Fire Prevention Policy


rohde

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to identify safe work practices and procedures aimed at preventing fire and related injury to personnel, property and equipment damage or to the environment.   

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Rohde and Liesnefeld Canada understands the importance of implementing strict housekeeping practices as an integral part of daily activities, in accordance with the overall Fire Prevention program.  General requirements include:

  • Fire and property loss incidents must be reported immediately, investigated and corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence.
  • Combustible and flammable waste must not be allowed to accumulate in any work area.
  • Scrap and combustible materials must be removed from structures, partly completed buildings and completed buildings as soon as it is generated.
  • Flammable and combustible materials must not be stacked or stored against any temporary or permanent building, structure, or storage facility.
  • Incompatible products shall not be stored together.
  • Rags, fabric, and timber contaminated with any hydrocarbon product must be contained in a closed metal container and removed daily from the workplace to a safe disposal area.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited in work areas, vehicles, equipment and buildings. Smoking areas will be clearly identified.  Smoking in work areas is prohibited due to exposure to second hand smoke.
  • Fire plans shall be developed and posted for occupied buildings. Each building shall have a Fire Marshall appointed.
  • Flammable substances used or stored at the work area will not be in amounts sufficient enough to produce an explosive atmosphere (not to exceed 10 percent of the lower explosive limit).
  • To guard against inadvertent release, flammable substances are not stored within 30 metres (100 ft) of an underground shaft, in the immediate vicinity of the air intake of a ventilation supply system, or internal combustion engine or fire box of a fired heater or furnace.
  • Gasoline and other petroleum fuels shall be stored only in containers approved to CSA Standard B376-M1980 (R2008), Portable Containers.
  • A safety can is an approved metal container of not more than five-gallon capacity having a springclosing lid and spout cover that has been designed so that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.
  • Provide only approved containers for flammable or combustible liquids and for cloths, rags, and waste soaked with flammable or combustible materials. Use non-combustible or fire-retardant materials whenever possible.
  • Do not disable fire barriers. If fire doors need to be held open, this can only be done with approval from the Project Emergency Response Lead.
  • Do not chock or block fire doors open. Fire doors that are normally in the closed position may be held open if continuously attended by a fire watch.
  • Take immediate action to resolve any fire barrier deficiencies or impairments.
  • Make certain that the Fire Department reviews and approves modifications or additions that affect new or existing fire barriers.
  • Private appliances including heaters, kettles, cooking appliances, etc. are not permitted unless cleared through the electrical and HSSE departments.
  • Project facilities will be kept free from accumulation of unnecessary combustible materials. Weeds and grass will be kept down, and a regular procedure and maintenance will be established for the periodic cleanup of the entire area.

TRAINING

Fire Prevention and fire precautions training will be provided to designated supervisors, Fire Watches, security personnel, warehouse personnel and Contractor employees, as required.  The Training program will include:

  • Selection, inspection and use of portable fire extinguishers.
  • Hazard recognition and risk potential.
  • Inspection methods.
  • Safe and Hot Work Permit requirements.
  • Emergency Fire procedures.
  • Equipment refuelling procedures.
  • Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.

 FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT and General Requirements

20 lb ABC fire extinguishers, as minimum, will be provided and maintained at the following locations:

  • At storage areas for flammable or combustible liquids or materials
  • Lunch rooms and office trailers
  • At propane vaporizers and any fuel dispensing or service area.
  • On all motorized construction equipment.
  • Designated smoking areas or
  • Welding and cutting operations, or any other activities as defined by the safe work permit.
  • Fire hydrants, extinguishers, hose rack and other emergency equipment shall not be covered or blocked and fire equipment lanes must be kept clear.
  • If sprinkler systems are being installed, their installation will closely follow construction and they will be placed in service as soon as practical.
  • Charged fire hoses will be made available during demolition operations involving combustible materials.
  • Electrical wiring and equipment for light, heat, or power purposes will be installed in compliance with government legislation.
  • Project facilities will be kept free from accumulation of unnecessary combustible materials. Weeds and grass will be kept down, and a procedure for regular maintenance will be established for the periodic cleanup of the entire area.
  • Fire blankets shall be used beneath or adjacent to any welding/burning operation where it is necessary to catch sparks.

