Guest Post: On site metal work: the fire hazards to be aware of

Working with metal, be it welding or laser cutting, is never risk free. Staff must be well trained and proper safety regulations must be in place to prevent serious injury or even loss of life.

Metal workers will often be working with materials and equipment at an extremely high temperature. This means fire is always a risk and can become a reality within seconds if adequate measures are not put in place. Here are some points to bear in mind to help prevent a fire happening in the workplace:

Staff training
The vast majority of fires in the workplace are a result of human error. Momentary lapses in concentration or straying from procedure can result in a fire being started. Metal working tools require specialist training and no staff member should ever be allowed to use a piece of equipment they are not fully trained in the use of.

Staff should also know what to do if they do discover a fire, and where the nearest exits are.

Chemical storage
Industrial cleaning products are often flammable. As a consequence of this, they should always be properly stored in an appropriate location, away from sources of ignition. The type of storage you use should be relative to the level of risk posed by each chemical.

Correct use of electrical equipment
Having metalworking equipment on site means you will be dealing with heavy electrical loads. This poses ignition risks through sparks and risk of electric shocks.

Safety measures such as circuit breakers should be put in place and all equipment should be appropriately grounded. Plug sockets should never be overloaded and equipment should never be operated with wet hands.

Smoking precautions
Smoking should be designated to an area far away from combustible materials. Some chemicals can generate flammable vapours. This should be taken into account when you designate your smoking area.

Fire precautions
High fire risks posed by equipment make sprinkler systems highly recommended. These systems should be installed and maintained by a certified contractor. The correct fire extinguishers should be provided and staff should be trained in their use.

Cleanliness in the workplace
Dust rags, paper and other flammable materials should be stored away correctly. Having these around the workplace can lead to an increased risk of fire. Spills should be cleaned quickly and wet floor signs should be used.

The risks associated with metal work are a real threat and can cause fires if they are not taken seriously. With correct staff training and appropriate preventative measures, these risks can be successfully minimised.

This piece was written by Mark Enright, a writer for for Yorkshire Profiles, a laser cutting, water cutting and fabrication provider.