How to Improve Fire Safety on Construction Sites

Learn more about the different preventative measures that can help improve fire safety on construction sites.

Many potential dangers loom on construction sites, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enacted many health and safety regulations to help protect construction workers and community members. According to a 2020 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of four construction site fires involved residential properties between 2013 and 2017, highlighting an urgent need for construction fire awareness and prevention. Learn how project managers, supervisors, and contractors can help ward off construction fires by following these best practices.

The Top Causes of Construction Fires

The NFPA cited onsite cooking, heaters, hot work (soldering, welding, and grinding), smoking, flammable material, electrical issues, arson, and incomplete fire protection as the leading causes of construction fires. Construction fires are especially lethal because they involve unfinished structures that often contain exposed, raw—and incredibly flammable—materials. In addition to adhering to all applicable OSHA standards, all employees performing work on or near the construction site should be familiar with potential fire hazards and other emergency protocols to help reduce the risk of onsite flames.

What Should Be Included in a Fire Safety Plan?

At a minimum, fire safety plans should be OSHA-compliant, including but not limited to:

• A list of all major fire hazards on the construction site
• Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials
• The name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining preventative equipment

Notifying employees upon their job assignments of potential exposure to fire hazards is one of the most critical responsibilities of project managers.

Get Serious About Fire Safety

Accidents happen, and construction managers can prioritize the safety of those on and around the worksite by having the appropriate fire protection equipment handy in case of an emergency. Regular inspections should be scheduled to ensure that all equipment is ready for use and up to code. Fire extinguishers always need to be recharged immediately after being discharged to guarantee protection for future incidents.

Jacksonville business owners can help protect their companies, employees, and tenants with quality fire protection products and inspections from Apartment Fire Extinguisher Service, Inc. We're a family-owned business backed by a commitment to quality and the safety of our clients since 1982. Call (904) 398-2030 or complete our online form to speak to a member of our team today.