Fire and Safety Australia outlines the risks of fires on construction sites and how employers and employees can avoid them
Incidents of fires on construction sites remains a prevalent concern for those working in the industry, as well as safety organisations.
Fire and Safety Australia (FSA) is the country’s leading provider of emergency response services and emergency response and safety training.
With more than 80 courses and a team of emergency services officers and emergency response trainers employed across the country, FSA aims to help organisations with their safety needs, providing nationally accredited certificates.
Annually, FSA trains over 62,000 nationally recognised units of competency, with 42,000 individual participants Australia-wide.
Trusted
FSA’s medical and emergency response service division is one of Australia’s most trusted providers across the oil and gas, mining, global wind farm and major construction industries.
It supplies medical and emergency staff, including paramedics, nurses, COVID-19 clinic and testing staff and emergency services officers for both long-term and short-term projects.
Speaking to Earthmovers & Excavators, FSA’s business development manager, Kipley Sullivan, highlighted fire risks on construction sites and outlined what site managers and workers can do to help increase fire safety and possibly save lives.
Fire safety on construction sites continues to be a critical concern due to several factors which heighten the risk of fire incidents, Sullivan explains, including:
- Complexity of projects and their associated hazards
- Material storage and disposal
- Site security and trespassing
- High number of ignition sources (which are sometimes introduced to site on an ad-hoc basis, such as a contractor bringing a welder)
- Human factors
- Lack of training
Diligence
“It is important to remember that the fire risk on construction sites is amplified as, unlike established buildings with fire safety systems like sprinklers and alarms, construction sites differ in their stages of construction and any site may not have these systems fully installed until a later stage,” says Sullivan.
“This highlights the importance of diligence when it comes to fire safety and fire safety training.”
Sullivan says there have been improvements to enhance safety measures in the industry, such as:
- Nationally recognised training delivering by registered training organisations, such as Fire and Safety Australia
- Stricter adherence to regulations and admission to sites
- Advancements in training equipment, such as Fire and Safety Australia’s virtual reality and live-fire training experiences
Challenges
“However, challenges do remain, particularly with the complexity and scale of current construction projects and the introduction of new technologies and materials which may pose unfamiliar risks,” she adds.
“Fire and Safety Australia partners with our clients to ensure that their learning and compliance outcomes are delivered throughout training.”
There are a number of important aspects site managers and site health and safety advisors should consider whilst assessing the safety of their sites, according to Sullivan.
“Ensure a comprehensive emergency management plan is developed for the construction site,” she says.
“This would extend beyond fire safety and would incorporate heights, confined spaces, medical… to name a few.
“Conduct regular risk assessments to address any identified hazards promptly and implement measures to mitigate risks,” she says.
“In conjunction, ensure that work permits are issued and authorised in accordance with policy.
“Familiarise yourself with the Australian standards, state regulations and building code requirements relating to the activities of fire safety and other activities on your site,” she adds, stating many of Fire and Safety Australia’s courses cover these elements.”
Training
Sullivan also advises managers of construction sites to provide training.
“All workers, subcontractors and site personnel should receive training on fire safety procedures, including the use of fire extinguishers, evacuation routes and emergency control organisations,” she explains.
“Implement fire prevention measures – take a proactive step to prevent fires, such as proper storage of flammable or combustible materials and safe practices during hot work activities.
“Maintain fire detection systems – ensure any systems are regularly tested, maintained and are functional.”
Sullivan also highlights the importance of providing access to firefighting equipment, implementing controls to manage potential ignition sources – such as monitoring of hot works through permits – and maintaining clear evacuation routes.
“Review emergency management plans regularly,” she adds.
“When you conduct your annual evacuation drill, [ask] is your team following what is written in this plan, are there any gaps which need to be addressed.”
Workers can contribute significantly to maintaining high safety standards by taking steps to report unsafe working conditions, Sullivan explains.
“If you identify any safety concerns, do not hesitate to voice your concern and take immediate action,” she advises.
“You may just save a life.
“Take immediate action, report to your supervisor, site manager or health and safety advisor – depending on your company procedures – document the incident in writing if necessary and follow up to ensure corrective actions are taken.”
Accountability
Sullivan also advises making use of your company’s safety reporting channels, and encouraging accountability.
Subcontractors bringing their own equipment to construction sites is a common occurrence and Sullivan says it is one that sites should be prepared for.
“Each site should have measures in place to ensure compliance and safety measures are met.
“Some measures could include training and awareness – ensuring that all contractors and personnel using equipment are trained and following site fire safety protocols. Some potential evidence could include statements of attainment in fire extinguisher training, fire warden training or work permits training.
Sullivan also highlights the need for “contractor inductions” to familiarise and acknowledge the contractor’s adherence to site safety protocols; appropriate storage and transportation of flammable or combustible materials in accordance with site requirements; and safe handling of ignition sources and ensuring standby safety precautions – such as a blanket or extinguisher – are in place when using equipment that generates heat or sparks.
Communication
“Communication is key,” she adds. “Maintain open communication with the site regarding the equipment you are bringing and inform the site manager or HS advisor of any specific concerns relating to the job or equipment.
“If necessary, revise your risk assessment and address any of those hazards.”
On the issue of reporting, Sullivan says: “If you notice any equipment related safety concerns, report them immediately.
“Ensure equipment is maintained and compliant before using the equipment onsite. Keep any maintenance logbooks accessible for site inspection requests.
“[Be] aware of ignition sources – such as grinders, metal cutting, welding etc – and the proximity to flammable materials.
“By adopting some of the above measures, contractors can also contribute to a safe working environment and reduce the risk of fire incidents. I do emphasise that collaboration with the team on site and adherence to safety protocols are crucial.”
Concern
While there are no specific statistics from national regulators on fire incidents on construction sites, FSA says fire incidents remain a prevalent concern.
“Generally, the statistics for the industry highlight the overall risks and challenges in the sector,” Sullivan explains.
The Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2022 published by Safe Work Australia (QLD) reports a rate of 16.9 serious claims per thousand employees for the construction sector, with the average across industries being 10.5.
The reportable fatalities for the industry are at 2.1, compared to an overall average 1.3 across industries.
“Although these numbers are not specific to fire incidents, the general trend is that there is a higher element of risk in the sector which speaks to the importance of ensuring safety on sites,” Sullivan adds.
“Based on Safe Work QLD information, the most reported incidents in the construction sector are attributed to falling from heights, vehicles incidents and falling objects.
“This is why Fire and Safety Australia caters and delivers countless courses to construction companies and individuals, not only about fire safety but also, heights and falling objects, confined spaces, rescue courses, spotter and jumpform training – and that is just getting started.”
For more information on FSA courses and accreditations, go to www.fireandsafetyaustralia.com.au or contact Kipley Sullivan at kipley.sullivan@fsaus.com.au.
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