Many potential dangers loom on construction sites, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enacted many health and safety regulations to help protect construction workers and community members. According to a 2020 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of four construction site fires involved residential properties between 2013 and 2017, highlighting an urgent need for construction fire awareness and prevention. Learn how project managers, supervisors, and contractors can help ward off construction fires by following these best practices.

The Top Causes of Construction Fires

The NFPA cited onsite cooking, heaters, hot work (soldering, welding, and grinding), smoking, flammable material, electrical issues, arson, and incomplete fire protection as the leading causes of construction fires. Construction fires are especially lethal because they involve unfinished structures that often contain exposed, raw—and incredibly flammable—materials. In addition to adhering to all applicable OSHA standards, all employees performing work on or near the construction site should be familiar with potential fire hazards and other emergency protocols to help reduce the risk of onsite flames.

What Should Be Included in a Fire Safety Plan?

At a minimum, fire safety plans should be OSHA-compliant, including but not limited to:

• A list of all major fire hazards on the construction site
• Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials
• The name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining preventative equipment

Notifying employees upon their job assignments of potential exposure to fire hazards is one of the most critical responsibilities of project managers.

Get Serious About Fire Safety

Accidents happen, and construction managers can prioritize the safety of those on and around the worksite by having the appropriate fire protection equipment handy in case of an emergency. Regular inspections should be scheduled to ensure that all equipment is ready for use and up to code. Fire extinguishers always need to be recharged immediately after being discharged to guarantee protection for future incidents.

Jacksonville business owners can help protect their companies, employees, and tenants with quality fire protection products and inspections from Apartment Fire Extinguisher Service, Inc. We're a family-owned business backed by a commitment to quality and the safety of our clients since 1982. Call (904) 398-2030 or complete our online form to speak to a member of our team today.

The Science of Fire

Fires start when heat and oxygen react with a fuel, which can be anything from wood or building materials to a variety of flammable liquids and gases. Putting out a fire requires the removal of one or more of these three essential components; fire extinguishers generally attack either a fire's heat or oxygen, or both. Once heat or oxygen is removed from the equation, a fire will quickly begin to diminish until it is extinguished completely.

Water Extinguishers

All fire extinguishers are essentially large aerosol canisters that contain pressurized fire-fighting materials, but a few varieties of extinguishers exist for tackling different kinds of fires. Some extinguishers use water as their primary active ingredient, which fights fires by rapidly cooling the flames. Water extinguishers are mostly useful for fires that burn using dry fuel, where no flammable liquids are present.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Instead of water, dry chemical extinguishers contain pressurized nitrogen as a propellant and dry chemical powder or foam as a fire retardant. Whereas water-based extinguishers remove heat from fires to put them out, the powder or foam in a dry chemical model smothers the flames by removing surrounding oxygen. These extinguishers are especially useful for fires with liquid or chemical fuels, as using water would only cause the fuel to spread and the flames to grow.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide extinguishers combine liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide to combat flames. Carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperature and pressure, but it forms a liquid when put under pressure inside a canister. Upon activating a fire extinguisher, the liquid carbon dioxide rapidly expands into gas as it's released. Carbon dioxide fights fires by both forcing oxygen from the area and, as it transforms from liquid to gas, rapidly cooling the flames.

Fire extinguishers are an important component of public safety and are required for complying with safety codes and laws. Apartment Fire Extinguisher Service, Inc. provides a wide range of fire protection products and services to Jacksonville-area businesses. Contact us today at (904) 398-2030 to learn how we can help you improve your business's fire safety practices.

Despite taking many precautions, building fires still happen. Below are a few major things that cause indoor fires.

Cooking

Data from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that over 50% of apartment fires occur while cooking. These fires can quickly spread by household items like curtains and plastic bags. To avoid disaster, ensure cooking areas are clear of easily flammable materials and always keep a fire extinguisher in the area.

Heating Systems

Heating systems are the second-most common cause of apartment fires. During winter, heaters are essential for chilly nights when the temperature drops. That said, heating systems should never be left unattended or ignored for long periods, as dust accumulation can be especially flammable.

Electrical Faults

A survey done by FEMA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System in 2016 showed that electrical malfunctions cause 6.5% of apartment fires. Ensuring all electrical outlets are well covered and repairing or replacing any exposed electrical wires can reduce the risk of fires.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking contributes to 2% of building fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Therefore, it is recommended to have designated smoking zones and well-maintained fire systems to reduce the number of residents smoking indoors.

Appliances

While appliances are a part of daily life and common in most apartments, precautionary measures must be followed to avoid disaster. When using appliances, avoid wet areas and always follow the operating instructions outlined by the manufacturer.

Basic knowledge of using fire extinguishers is an important and essential life skill. Apartment Fire Extinguisher Service, Inc. offers the best fire protection products and maintenance services in Jacksonville, FL. Contact us today to learn more about our licensed fire extinguisher services.