On-site work: Five Fire Safety Tips
Creating a safe on-site working environment requires much planning, preparation and training. With heavy machinery, large structures and powerful vehicles freely moving about, it’s no surprise that construction sites are some of the most dangerous and demanding working environments around.
On-site work doesn’t specifically mean one industry in particular. Safety is often one of the top priorities for management and personnel, whether they work in construction and maintenance or events and projects developments. The last thing you want is a hazardous and dangerous site. This will not only put the health and safety of employees and contractors at risk, but also effects quality, efficiency and productivity.
Fire Prevention Products
There are a number of things that can trigger fire when working on-site. With wiring, electrics, generators and machinery utilised across a range of specialist areas, it’s important that you have handling, prevention and evacuation procedures in place.
Utilising fire safety products across your site will ensure that you have every base covered. Recruiting the services of a reputable and specialist fire safety supplier will present you with a range of general and specialist fire safety equipment. What’s more, they will be able to offer expert advice, guidance and assistance when it comes to creating a productive, safe and risk-free on-site environment.
Call In The Specialists
Understandably, each site comes with a different range of environments, demands, personal and equipment. However there are fire safety tips that can be applied across every spectrum:
#1 – Power & Electricity
When working on-site, there are a number of elements that can combine to start a fire. Generators and power sources are often used to power machinery and equipment to aid productivity. The ignition of a fire can occur in a matter of seconds so protective and preventative equipment, such as plant nappy’s, spill kits, drip trays and protective cable fastenings, will help combat any accidents.
#2 – Prevention & Visibility
Visibility and understanding is a key element that must be drummed into on-site contractors and employees. Protective clothing and safety vests will ensure that those working on-site are not at risk and regular drills and training should be carried out. This includes equipment handling, safety drills and evacuation strategies.
#3 – Detection
Fire detection alarms and systems should be fitted throughout your workplace – especially if you are working on a large scale project. Regularly check fire alarms and be sure to see what products are suitable for your site. Wireless and radio link alarms offer innovative and responsive detection.
#4– Location
Time is everything in the event of a fire, making the location of fire extinguishers, blankets and escape equipment essential to provide a quick and effective response – whether that be competitive or evacuative. Fire points should be situated on-site and readily available and fully-stocked with the appropriate equipment.
#5 –Evacuate
Evacuation should be your first thought in the event of a fire. Never put your life or the lives of others at risk by trying to be the hero. Regularly practised fire drills should always be rehearsed to ensure that everyone knows how to evacuate an area safely, how to act in the event of a fire and where they can find a safe designated fire point location. These strategies could save lives.
Although these tips can be implemented across a number of industries and commercial properties, you should always recruit the expertise of fire safety and fire protection specialists.
Phil Warrington, an on-site project manager with a specialism in safety awareness, looks at fire safety tips that are essential when working on-site. He recommends Bull Products for a complete range of fire protection and safety products.
For more information visit Bull Products company profile page.
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