Emergency / Fire Prevention & Protection Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:42:39 +0000 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:42:39 +0000 Safe Build Forum http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?forums/emergency-fire-prevention-protection.37/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 08:38:59 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/simple-steps-for-spill-response.1585/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/simple-steps-for-spill-response.1585/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Accidents happen … you should always have plans in place and steps to follow when a spill in the workplace occurs. KEVIN MURPHY, MD of environment, health, and safety provider Spill Doctor, delves into eight steps that can help you to respond to a chemical, oil, or hazardous spill.

The most important aspect of managing hazardous spills is prevention; most spills can be avoided by properly assessing the risks and adopting the necessary precautions, such as safe storage.

Accidents do...

Simple steps for spill response]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2022 06:53:53 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/flammables-and-combustibles-explained.1533/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/flammables-and-combustibles-explained.1533/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin There are various factors that people should consider when working with flammable and combustible liquids. Kevin Murphy, MD of environment, health, and safety provider Spill Doctor, gives us the rundown on these dangerous fluids.

A liquid is classified as either flammable or combustible depending on its flashpoints. Generally speaking, flammable liquids will ignite and burn easily at normal working temperatures. Combustible liquids can burn at temperatures that are usually above...

Flammables and combustibles explained]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:44:14 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-and-emergency-ready.1404/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-and-emergency-ready.1404/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin No matter the industry, every workplace should be prepared for a fire or other emergencies by having trained employees, frequent drills and the correct equipment

Whether it is the threat of a wildfire on a farm, or faulty wiring that sets an office building alight, every industry needs to prepare for potential fire hazards. Although each industry will have some unique challenges to overcome, there are a few universal fire safety guidelines such as conducting regular fire drills and...

Fire and emergency ready]]> Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:58:40 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/a-burning-issue.1204/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/a-burning-issue.1204/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin Burns are injuries to the skin and tissue caused by heat, radiation or chemicals. The severity of a burn is determined by the depth (degree of the burn), amount of burnt body surface (percent of body area), body area that is affected and the age and physical condition of the person.

Chemical burns are considered...

A burning issue]]> Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:54:55 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/why-fire-risk-assessment-is-important-for-your-business.115/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/why-fire-risk-assessment-is-important-for-your-business.115/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
The consequences of a fire can be devastating, leaving a business in the same state as it’s burnt out premises, ruined. If operating in single premises the effects can be even more devastating. All fires start small, yet 60% of businesses never recover from small fires that increased in size or became uncontrollable.

This fact in itself should make fire...

Why fire risk assessment is important for your business.]]> 7 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 11:27:29 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/emergency-procedures-for-tennants.1149/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/emergency-procedures-for-tennants.1149/ invalid@example.com (Francois Kloppers) Francois Kloppers 1 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 10:22:31 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/storage-of-flammable-liquids-%E2%80%93-the-legal-requirements.906/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/storage-of-flammable-liquids-%E2%80%93-the-legal-requirements.906/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
The requirements for the use and storage of flammable liquids are listed under Regulation 4 of the General Safety Regulations promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993.

In looking at the legal requirements of storing flammable liquids one must also bear in mind that these liquids are also Hazardous Chemical...

Storage of Flammable liquids – The legal requirements]]> 2 Thu, 07 Nov 2013 07:20:41 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-extinguisher-laws-broken-blowout-kills-worker.878/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-extinguisher-laws-broken-blowout-kills-worker.878/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
While activating a gas cartridge type dry chemical powder fire extinguisher, the bottom of the extinguisher body failed, reports Buildsafe SA.

The fire extinguisher was propelled upwards by the blast, and struck the worker in the neck and chin, causing fatal injuries.

“Cartridge type fire extinguishers (typically without pressure gauges) should be inspected immediately....

