Fire & Safety
Fire & Safety
Fire & Safety
Monitor the implementation and adherence to this Plan and report violations and/or noncompliance issues to Site management for immediate corrective action.
Ensure that all fire extinguishers in their area are adequate in accordance with the hazards present
in the area, accessible, in proper order and undamaged.
Ensure that all personnel assigned to the project are educated in fire prevention practices and the
use of fire extinguishing equipment.
Take immediate corrective actions in case of unsafe situations noted during the site walk around
as advised by the inspection terms.
EMPLOYEES
The employees shall:
Practice safe working habits and comply with the requirements of this Plan.
Shall be in attendance at all times in a designated area while hot work is in progress, his main role
is the prevention of fires rather than Fire Fighting.
Verify that, where required, appropriate Permit to Work-Hot Work have been issued, are valid for
the work in progress. Ensure that all precautions are in place and being complied with at all times.
Verify that fire proof blankets and welding screens are in position.
Verify welding/burning equipment before start of Hot Work and at regular intervals, to ensure
compliance with Project HSE requirements.
Stop all work if conditions change and a potentially dangerous situation develops and inform the
relevant Contractor Construction Discipline Superintendents.
Will ensure that at the end of each work period all equipment is shutdown and gas hoses are
removed from confined spaces.
At the end of each working day before leaving site, check the work location to ensure that no hot
items or smoldering items remain or other potential fire hazards exist and for good housekeeping.
IMPLEMENTATION
Before the Job Starts
Construction within a petroleum industry complex requires careful planning since plants and
support facilities being constructed are frequently next to those already in operation. An
accident at a construction site can have serious effects on a nearby oil or gas facility and viceversa, because of a large amount of fuel present at both locations. The factors which must be
considered before the job starts include site preparation, work permit schedules, types of work
permits required and type/quantity of equipment required on-site.
As part of this process, the contractor must take into account the potential hazards that can be
encountered on site; protection of machinery and equipment; control of ignition sources;
storage of flammable and combustible materials; housekeeping; staff training; and end-of shift
checks. These subjects are addressed in the Hazards Identification Procedure prior to
construction start-up in Appendix A of this manual. This section focuses on means of avoiding
and controlling fires.
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Supervisor will have responsibility for good housekeeping in his area (including above ground
structures, cable trays and raceways).
Housekeeping standards will be assessed daily by Contractor HSE Manager and/or his
designates and during weekly site inspections.
All wastes will be managed according to Waste Management Procedure, Owner/PMC
regulations and local government requirements.
Liquid spills shall be cleaned up immediately. Contaminated soil or sand will be managed as
waste.
Clear access will be maintained to firefighting equipment, electrical panels and ladders.
When not in use, tools and equipment will be properly stored.
Electrical cords, air hoses and cutting torch hoses, etc. will not be placed where they create a
tripping hazard or will be liable to damage.
Rubbish will be removed at the end of the workday.
Excess tools/equipment will not be stored at height. All materials, tools and equipment used at
heights will be properly secured when not in use.
Soiled/oily rags will be segregated in separate containers from clean rags.
There will be no burning of waste materials on site.
Contractor HSE Manager will monitor the site office and Subcontractors temporary facilities to
ensure that fire risks are eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by:
SMOKING CONTROL
Owner/PMC and Contractor will establish a smoking policy for the Project that will restrict
smoking to designated areas.
During commissioning all matches and lighters will be left at the security gate, as ignition
sources will be provided at designated smoking areas. Appropriate warning signs with
illustration (in English and Arabic for workers) will be posted in and around no smoking areas.
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Fire extinguisher and metal ash tray with sand will be provided at smoking area.
In the construction area during the construction phase smoking or open flame are prohibited
within 15 meters of paint shops, gasoline storage, or similar flammable liquids or gases, fuel
dispensing vehicles or refueling operations, garages or similar occupations or activities in an
extra hazardous environment.
