HOUSEKEEPING ACTIVITIES FOR FIRE PREVENTION

• Keep storage and working areas free of trash.
• Place oily rags in covered containers and dispose of daily.
• Do not use flammable solvents to clean floors.
• Use noncombustible oil-absorptive materials for sweeping spills.
• Dispose of materials in noncombustible containers that are emptied daily.
• Remove accumulation of combustible dust.
• Don't refuel gasoline-powered equipment in a confined space, especially in the presence of an ignition source.
• Follow proper storage and handling procedures.
• Ensure combustible materials are present only in areas in quantities required for the work operation.
• Clean up any spill of flammable liquids immediately.
• Ensure that if a worker's clothing becomes contaminated with flammable liquids, these individuals change their clothing before continuing to work.
• Ensure postings of "No Smoking" caution signs are near the storage areas.
• Report any hazardous condition, such as old wiring, worn insulation and broken electrical equipment, to the supervisor.
• Keep motors clean and in good working order.
• Don't overload electrical outlets.
• Ensure all equipment is turned off at the end of the workday.
• Maintain the right type of fire extinguisher available for use.
• Use the safest cleaning solvents (nonflammable and nontoxic) when cleaning electrical equipment.
• Ensure that all passageways and fire doors are unobstructed.
• Stairwell doors shall never be propped open, and materials shall not be stored in stairwells.
• Periodically remove overspray residue from walls, floors, and ceilings of spray booths and ventilation ducts.
• Remove contaminated spray booth filters from the building as soon as replaced, or keep immersed in water until disposed.
• Don't allow materials to block automatic sprinkler systems, or to be piled around fire extinguisher locations.
• To obtain the proper distribution of water, a minimum of 18 inches of clear space must be maintained below sprinkler deflectors. If there are no sprinklers, a 3-foot clearance between piled material and the ceiling must be maintained to permit use of hose streams. These distances must be doubled when stock is piled higher than 15 feet.
• Check daily for any discarded lumber, broken pallets or pieces of material stored on site and remove properly.
• Any pile of material which falls into an aisle or clear space must be cleaned up immediately.
• Use weed killers that are non-toxic and do not pose a fire hazard.