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An alarming number of injuries and deaths
are sustained by construction workers each year in this country.
Despite strong government legislation, mandatory training, and specific
operational protocols, most of these accidents are the result of
carelessness and could have been prevented. With the boom in the
building industry, construction safety practices need to be reinforced
at the job site on a daily basis.
While it is vitally important to keep construction
workers safe from harm, it is also equally important to ensure
the safety of those people who will be using the building upon
its completion. It is required by law that all public buildings,
including apartments, come equipped with a fire alarm system.
Commercial systems must be installed by a licensed electrician
and meet stringent operational requirements. These fire alarms
must be inspected annually and will be issued a certificate each
year.
Another valuable tool in protecting lives and
property against fire damage is a fire sprinkler system. Most
commercial buildings are equipped with sprinkler systems. However,
as fire sprinkler systems are becoming recognized for their effectiveness
in preventing devastating effects on life and property, residential
systems are finally being acknowledged as both affordable and
reliable. When installed during construction, a fire sprinkler
system only costs an average of $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot.
It is possible to add a sprinkler system to a completed home for
about the same cost as an air conditioning system.
Whether in a public building or in your home,
a fire detection system is extremely important. Most new houses
are wired with some type of fire alarm system. However, most experts
in fire safety recommend that each bedroom be equipped with a
smoke detector as well. When installing these sensors don’t
forget hallways and main living areas. It is possible to purchase
plug-in units to ensure your home has enough protection. Some
models, including those from Kidde, feature combination carbon
monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Gas detectors will signal
an alarm should there be unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide,
natural gas or propane detected in the home.
Most commercial buildings display signs to show
the location of available fire extinguishers. However, having
a fire extinguisher sign in the garage or kitchen can be a good
safety measure for the homeowner. Should there be an emergency,
even a visitor to your home will know where to find your fire
extinguisher if you put up a sign to show its location. Everyone
in the home old enough to use the extinguishers should understand
proper fire equipment safety.
Another useful tool in fire safety is a heat detector.
While not as common as smoke detectors, heat detectors should
be installed in areas where a smoke detector may not be the best
line of defense. Attics, garages, and kitchens are the most recommended
locations in a house for their use as these areas are more prone
to sudden outbursts of hot flames as opposed to smoke.
Care must be taken to ensure everyone’s safety
in a building. From the earliest stages of construction to when
a family moves in, we must ensure that accidental deaths and damage
are prevented. The best way to do this is through continuing safety
education for all ages.
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