Fire Safety & Evacuation

Construction sites have plenty of fire risk — fuel, hot work, and electrical.

Prevent

• Control hot work (welding, cutting, torches) — clear flammables and post a fire watch.
• Keep the site clean; store flammables properly; maintain electrical safety.

Respond

• Know where the fire extinguishers are. Use the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
• Only fight a small fire — if it's growing, get out and call 911.
• Know your evacuation route and meeting point.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

Construction sites are fire-prone (fuels, hot work, temporary wiring, combustible debris). The basics:

• Fire classes: A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (energized electrical), D (metals), K (cooking) — match the extinguisher (ABC is common).
• Use PASS: Pull, Aim at the base, Squeeze, Sweep — only on a small, contained fire with an exit at your back.
• Housekeeping: control combustible debris, store flammables properly, keep exits clear.

Advanced / Pro-Level

The programs that prevent jobsite fires:

• Hot work permit (welding/cutting/grinding): clear/cover combustibles within 35 ft, have an extinguisher present, and post a fire watch during and ≥30 minutes after.
• Flammable storage: approved cabinets/containers, bonding & grounding when transferring liquids, separate oxidizers/fuels, no smoking areas.
• Temporary heating and electrical: clearances, GFCI, no overloaded circuits/daisy-chained cords.
• Evacuation: maintained egress, alarms, lit/marked exits, assembly point and headcount (tie to the EAP). Know when to fight vs. flee — if it's spreading, beyond an extinguisher, or blocking your exit, get out.

Practice Challenge

A welder will cut steel next to a wood-framed wall. List two hot-work requirements before the first spark. (Answer: get a hot work permit and clear/shield combustibles within 35 ft with an extinguisher on hand; post a fire watch during the work and for ≥30 minutes after.)

In Practice

A small trash fire might be knocked out with an extinguisher (PASS) — but it's already spreading to stacked materials. The right call now is to get out and call 911. Only fight small, contained fires.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Fighting a fire that's already growing
• Not knowing where extinguishers and exits are
• Skipping the fire watch during hot work

Takeaway: Prevent fires (control hot work), know your extinguishers (PASS) — but only fight small fires; otherwise evacuate and call 911.

⚠️ Awareness only — NOT a substitute for hands-on certification. Get certified in First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, and call 911 in any real emergency.