Fire extinguisher laws broken, blowout kills worker]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2013 07:18:51 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-extinguisher-laws-broken-blowout-kills-worker.877/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-extinguisher-laws-broken-blowout-kills-worker.877/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
While activating a gas cartridge type dry chemical powder fire extinguisher, the bottom of the extinguisher body failed, reports Buildsafe SA.

The fire extinguisher was propelled upwards by the blast, and struck the worker in the neck and chin, causing fatal injuries.

“Cartridge type fire extinguishers (typically without pressure gauges) should be inspected immediately....

Fire extinguisher laws broken, blowout kills worker]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 14:58:11 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/general-fire-safety-on-construction-sites.778/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/general-fire-safety-on-construction-sites.778/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin General fire safety on Construction Sites

The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations require that an employer (Principal Contractor) on a construction site have certain fire precautions in place.
Construction Regulation 27 requires that a ‘responsible person’ must carry out inspection on fire equipment, and keep up to date, a risk assessment and implement appropriate measures to minimise the risk to life and property from fire.

The responsible person will...

General fire safety on Construction Sites]]> 1 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 06:49:37 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-risk-assesment-process.658/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/fire-risk-assesment-process.658/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin

The aims of the fire risk assessment are:

* To identify the fire hazards.
* To reduce the risk of those hazards causing harm to as low as reasonably practicable.
* To decide what physical fire precautions and management arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of...

Fire Risk Assesment Process]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:32:33 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/monthly-visual-checks-on-a-fire-extinguishers.483/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/monthly-visual-checks-on-a-fire-extinguishers.483/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin inspections of fire extinguishers. A record should be kept of checks and entered in a register.

These inspections do not replace annual services. The following checks should be carried out on all types of extinguishers:

- Check demarcation, accessibility and location.
- Visual inspection of the cylinder for corrosion, mechanical damage (dents), paint condition and hanger attachments.
- Check...

Monthly visual checks on a fire extinguishers]]> Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:05:42 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/refuelling-of-pertol-operated-generator.328/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/refuelling-of-pertol-operated-generator.328/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
It appears that there were various factors that contributed to the ignition and subsequent fire that include:

• The existence of static electricity on the jerry can
• The...

Refuelling of pertol operated generator.]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:40:07 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/services-of-fire-equipment.298/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/services-of-fire-equipment.298/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
this document is available at: https://www.sabs.co.za]]> Wed, 19 May 2010 06:00:41 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/legal-advice-needed.202/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/legal-advice-needed.202/ invalid@example.com (Abner) Abner
Some tinker stole my bike last night from my office in work, I was there slightly later than usual so not many folk around & some contractors who were working on another floor had, unbeknownst to me, wedged the back door open providing a handy entrance/exit point for the thief (if it wasn't one of them in the first place Rolling Eyes). I was in an adjacent room & only noticed it was off when I went to ride home, so someone must have been snooping around whilst I was in the next...

Legal advice needed]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:22:32 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/storage-issue-and-control-of-flammable-and-gas-cylinder.121/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/storage-issue-and-control-of-flammable-and-gas-cylinder.121/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin
1. A level cement floor.
2. Good ventilation at ceiling and floor level.
3. Cylinders not to be stored underground.
4. Permanent electric lights, preferably flameproof, with glass protected by wire mesh.
5. All electric wiring in screwed-down conduit.
6. Light switches to be mounted outside doors.
7. No temporary electrical installations to be made.
8. A...

Storage Issue and Control of Flammable and Gas Cylinder]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:02:41 +0000 http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/minimum-contents-of-emergency-action-plan.29/ http://forum.safebuild.co.za/index.php?threads/minimum-contents-of-emergency-action-plan.29/ invalid@example.com (Neil Enslin) Neil Enslin

• A Preferred method of reporting emergencies,
• An evacuation policy and procedures,
• Emergency escape procedures and route assignments, for example, floor plans, workplace maps and safe areas,
• Names, titles and contact numbers of individuals, both within and outside the workplace to contact...

Minimum contents of emergency action plan]]>