Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Construction Sites in British Columbia

This document outlines the fire extinguisher requirements for building construction sites in British Columbia, focusing on flammable liquids and electrical hazards. It is based on industry best practices and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

General Requirements

Fire extinguishers are essential for construction sites to mitigate fire hazards. Employers are responsible for providing and maintaining appropriate fire-fighting equipment throughout all phases of construction and demolition work. A fire protection program must be developed and followed, ensuring no delay in providing necessary equipment as fire hazards occur. [5]

Basic Fire Extinguisher Placement

A fire extinguisher with a rating of not less than 2A should be provided for each 3,000 square feet of floor area, or fraction thereof. If the floor area is less than 3,000 square feet, at least one extinguisher must be provided. The travel distance from any point in the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher should not exceed 75 feet. [1]

Additionally, at least one fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A must be provided on each floor of a multi-story building, located adjacent to the stairway at each floor level. [1]

Alternative Options

As an alternative to a 2A-rated fire extinguisher, one 55-gallon open container of water with two fire pails may be substituted. A 3/4-inch diameter garden-type hose line, not exceeding 75 feet in length and equipped with an adjustable nozzle, may also be substituted, provided it is connected to a reliable water pressure system capable of discharging a minimum, continuous flow of 5 gallons per minute with a minimum hose stream range of 30 feet horizontally. The hose lines should be mounted on conventional racks or reels, ensuring at least one hose stream can reach all points in the floor area. [1] [1]

Flammable Liquids

For areas where flammable liquids are used or stored, specific fire extinguisher requirements apply to address the increased risk of fire.

Minimum Rating and Placement

A fire extinguisher rated not less than 10B must be provided within 50 feet of any location where more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the job site. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles. [1] [2] [3]

Additional Requirements

A portable fire extinguisher with a rating of not less than 20 BC units must be located outside, but not more than 10 feet from, a door opening to a room used for the storage of more than 60 gallons of flammable liquids. Additionally, such an extinguisher must be located not less than 25 feet, nor more than 75 feet, from an outside storage area and on each tank truck or other vehicle used to transport or dispense flammable liquids. [2] [2] [2]

Each service or fueling area must have at least 1 portable fire extinguisher with not less than a 20 BC unit rating, located within 75 feet of each pump, dispenser, underground fill opening, and lubricating or service area. Storage locations for liquefied petroleum gas (L.P.G.) must be provided with at least 1 approved portable fire extinguisher that has a rating of not less than 20 BC. [2] [2]

Electrical Hazards

Fires involving electrical equipment (Class C fires) require extinguishers with a non-conductive extinguishing agent. [4]

Recommended Extinguisher Types

Suitable fire extinguishers for electrical hazards include carbon dioxide with a plastic horn only, dry chemical, multipurpose dry chemical, water mist, and Halon 1211. [2]

General Safety Measures

Several general safety measures must be implemented to ensure fire safety on construction sites.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly, or at more frequent intervals, and serviced at least annually by a person licensed or registered by the State Fire Marshal. These inspections ensure the extinguisher is available and will operate effectively. [1]

Fire extinguishers should be located where they are readily seen and accessible along normal paths of travel in the protected area. [5]

Prohibited Substances

Carbon tetrachloride and other toxic vaporizing liquid fire extinguishers are prohibited. [3]

Fire Prevention Program

An employer must develop a fire protection program that includes establishing and maintaining a clear means of egress from all areas, posting fire rules, informing employees of evacuation signals and escape routes, and maintaining means of egress free of obstructions. [5] [5] [5] [5]

Housekeeping

A housekeeping policy should be in place to keep means of egress free from stored materials and debris, reducing the likelihood of fire. Policies for storing combustible and flammable liquids and materials and for using proper heating equipment should also be established. [5] [5]

Outdoor Storage

Outdoor storage areas for flammable liquids must be graded to divert spills away from buildings or surrounded by a curb at least 12 inches high. The area should be kept free of vegetation and combustible materials. [6] [6]

Table of Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses

HAZARD	DESCRIPTION	EXTINGUISHER TYPE AND CONTENTS
Class "A" Fire	Combustible Material	Loaded stream, Multipurpose dry chemical, Pressure-operated water, Water pump tanks, Water mist, Halon 1211.
Class "B" Fire	Flammable Liquids, Gas, Or Grease	Carbon dioxide, Dry chemical, Foam, Loaded stream, Multipurpose dry chemical, Halon 1211.
Class "C" Fire	Electrical Equipment	Carbon dioxide with plastic horn only, Dry chemical, Multipurpose dry chemical, Water mist, Halon 1211.
Class "D" Fire	Combustible Metal	Extinguishing agent listed for use on a specific combustible metal hazard.

[2] Conclusion

Adherence to these fire extinguisher requirements and safety measures is crucial for maintaining a safe construction site in British Columbia. Regular inspections, proper placement of extinguishers, and comprehensive fire prevention programs are essential to protect workers and prevent property damage.

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