Fire Extinguishers

  • Fire extinguishers will be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with applicable codes/standards, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA # 10) standards or international equivalent.
  • Extinguishers shall be inspected and logged at least once per month by each contractor or their subcontractors and shall be tagged with the date and name of the person performing the inspection.
  • An annual certification by an accredited inspection agency is required for all extinguishers in use on the project.
  • Fire extinguishers will be conspicuously marked, and clear access to each will be maintained. Contractor employees will be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.
  • Extinguishers shall be mounted on hangers, brackets or stands and conspicuously located where they can be readily accessed in case of fire. Extinguishers required for general use shall not be taken from permanent locations marked for emergency service use only.
  • Temporary stands shall be constructed and used for inclement weather conditions to keep them off the ground, particularly in winter months when snow could obscure such equipment.
  • Each fire extinguisher will be replaced immediately after discharge with another fire extinguisher that is fully charged with the same capacity, type and capabilities. The discharge of all extinguishers, even if accidental, shall be investigated and reported immediately to the relevant HSSE department.
  • All extinguishers will be recharged by a competent company trained in such procedures.

 MATERIAL STORAGE

  • Materials must be stored in a manner so as not to obstruct access to fire protection equipment, control valves, fire doors, alarm devices or panels, electrical panels, motor control centers (MCCs), or aisles and hallways that serve as a means of exit.
  • A minimum clearance of 91 cm (36 inches) shall be maintained in all aisle ways leading to an exit. Also, materials will not obstruct sprinkler heads.  A minimum clearance of 46 cm (18 inches) will be maintained from sprinkler heads. Maintain at least 46cm (18 inches) vertical clearance between the top of storage and sprinkler head deflectors.  (This requirement does not apply to storage shelves and cabinets located against the wall).
  • Materials in work areas must be limited to actual needs and stored in a manner to protect combustible material from ignition sources.
  • Materials must not be stored within 1.8 m (6 feet) of any inside opening or hoist way.
  • Storage areas will be kept clean, and materials will be neatly stacked or placed. Construction materials shall be stored or placed in an orderly manner.  Do not store combustible materials within 3.1 metres (10 feet) of temporary enclosures.

TEMPORARY BUILDINGS 

Temporary buildings will not be erected where any means of exit will adversely be affected.  Clearance will be maintained around lights and heating units to prevent ignition of combustible materials.

Temporary buildings, when located within another building or structure, will be of either non-combustible construction or of combustible construction having a fire resistance of not less than 1 hour.

INSPECTION AND TESTING

  • Include fire protection reviews during weekly HSSE Inspections for all construction areas, storage and lay down areas, fabrication and painting areas.
  • All inspections will be conducted and recorded using the weekly HSSE Inspection form.
  • Inspection tags, numbered for reference and, suitable for outdoor service shall be installed on each extinguisher.
  • High activity and high risk areas, such as substantially completed or fully completed buildings, fuel oil, gas feed stock, storage facilities and power distribution areas, will be inspected daily or more frequent dependent on activity and risk.
  • Emergency lights will be operationally tested monthly for a minimum of 30 seconds as part of the monthly fire prevention inspections.
  • All emergency lights will be operationally tested annually for a minimum of 1-1/2 hours and test results documented.
  • Deficient emergency lights will be repaired within 24 hours, or portable emergency lights will be provided until the permanent lights are restored to service.

MOBILE LIGHT PLANTS and MOBILE EQUIPMENT

  • Mobile equipment must not be refueled while the engine is running. An approved type of filling and fuel dispensing equipment must be used.
  • A suitable portable fire extinguisher should be placed adjacent to electric arc welding sets, electricity generating sets, air compressors, and gas burning equipment.
  • Fuel tank storage areas must have a berm and liner to contain spills, a 20lb (8.0 kg) fire extinguisher mounted in an accessible area, and appropriate signage.
  • 20 lb (8.0 kg) dry chemical extinguishers will be mounted in all trailers and equipment.
  • Drip trays shall be used and fill nozzles on fuel tanks shall have a “dead man’s” handle
  • Unless fit for purpose, internal combustion engines on mobile equipment such as excavators, tractors, trucks and cranes, must be switched off when not in use.
  • Once Phase 1 is operational, the requirements from Commissioning and Start up will be followed regarding as to whether a positive automatic or manual air shut off is required on all diesel operated equipment.

 PORTABLE HEATING SOURCES

  • Portable heaters, regardless of fuel source, will be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas to the main burner and pilot, if used, in the event of flame failure. Heaters having inputs above 50,000 Btu per hour will be equipped with either a pilot, which must be lighted and proved before the main burner can be turned on, or an electrical ignition system.
  • Site/homemade temporary heaters will not be permitted. Tiger torches or sunflower heaters are not to be used for temporary heat in hoardings etc. If a tiger torch is on, it must be held at all times by a worker.
  • Portable electric heaters will be equipped with a tip alarm and an automatic shut-off that will turn the heater off when tipped.

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Signature Certificate
Document name: Fire Prevention Policy
lock iconUnique Document ID: 5c0f23525eb91b494b0a9dbd4c308c146e4bebc8
Timestamp Audit
2016-05-21 19:51:02 MDTFire Prevention Policy Uploaded by Michelle Bryan - [email protected] IP 209.222.168.71