SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Emergency procedures must be implemented in all workplaces, and must address additional risks posed by use of flammable and combustible materials.
Task sequence
Identified hazards in task
Key processes to be followed
Precautions / PPE required
1. Combustion process
The fire triangle A fire needs all three components of the fire triangle present to exist.
Identify and assess all flammable
Fire prevention requires that at least one of the components is absent.
and combustible materials in the
Fuel
Fire
extinguishment
relies
on
one
or
more
components
being
removed.
workplace to allow development
Oxygen
All
possible
ignition
sources
must
be
identified
and
controlled.
of fire prevention plans and
Ignition source
Suitable extinguishment controls must be provided in fire risk areas.
emergency procedures.
2. Identifying fire risks
Assessment of risk
All fire risk materials must be assessed to determine their degree of
Obtain MSDS for all hazardous or
flammability (i.e., propensity to ignite and burn).
flammable materials.
Flammability
Assess impact of fire risk goods on combustible materials to determine
Store fire risk goods away from
whether higher risk of fire will exist when goods are in combination.
combustible materials.
Combustible materials
Combustible materials will pose lesser fire risk due to higher ignition
Use materials with lower
temperatures and lesser ability to burn without assistance.
flammability where possible.
3. Controlling risks
Control of fuel sources
Flammable gases and liquids must be stored in well-ventilated areas.
Observe statutory requirements for
Limit quantity of materials where possible to operational requirements only. storage of flammable gases and
Ensure that methods to close off or restrict fuel sources are provided.
flammable and combustible
Identify pipeline and tank contents, and location of controls (valves, etc).
liquids.
Provide adequate bunding for liquid storages to contain a leak or spill.
Use standard labels to identify
Do not store oxidizing agents with fire risk dangerous goods.
pipeline and tank contents.
Control of oxygen supply
A means of shutting off oxygen or air to a fire should be implemented if
Shut off valves must be readily
artificial oxygenation of the air in a fire zone is identified.
accessible in emergency.
Provide smoke control systems to control combustion rate and spread of fire. Use signs to identify shut-offs.
Control of ignition sources
Use non-sparking tools and materials where possible in fire risk areas.
Use non-ferrous tool to prevent
Eliminate all sources of static electricity, sparking and open flames.
sparking.
Provide static control systems on all decanting and delivery facilities.
Provide anti-static straps.
Provide emergency switching to allow electricity to be controlled remotely.
Use signs to identify switches.
4. Active prevention
Work methods
Work methods should ensure that use of flammables is minimised.
Consider risk hierarchy when
Implement methods which minimise risk of spill or leak of flammables.
specifying products for use.
Implement work processes which minimise release of gas or vapours.
Minimise quantities used.
Safe procedures
Work methods must be assessed to ensure that all ignition sources are
Consider all possible ignition
eliminated, or if not practicable, minimised to the extent possible.
sources when assessing risk.
Implement work procedures which minimise risk of ignition.
Hot work permits should specify
Permits and authorities
Implement hot work permit systems in areas where fire risk is identified and controls, including safety watch
ignition sources could be introduced through other work processes.
following completion of work.

SWP343 Version 1.2

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

www.assaohs.com.au

Page 1 of 2

SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

FIRE PREVENTION
Task sequence
5. Passive prevention

Identified hazards in task

Detection systems

Suppression systems

6. Administrative controls

Prohibited activities
Buffer and safety zones
Workplace housekeeping

7. Education and training

Statutory requirements
Emergency procedures

Key processes to be followed

Fire detection systems (heat and/or smoke detectors) should be installed in
all locations where a risk of fire is identified by a risk assessment.
Detection systems should be capable of raising a local alarm at least, and
should preferably be directly connected to emergency services.
Alarm systems should provide a two stage alert, except where an immediate
evacuation may be necessary due to the nature of the risks present.
Fire suppression systems must provide adequate warning to allow full
evacuation of the affected area before suppression agent is released.
Suppression systems must be designed and constructed to ensure that
re-ignition cannot occur after fire is extinguished.
Activities which introduce ignition sources must be prohibited in risk areas.
Prohibited activities must be clearly advised to all persons entering area.
Sufficient buffer space must be maintained between possible ignition
sources and fire risk areas.
Workplaces should be kept clean to prevent build up of fuel.
Bins and receptacles for rubbish must be cleared regularly, especially where
risk assessment has identified risk of spontaneous combustion.
Workplace procedures must ensure that risk of fire or ignition due to poor
housekeeping .practices are minimised.
All persons in a workplace must be instructed in procedures to follow in
case of emergency, and use of fire-fighting appliances.
All persons must be instructed in emergency procedures at least annually.
Emergency procedures should cover means of raising alarm, methods and
routes of site evacuation, and post-emergency assembly areas, etc.

Precautions / PPE required

Detectors should be installed in all
areas where fire or smoke may be
present, including exhaust systems
and return air ducting.
System should allow for automatic
transition to evacuation mode if
alert is unattended.
Ensure that adequate escape routes
are provided to eliminate risk of
persons being trapped.
No smoking, flames or static
ignition sources to be allowed.
Buffer zone should be clearly
signposted.
All workers must be instructed in
need for and method s to apply to
achieve satisfactory housekeeping.
Safe work procedures must be
advised to everyone in workplace.
Emergency procedures must cover
all possible emergencies.
All training must be documented.
Procedures must be updated when
workplace changes occur.

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions are to be observed, and safety
signs as indicated displayed in areas where flammable
and/or combustible materials may be present, or fire risk
exists.

SWP343 Version 1.2

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

www.assaohs.com.au

Page 2 of 2