Like many parts of the world, Australia is experiencing a concerning uptick in the frequency and severity of wildfires.
If the 2019–2020 bushfire season is anything to go by, it will only worsen. Since construction sites are at risk of igniting and experiencing the negative effects of wildfires, project managers and crews must take preventive measures.
Why are construction sites at risk of wildfires?
Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to wildfires for multiple reasons.
On-site fire hazards
The heavy equipment, lighting, power tools and electrical wiring present at construction sites are all fire hazards to some extent. For instance, the lithium-ion batteries in rechargeable nail guns will combust if they are improperly charged or left near heat sources for prolonged periods.
Buildup of combustible materials
Sawdust, timber and dust — among various other construction materials — are highly flammable. Naturally, they are a common feature at most sites. A buildup of combustible materials can contribute to the speed at which flames engulf the area.
Negligent behaviour
Construction workers who do not follow fire safety best practices when grinding, smoking, welding, or using space heaters put their co-workers and their job site at risk. These negligent behaviours can easily start a wildfire.
The impact of wildfires on construction
A wildfire can affect the wellbeing of construction crews even if they are nowhere near the source because its smoke is toxic. During Australia’s 2019–2020 bushfire season, the level of air pollution was 26 times higher than the baseline considered hazardous to human health. Many people inhaled PM 2.5 — particulates fine enough to enter the bloodstream — for months.
Wildfire smoke contains dangerous gases like carbon monoxide and often carries small particles of hazardous pollutants. Construction workers risk developing health issues if they inhale it for an extended period. In some cases, their symptoms may be permanent. Crucially, they also risk experiencing eye irritation, burns and mental trauma.
Construction companies must also consider potential job site damage. Wildfires often erode the soil, create toxic runoff and destroy root systems. Consequently, landslides, illnesses and on-the-job accidents become more likely, making rebuilding unfeasible. New hazards — like the potential for re-ignition — may even be deadly.
Removing debris, ordering new materials and securing job sites can be costly and time-consuming. Many severe wildfires like the ones Australia experienced from 2019 to 2020 are prohibitively expensive to recover from and the recovery process can take years. Even if clients are willing to rebuild, doing so will not be as profitable.
Fire safety considerations for project managers
Construction companies must take wildfires seriously to protect the wellbeing of their workers and the integrity of their job sites.
- Follow official safety guidelines
Project managers should train employees to follow the guidelines of Safe Work Australia. Fire danger ratings are released three days in advance, so they should have enough time to prepare accordingly. Veteran workers should model the best practices to establish a safety-first workplace culture.
- Clear combustible debris
Removing flammable or combustible materials from heavy-traffic areas and heat sources is vital to mitigate the risk of ignition. Trash should be far away from the job site and workers should routinely clear their stations.
- Inspect and address fire hazards
Unsanitary equipment is a fire hazard — debris buildup can cause operating temperature increases. Also, sparks can ignite spills. Project managers should ensure all heavy machinery and power tools are regularly inspected to mitigate risks.
Use fire-resistant materials
While fire-resistant materials cannot guarantee construction sites will remain protected from even the fiercest bushfires, they can reduce rebuilding expenses and accelerate recovery. Considering fires typically burn at 600˚ to 1,650˚ Celsius, project managers only need to find materials with a higher melting point.
- Establish safety-first policies
Project managers should ban high-risk activities like smoking. Additionally, they should establish policies around actions that carry a significant chance of ignition. Grinding, welding, electrical installation and machinery operation should all be carefully audited for safety.
The final word on mitigating the impact of wildfires
Since construction sites are prone to wildfires in more ways than one, industry leaders must do everything in their power to mitigate ignition hazards and proactively address risks. Their efforts could mean the difference between a total loss and a feasible recovery.