Aisleways, Storage and Fire Control
Editor’s Note: Share this safety talk with your workers.
What’s At Stake
Improper storage or neglect of a storage area can result in a fire or explosion that may cost lives or serious injuries and reduce your job to ashes.
Read MoreBe Wise – Fires Take Lives
Have you ever considered what you would do if you suddenly saw or smelled a fire in your office? Many workers seem to have an “it will never happen here” attitude about fires. But fire is not very selective about where it starts or what it burns.
Tragic fires can happen in large office towers as well as small businesses. By being aware of fire safety you can help prevent fires. Know the company’s safety guidelines and then review the following suggestions to help protect yourself and your co-workers:
In case of fire:
- Notify others: Are the emergency numbers posted in a visible location next to the telephone? Do you know how to describe your exact location to the fire department? Where is the nearest fire alarm? Do you know how to activate it?
- Follow the emergency plan: What is our company’s emergency plan? Where would everyone meet so your supervisor can be sure you are safely out? Who is responsible for assisting a disabled co-worker? Do you have any other duties such as closing windows and doors or checking employee washrooms?
- Find your exits: Which fire exits would you use? Can you find two fire exits— right now— from the room that you are in? Always plan two escape routes, so if one becomes blocked by fire you have an alternative exit.
- Use the stairs. Do you know that you should never use an elevator when the fire alarm sounds? Elevators can jam between floors or accidentally drop to the floor that the fire is on. When the doors open, you could be subjected to flames, hot gases and toxic smoke.
- Fight or flight: Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Some small fires, about the size of a wastepaper basket, can be successfully fought with a portable fire extinguisher. But if you are not sure what you are doing with the extinguisher or if the fire is spreading, get out!
While we are discussing what to do in case of a fire, we should also consider what can be done to prevent a fire:
- Look for trouble: Check frequently for worn and frayed electrical cords on your computer, printer, paper shredder, lamp and other electrical equipment. Cords which are routed across traffic areas are often damaged.
- Practice good housekeeping habits: Keep your work area clean, tidy and free from waste paper. Place all trash in proper containers. Make sure the area around electrical heaters and radiators is clear. Flammable liquids such as cleaning solvents, paints or thinners should be correctly stored in a well-ventilated area. They should be kept covered to prevent spills and the escape of flammable vapors.
- Use caution when smoking: Smoke only in designated areas, not in storage rooms and stairwells. Ensure that all your smoking materials are properly extinguished and safely placed in metal containers used only for that purpose.
- Keep the exits clear: Always make sure your emergency exits, traffic aisles, stairwells and doorways are clear of clutter. Never use them for extra storage. Keep the fire doors closed as directed.
A fire can easily start in a storage room, a trash basket or a box of old files. Practice smart fire habits.
Read MoreMassive Fines Proposed in Fatal Blast Incident
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing $16.6 million in fines against three construction companies and 14 subcontractors in connection with a Feb. 7, 2010 natural gas explosion that killed six workers and injured 50 others at a Kleen Energy Systems LLC plant under construction in Middletown, CT.
A gas blow operation was being performed when the blast occurred. It involves pumping flammable natural gas under high pressure through new fuel gas lines to remove debris. During the operation a large amount of natural gas was vented into areas where it could not easily disperse.
OSHA says welding and other work being performed nearby created an extremely dangerous situation. The explosion occurred when the gas contacted an ignition source.
General contractor O&G Industries Inc., along with Keystone Construction and Maintenance Inc., the company in charge of the piping and gas blow and Bluewater Energy Services Inc., the commissioning and startup contractor for the plant, were all cited for performing the procedure in a manner that exposed workers to fire and explosion hazards.
Those hazards included the configuration of vent pipes in close proximity to scaffolding and other structures, along with failure to remove non-essential personnel from the area.
Citations were also issued for failure to install and use electrical equipment in accordance with its listing and labeling, allowing welding work during the gas blows and failure to train workers to recognize hazards associated with gas blows.
