Fires on construction sites can become uncontrollable. A breakout can result in destruction, injuries, project delays, and increased expenses. Implementing measures through the use of fire protection systems is of utmost importance. In this guide, we’ll outline some of the common fire control measures that can help with prevention.
Fire Risks During Construction
Buildings under construction are more vulnerable to fire risks due to the presence of combustible materials, heavy machinery, electrical wiring, and open flames on site. Fire can start in an instant, even from something simple as a discarded cigarette butt or a spark from a sander. Once ignited, these fires can rage on, causing property damage and endangering lives.
Every construction site should have a fire prevention plan, and the best way to meet this requirement is by having protection equipment on hand and well-planned emergency procedures.
Fire Control Measures in Construction
Fire safety and emergency procedures cover many aspects, but here we’ll focus on a commonly implemented method and the two best on-site equipment for handling any potential fire emergencies.
1. Fire exits
Fire exits must be provided on every floor of construction sites. These emergency routes are a means of escape and ensure the safety of those in the building. The company is responsible for conducting training on evacuation procedures, which includes knowing the nearest exists and practising evacuation drills, so workers are well-prepared.
Per the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), these designated paths must always be clear and unobstructed, with all doors and gates leading to site exits accessible. This is to avoid situations where workers could be trapped by fire or smoke, such as ‘dead-end’ conditions.
2. Fire alarm systems
A fire alarm is designed to detect and alert occupants of a potential fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide presence. It uses visual and auditory signals during emergencies, allowing everyone on-site to take immediate action. These systems are connected to a main control panel.
A shout of ‘fire!’ may be enough to alert workers on a small construction site, but it may not be as effective in larger or busier workplaces. This is where fire alarm systems become essential. Fire alarms can be in the form of heat detectors or smoke detectors, both of which detect fires to ensure safety.
Another type is the ‘break glass’ alarm, like the Site Master - Break Glass. It consists of a glass element in a glass-faced box that triggers the alarm and activates emergency fire safety systems when broken. Unlike other detectors, break glass alarms need to be manually activated by breaking the glass. However, they are usually used alongside automatic smoke and heat detectors rather than on their own.
The more ways to quickly find out if there’s a fire, the better.
3. Fire extinguishers
Welding, electrical faults, and flammable materials are among the common causes of fires on construction sites. Quicker responses are crucial in these situations to prevent fires from spreading. Fire extinguishers are designed for this purpose. These handheld devices are filled with a dry or wet chemical used to extinguish or control small fires.
For instance, a stray spark during welding might ignite nearby wooden pallets, causing a small fire. With a fire extinguisher nearby, a worker present on-site can extinguish the fire before it spreads or reaches the smoke alarm.
The type of fire extinguisher required depends on the risks and hazards involved. Common types include:
- Class A extinguishers: Used for putting out fires in cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and plastic materials. A great example is this Fire Extinguisher - Water.
- Class B extinguishers: Designed for fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints. A common type under this category is the Fire Extinguisher - Foam.
- Class C extinguishers: Recommended for electrical fires, such as wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and appliances. Fire Extinguisher - Powder is suitable for this application and can also be used for Class A and Class B fires.
Using the wrong type of extinguisher could have life-threatening consequences. Fire extinguishers should only be used by those who have received proper training.
Fire control measures on construction sites must be well-planned and executed to prevent fires from starting and spreading, and maintain a safe working environment for everyone. These practices and equipment are not limited to those mentioned above but are widely applied across all industries and workplaces.
Shop our reliable fire protection products, synergy alarms, and evacuator alarms today! Contact us via hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611 for inquiries. SP Group is a construction supplier in the UK and Ireland.