Smoking shall be prohibited at site except designated smoking area. Smoking inside building
shall be strictly prohibited. Fire extinguisher and metal ash tray with sand will be provided at
smoking area.
Electrical Wiring and Appliances
All electrical extension cords are equipped with nonconductive plugs. Cords shall not be spliced
or draped over nails, metal objects or rafters. The use of extension cords by means of multiple
outlet plugs from single outlets is prohibited. Electrical extension cords are not used as
permanent, fixed wiring in facilities.
Non-essential electrical equipment and appliances shall be disconnected when not in use. All
electrical service removals, alterations and equipment installations must be performed by an
authorized electrician.
Flammable Liquids HSE Instructions
Flammable liquids will be handled and stored in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) of all manufacturers and Owner/PMC requirements.
Sources of ignition, including smoking, are prohibited in all hazardous areas.
Do not use any flammable liquid for cleaning purposes. The use of gasoline or similar
flammable product is prohibited. Only non-toxic, non-flammable products may be used.
Plastic and glass containers are strictly prohibited for storing flammable liquids.
All containers used for storing flammable liquids shall be approved safety type and labeled in
one-inch letters.
Supplies of flammable liquids for work areas are stored in approved cabinets at a safe distance
from heating elements and other flammable materials.
All bulk dispensing containers for flammable liquids shall be grounded and provided with a
grounding strap for the containers filled from the dispenser. Drums used for dispensing
flammable liquids shall be equipped with approved faucets and approved relief valves. All such
dispensing areas shall have suitable arrangements to control any spillage.
All electrical installations and equipments shall be in accordance with applicable standards.
Only approved containers and portable tanks are used for storage and handling of flammable
and combustible liquids.
All bulk quantities of flammable liquids shall be stored in a separate open shelter or stored in
building at least 15 meters from any other building.
When storing materials, clear aisle space is maintained as approach lanes to firefighting
equipment, sprinkler control valves (if utilized), fuse boxes and switch panels. In no case are
materials piled higher than 70 cm below sprinkler heads or electric light fixtures.
All flammable liquids in unauthorized containers will be removed from the site. All flammable
liquids transferred from bulk supplies shall be placed in safety-approved containers before
brought to work areas. Whenever the seal is broken on issue stock and the original container no
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longer meets safety criteria, the entire contents shall be transferred to approved, labeled
containers.
Flammable liquids in work areas are kept in approved properly labeled metal safety cans or in
metal containers with tight fitting covers.
No damaged or leaking containers are permitted in work or storage areas.
Combustible Materials HSE Instructions
Sufficient metal waste containers with lids are provided for each shop area for the safe disposal
of flammable waste and rags. The same type container is used for storing clean rags in shop
such as pipe fabrication shop, rebar shop, etc.
Self-closing, metal containers, plainly marked with name of contents, are used for the separate
disposal of oil and paint soaked rags, waste paper shavings and other flammable materials. At
the end of each day, or shift, these containers shall be emptied or removed to a safe location
outside the building for scheduled pickup.
Only approved metal containers are used as waste receptacles.
Waste containers shall be placed in locations that permit full use of fire aisles. Waste materials
shall not be accumulated in areas such as warehouses, welding shops and paint spray rooms
when flammable liquids or gases are stored or used.
Compressed Gases
Storage compounds will be fenced using either wire mesh or other suitable (non-combustible)
material or is located on firm, level ground. Fences shall be approximately 2 meters high with a
zinc sheet roof, or other permanent means of protecting against direct sunlight, and a lockable
gate opening outwards for ease of escape in emergency.
Cylinders containing compressed or liquefied gas shall not be dropped or exposed to severe
impact. They shall be isolated from open flames, heat and direct sunlight. Valves and
connections are kept free of mineral oil and greases and are separated from welding leads,
spark producing equipment and electrical leads.
Cylinders containing acetylene, chlorine, sulfur dioxide and liquefied petroleum or fuel are kept
upright and secured to prevent valve damage and separation of ingredients with subsequent
danger when gas is leaked.
