Fire and explosion toolbox talk

What it is

Fuel, flammable gases or vapours, dust or hot work igniting and causing fire, burns or explosion.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Substitute non-flammable products where possible, and keep only small quantities of flammable liquids and gases at the work area.
2. Remove or isolate ignition sources, and use intrinsically safe equipment where flammable atmospheres may occur.
3. Store flammable liquids in suitable containers and flammable liquids cabinets, away from heat, oxidisers and exits.
4. Issue hot work permits, clear combustibles from the area and keep a fire watch during and after hot work.
5. Refuel plant and equipment with engines off and cooled, away from hot work and other ignition sources.
6. Keep suitable fire extinguishers close to the work and train workers to use them.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with fire and explosion:

• Discharging fire extinguisher for service requirementsFollow the SDS and never discharge towards a personFrom Fire Extinguisher Installation - Maintenance
• Fire Extinguisher InstallationLocate wall services, control dust, silica and asbestos, and mount extinguishers to AS 2444From Fire Extinguisher Installation - Maintenance
• Fire Extinguisher MaintenanceService extinguishers to the manufacturer and AS 1851 and complete the logbookFrom Fire Extinguisher Installation - Maintenance
• Make safe – fire damageMake fire-damaged areas safeFrom Make Safe
• Work area set-upBarricade the work area and control electrical, fire, debris and silica dust hazardsFrom Concrete Grinding and Polishing

Questions for the crew

1. Where could fire and explosion come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Discharging fire extinguisher for service requirements; Fire Extinguisher Installation; Fire Extinguisher Maintenance?
3. The most effective control is: “Substitute non-flammable products where possible, and keep only small quantities of flammable liquids and gases at the work area”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for fire and explosion are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of fire and explosion, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?