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27/11/2012 www.chmfire.ca 1 CONSTRUCTION SITE FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES Steven Craft, PhD, PEng Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. © CHM Fire Consultants Ltd. 2012

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Page 1: CONSTRUCTION SITE FIRE SAFETY - Wood-Workswood-works.ca/wp-content/uploads/content/ON/WSF/... · • Most construction site fires can be prevented with knowledge, planning and diligence;

27/11/2012

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CONSTRUCTION SITE FIRE SAFETY ‐ REGULATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES

Steven Craft, PhD, PEng

Copyright Materials

This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the

speaker is prohibited.

© CHM Fire Consultants Ltd. 2012

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Canadian Wood Council, Wood WORKS! and the Wood Solutions Fair is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members who complete a participation form at the registration counter. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available on request.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

Program Education Credit Information

Outline

• Introduction

• Regulations

• Fire Triangle

• Ignition Sources

• Fuel Sources

• On‐site Fire Procedures and Equipment

• Site‐specific Considerations

• Fire Safety Planning

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How Significant are Construction Site Fires

• Construction site fires are rare, but can result in disastrous consequences– Construction site fires represent less than 0.2% of all fires

– Civilian loss of life & injury are low

– Property damage is higher on average than for all fires, and, occasionally, when conditions conspire, much higher

Fire Risks Unique to Construction Sites

• Fire alarm system and sprinklers are likely not yet operational

• Limited or no compartmentalization• Limited or no structural fire protection• Combustible exterior sheathing or insulation 

may not yet be protected• Greater risk of incendiary fires due to site 

being unoccupied during non‐working hours • Hazardous activities such as hot works • May be inadequate water supply for manual 

firefighting

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Fire Risks Unique to Construction Sites

• However, construction phase is a relatively short period of time in lifespan of building

• These unique risks can be minimized by understanding the hazards and acting accordingly.

Regulations

• Occupational Health and Safety Act

– Ontario Regulation 213/91 “Construction Projects”

• Local by‐laws

– Fire breaks, fencing, fire fighter access routes

• Ontario Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) 

• Other requirements from insurance providers

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Fire Triangle

Construction Site Fires.  U.S. Fire Administration, Vol. 2, Issue 14.  Nov. 2001.

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BC Fire Statistics

• Of 275 fires over 5 years, 63 % were reported as incendiary and 22% were undetermined.

• Incendiary fires typically occur during off‐hours

• More than half the construction fires started on the ground floor.

Summary of Requirements for Construciton Fire Saftety in British Columbia, Analysis and Research of Construction Fire Risks.  CFT Engineering Inc. 2012.

Ignition Sources

• Incendiary or suspicious – 40%

• Open flame, ember, torches – 21%

• Heating equipment – 10%

Structure Fires in Vacant or Idle Properties, or Properties under Construction, Demolition or Renovation, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division, Quincy, MA, August 2001

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Ignition Sources ‐ Site Security

• Security helps mitigate against theft and opportunistic fire setters.  Options include:

• Perimeter fencing (required by many municipalities)

• Electronic surveillance 

• Security company

• Lighting

• Close up entry level early 

Ignition Sources ‐ Hot Works

Section 123 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

Precautions to prevent a fire shall be taken when using a blowtorch or welding or cutting equipment or a similar piece ofequipment. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 123.

For further guidance:• Section 5.2 of the National Fire Code

• CAN/CSA‐W117.2 “Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes.

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Ignition Sources ‐ Hot Works

Section 5.2 of the National Fire Code

“…a fire watch shall be provided during the hot work and for a period of not less than 60 min after its completion…” 

“...a final inspection of the hot work area shall be conducted 4 h after completion of work.”

“Combustible materials that cannot be removed or protected against ignition… …shall be thoroughly wetted where hot work is carried out”

Ignition Sources ‐ Hot Works

• Another strategy is to “Design out” hot works

– Bolted structural steel connections instead of welding

– Alternatives to torch‐applied roofing

– Plumbing alternatives 

• (sprinkler pipes, domestic water)

• Hot works requirements on 

permit and/or in contract

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Ignition Sources ‐ Heating

Section 49 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“A fuel‐fired heating device shall be located, protected and used in such a way that there is no risk of igniting a tarpaulin or similar temporary enclosure or combustible materials adjacent to it.”

“A fuel‐fired heating device shall be protected from damage and from overturning.”

ANSI Z83.7‐2011/CSA 2.14‐2011 Gas‐fired construction heaters

Fuel Sources

• Combustible waste on site

• Combustible building materials

• Combustible and flammable liquids and gases

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Fuel Sources ‐Waste

Section 35 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“Waste material and debris shall be removed to a disposal areaand reusable material shall be removed to a storage area asoften as is necessary to prevent a hazardous condition arisingand, in any event, at least once daily.”

5.6.1.20 in the National Fire Code

“Combustible refuse in sufficient quantities to constitute a firehazard shall be moved to a safe location.”

Fuel Sources – Building Materials

• Lumber, foam plastic insulation, etc.

• Often theft is deterrent in having large quantities of materials on site. 

