for CO2, foam, water, dry powder and wet chemicals. Each fire extinguisher provides different services.
The main extinguishers needed for construction are water for wood/paper/textiles, powder for liquids and electrical fires, foam for liquid fires and finally CO2 for liquid and electrical fires.
Ensuring Staff Have Relevant Fire Training
It is important to ensure that all staff have the correct training, especially when working in the construction industry. This is to ensure that staff know how to spot any hazards and prevent them so that the fire risk does not get worse. Here at Beaconrisk, we offer effective online fire training courses. Read this blog to learn more about health and safety courses for fires.
We also offer support with health and safety accreditations, such as the SafeContractor accreditation and Constructionline accreditation. These accreditations provide an online pre-qualification database that is used in the construction industry across the UK.
SafeContractor and Constructionline help support your business and can ensure that you are knowledgeable about any health and safety risks on construction projects. For more information, click on the link provided above.