Oxygen and fuel gas such as acetylene and LPG cylinders, whether empty or full, in storage
shall be separated by at least 6 meters or by 1.5 meters high firewall, made of concrete or
concrete bricks, with a one-hour fire resistance rating which resists the fire without direct fires
passing through firewall at least one hour after the breakout of fire.
The valves of all compressed gas cylinders shall be closed and protective caps installed prior to
movement, unless cylinders are secured to an operating unit or welding cart. Valves are shut off
at the cylinder and not at the regulator or dispensing tip. Suitable keys are attached to all
cylinders when in use. Gas from cylinders shall be used through pressure-reducing regulator.
Never allow oxygen to enter regulators suddenly. Mixing gases in cylinders is prohibited. Do not
use cylinders with improperly operating valves or defective regulators. Broken or damaged
regulators shall be removed from service immediately.
Hoses shall be properly secured wilt hose clamps at each end (wire is not acceptable) and
checked daily for deterioration. Leaks or suspected leaks of gas or vapor will be immediately
reported to the Contractor HSE Team. Explosive concentrations of dust are similarly reported to
Contractor HSE Team.
Layout
Good layout helps ensure the project can be carried out efficiently. Overall requirements for
site planning. The following principles of project layout and organization can help minimize fire
risks:
Avoid congestion around machinery and equipment where there is a high level of activity
and traffic.
Operations having a high fire risk, such as welding and spray painting, should be isolated
from flammable and explosive materials or specially protected.
Be sure to provide adequate emergency access and egress.
Storage of flammable and explosive materials in the plant site should be restricted to
minimum quantities necessary for an uninterrupted cycle of operations; use a larger,
secondary storage site outside the plant area where possible.
I SELECTION OF A SITE
A. Adequate fire department protection.
Travel time to site, primary factor.
B. All-weather roads adequate to carry fire department apparatus.
Kept clear at all times.
C. Available water supply of sufficient pressure and quantity.
D. Sufficient clear space from combustible structures or other storage which could be an
exposure hazard.
E. No danger of flooding.
Run-off from fire fighting water should be considered.
Drainage from fuel spills should travel away from all storage.
F. Enough clearance from storage site to highways or major roads.
II. FENCING SITE
A. Entire site should be fenced to control access.
B. Two 15' gates, directly opposite each other (180o) are required to permit ready access of fire
apparatus to any part of the storage area regardless of wind direction and location of fire.
V. FIRE PROTECTION
A. Communications -- a reliable means of communication with the Fire Protection Department
shall be provided.
WARNING: Prompt NOTIFICATION of the Fire Protection Department is mandatory and
absolutely necessary to prevent out-of-control fires.
B. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided throughout the storage area and the buildings
located as to be quickly available for use at any point.
C. Standard Live Hose Reels shall be provided throughout the storage areas to allow fast
application of firewater onto any location within the store yard. These hoses are easily handled
by one man and can deliver significant quantities of water. Full coverage of the interiors of all
buildings must also be provided.
WARNING:
The need to notify the Fire Protection Department and man these live hose reels as fast as
possible cannot be over-emphasized.
Fire areas increase as an increasing multiple of time, not at a constant rate. The
longer you wait to apply water on a small fire, the more you will be surprised at
the size the fire has attained.
These 1-1/4" diameter hoses allow one person to apply about 100 gallons/minute
without difficulty.
Two inches steel (galvanized) lines shall be used to feed these hoses. Each hose reel will
have a valve at the tie-in to the 6" loop.
D. Standard Fire Hydrants -Depending on system pressure, the 2-1/2" hoses used by the Fire
Protection Department can require 4 to 5 trained men to handle. It is for this reason that fire
hydrants are not normally provided with hose or used by construction yard personnel.
In areas where there is no Fire Protection Department within reasonable distance,
sufficient 2-1/2" hose, and other equipment such as nozzles, hydrant wrenches, etc. shall
be kept on the site, suitably located, housed, and maintained ready for use.
