The Safe Shop
From the
Flame Out!
Take Shop Fires Seriously.
Photo by Guido Jansen/Unsplash
Fire safety rules are so commonplace that many of us have become indifferent toward them. This lack of personal interest has been responsible for many fires and on-the-job accidents.
To Start With ...
Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three components to be present for the reaction to take place and to continue. The three components are: • Heat, or an ignition source • Fuel • Oxygen These three components typically are referred to as the “fire triangle.” Fire is the result of the reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air.
• Fire extinguishers must be inspected every month and the inspection must be recorded. • Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher in your work area (site-specific training). • All vehicles should carry at least one ABC-rated (see accompanying chart) extinguisher. It should be readily accessible and securely mounted on mobile equipment. • Vehicles containing explosive material must be equipped with at least two (2) multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguishers or one such extinguisher and an automatic fire suppression system. • Fire extinguishers must be recharged or replaced with a fully charged extinguisher promptly after any discharge.
When fighting a small or developing fire, don’t try and be a hero! Portable fire extinguishers are for small fires, not large blazes. Call the Fire Department when in doubt. In any case, never place yourself where the fire is between you and an exit.
Courtesy University of Texas at Austin
Fire Safety/Prevention
• Keep electrical rooms and storage areas clear of clutter and debris. • Never spray water on an electrical fire or a flammable liquid fire such as mineral spirits or grease. It will cause the fire to splatter or could lead to electrocution. (Note: what type of extinguisher you should use? Answer: ABC). • Keep welding areas free of flammables and do not attempt to cut or weld if gloves or clothing has grease, oil or solvents on them. • NO SMOKING signs must be strictly obeyed. • Spillage or leakage of combustible and flammable liquids shall be cleaned up or controlled in a timely manner to prevent a fire hazard. • Before refueling, turn off the engine(s) and motor(s) and eliminate other potential ignition sources. • Do not allow combustible waste to accumulate. • All fire-fighting equipment must be strategically located, readily accessible, plainly marked, and maintained in fire-ready condition. • Keep equipment clean. Clean up all trash and any oil spills immediately.
Flammable Liquids
• Store flammable liquids in proper containers. • Use only small quantities of flammable liquids in labeled safety cans in your work area. • Never use flammable liquids for cleaning. Gasoline must never be used as a cleaning agent. • Do not use solvents near an open flame or other ignition source, near any source of heat, or in an atmosphere that can elevate the temperature of the solvent above its flash point. • Flammable liquid vapors can explode when exposed to heat or flames. • Observe no smoking signs.
Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels
Reminder: Safety is the responsibility of both management and employees!
All Natural Stone Institute Safety Resources and Courses are offered free at www.uofstone.com and www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/safety.
The information herein is provided by the Natural Stone Institute as a general summary for use in job site toolbox talks and is provided to augment and not substitute for or replace required training under any applicable local, state or federal workplace statute, law or regulation. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure this content is consistent with job site requirements and applicable statutes, laws or regulations prior to use and make any required additions or changes.