1. Fire Protection and Prevention
These handouts and documents with attachments are not final, complete, or definitive instruments. This information is for guidance purposes only. You should independently verify and satisfy yourself as to its accuracy. The AHBSIF does not assume any liability for damages arising from the use of this information or exhibits and attachments thereto and renders no opinion that any of the terms, conditions, and/or cited federal standards in this document and the exhibits and attachments should be explicitly followed by the fund member. Seek specific guidance from the appropriate regulator (OSHA) or professional advisor.

2. Fire Terms Defined Conduction – Heat transfer by direct contact
Convection – Heat transfer by an intermediate source (air, gas, liquid)
Radiation – Energy traveling through space similar to a wave (light, radio, x-rays)
Flash Point – The temperature at which a liquid gives off ignitable vapors
Ignition Temperature – The temperature at which a substance ignites

3. Fire Basics Components of combustion
See Appendix “B”
Components of combustion
Oxygen – sustains combustion
Heat – raises the material to the ignition temperature
Fuel – combustible material
Chemical Reaction – exothermic release
Suppression of any one of these components stops the fire

4. Products of Combustion

5. Signage Flammable and Combustible Liquids Spray Finishing
Storage cabinet where flammable and combustible liquids are stored must be conspicuously labeled
Spray Finishing
“NO SMOKING”
All spraying areas and paint storage rooms
Extinguishers
Location of extinguishers shall be labeled so location is easily identifiable
Personal Protective Equipment
For processes that require specific protective equipment

6. Signage Exit Routes Hazardous Material Storage Electrical
Each exit must be clearly visible and marked
“EXIT” must be legible and no less than six inches high and three quarters of an inch wide
Hazardous Material Storage
Location must be fenced and posted to prevent entrance from unauthorized personnel
Electrical
Breaker panel must display manufacturer’s name, trademark, or other descriptive identification
Must provide voltage, current, wattage, and other ratings
Labels must withstand the environment
All breaker switches inside the panel must be labeled

7. Material Storage
Combustible scrap, debris, and waste materials (oily rags, etc.) should be stored and removed from the worksite as promptly as possible 
Proper storage practiced to minimize the risk of fire including spontaneous combustion
Keep combustible materials away from potential ignition sources
Never store flammable or combustible liquids in access or egress areas

8. Flammable Liquid Classification
Flammable Liquid refers to any liquid having a flash point below 100° F
FP - Flash Point BP - Boiling Point
Class IA
Class IB
Class IC
FP < 73°
FP ≥ 73°
BP < 100°
BP ≥ 100°

9. Combustible Liquid Classification
Combustible Liquid refers to any liquid having a flash at or above 100° F
FP - Flash Point
Class II
Class IIIA
Class IIIB
FP ≥ 100°
FP ≥ 140°
FP ≥ 200°
FP < 140°
FP < 200°

10. Flammable and Combustible Liquids
The quantity of flammable or combustible liquid that may kept outside of a storage room or cabinet inside the building shall not exceed:
25 gallons of Class IA liquids in containers
120 gallons of Class IB, IC, II, III liquids in containers
660 gallons of Class IB, IC, II, III liquids in a single portable tank

11. Inside Storage Rooms Shall be of fire resistant construction
Liquid tight were the walls join the floor
Have approved self closing doors at all openings
At least 4” sills, ramps, or depressed floors or open integrated trench which drains to safe location

12. Inside Storage Rooms
A ventilation system that provides at least six room changes / hour
For Class I liquids, electrical wiring approved for hazardous locations
Explosion resistant lighting fixtures
Wood at least 1 inch nominal thickness for shelving, racks, dunnage, scuffboards, floor overlay, and similar installations

13. Flammable Storage
All solvent wastes and flammable liquids must be kept in fire-resistant, covered containers until they are removed from the worksite
Firm separation should be placed between containers of combustibles or flammables, when stacked one upon another, to assure their support and stability  
Permanently installed sprinkler system heads must not spray into operating electrical switch boards or equipment

14. Flammable Liquids
Spills of flammable or combustible liquids must be cleaned up promptly  
Storage tanks must be adequately vented to prevent the development of excessive vacuum or pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or atmosphere temperature changes  
Storage tanks must also be equipped with emergency venting that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by fire exposure
Insure that all connections on drums and combustible liquid piping and vapor are liquid tight

15. Flammable Liquids
Use compliant metal safety cans for handling of any flammable liquids in quantity greater than a gallon
Keep flammable liquids in closed containers when not in use (example: parts cleaning tanks, pans, etc.) 
Ground and bond bulk drums of flammable liquids to containers during dispensing

16. Flammable Liquids
Spills of flammable or combustible liquids must be cleaned up promptly  
Storage tanks must be adequately vented to prevent the development of excessive vacuum or pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or atmosphere temperature changes  
Storage tanks must also be equipped with emergency venting that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by fire exposure

17. Compressed Gas Cylinders
Cylinder valves must be protected at all times
Cylinders should be stored in an upright and secure position
The tilt and roll method is accepted practice for movement, never attempt to hoist with chokers
Valve caps must be secure any time the cylinder is not in use
When stored, compressed cylinders should be segregated. The required separation is 20’ or a five foot high fire wall with an approved fire-resistance rating

18. Welding-Cutting-Burning
Extinguishing equipment should be located in an obvious place and be easy to reach
Remove all flammable materials within a 35 ft radius
Remove all combustible materials within a 50 ft radius
Remove all explosive materials within a 100 ft radius

19. Housekeeping
Potential sources of fire on the jobsite due to poor housekeeping
Scrap lumber piles
Discarded Building materials
Flammable liquid/chemical spills
Trash
Reactive chemicals
Unprotected cords in traffic areas

20. Protection Measures
Develop a system to alert employees in the event of a fire
Alternate extinguishment systems are acceptable; water drums, hoses, smothering agents
Easiest means is to provide at least one extinguisher per house
make sure employees know extinguisher location
Train workers on proper extinguisher operation

21. Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be selected and provided for the types of materials in areas where they are to be used
Class A, Ordinary combustible material fires.    
Class B, Flammable liquid, gas or grease fires.    
Class C, Energized-electrical equipment fires.  
Fire extinguishers should be mounted within 75 feet of outside areas containing flammable liquids, and within 10 feet of any inside storage area for such materials  
Access to extinguishers should be free from obstructions or blockage 
Fire extinguishers must be serviced, maintained, and tagged at least once a year 

22. Ordinary Combustibles
Fire Extinguishers
Ordinary Combustibles
Includes materials such as wood and paper
Flammable Liquids
Includes fuels, grease, other liquids
Electrical Fires
Contains non-conductive smothering agent

23. Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Body of the extinguisher; rust, cracks, dents
Check hose for cracks, dry-rot
All fittings snug, no signs of leaks
Lever and hinge assembly
Safety pin in place, safety tie present
Inspection tag, present and up to date
Pressure gauge, needle in the green

24. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
P-A-S-S
Pull -- Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being activated
Aim -- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze -- Maintain a distance of eight to ten feet away from the fire and squeeze the handle. Discharge will only occur if the handle is being squeezed.
Sweep -- Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

25. On-site Burning
When burning trash on site be aware of all surrounding factors;
Local Burning restrictions
Wind direction
Proximity to structures
Materials to be burned
Means for extinguishment if things get out of control