Hydrants and all firefighting equipment shall be accessible for use at all times. No
temporary storage will be allowed to obstruct access for fire fighting.
E. Details of Water Supply
Connect to main with gate valve.
Provide a looped system valved to feed hydrants from either direction.
(Block valve(s) to isolate either 50% of the piping and hydrants.)
Materials - carbon steel pipe, okay for temporary yards.
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which could be caused by storing it near combustible material and against water or other fire
fighting agents that might be used to put out a fire.
Control of Ignition Sources
Compliance with work permit procedures and conditions protects against possible ignition of oil
or gas from process operations. The contractor must also take steps to prevent ignition of
construction materials, lubricants, and fuels used in the job itself.
Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids are those that can produce a flammable mixture in air at ambient
temperature. Generally this is defined as a fluid (liquid or gas) having a flash point of 55C
(130F) or lower. Care in handling flammable fluids is of prime importance.
Storage
All flammable liquids must be kept in securely capped metal containers or steel drums on which
the contents are clearly marked. Gasoline, acetone, spirits and other volatile liquids with flash
points below 32C (90F) should be kept in strong metal lockers located in well-ventilated, noncombustible huts or sheds. Drums containing flammable fluids shall be provided with proper
bung vents. Flammable storage areas must be securely locked (or fenced), posted with a
warning sign "Danger: Flammable Area" and must be located at least 15 meters (50 feet) away
from the nearest building or storage area for combustibles. No other materials should be stored
with flammable liquids.
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Flammable gases in cylinders (acetylene, propane, etc.) shall be segregated from other
materials, preferably under an open, well-ventilated sun shade. Oxidizing gases (oxygen,
chlorine, nitrous oxide, etc.) shall be stored separately.
Ventilation
Gasoline and diesel powered equipment should only be used in well-ventilated areas. Exhaust
pipes should be kept away from combustible materials. Engines must be stopped before
refueling takes place
Combustible Materials
Although the main material used in the construction of plants for the petroleum industry is
non-combustible steel or concrete, on a construction site many materials are potential fuel for
a fire: packing material, scaffold planks, form lumber, electrical insulation, tires and other
rubber goods, lubricating oil and grease, and diesel fuel, in addition to the flammable liquids
(fuels, paints, solvents) mentioned above. Therefore, daily site cleanup of combustible
materials is required to reduce fire hazards.
Housekeeping
Rubbish, accumulated at a job site, provides a good starting point for a fire. Waste should be
removed at regular intervals and always at the end of a working day. Metal bins with
closefitting lids should be provided for oily rags, wood shavings, and other highly combustible
wastes. Use non-combustible absorbents to remove spills or leaks of oil. Contents of ash trays
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should not be mixed with other waste. Good housekeeping on the site can eliminate many of
the situations where a fire can start.
Emergency Equipment
The Fire Protection Department area offices can assist in training employees in the proper use
of firefighting equipment Each contractor has a contractual obligation to provide and maintain
adequate, easily accessible fire extinguishers on the job site (Schedule 'D'). The contractor
should consult with the local Fire Protection Unit for advice on selection of such equipment.
There are three types of fire extinguishers normally found on construction sites: water, carbon
dioxide and dry chemical types. Contractor personnel should be aware of the firefighting
equipment available on site and be familiar with its use.
Water-Type Fire Extinguisher
Water extinguishers should be available around sites where there will be Class "A" material,
such as wood, paper, waste material, or packing crates. The typical portable water extinguisher
comes in a 9.5 liters (2-1/2 gallon) size. On construction sites a pressurized system of fire water
hydrants and hoses will normally be available, so this type of extinguisher will have limited use.
Carbon Dioxide Type Extinguisher
The carbon dioxide (CO2) type extinguisher is normally used for controlling electrical fires.
These fires take place in motors, switch-gear, and so forth and are usually very easily controlled
by de-energizing the circuits that supply the power. The advantage of using CO2 in this
particular instance is that it leaves no residue in the mechanisms of the electrical equipment
and, therefore, does not further contribute to the damage.
CAUTION
A CO2 extinguisher should never be used in enclosed areas where people are present, because
the gas displaces oxygen from the immediate environment. When the oxygen level in the
environment is reduced sufficiently to put out a fire, the oxygen level is also incapable of
supporting human life.
Dry Chemical Type Extinguisher
A dry chemical type extinguisher is normally used in controlling Class "B" fires in flammable
liquids. A dry chemical extinguisher normally comes in portable 9 kilograms (20 pounds) and
13.6 kilograms (30 pounds) sizes. A larger wheeled extinguisher of 68 kilograms (150 pounds)
and above is available, but is usually found only within petroleum operating areas. Some dry
chemical extinguishers today have a powder which is good in controlling Class "A", "B", and "C"
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fires. This multipurpose ABC powder gives this particular fire extinguisher a good chance of
controlling any type of fire involving a wood, petroleum liquid or electrical equipment.
Pressurized Water
Where a pressurized water system is available on site, the contractor is responsible for
supplying hoses and nozzles. Since most fires at construction sites involve Class "A" materials,
they can be fought with water. Charged water hoses, ready for use, are a necessity. If there is
no permanent system installed at a particular location, a water tanker and portable water
extinguishers will have to be supplied in order to take care of any Class "A" fires.
Reporting a Fire
Every fire, including those extinguished by contractor personnel, should be reported to the
client representative. The Fire Protection Unit will inspect the area, to offer suggestions for
preventing a recurrence, and to ensure the contractor has re-established his fire fighting
capability by recharging extinguishers or replacing equipment. The contractor must ensure that
this number is posted at all telephones and that instructions are placed indicating how to report
the emergency correctly.
End-of-Shift Checks
A routine inspection shall be made at the end of the working day to see that everything is left in
a safe condition. The following itemized checklist shall be followed:
MAINTENANCE:
Maintenance should comprise of a monthly check by proponent organization - Check
extinguisher is in correct location, access is unobstructed and extinguisher is clearly visible.
Check contents gauges, where fitted, indicate extinguisher is serviceable. Check for signs of
leakage, corrosion, or physical damage. Check seals are unbroken and up to date inspection tag
is fitted. If in doubt, contact your local fire control unit.
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FIRE FIGHTING
General
When fire prevention fails or unexpected conditions arise, the need for adequate fire protection
procedures is apparent. To be fully protected, Contractor and Subcontractor personnel are
required to comply with the following fire protection instructions.
During the construction phase it is presumed that only limited firefighting water will be available
so fire points containing dry chemical powder (DCP) extinguishers will be located throughout the
site. The above mentioned fire extinguisher is dedicated equipment for specific area such as
office, shop, fuel storage area, etc. and is not available for general field construction use.
Additional fire extinguishers for general field construction use will be provided. All personnel will
be instructed that access to firefighting equipment shall remain clear at all times.
Subcontractor will provide 8 Kg multipurpose dry powder fire extinguishers for each work
location. The fire extinguishers, if used for fire watch will be checked daily by Supervisors, in
other cases on weekly basis by safety personnel.
Fire extinguishers will be well regularly checked and tagged.
The use of a fire extinguisher shall be reported immediately to Contractor HSE Manager. Used
or empty fire extinguishers shall be replaced immediately.
Construction personnel shall not tamper with, or disturb, any permanent fixed fire systems for
general purpose after commissioning. The use of fire hydrant water after commissioning will be
subject to approval by Contractor and Owner/PMC except fire emergency situation.
During the new employee HSE orientation Contractor and Subcontractor personnel will be
briefed on fire equipment use, fire reporting procedure and fire emergency procedure.
Information and training will be given also during Tool Box Meetings.
Emergency procedures and telephone numbers will be posted at key locations.
All fire suppression equipment (extinguishers, hoses, etc.) will be inspected by the
Subcontractor HSE representative or a designated individual on a weekly basis to identify
conditions that may prevent emergency use of the appliance. All deficiencies shall be corrected
immediately.
Each fire extinguisher and other fire suppression, Fire fighting device(s) shall have a proper
inspection tag fixed and visible. The tag provides data such as the date of the third party
inspection, date recharged and inspector's signature.
The Subcontractor HSE representative keeps a consolidated record of the location of all
extinguishers, maintenance received and other conditions relative to the condition and
maintenance of fire appliances.
Instructions In Case of Fire
All personnel are expected to assist in one of the following ways, where applicable:
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When the fire or gas release alarm sounds, comply with the following procedures:
All vehicle and mobile equipment traffic shall pull off to the side of roadway, stop
and have the engines turned off. Keys shall be left in ignitions.
All safe work, confined space entry and hot work permits, PTW, are automatically
suspended until directed otherwise by the HSE Team.
All employees will stop all work, turn off all equipment and walk to an open area
outside the unit battery limits.
The work will not resume until the all clear whistle sounds or unless authorized by
the HSE Team or supervisor.
Fire Extinguisher Requirement Summary
The charts list those areas where fire-fighting devices shall be positioned. It is a guideline for the
minimum number, size and type of extinguisher to be used for each individual operation or
location. (Attachment 1)
Portable fire extinguishers are provided for employee use, with selection and distribution based
on the classes of workplace fires and the degree of hazard which would affect their use per the
following guidelines:
Travel distance for Class A fires is 22 meters or less.
Travel distance for a Class B hazard area to any extinguisher is 15 meters or
less.
Class C hazards are on the basis of the appropriate pattern for the existing Class
A or B hazards.
Travel distance for Class D hazards is 22 meters or less.
Inspection Maintenance and Testing
Contractor and Subcontractor site management will be responsible for ensuring the inspection
of portable fire extinguishers available for use by Contractor and Subcontractor employees.
Only competent qualified employees will be assigned to perform any other function than a visual
inspection of extinguishers.
Extinguishers will be visually inspected by the user prior to the start of any job task which may
lead to requiring the use of portable extinguishing equipment.
Portable extinguishers will be visually inspected monthly and will have an annual (minimum
requirement) maintenance check.
The stored pressure extinguishers in storage container/room require a monthly internal check.
The monthly internal check will record the date of the check and be kept on file for the Project
period.
TRAINING
Contractor will provide the related personnel with fire prevention and protection, Fire watcher
training and will execute fire drill as per training matrix and training schedule.
Where portable fire extinguishers are provided for employee use, an educational program to
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familiarize the users with the general principals of fire extinguisher use and the hazards of fire
fighting will be provided.
Employees will be trained upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter.
Employees who have been designated to use firefighting equipment as part of an emergency
action plan will be trained in the proper use of the appropriate equipment upon initial
employment and at least annually thereafter.
Extinguishing Agents
1. Dry Chemical
ABC type dry chemical fire extinguishers are effective on small fires involving flammable liquids,
electrical equipment and combustible materials (wood, paper, cloth, cardboard, etc).
BC type dry chemical fire extinguishers are most effective for extinguishing small fires involving
flammable and combustible liquids, gases and oils. They are also suitable for fighting fires
involving electrical equipment.
Dry chemical is not as effective as water in extinguishing deep-seated fires in ordinary
combustibles.
A 20 lb ABC dry chemical is the only type extinguisher that can be used for fire watch or
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standby. A pressurized fire hose may also be used as a backup when one is available.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
CO2 is a liquefied gas, stored under pressure which vaporizes when released. It smothers the
fire by excluding air. CO2 is best suited for indoor use. It is of limited value where wind or drafts
can affect the flow of the gas.
CO2 extinguishers are also used where water damage or fouling of delicate equipment cannot
be tolerated or cleanup is a consideration.
This type of extinguisher is used primarily in labs computer and motor control centers.
3. Water
Water is most effective on combustible material fires and is the best extinguishing agent for a
very large fire.