제  목 : Construction fire safety
  일  자 : 1998년 09월
  제공처 : Internet

    Construction fire safety
   ==========================

  CONTENTS

   -  Prevent fire occurring
   -  Preparing for fire if it happens
   -  Providing information
   -  References

 Fire can break out on most construction sites. There are around 11
 construction fires every day. As you read this publication there is probably a
 fire on a construction site. Not only can people be killed or injured, but
 fires can also be financially devastating to those involved.

 This publication sets out some basic measures for construction fire safety and
 is aimed mainly at those managing and working on smaller sites where risks are
 relatively low (but it should not be assumed that risks are low merely because
 a site is small). More detailed guidance is also available aimed at higher
 risk sites and there is much in it that is relevant for any construction site.
 Its reference is given at the end of this information sheet.

 The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 require
 measures both to prevent fires happening and to make sure all people on
 construction sites (including visitors) are protected if they do occur. The
 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM) also require those
 designing, planning and carrying out projects to take construction fire safety
 into account.

 What the law requires in practice will vary depending on the risks. Erecting a
 simple steel framed building in the middle of a field will only require simple
 precautions because fire risks are low. Higher risk work such as refurbishing
 floors in an occupied office block, will need many more precautions because
 the risk of fire occurring and the difficulties of escaping from it are much
 greater.

 Prevent fire occurring

 Most construction fires have simple causes and can be dealt with by simple
 precautions. The following are particularly important:

      make sure that LPG cylinders and other flammable materials are properly
      stored. LPG should be stored outside buildings in well-ventilated and
      secure areas. Flammable materials such as solvents and adhesives should
      be stored in lockable steel containers;
      LPG supplies should be turned off at the cylinder when not in use. This
      is particularly important out of hours. Serious explosions have occurred
      after site huts have gradually filled with gas because an LPG heater has
      not been turned off. Also make sure site huts are adequately ventilated
      and do not keep LPG in them if it is not needed;
      make sure that LPG equipment and fittings are properly maintained.
      Damaged hoses and fittings or makeshift connections are extremely
      dangerous because they can easily lead to leaks in tough construction
      conditions;
      if there is any suspicion that LPG is leaking stop using it and check.
      Leaks can be identified by hissing, smell or using soapy water, but never
      with a naked flame. Only light up when you are certain that there are no
      leaks and that any vapour which has leaked has dispersed;
      follow clear rules for hot work such as welding. Formal permit-to-work
      systems are often appropriate. In particular, make sure extinguishers are
      at hand and that sparks or heat cannot set fire to surrounding materials.
      After the work has finished (usually an hour later) check the worksite to
      make sure that there is no smouldering;
      do not leave tar boilers unattended;
      keep a tidy site and make sure rubbish is cleared away promptly and
      regularly;
      avoid unnecessary stockpiling of combustible materials, eg polystyrene,
      and store what is necessary away from ignition sources. Limit what is
      taken onto site from the store to what is needed for a day's work;
      consider the need for special precautions in areas where flammable
      atmospheres may develop, such as the use of volatile solvents or
      adhesives in enclosed areas;
      avoid burning waste materials on site wherever possible. Never use petrol
      or similar accelerants to start or encourage fires;
      make sure everyone abides by site rules on smoking.

 Site rules for preventing fire are useless unless they are followed. Employers
 and construction managers should monitor their worksites and take appropriate
 action when breaches are found.

 Preparing for fire if it happens

 Fires can grow extremely rapidly. If a construction fire occurs the primary
 aim is to ensure that all those on site reach safety as soon as possible.
 Delay can be fatal. Site staff may need to fight a fire to enable their
 escape, but tackling larger fires is the fire brigade's task.

 Raising the alarm

 If fire breaks out the alarm should be raised as soon as the first person
 discovers it.

 The type of alarm needed can range from a simple shout of 'fire', to manual
 bells or klaxons or to sophisticated automatic systems. Whatever system is
 chosen make sure that it:

      can be heard by everyone working on site over normal background noise;
      will work when needed (check that existing building alarm systems have
      not been disconnected if you rely on them during refurbishment work);
      can be activated immediately (delay can be fatal).

 Means of escape

 Construction sites can pose particular problems because the routes in and out
 may be incomplete and obstructions may be present. Open sites usually offer
 plentiful means of escape and special arrangements are unlikely to be
 necessary. In enclosed buildings people can easily become trapped, especially
 where they are working above or below ground level. In such cases means of
 escape need careful consideration.

 Make sure that:

      wherever possible, there are at least two escape routes in different
      directions;
      travel distances to safety are reduced to a minimum;
      enclosed escape routes, for example corridors or stairwells, can resist
      fire and smoke ingress from the surrounding site. Where fire doors are
      needed for this make sure they are provided and kept closed (self-closing
      devices should be fitted to doors on enclosed escape routes);
      escape routes and emergency exits are clearly signed;
      escape routes and exits are kept clear. Emergency exits should never be
      locked when people are on the site;
      emergency lighting is installed if necessary to enable escape. This is
      especially important in enclosed stairways in multi-storey structures
      which will be in total darkness if the normal lighting fails during a
      fire;
      an assembly point is identified where everyone can gather and be
      accounted for.

 Fire-fighting equipment

 The equipment needed depends on the risk of fire occurring and the likely
 consequences if it does. It can range from a single extinguisher on small
 low-risk sites to complex fixed installations on large and high-risk sites.
 Whatever equipment is needed make sure that:

      fire equipment is located where it is really needed and is easily
      accessible;
      the location of fire-fighting equipment and how to use it is clearly
      indicated;
      the right sort of extinguishers are provided for the type of fire that
      could occur. A combination of water or foam extinguishers for paper and
      wood fires and CO2 extinguishers for fires involving electrical equipment
      is usually appropriate;
      the equipment provided is maintained and works. Fire-fighting equipment
      should be checked regularly by a competent person - often from the
      manufacturer;
      those carrying out hot work have appropriate fire extinguishers with them
      and know how to use them.

 Emergency plans

 The purpose of emergency plans is to ensure that everyone on site reaches
 safety if there is a fire. Small and low-risk sites only require very simple
 plans, but higher risk sites will need more careful and detailed
 consideration. An emergency plan should:

      be available before work starts;
      be up to date and appropriate for the circumstances concerned;
      make clear who does what during a fire;
      where CDM applies be incorporated in the construction phase health and
      safety plan;
      work if it is ever needed. On larger high-risk sites fire drills may be
      appropriate. On smaller sites:
    you should know what you need to do if there is a fire;
    managers need to make sure that everyone on their sites knows what
    to do;
    regular checks should be made to ensure that fire precautions are in
    place.

 Providing information

 Fire action notices should be clearly displayed where everyone on site will
 see them, for example at fire points, site entrances or canteen areas.

 References

 Fire safety in construction work - Guidance for clients, designers and those
 managing and carrying out construction work involving significant fire risks
 HSG168 HSE Books 1997 ISBN 0 7176 1332 1

 Health and safety in construction HSG150 HSE Books 1996 ISBN 0 7176 1143 4

 A guide to managing health and safety in construction HSE Books 1995 ISBN 0
 7176 0755 0

 The future availability and accuracy of the references listed in this
 publication cannot be guaranteed.

 HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books,
 PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS. Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995.

 HSE priced publications are also available from good booksellers. For other
 enquiries ring HSE's InfoLine Tel: 0541 545500, or write to HSE's Information
 Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ.