ENG-6201 Occupational Health and Safety

MODULE 12 – FIRE HAZARDS

This course introduces the student to the study of workplace occupational health and safety.
The student will learn safe work practices in offices, industry and construction as well as how
to identify and prevent or correct problems associated with occupational safety and health in
these locations as well as in the home. The course is designed to assist the student with the
implementation of safe healthy practices at work and at home.

https://ohsonline.com/articles/2016/06/01/its-not-just-the-heat.aspx

Fire remains an expensive and common cause of property loss in the United States. A
structure fire is reported approximately every minute of every day and results in
approximately $12 billion in property loss every year. Planning ahead and being
prepared can help you avoid becoming one of these statistics.

Fire Hazards Common to Many Operations

Recognizing the types of risks, you might face begins with identifying and
understanding those hazards. Consider these common sources of workplace fire
hazards or ignition sources when assessing fire risk:

 Process machinery that can overheat or generate excessive mechanical friction

or static electricity.
 Systems using combustible hydraulic fluids.

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  Hot work activity (e.g., welding, brazing, cutting and grinding).
 Industrial furnaces or ovens.
 Controls and safety interlocks on fuel fired boilers and hot water heaters, which
can present a risk if inadequate or poorly maintained.
 Spray painting and use of flammable or combustible liquids.
 Accumulation of combustible dusts from manufacturing processes.
 Operations using flammable gases.
 Stacked storage of combustible materials that may impact the effectiveness of
sprinklers and impede responding fire departments.
 Electrical equipment, wiring, load centers, junction boxes, circuit breakers,
transformers and motors, all of which can present a hazard if improperly
installed or maintained.
 Inadequate tobacco smoking controls.

Many Industries Have Unique Fire Risks

There may be fire hazards associated with exposures that are unique to your particular
type of operation. For example, in the metals industry, the following hazards may
exist:
 Combustible metal dusts.
 Pyrophoric materials (substances that ignite instantly upon exposure to
oxygen).
 Water-reactive metals.
 Combustible and flammable liquids.
 Dip tanks using hazardous materials.
 Heat-treating operations.

These are just a few of the hazards that may exist in your facilities. Every day,
Travelers Risk Control safety professionals provide information and online r esources
that can help our customers, in many types of industries, identify these types of
exposures.

Electrical Equipment Can Contribute Significantly to Your Risk

We sometimes take for granted the availability of safe power whenever we turn on a
switch. An electrical system in need of maintenance may still work while presenting
an increased risk to your operations.

Infrared scanning is one way of inspecting electrical systems and to identify those in
need of immediate maintenance. Infrared scanning is based on the principle that

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electrical equipment normally gives off heat. However, malfunctioning or overloaded
electrical equipment can produce excessive heat. Excessive heat can be detected with
the use of infrared imaging equipment. Detecting electrical hot spots can allow for
repair or replacement of the affected equipment, which may reduce the potential
manufacturing downtime, production losses, power outages, fires and other
catastrophic events resulting from equipment failures.

12 Ways to Keep Your Workplace Safe

Workplace fires and explosions cost businesses money in property damage and worker’s
compensation claims and are the highest workplace accident casualty rate. There are
OSHA safety products and standards that guard against fire hazards and fatalities, but
these workplace fire prevention tips can also keep everyone safe.

Keep Equipment Accessible

Electrical control panels, sprinklers, firefighting equipment, and emergency exits should
never be blocked. Observe clearances when stacking anything.

Tidy Up

Debris could fuel a fire or block exits and safety equipment. Keep workplaces free from
clutter when possible and ensure that everything is stored properly.

Properly Discard Waste

Oil-soaked rags and other fire hazards should be disposed of in covered metal containers.
These containers should be regularly emptied.

Maintain Equipment

Equipment that overheats or isn’t lubricated can present a fire hazard. Perform checks
and maintenance and keep detailed records.

Report Electrical Hazards

Malfunctioning equipment and faulty wiring can cause electrical fires. If something
doesn’t look right, let your supervisor know.

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Use and Store Chemicals Safely

Always read Material Safety Data Sheets and labels. When using or storing hazardous
chemicals, do so in properly ventilated areas and with the appropriate personal
protective equipment.

Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment

For FR protection and warmth while cleaning up outside, we have a GRIT Field Jacket.
A Pip 2-Layer Liner with FR Shell can keep your ears warm. If you need people to see
you, NSA has an FR Dual Action Hi-Vis T-Shirt or the FR Deluxe Hi-Vis Road Vest can
offer protection and visibility.

For workers who need full-body protection from fire hazards, we have an UltraSoft
Coverall from NSA and a Saf-Tech Nomex FR Contractor Coverall.

Protection doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. We have GRIT FR shirts in Navy
Twill Work Shirt and Henley T-Shirt styles. If you’re looking for comfortable protection
in your FR pants, we carry GRIT's Green Duck Work Pants and Brown Duck Bib Overalls.

Exercise Caution in Explosive Atmospheres

Areas containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles should be approached with
caution. Take precautions to keep the atmosphere from igniting, like using non-sparking
tools and static electricity control.

Lock Up Your Building

Keep your building locked up and report suspicious people or behavior in order to
prevent arson fires. In addition, don’t leave combustible garbage outside or near your
building, if possible.

Designate Areas for Smoking

Make sure that workers who take smoke breaks are using designated smoking areas. Post
reminders that enforce proper smoke distinguishing and cigarette discarding.

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Check Your Fire Extinguishers

Check the gauges in your fire extinguishers. If the extinguisher was inspected more than
a month ago, arrange for maintenance. Encourage everyone to receive proper training for
fire extinguisher use.

Display Signage and Emergency Contact Information

Your emergency numbers and company address should be posted by phone stations. Get
information sheets in more than one language if necessary. Make sure that there are exit
signs installed.

Make and Run Your Evacuation Plan

Have a designated spot outside where employees can meet after an evacuation. Conduct
drills twice a year and assign employees to be fire drill captains. Everyone else should
know the company policy for responding to emergencies.

REFERENCES:
ONLINE REFERENCE:
1. https://www.travelers.com/resources/facilities-management/fire-hazards-in-the-workplace
2. http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/FD0144A044C84FC5BAF90C05C04890B7.ashx
3. https://pksafety.com/blog/fire-safety-12-ways-to-keep-your-workplace-safe/

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