It's Fire Prevention Week: What's Your Jobsite Fire Safety Plan?

This week is Fire Prevention Week, an annual public outreach and awareness campaign from the National Fire Protection Association. While mostly geared to fire prevention in the home, builders can use the week to review their jobsite fire safety practices.

The home building community got a horrible reminder of the dangers of jobsite fires earlier this year when a deadly fire destroyed a multifamily construction site in Denver.

NAHB has valuable resources to help builders keep residential construction sites as fire-resistant as possible, beginning with housekeeping and basic tips:

• Keep the worksite clear of extraneous items and clean up spills immediately
• Be aware of fuel and ignition sources on the jobsite and ensure proper placement and storage
• Ensure rooms have proper ventilation before spraying paint and other solvents
• Ensure temporary heaters are being properly used
• Keep fire extinguishers in easy reach and make sure workers are trained to use them
• Know and communicate your company’s fire protection plan

For more on home building site fire safety, watch the NAHB Toolbox Talk below.

OSHA also has a resource page on fire safety that includes standards and solutions to potential fire hazards on work sites.

Take this week as an opportunity to stop and really think about fire safety on your jobsites. Is everyone aware of the escape plan? When was the last time fire extinguishers were checked? Is housekeeping a daily task? You’re probably already covered, but stop and think about it or ask the questions to make sure.

For more information, please visit nahb.org/toolboxtalks. Each is available in English and Spanish versions.

For more information on home building safety, contact Rob Matuga at 202-266-8507.