Even places like construction sites aren’t immune to fire-related incidents. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) claims local fire departments responded to around 4,300 construction sites from 2016 to 2020 alone. Overall, the fires caused five deaths, 62 injuries, and $375 million in property damage per year. With the leading causes of these fires being cooking equipment, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment, it’s fair to say that these losses of life and property could’ve been prevented if the proper safeguards were in place. That’s why it’s important for facility managers, building owners, contractors, installers, and Authority Having Jurisdictions (AHJs) alike to know how to identify hazards so they can be alleviated as soon as possible.
Fire Watches
The process of identifying and controlling these hazards is known as a fire watch. The NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, requires this process when an alarm is out of service for over four hours within a 24-hour window. If the alarm continues to be unavailable for more than 10 hours, the watch should include additional staffing to walk the affected areas.
In addition to alarm functionality, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) demands companies to post a fire watch during hot work if slag, splatter, or sparks might cause a fire; if fire-resistant guards or curtains are not used; if combustible material within 35 feet cannot be removed or protected; if hot work occurs near unshielded insulation or coatings; if adjacent combustible materials may ignite by conduction or radiation; or if the hot work is close enough to cause ignition through radiation or conduction.
Regardless of the situation, Health Facilities Management Magazine says the trained individuals assigned to the fire watch should:
- Inspect illuminated exit signs
- Keep exits, stairwells, and corridors clear
- Remove trash, garbage, and excess combustibles
- Verify that self-closing doors are not blocked and close freely
- Check for fire ignition sources like frayed wires, improperly stored flammables
- Inspect sprinkler systems for obstructions, leaks, closed valves, or low pressure
- Ensure fire extinguishers are visible, undamaged, unobstructed, charged, and operational and that the pins are secure
The NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work, states that after the designated fire watch period has ended, fire monitoring should continue in the hot work area for up to an additional three hours as determined by the Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI).
Detection Technologies
Detecting fires in a construction site is much different than how you would for a completed home or office. With the many hazards present during construction, it’s vital to protect life and property to the fullest extent possible. Since NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, requires systems to be in place when you first break ground, this can seem tricky without an electrical source.
Fortunately, Ramtech has come up with the WES3 Wireless Evacuation System. This is an excellent option for construction sites without reliable electricity. According to Ramtech, their system offers complete site-wide evacuation at the push of a button, addressable alerts for precise activation locations, and the ability to add heat and smoke sensors for 24-hour protection. It includes visual and audible alarms that are distinguishable from background noise and features a medical call function for added functionality.
If parts of the structure on the construction site are already enclosed, a wireless fire alarm system may not be necessary. The alternative, in this case, is a hardwired fire alarm system. Fire Alarms Online cites one configuration example that includes:
- Setting up horns and/or strobes
- Installing heat detectors in high-risk areas
- Using Protectowire linear heat detection cables
- Connecting to other systems or sprinkler switches
- Installing a headend Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
- Positioning pull boxes at exits or other strategic locations
- Placing smoke detectors on exposed wood and near temporary electrical setups
- Adding a Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT) for communication to the Central Station
Whether you choose a wireless or hardwired fire alarm system, it’s crucial to conduct weekly tests during the construction process so you can replace batteries and promptly address faults. In addition, you must pair your detection system with various suppression systems to resolve any potential fires that break out on the site.
Suppression Systems
Numerous hazardous conditions arise during construction, including cutting, welding, grinding, and storing combustible or hazardous materials. The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) reported that around 3,840 fires occurred annually in buildings under construction between 2013 and 2017. This led to $408 million in property damage, 12 deaths, and 101 injuries each year.
NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, says installing a temporary or permanent fire sprinkler system can significantly enhance safety in these environments. Conditions that distinguish permanent protection from temporary protection include the absence of finished ceilings, unfinished walls, protective sprinkler caps in place, obstructions during construction, exposed wood construction, fuel loading of construction materials, and lack of heating.
BuildOps recommends temporary sprinkler systems for construction sites since they’re less expensive, easy to move, and often contain mobile nozzles that reach hidden corners and hard-to-reach ceilings. However, they do have their drawbacks. Temporary sprinkler systems can be challenging to install, prone to corrosion, and require frequent maintenance and manual operation, leading to higher costs and potential safety risks for workers.
In comparison, fixed sprinkler systems cover larger areas, detect fires early, and provide reliable protection even in extreme conditions. They also help reduce insurance premiums and offer superior reliability and effectiveness in extinguishing fires quickly. Unfortunately, there are a few concerns that come along with these benefits. They’re more expensive than temporary systems, are unable to be moved, and involve complex integration into building infrastructure.
Whether temporary or permanent, sprinklers can only do so much when a large fire occurs. That’s why installing a temporary standpipe system is a smart move. Firefighter Nation defines them as an “arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections, and associated equipment installed in a building or structure, with the hose connections located in such a manner that water can be discharged in streams or spray patterns through attached hose and nozzles, for the purpose of extinguishing a fire, thereby protecting a building or structure and its contents in addition to protecting the occupants.” These systems remove the necessity for extended hose connections from fire apparatus to a fire. The NFPA already requires these systems in new buildings that meet any of the following conditions:
- Over 20 feet or one story below grade
- Over 50 feet above grade with intermediate stories or balconies
- Over three stories above grade with an approved sprinkler system
- Over two stories above grade without an approved sprinkler system
In addition to sprinkler and standpipe systems, readily available fire extinguishers are also a necessity. They should be strategically placed in key areas, including temporary electrical installations, welding sites, and hazardous material storage locations. Utilizing temporary stands and cabinets can provide easy access and protection for these extinguishers, preventing them from being damaged or misplaced during the construction process. Like other forms of fire suppression, you must regularly inspect and maintain the extinguishers to ensure they’re functional and ready for use in case of an emergency.
Having the proper detection and suppression systems in place doesn’t guarantee fires won’t occur. That’s why you must follow all the necessary safety protocols to keep your construction site safe. The NFPA recommends ensuring temporary electrical service lighting is up to code, maintaining and inspecting electrical equipment, minimizing extension wiring, and avoiding circuit overloads. They also advise prohibiting temporary cooking equipment and unauthorized heaters on-site, enforcing a permit system for hot work with a cool-down interval, safeguarding sites against arson with fencing and security, having an approved fire safety plan, and appointing a fire prevention program manager.
Conclusion
Applying the correct safety measures and systems is essential to preventing fire-related incidents on construction sites. By adhering to NFPA 241 and other safety standards, facility managers can safeguard lives and property to the fullest extent. Employing fire watches, detection technologies, and suppression systems minimizes risks and creates a safer working environment for everyone involved.
