Wood frame contractors can help to prevent fires and protect their construction.
Wood frame construction fires are a major contributor to builders risk related losses every year. Once a fire starts in a wood frame construction, the risk of a total loss is very high. In many cases, the fire cannot be stopped completely. Even if only part of a building was affected, often the whole framing has to be replaced. This causes issues for contractors working on a tight budget and timeline. More often than not, wood frame contractors can prevent fires by implementing effective fire safety plans.
The total damage of a fire can be significant. Single-family home construction fires have resulted in losses as high as $22 million. Property damage costs can be high, but fires can also cause personal injury, death, business interruption, additional labor, and damage to a builder’s professional reputation.
To help prevent fires in your construction project, check out the following tips.
Develop a fire safety plan. Fire prevention management should start before the project begins. The plan should consider prevention, protection, inspection, and training. Assess the placement and number of fire extinguishers, develop an emergency plan, review safety precautions with all workers, and conduct a safety tour of the building at the end of each day. All of this should be listed in a safety plan.
Manage sources of ignition and fuel. Remove debris and combustible material (cartons, paper wrap, scrap lumber, trash, and sawdust) from the building daily. Trash chutes should be of non-combustible construction and should have adequate clearance above the dumpster to ensure the chute does not get plugged. Flammable liquids, such as paint, thinner, and gasoline should be removed and properly stored at the end of each workday.
Take care with hot work. Hot work is a leading cause of fires in wood frame construction and should be avoided whenever possible. Hot work includes abrasive cutting, soldering, welding, and brazing. Control these procedures by shielding and protecting combustibles, and providing dedicated portable fire extinguishers.
Stub it out. No smoking should be permitted within wood frame construction. Smoking should only be allowed in designated areas, if at all. Post ‘No Smoking’ signs in areas where it is not permitted.
While you’re at it, take the time to review your builder’s risk insurance policy. As valuable protection for your project and finances, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got adequate coverage this summer. To get started, contact Nahai Insurance Services. We can tailor the right builder’s risk insurance for your upcoming project. Call us today!