How to Prevent Fire Hazards on Your Worksite

No matter your industry or the type of worksite you’re on, the health and safety of all staff should always be a top priority. This is especially the case when working on projects that have flammable components, such as combustible material or easy-to-ignite chemicals.

But how, exactly, can you prevent fire hazards on your worksite? 

As Australia’s leading safety equipment supplier, we know how business owners can keep their worksites safe for all staff, including mitigating fire-related hazards. So read on to discover how you can prevent fire hazards in your workplace.

Dispose of combustible materials responsibly

Most businesses have recyclable materials around that are also combustible, such as paper, cardboard boxes and wood. But by having these materials lying around the worksite, you’re putting yourself and your staff at risk of a fire. So, it’s important that you dispose of all combustible waste efficiently and responsibly.

One tip you can easily implement is to have a designated waste space away from the main building and any source of ignition, such as a heater. You should also be moving this flammable waste off-site as soon as possible, which ensures the safety of your staff sooner rather than later.

Clean and dust regularly 

While dust might not seem like a red flag for fire hazards, combustible dust can easily cause a fire that might be difficult to extinguish. In its simplest form, combustible dust is made up of particles that can easily ignite when exposed to heat or any source of ignition. 

This type of dust comes in various forms, such as organic materials (sugar and flour), carbonaceous materials (charcoal and soot), textile fibres (cotton) and some metals.

To prevent this type of dust from building up and becoming the primary cause of a fire in the workplace, ensure that you clean the worksite regularly. This includes everything from storage rooms right through to where equipment is regularly used. The last thing you want to happen is to have an accidental fire on your hands because you didn’t dust your workplace thoroughly.

Store flammable liquids and objects carefully

Though it may seem somewhat contradictory, some liquids can be the cause of fire hazards in the workplace. Things like petrol, methylated spirit and paint thinners, for example, are highly flammable and can cause intense fires to spread throughout a workplace if not stored correctly.

Ensure that all chemical containers are tightly secured and kept away from areas or equipment that might cause them to light. In addition to careful storage, if something is spilled or dropped, make sure to clean it up straight away. Not only does this help prevent fires from being started or from spreading, but it also ensures that other workers don’t slip and hurt themselves.

Check your building

A final important step to keep your workplace safe is to check your building and ensure it’s prepared for a fire. For instance, you should check that you have adequate fire safety signs placed in the relevant areas to ensure that all staff know how to manage certain fires. 

You can also ensure that fire exits aren’t blocked by anything that can slow others down in an emergency. If your fire exit door is broken, then take the time to get it fixed by an expert to ensure that there’s a clear pathway.

Knowing your building’s evacuation route is paramount, as this will be the safest way to leave the building should it catch fire. You should take the time to run fire evacuation drills to ensure all staff know how best to leave the building in the case of a fire.

Gear up with TFX

During your building inspection, you should take note of what type of gear you need to buy or replace. At TFX, we’ve got everything to keep you and your staff safe if a fire breaks out – from smoke alarms to fire pillows, evacuation alarms to fire blankets. Start staying safe today and get in touch with our team!