Fire Prevention & Safety
Why is fire such an issue in construction? Buildings under construction are largely unprotected— fire-protection systems such as sprinklers, smoke detection, fire alarms, and fire walls are typically nonexistent or not yet operational until a building is near completion. Often times, construction site fires can spread rapidly before the fire department can arrive.
We’re focusing on fire prevention and suppression this month.
Featured Toolbox Talks
English Toolbox Talks
Our extensive library of toolbox talks contains hundreds of safety briefings. This month, we’re featuring the following talks:
Date Posted: 05/31/2024
On average, between 2016 and 2020, firefighters responded to more than 11 fires a day at buildings under construction in the U.S. Those fires led to an annual average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and over $376 million in direct property damages.
Construction site fires create a significant risk of property damage, personal injury, and even death.
Date Posted: 05/11/2024
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), there are, on average, 4,630 structure fires involving hot work per year. Any time equipment that produces a spark or open flame or a process that generates excessive heat, there is a risk of fire or explosion.
Date Posted: 09/19/2016
Welding and cutting pose several hazards on the jobsite. Following proper guidelines and wearing appropriate attire, you can eliminate the possibility of an accident.
Date Posted: 09/14/2016
Using the proper fire extinguisher is extremely important and the use of the wrong type may actually spread the fire. All fire extinguishers have a label to tell you what fires they can extinguish.
Date Posted: 09/14/2016
When workers think of fire prevention, they often think of fire extinguishers and having them close by to prevent a larger fire. When fire prevention is done right, it eliminates the need of a fire extinguisher.
Date Posted: 09/12/2016
Gasoline can be used on job-sites for some tools and equipment. Improper handling of gasoline increases the workers risk for serious injuries and even fatalities.
Date Posted: 09/01/2016
Electrical generators can save lives by maintaining heat, light, refrigeration and medical equipment during a power outage. These devices can be hazardous if not utilized properly. The following information outlines the specific hazards of fire inherent with the use of generators. Source: www.osha.gov.
Date Posted: 08/14/2016
Welding involves flammable materials and unexpected movement of hot particles. Follow these tips to keep yourself when welding.
Charlas de seguridad en Español
Nuestra extensa biblioteca de charlas de seguridad contiene cientos de informes de seguridad. Este mes, presentamos las siguientes charlas:
Fecha de Publicación: 05/11/2024
Según la Agencia Nacional de Protección contra Incendios (NFPA), cada año se producen una media de 4.630 incendios de estructuras relacionados con trabajos en caliente. Siempre que un equipo produzca una chispa o una llama abierta o un proceso que genere un calor excesivo, existe el riesgo de incendio o explosión.
Fecha de Publicación: 08/27/2016
Los generadores eléctricos pueden salvar vidas manteniendo el calor, la luz, refrigeración y equipos médicos durante un bajón de electricidad. Estos artefactos pueden ser peligrosos si no se utilizan adecuadamente. La siguiente información resalta los peligros de fuego inherentes con el uso de generadores.
Fecha de Publicación: 08/20/2016
Hay tres elementos necesarios para hacer y mantener el fuego, esos son, calor, oxigeno y combustible. Los fuegos son clasificados en A, B, C y D:
Fecha de Publicación: 05/29/2024
En promedio, entre 2016 y 2020, el departamento de bomberos respondió a más de 11 incendios al día en edificios en construcción en EE. UU. Esos incendios provocaron un promedio anual de cinco muertes de civiles, 62 lesiones en civiles y más de 376 millones de dólares en daños materiales directos.
Fecha de Publicación: 08/10/2016
La gasolina puede ser utilizada en el área de trabajo para algunas herramientas o equipos. El manejo impropio de la gasolina incrementa el riesgo accidentes o fatalidades en los trabajadores.
Fecha de Publicación: 08/05/2016
La soldadura y el corte representa varios peligros en el área de trabajo. Al Seguir las reglas adecuadas y utilizar la vestimenta apropiada, usted elimina la posibilidad de un accidente.
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Funding and support for this project has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects

