Basic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures for Roofing ... · PDF fileBasic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures for Roofing Contractors 1 Basic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures

Basic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures for Roofing ContractorsBasic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures for Roofing Contractors11

Basic Basic Fire SafetyFire Safetyand and EmergencyEmergencyProcedures forProcedures for

RoofingRoofingContractorsContractors

February 10, 2007February 10, 2007 22

Reasons for Having Fire SafetyReasons for Having Fire Safetyand Emergency Proceduresand Emergency Procedures

It protects the most valuable assets - the It protects the most valuable assets - theemployeesemployees It protects company property from potential It protects company property from potentialdamagedamageIt protects the loss of good clientsIt protects the loss of good clientsIt may reduce insurance premiumsIt may reduce insurance premiumsYour insurance company may requireYour insurance company may requirehaving such procedures in placehaving such procedures in place


What do you need to do?What do you need to do?

A Company’s Responsibility:A Company’s Responsibility: Determine what the potential problems are Determine what the potential problems are Determine the Risks Determine the Risks Create and Implement Risk Controls Create and Implement Risk Controls Train the staff Train the staff Evaluate the system Evaluate the system



For Office/Shop Staff:For Office/Shop Staff: Have a Have a fire/emergencyfire/emergency evacuation procedure. evacuation procedure.

““PRACTICE IT!”PRACTICE IT!” Have a method of accountability Have a method of accountability Notify the fire department (police dept.). Notify the fire department (police dept.). Train in the identification and use of fire Train in the identification and use of fire extinguishers.extinguishers.



For installers on the job site:For installers on the job site:•• Implement communication from the ground to theImplement communication from the ground to the

roof and vise versa.roof and vise versa.•• Implement communication from the inside of theImplement communication from the inside of the

building to the work crew.building to the work crew.•• Have a general roof emergency evacuationHave a general roof emergency evacuation

procedure (minimum two ways off)procedure (minimum two ways off)



For installers on the job site:For installers on the job site:Adapt the evacuation plan for the specific roof/job.Adapt the evacuation plan for the specific roof/job.Train in the identification and use of fireTrain in the identification and use of fireextinguishers.extinguishers.Notify the fire department (police dept.).Notify the fire department (police dept.).


Having specific problems?Having specific problems?

Contacts that may help:Contacts that may help:The local Fire Department may be able to assist you.The local Fire Department may be able to assist you.Check the CRCA web site for helpful hints.Check the CRCA web site for helpful hints.

Your Insurance Provider may have specific programYour Insurance Provider may have specific programmaterial available not to mention industry data onmaterial available not to mention industry data onwork place incidents.work place incidents.


Having specific problems?Having specific problems?

Web sites that may help:Web sites that may help:

http://www.crca.org/Resources/safety_info.htm

http://www.nonprofitrisk.org/ws/wsp.htm

http://www.buildsafe.org/


Risk Management Plan FactorsRisk Management Plan Factors

Risk IdentificationRisk Identification (Potential Problems)(Potential Problems)

•• For every aspect of the operation, list For every aspect of the operation, list potentialpotentialproblems.problems.

•• The following are examples of sources of The following are examples of sources of information that could be useful in the information that could be useful in the process:process:



Risk IdentificationRisk Identification (Potential Problems)(Potential Problems)

(1) A list of the risks to which employees(1) A list of the risks to which employeesare or can be exposedare or can be exposed

(2) Records of previous accidents, illnesses,(2) Records of previous accidents, illnesses,and injuries, both locally and industryand injuries, both locally and industrywidewide

(3) Facility and equipment surveys, (3) Facility and equipment surveys, inspections, and so forthinspections, and so forth



Risk EvaluationRisk EvaluationEvaluate each identified risk item listed inEvaluate each identified risk item listed inthe process using the following twothe process using the following twoquestions:questions:(1) What is the potential frequency of (1) What is the potential frequency of

occurrence?occurrence?(2) What is the potential severity and (2) What is the potential severity and

expense of its occurrence?expense of its occurrence?



Sources of information that could beSources of information that could beuseful are the following:useful are the following:



(1) Safety audits and inspection reports(1) Safety audits and inspection reports(2) Prior accident, illness, and injury (2) Prior accident, illness, and injury

statisticsstatistics(3) Application of industry data to the local(3) Application of industry data to the local

circumstancescircumstances(4) Professional judgment in evaluating risks(4) Professional judgment in evaluating risks

unique to the jurisdictionunique to the jurisdiction



Risk ControlRisk Control

Once risks are identified and evaluated, aOnce risks are identified and evaluated, acontrol for each should be implemented andcontrol for each should be implemented anddocumented. The two primary methods ofdocumented. The two primary methods ofcontrolling risk, in order of preference, are ascontrolling risk, in order of preference, are asfollows:follows:



(1)(1) Wherever possible, totally eliminate or Wherever possible, totally eliminate oravoid the risk or the activity that presentsavoid the risk or the activity that presentsthe risk.the risk.



For example, if the risk is falling on the ice,For example, if the risk is falling on the ice,then do not allow employees to go outsidethen do not allow employees to go outsidewhen icy conditions are present.when icy conditions are present.



(2)(2) Where it is not possible or practical to Where it is not possible or practical to avoid or eliminate the risk, steps should beavoid or eliminate the risk, steps should betaken to control it.taken to control it.



Using the previous scenario, some methods ofUsing the previous scenario, some methods ofcontrolcontrol would be to salt the areas of ice, to would be to salt the areas of ice, towear of proper footwear, and so forth.wear of proper footwear, and so forth.



Are There Other Methods of Control toAre There Other Methods of Control toConsider?Consider?

(1) Safety programs - development, adoption, and(1) Safety programs - development, adoption, andenforcementenforcement

(2) Standard operating procedures - development,(2) Standard operating procedures - development,dissemination, and enforcementdissemination, and enforcement

(3) (3) TrainingTraining(4) (4) Site inspectionsSite inspections



Monitoring and Follow-UpMonitoring and Follow-UpAs with any program, it is important toAs with any program, it is important toevaluate whether the plan is working.evaluate whether the plan is working.Periodic evaluations should be made, and, ifPeriodic evaluations should be made, and, ifthe program elements are not workingthe program elements are not workingsatisfactorily, then modifications should besatisfactorily, then modifications should bemade.made.


Fire SafetyFire Safety

We will look at fire safety from the followingWe will look at fire safety from the followingviewpoints: viewpoints: (Based on NFPA Standards 241 and 51B)(Based on NFPA Standards 241 and 51B)

1. General Fire Safety1. General Fire Safety 2. Asphalt and Tar Kettles2. Asphalt and Tar Kettles

3. Single-Ply and Torch-Applied Roofing Systems3. Single-Ply and Torch-Applied Roofing Systems4. Fuel Gas Cylinders4. Fuel Gas Cylinders5. Fire Extinguishers5. Fire Extinguishers


General Fire SafetyGeneral Fire Safety NFPA 241NFPA 241

“Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration,and Demolition Operations”

This standard provides measures for preventingor minimizing fire damage during construction,

alteration, and demolition operations.AND

NFPA 51BNFPA 51B“Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting,“Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting,

and Other Hot Workand Other Hot Work.”.”


General Fire SafetyGeneral Fire Safety

Roofing OperationsRoofing OperationsAll roofing operations involving heat sources and hotAll roofing operations involving heat sources and hotprocesses shall be conducted by a qualified agency.processes shall be conducted by a qualified agency.

A reminder!A reminder!In Illinois a roofing contractor must be licensed byIn Illinois a roofing contractor must be licensed by

Illinois Department ofIllinois Department ofFinancial and Professional Regulation.Financial and Professional Regulation.



The public fire department and other fireThe public fire department and other fireprotection authorities also shall be consulted forprotection authorities also shall be consulted forguidance.guidance.

The unique and dangerous situations The unique and dangerous situations confronting fire fighters during such operations confronting fire fighters during such operations demand that a complete exchange of pertinent demand that a complete exchange of pertinent information be established and continued during theinformation be established and continued during thelife of the project.life of the project.



A fire safety program shall be included in allA fire safety program shall be included in allconstruction, alteration, or demolition contractsconstruction, alteration, or demolition contracts,,and the right of the owner to administer and enforceand the right of the owner to administer and enforcethis program shall be established, even if the buildingthis program shall be established, even if the buildingis entirely under the jurisdiction of the contractor.is entirely under the jurisdiction of the contractor.



Responsibility for Responsibility for hot workhot work operations and fire operations and fireprevention precautions, including permits and fireprevention precautions, including permits and firewatches, shall be in accordance with NFPA 51Bwatches, shall be in accordance with NFPA 51B,,Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding,Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding,Cutting, and Other Hot Work.Cutting, and Other Hot Work.

For a sample permit and procedure, see NFPA 51B,For a sample permit and procedure, see NFPA 51B,Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, andStandard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, andOther Hot Work.Other Hot Work.



Fire Watch.Fire Watch. Fire watches shall be assigned Fire watches shall be assigned NONO other otherduties.duties.A fire watch shall be conducted for at least 1A fire watch shall be conducted for at least 1hour after torches have been extinguished.hour after torches have been extinguished.(Make periodic interior checks during the(Make periodic interior checks during theinstallation)installation)



All roof areas under repair should be checkedAll roof areas under repair should be checkedfor hot spots and signs of smoldering.for hot spots and signs of smoldering.

The inside of the building also should beThe inside of the building also should beinspected for signs of fire or smoke. Particularinspected for signs of fire or smoke. Particularattention should be paid to cants, flashings, andattention should be paid to cants, flashings, andareas around penetrations such as vent pipes, airareas around penetrations such as vent pipes, airvents, and skylights.vents, and skylights.

All fires should be reported to the fireAll fires should be reported to the firedepartment, even when extinguished.department, even when extinguished.



Personal Protection.Personal Protection. Protective clothing and personal protectiveProtective clothing and personal protectiveequipment (PPE) shall be worn by installers.equipment (PPE) shall be worn by installers.(Fire resistive material should be considered)(Fire resistive material should be considered)

Protective clothing should include acceptable fabrics, aProtective clothing should include acceptable fabrics, along-sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves, and eye protection.long-sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves, and eye protection.The safe handling of hand torches and hot trowelsThe safe handling of hand torches and hot trowelsnecessitates the use of proper protective clothing andnecessitates the use of proper protective clothing andpersonal protective equipment.personal protective equipment.



Equipment Inspection.Equipment Inspection. Equipment shall be inspected thoroughly andEquipment shall be inspected thoroughly and

repaired or replaced as needed prior repaired or replaced as needed prior to use.to use.(Includes (Includes all incorporated safety devicesall incorporated safety devices on the on the equipment)equipment)


Asphalt and Tar KettlesAsphalt and Tar Kettles

Asphalt and Tar Kettles.Asphalt and Tar Kettles.Asphalt and tar kettles and associated LP-GasAsphalt and tar kettles and associated LP-Gascylinders shall be located in a safe place outsidecylinders shall be located in a safe place outsideof the building at a point that avoids the dangerof the building at a point that avoids the dangerof ignition of combustible material.of ignition of combustible material. (Not in the path(Not in the pathof exits from the building)of exits from the building)

Roofing kettles and all integral working parts should beRoofing kettles and all integral working parts should bein good working condition and should be maintainedin good working condition and should be maintainedfree of excessive residue.free of excessive residue.



Asphalt and tar kettles shall not be located onAsphalt and tar kettles shall not be located onroofs.roofs.

A lid that can be closed by means of gravity shallA lid that can be closed by means of gravity shallbe provided on all roofing kettles.be provided on all roofing kettles. (Lids should be checked(Lids should be checkedregularly for PROPER operation.)regularly for PROPER operation.)

The tops and covers of all kettles shall be close-The tops and covers of all kettles shall be close-fittingfitting (Tops and covers should be checked regularly for PROPER fit.)(Tops and covers should be checked regularly for PROPER fit.)

and constructed of steel having a thickness ofand constructed of steel having a thickness ofnot less than No. 14 manufacturer’s standardnot less than No. 14 manufacturer’s standardgauge [0.075 in. (2 mm)].gauge [0.075 in. (2 mm)].



Used roofing mops and rags shall be cleaned ofUsed roofing mops and rags shall be cleaned ofexcessive asphalt and stored away from theexcessive asphalt and stored away from thebuilding and combustible materials.building and combustible materials. (Should be(Should bedone at the end of each work day)done at the end of each work day)

Discarded roofing mops and rags shall not be inDiscarded roofing mops and rags shall not be incontact with combustibles.contact with combustibles.



Kettles shall be constantly attended when inKettles shall be constantly attended when inoperation by a minimum of one employeeoperation by a minimum of one employeeknowledgeable of the operations and hazards.knowledgeable of the operations and hazards.The employee shall be within 25 ft (7.6 m) of theThe employee shall be within 25 ft (7.6 m) of thekettle and have the kettle within sight.kettle and have the kettle within sight.

Roofing kettles shall not block exits, means ofRoofing kettles shall not block exits, means ofegress, gates, roadways, or entrances. In no caseegress, gates, roadways, or entrances. In no caseshall kettles be closer than 10 ft (3 m) from exitsshall kettles be closer than 10 ft (3 m) from exitsor means of egress.or means of egress. ((Should tryShould try to keep clear of all windows) to keep clear of all windows)


Single-Ply and Torch-Single-Ply and Torch-Applied Roofing SystemsApplied Roofing Systems

Installation.Installation.

The installation of torch-applied roofing and, inThe installation of torch-applied roofing and, insome cases, single-ply roofing systems is some cases, single-ply roofing systems is hot workhot workand shall comply with NFPA 241 and NFPA 51B.and shall comply with NFPA 241 and NFPA 51B.



Flame Contact Protection.Flame Contact Protection. Open flames shall not be left unattended.Open flames shall not be left unattended. The torch flame shall not be applied to a The torch flame shall not be applied to acombustible substrate for the membrane.combustible substrate for the membrane.

Base ply shall be permitted to consist of either Base ply shall be permitted to consist of eitherglass fiber felts or minimum 40-lb (18-kg) organicglass fiber felts or minimum 40-lb (18-kg) organicfelts.felts.



Torch flames shall not come in contact with Torch flames shall not come in contact withexposed plastic roofing cement.exposed plastic roofing cement.

Caution shall be used where working near roofCaution shall be used where working near roofopenings, penetrations, or flashings.openings, penetrations, or flashings.

The torch shall not be used in areas where the The torch shall not be used in areas where theflame impingement cannot be fully viewed.flame impingement cannot be fully viewed.



Single-ply and torch-applied roofing systems shallSingle-ply and torch-applied roofing systems shallbe installed using extreme caution.be installed using extreme caution.

For additional information, see the ARMA publication:

Torch-Applied Roofing, Dos and Don’tsTorch-Applied Roofing, Dos and Don’tsand theand the

Factory Mutual Data Sheet 1-33Factory Mutual Data Sheet 1-33,,Safeguarding Torch-Applied RoofSafeguarding Torch-Applied Roof

Installations.Installations.


Fuel Gas CylindersFuel Gas Cylinders

Fuel for Roofing Operations.Fuel for Roofing Operations.

Fuel containers, burners, and relatedFuel containers, burners, and related

appurtenances of roofing equipment in whichappurtenances of roofing equipment in which

liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for heatingliquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for heating

shall comply with all the applicable requirementsshall comply with all the applicable requirements

of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code.



Fuel gas cylinders should be inspected for dents.Fuel gas cylinders should be inspected for dents.Regulator adjustments and pressure gauges shouldRegulator adjustments and pressure gauges shouldbe checked to ensure that they are operable.be checked to ensure that they are operable.Torch and cylinder connectors should be inspectedTorch and cylinder connectors should be inspectedvisually and checked for leaks with a soap andvisually and checked for leaks with a soap andwater solution. water solution. An open flame should not be usedAn open flame should not be usedto test for leaks.to test for leaks.



Leaky equipment should not be used.Leaky equipment should not be used.The vent on the regulator should be checked toThe vent on the regulator should be checked toensure that it is not blocked.ensure that it is not blocked.If an unstable flame occurs (e.g., roars loudly andIf an unstable flame occurs (e.g., roars loudly andtends to blow itself out), the equipment should betends to blow itself out), the equipment should berepaired or replaced immediately.repaired or replaced immediately. Fuel gas cylinders shall not be hoisted by their Fuel gas cylinders shall not be hoisted by theirvalves.valves.


Fire ExtinguishersFire Extinguishers

Straps placed around the cylinders shall beStraps placed around the cylinders shall beutilized.utilized.All kettle operators and torch applied roofAll kettle operators and torch applied roofinstallers shall be trained in the use of fireinstallers shall be trained in the use of fireextinguishers.extinguishers. Fire extinguishers shall be located in an accessible, Fire extinguishers shall be located in an accessible,visible, or identified location.visible, or identified location.



There shall be at least one portable fireThere shall be at least one portable fireextinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-Bextinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-Bno closer than 5 ft (1.5 m) and no more than 25 ftno closer than 5 ft (1.5 m) and no more than 25 ft(7.6 m) of horizontal travel distance from every(7.6 m) of horizontal travel distance from everykettle at all times while such kettle is in operation.kettle at all times while such kettle is in operation.

Additional information regarding the safe use and operationAdditional information regarding the safe use and operationof roofing kettles can be found in NFPA 1, Fire Preventionof roofing kettles can be found in NFPA 1, Fire PreventionCode, Section 3.12.Code, Section 3.12.



There shall be at least one multipurpose 2-A:20-There shall be at least one multipurpose 2-A:20-B:C portable fire extinguisher on the roof beingB:C portable fire extinguisher on the roof beingcovered or repaired, or other fire protection shallcovered or repaired, or other fire protection shallbe provided as determined by the authority havingbe provided as determined by the authority havingjurisdiction.jurisdiction. For large roof areas, additional protection, such as chargedFor large roof areas, additional protection, such as chargedhose lines or additional extinguishers, is recommended.hose lines or additional extinguishers, is recommended.

There shall be at least one multipurpose 2-A:20-There shall be at least one multipurpose 2-A:20-B:C portable fire extinguisher within B:C portable fire extinguisher within 20 ft (6 m) of20 ft (6 m) ofhorizontal travel distancehorizontal travel distance from torch-applied from torch-appliedroofing equipment.roofing equipment.


To purchase a copy of NFPA 241 or NFPATo purchase a copy of NFPA 241 or NFPA51B51B

Contact: Contact: National Fire ProtectionNational Fire ProtectionAssociationAssociation

1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 022691 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269Phone: 617-770-3000 Fax: 617-770-0700Phone: 617-770-3000 Fax: 617-770-0700

http://www.nfpa.org/http://www.nfpa.org/These documents can be accessed free of charge onThese documents can be accessed free of charge on

line.line.


ANYANYQUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?


Dave BairdDave BairdFire Protection SpecialistFire Protection Specialist

Office of the Illinois State Fire MarshalOffice of the Illinois State Fire Marshal(312) 814-8960(312) 814-8960

E-mail:E-mail:[email protected]

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Basic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures for Roofing ... · PDF fileBasic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures for Roofing Contractors 1 Basic Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures