Accidental fires at construction sites are lethal! Even a tiny spark has the potential to engulf the entire site causing massive damage. Deaths are also not unlikely. To rule out any fire threats, you must be aware of the proper fire extinguisher installation guidelines. And if you’re a part of the site operations, stay vigilant at all times.
Why Are Construction Sites Prone to Fire Hazards?
The buildings under construction have higher chances of fire breakouts because they deal with an abundance of flammable materials as a part of their job. Also, if you are regular at such sites, you’ll know that construction areas often lack adequate fire safety measures.
On-site, raise a flag if you observe:
- Anyone smoking
- Unsafe wiring
- Risky equipment storage
- Strayed combustible substances
- Improper fire extinguisher installation
What Are the Australian Regulations for Fire Precautions at Construction Sites?
Fire hazards are considered one of the major occupational hazards worldwide! The Government of Australia has some specific regulations under the Building Code of Australia, section E1.9.
It states that when a building is under construction, there has to be at least one fire extinguisher at every storey, adjacent to the exit or exit stairway to suit the different classes of fires, like A, B, and C, as well as electrical fires.
Once the building reaches a height of 12 metres, every storey covered by roof must have required fire hydrants and reels, except for the top two floors. Also, installing the necessary booster connections is compulsory.
What Must You Know About Installing Fire Extinguishers at Construction Sites?
Fire extinguishers are devised to deal with unfortunate fire traps, assuring safety at work. A fire extinguisher installation process might take a considerable amount of time for the service providers adhere to the following steps:
- Supplying the fire extinguishers
- Installing the devices
- Mounting of wall brackets and appropriate signages
- Placing and stamping the maintenance tag
And there are more to the installation tasks that you must take note of:
- Approval
It is a mandate to take the local council’s approval before installing the extinguishers or making any changes to your current installations. For further information, you can contact the local Fire Safety Officer.
- Fitment
Make sure well-fitted brackets or cabinets support all the extinguishers, and its front sides are facing outwards.
- Positioning
Confirm whether or not the extinguishers have been stationed in the most accessible spots, maintaining a surrounding clearance of 1000mm (as per Fire & Rescue NSW).
- Maintenance
Check whether every fire extinguisher installed at your site is well maintained as per the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 and is thermally protected.
- Accordance
Make certain, the installation that has been carried out is perfectly aligned with the local hazards.
You cannot compromise the safety of your own and others. Therefore, fire extinguisher installation would be your first step towards reducing and eliminating fire-related mishaps, attaining a zero risk work environment. Take the help of professionals to install it and conduct regular inspections with the right procedures and compliances.