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Fuel Sources –Flammable Liquids and Gases

Section 42 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“A storage cylinder for compressed gas shall be secured in an upright position.” 

“The control valve of a storage cylinder for compressed gas, other than a cylinder connected to a regulator, supply line or hose, shall be covered by a protective cap that is secured in its proper position.”

“A spent storage cylinder shall not be stored inside a building.”

Fuel Sources –Flammable Liquids and Gases

Section 43 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“No more than one work day’s normal supply of a flammable liquid shall be stored in a building or structure on a project unless it is stored,(a) in a container that is suitable for the particular hazards of the liquid; and(b) in a controlled access area or a room,(i) that has sufficient window area to provide explosion relief to the 

outside, and(ii) that is remote from the means of egress from the building or structure.” 

• Additional guidelines are provided by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in Ontario.

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On‐site Fire Procedures and Equipment

• Fire‐Safety Officers

• Fire Extinguishers and Standpipe Systems

• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

• Fire Sprinkler Systems

• Local Water Supplies

• Compartmentation

Fire‐Safety Officer

• In many instances Health and Safety Officer can take on fire‐safety role.

• Requires an understanding of 

– Fire risks on construction sites

– Regulatory requirements

• Responsible for creating, implementing and updating fire safety plan

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Fire Extinguishers

Section 52 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“Fire extinguishing equipment shall be provided at readily accessible and adequately marked locations at a project.”

“Every worker who may be required to use fire extinguishing equipment shall be trained in its use.”

Fire Extinguishers

“… at least one fire extinguisher shall be provided,(a) where flammable liquids or combustible materials are stored, handled or used;(b) where oil‐fired or gas‐fired equipment, other than permanent furnace equipment in a building, is used;(c) where welding or open‐flame operations are carried on; and(d) on each storey of an enclosed building being constructed or altered. 

(d) does not apply to a building,(a) that is to be used as a detached or semi‐detached single‐family dwelling;(b) that has two storeys or less and is to be used as a multiple family dwelling; or(c) that has one storey with no basement or cellar.”

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Standpipe Systems

Section 57 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“As construction proceeds in a building with two or more storeys, a permanent or temporary standpipe shall be installed to within two storeys of the uppermost work level.”

* Applies to buildings in which the building code requires a permanent standpipe.

Additional requirements for the design and operation

of temporary and permanent standpipe systems.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

• Need a way to notify workers in event of a fire.  (air horn next to fire extinguishers)

• Fire detection devices may or may not be appropriate during construction.  Challenges include:– Lack of finished ceiling

– Dust contamination

– Physical damage

– False alarms during working hours

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Fire Sprinkler Systems

• Often impractical for use during construction.  Some challenges include:

– Systems designed for the finished building may not be appropriate during construction

– Typical design does not permit installing sprinklers while building up

– Risk of damage

– Freezing or corrosion

– Suitable water supply

Local Water Supplies

• Some municipalities will not issue building permits until fire hydrants are operational.

• Should confirm hydrants are charged if relying upon them in the event of a fire.

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Compartmentation

• May consider altering the sequence of construction to provide limited compartmentation earlier during construction.

– Example: Installation of gypsum board on one side of interior walls in key locations to slow fire growth.

Provision for Egress

• Exit routes should be clearly visible and site personnel instructed on procedures in event of fire

• Multiple exits routes should be available

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Access for Firefighting

Section 56 of Ontario Regulation 213/91

“The constructor shall give a copy of the floor plan to the fire department located nearest to the project.” 

* Included in section re: standpipes

• Many municipalities require fire service vehicle access to be maintained.

Site‐specific Considerations

• Infill projects –minimize exposure to adjacent structures.

• Fire breaks in large developments.

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Fire Safety Planning

• While not required in Ontario, it is highly recommended to develop a fire safety plan

Key Steps1. Analysis of Site

2. Development of policies and procedures to minimize risks

3. Analysis of available resources

4. Emergency protocol for various individuals

Fire Safety Plan

1. Emergency procedures and information needed to plan for an emergency

2. Training of site personnel on evacuation procedures3. Assigned site personnel must be responsible to install and 

maintain fire safety duties4. Firefighting services5. Fire Extinguishers6. Hot works operations7. Flammable and combustible storage8. Electrical installations and petroleum gases9. Security10. Contact personnel11. Building diagrams

Suggestions from: British Columbia OFC Bulletin “Fire Safety Planning for Construction and Demolition Sites,” April 17, 2009.  http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/firecom/

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Summary

• Most construction site fires can be prevented with knowledge, planning and diligence; and, the impact of those fires that do occur can be significantly lessened.

• Conformance with the local safety regulations is the foundation for the establishment of suitable construction site fire safety. 

• Assessment, selection and successful implementation of various ‘best practices’, based on the specific needs of your site, builds on that foundation and leads to a culture of fire safety that can be understood and practiced by all.

This concludes the: 

• American Institute of Architects

• Ontario Association of Architects

Continuing Education Systems Program

Construction Site Fire Safety ‐ Regulations and Best Practices

www.chmfire.ca

Questions/ Comments?