Make Fire Prevention Part of Your Jobsite Safety Culture

October 5-11 is National Fire Prevention Week, an annual public outreach and awareness campaign by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The NFPA focus this year is on the safe use and disposal of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries commonly found in many small electronics, including many power tools. These batteries must be properly recycled. Never throw a rechargeable battery in the trash on a jobsite and always make sure rechargeable tools are safely stored or removed from the jobsite each day.

Looking at other hazards on a jobsite, NAHB has resources to help builders keep residential construction sites as fire-resistant as possible, beginning with basic housekeeping, storage, and preparedness practices, especially entering the cold season:

• Keep the worksite clear of extraneous items and clean up spills immediately.
• Be aware of fuel and ignition sources on the jobsite, and ensure proper placement and storage.
• Ensure rooms have proper ventilation before spraying paint and other solvents.
• Ensure temporary heaters are being properly used.
• Keep fire extinguishers within easy reach, and make sure workers are trained to use them.

Serious fires on home building jobsites are rare, but they can be very destructive. And all fires are fairly easy to prevent with diligent planning and maintenance.

Winter is an especially dangerous time as many sites use temporary heaters when working on interiors. These heaters can be knocked over, left on, or simply malfunction, leading to fires that can quickly spread. Proper use of space heaters is essential to keeping workers safe.

Take this week as an opportunity to stop and think about fire safety on your jobsites. Is everyone aware of the escape plan? When was the last time fire extinguishers were checked? Is housekeeping a daily task?

You’re probably already covered. But stop, think about it, and ask the questions to make sure. And make sure you understand OSHA's requirements for jobsite fire safety.

For more on home building site fire safety, watch the NAHB Toolbox Talk below or visit the fire prevention toolkit.