Fire prevention means taking necessary action to prevent fire and explosion. One of the most important parts of any job plan action is to eliminate the potential of accidental fire and explosion.
When the potential of fire and explosion is removed from the work or activity, a major hazard is eliminated. This prevents injury to workmen, damage or loss to property.
Normally, portable fire extinguishers are adequate on construction sites. Other fire fighting services, such as use of fire-water mains/hoses or fire trucks will also be needed.
FIRE WARDENS
A Fire Warden and alternative Fire Warden will be appointed for each office and work area. Their names will be posted in visible locations.
The Fire Warden's duties will include;
a. A good understanding of the emergency procedures and phone numbers.
b. Checking that emergency exits are clear, emergency doors are not locked and that there are adequate means of escape.
c. Checking that fire extinguishers are in their proper locations and operational.
d. Checking that rubbish/combustibles are removed from the work area on a daily basis.
e. Checking that all lights and equipment are switched off as required. f. Reporting all potential fire hazards.
a. A multi-purpose class dry powder fire extinguisher will be provided for each and every work area, they will be checked by Supervisory and Safety personnel everyday if used as equipment for a fire watch and in other cases no less than weekly.
b. Fire extinguisher will be well maintained. Used or empty extinguisher will be immediately reserved (refilled) and replaced.
c. The use of any fire extinguisher must be immediately reported to CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES COMPANY's Site Safety Department. d. Fire extinguishers will not be used as door stoppers.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
a. Flammable liquid storage areas will require coordination-with the Site Safety Department for risk assessment.
b. The storage transportation of flammable liquids will be in approved containers. The contents will be labeled on the container.
c. Appropriate warning/danger signs will be posted around flammable liquid storage areas.
d. A metal funnel will be used to pour flammable liquids.
e. Engines will be switched off during refuelling operations. This instruction will include diesel-engine-driven welding machines operating in the yard.
SMOKING
a. Where Smoking is allowed signs will be posted, receptacles will be provided full of sand. Prohibition notices "NO SMOKING" will be posted in all other areas.
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
a. Combustible scrap and rubbish will be removed from work areas on a daily basis.
b. No combustible materials will be exposed to welding, cutting sparks and slag, Adequate precautions will be taken by shielding and/or wetting materials to prevent ignition.
c. A stand-by fire-watchman with a 10 kg dry powder extinguisher will also be provided.
d. Whenever possible, combustible materials will be properly stored away from any source of ignition.
a. Fire practice drills will be conducted by Safety personnel. In highly populated/activity areas (assembly areas or muster points will be established).
b. Drills will be coordinated with local authorities and Fire/Police Station and adjacent facilities where required under local rules.
TRAINING
a. Fire Wardens and suitable personnel will be trained in the use of fire extinguisher and emergency procedures. Personnel will be chosen from all ranks/positions. All personnel will be informed of basic fire fighting procedures.
b. Other fire training requirements will be conducted by Corporate Safety jointly with Site Safety Department.
These requirements will include but not be limited to: - basic fire fighting using extinguisher and water - rescue procedures and techniques
- basic first aid for burns treatment 8.13 HOUSEKEEPING
The condition of a work area is a good indication of the attitude of management and the workers. A clean and well organized work area shows that the workers have a good attitude and go about their work in a professional manner.
Good Housekeeping is a very important part of accident prevention. Where rubbish, scrap lumber and other types of combustibles are allowed to accumulate in the work area, the risk of fire is greatly increased.
A cluttered work area also increases the risk of personal injury by exposing workers to tripping and slipping hazards and injuries from protruding nails etc.
Management and Supervision will ensure that the Site and work areas are maintained to a high standard of housekeeping at all times. Water will be segregated according to the requirements of the Waste-Disposal Facility. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
a. Clear access will be maintained to emergency exits and escape routes at all times.
b. Clear access will be maintained to fire fighting equipment, alarm points, electric panels and ladders.
d. When not in use, materials, tools and equipment will be properly stored. "A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN IT'Sits PLACE".
e. Electric cords, air hoses and cutting torch hoses will not be placed where they create a tripping hazard causing injury.
f. Liquid spills must be cleaned up immediately. Contaminated soil or sand will be managed as waste.
g. Rubbish will be removed from the work site at the end of each day. h. Suitable skips/bins will be provided for general site debris and
emptied as required. The schedule for removing waste from Site will be determined by the amount of waste accumulated. Replacement empty skips will be made available upon co-ordination with Stores In- charge. In any case, waste will not be allowed to accumulate in such quantities that it may spill from waste containers posing a health or fire hazard.
i. Soiled/oily rags will be kept in approved containers separate from clean rags.
j. Excess materials, tools and equipment will not be stored at heights. All materials, tools and equipment used at heights will be properly secured when not in use.
k. Housekeeping will be carried out on daily basis at end of the shift/day before leaving the site.
I. Members of supervision will conduct routine daily inspections of their areas at the end of each day to ensure that the rules of good housekeeping are complied with.
m. The following activities are strictly prohibited
I. Dumping waste material in unauthorized areas, II. Burying/Backfilling waste on Site,
III. Burning waste materials except through the incinerator.
*NOTE: Project Management maintains overall responsibility for ensuring Site cleanliness and waste removal.