O&G was cited for 119 willful, 17 serious and three other-than-serious violations carrying proposed penalties of $8,347,000. Keystone Construction and Maintenance was issued 94 willful, 16 serious and one other-than-serious citations carrying $6,686,000 in proposed fines, while Bluewater Energy Services was issued 12 willful citations and eight serious citations carrying $896,000 in proposed penalties.
Also cited for additional serious violations were 14 subcontractors. Collectively they face proposed fines totaling $686,000.
Read MoreBP Agrees to Pay $50.6 Million in Fines
OSHA says it has reached an agreement with BP Products North America Inc. which will see the company pay $50.6 million in penalties in connection with a March 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 others at BP’s Texas City, TX, refinery.
Additionally, BP has agreed to take steps to protect those now working at the refinery and has set a minimum of $500 million aside toward that effort.
In September 2005 BP was fined $21 million and ordered to identify and correct deficiencies that led to the fatal blast, which was blamed on the overfilling of a piece of equipment with flammable liquid hydrocarbons. Alarms and gauges that should have alerted workers to the overfilling were not functioning properly at the time.
A follow-up OSHA investigation undertaken in 2009 found that while BP had made several safety-related changes since the disaster, it had not addressed some key issues identified in the original investigation.
As a result, the company was cited for failure to abate hazards and issued $50.6 million in fines. BP must immediately start performing safety reviews of refinery equipment according to set schedules and implement permanent corrections.
It also must hire independent experts to monitor its efforts, meet regularly with OSHA, undergo frequent site inspections and submit quarterly reports for OSHA’s review. Finally, BP has agreed to establish a liaison between its North American and London, UK, boards of directors and OSHA, which will also OSHA to raise compliance concerns at the highest level.
BP has also been issued 439 new willful citations carrying more than $30 million in penalties. Those matters are currently in litigation before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Read MoreSeven Ways to Prevent Workplace Fires
October is fire safety month. While much of the emphasis of this annual safety observance hinges on family members being trained and drilled on how to escape a home fire, knowing what to do in the event of a workplace fire is equally important.
Were you aware that about three percent of workplace fatalities are related to fire and explosions?
Share the following workplace fire safety information with your workers .
- Practice good worksite housekeeping habits. Do not let trash and waste material accumulate. Empty trash bins regularly. Oily rags must be stored and disposed of in covered metal containers.
- Do not store materials or allow clutter to accumulate around exits and stairways. Fire doors should be kept closed and fire exits should always remain clear and accessible.
- A common cause of workplace fires is machinery or equipment that becomes overheated. Be sure to follow operating guidelines to prevent overloading. Follow manufacturers’ instructions in using and maintaining equipment.
- Electrical malfunctions are also a major contributor to workplace fires. Check electrical equipment regularly for damaged cords or worn insulation. Never overload circuits and never force circuit breakers to remain in the “on” position. Only qualified and authorized personnel should carry out electrical repairs and maintenance, but everyone is responsible for being alert to the signs of electrical malfunction.
- Understand the fire hazards of the materials with which you work. They may be combustible, flammable, explosive or reactive. Read the labels and know where to locate the Material Safety Data Sheet for further information. Carefully follow instructions when you are using any materials which might pose hazards.
- Be sure to observe any smoking restrictions. Smoke only in designated areas. Smoking in unauthorized areas such as storage rooms has resulted in serious fires. Do not empty ashtrays until smoking materials are cold.
- Observe company security policies and be alert to any suspicious persons or activities. Many workplace fires are set by arsonists, so do your part to prevent these incidents.
Do Your Workers Know What to Do Should a Fire Occur?
Are your workers ready to deal with a possible workplace fire? Make sure your safety training answers these questions:
- What is your responsibility in case of fire— to report the fire, fight it or leave the
- building?
- Where are fire alarms located?
- Where are fire extinguishers located?
- Do your workers know how to use them, and on what kinds of fires?
- Do your workers know how to use other fire emergency equipment such as fire blankets, hoses and sprinklers?
- What safety procedures should workers carry out in case of a fire? Are they responsible for shutting down equipment or operations before they leave?
- Do workers know where they are supposed to meet for a head count after leaving the plant?
