The basic first defense against fire is the portable fire extinguisher. Most commonly, ABC (universal extinguishing agent) type extinguishers in 2 to 20 lb. sizes are used in jobsite and shop areas, along with a smaller number of 3 to 20 lb. CO2 BC (liquid or electrical class fire) type extinguishers for special circumstances.
Fire-fighting equipment must be conspicuously located and readily accessible at all times, and periodically inspected and maintained in operating condition. Immediately report any inoperative or missing equipment to jobsite and/or company supervision.
If a building project under construction includes automatic sprinkler protection, installation of the fire protection system will closely follow construction and be placed in service as soon as proper construction sequencing and applicable laws permit, following completion of each construction area.
On building jobsites, fire extinguishers, rated not less than 2A, will be provided for each 3,000 square ft. of building area (or major fraction). Travel distance from any point to the nearest fire extinguisher may not exceed 100 ft. with at least one extinguisher per floor. In multi-story buildings, at least one fire extinguisher must be located adjacent to each stairway.
Periodic fire protection/prevention training will be conducted under the direction of the company Safety and Health Manager, including instruction and demonstrations on the proper use of portable extinguishers. It is, however, the responsibility of each employee to read the instructions and familiarize themselves with the extinguisher(s) in their respective areas of work, whether it be in an office, shop area, construction area, on a piece of heavy equipment, or in a pick-up truck, or other company vehicle.
The extinguishers on each jobsite will be procured by the jobsite management and staff, and be maintained in the field by company jobsite personnel. Fire extinguisher quantities and areas of placement are subject to the direction of the company Safety and Health Manager. Periodic and annual maintenance and inspection of all extinguishers will be controlled by the shop, either through an outside certified contractor or under the direction of the company Safety and Health Manager.
Should any company employee use an extinguisher, or observe one that has been used or that needs charge or other attention, they should immediately contact the shop or Safety and Health Manager. At a minimum, extinguishers requiring attention include those with gauges indicating low charge, gauges missing pins, missing inspection labels or tags, and obvious signs of damage or deterioration.
Access to all fire-fighting equipment must be kept clear at all times.
All heavy equipment and certain selected company vehicles will be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
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