Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Dr. Tuğçe Oral issued critical warnings regarding fire risks at construction sites and container settlements, stating that most fires at construction sites occur during after-hours when workers are staying in containers.
Explaining what should be done in the event of a fire, Dr. Oral said: “The person who notices the fire must simultaneously reach the nearest fire extinguisher and activate the alarm system. The first five minutes are extremely important for correct intervention during a fire.”
Research Assistant Dr. Tuğçe Oral from the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at the Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences shared important information on fire risks in construction areas and container settlements.
Construction should not begin without a fire risk assessment
Pointing out that most fires at construction sites occur during after-hours while workers are staying in containers, Dr. Oral explained the steps that must be taken to reduce fire risks.
“The most well-known and effective practice is to carry out a detailed Fire Risk Assessment by considering the type of construction site, its location, and its surroundings,” Dr. Oral said, and listed the main precautions as follows: “If the construction site is in the rough construction phase, employees must be informed within the scope of basic occupational health and safety training about the locations of firefighting equipment, the assigned emergency response team, and the locations of warning and alert buttons. When the site moves into the finishing phase, an effective fire detection system must be installed, and firefighting equipment must be complete, functional, and easily accessible. The pressure levels of fire extinguishers must be checked regularly. Emergency response teams must gain practical experience through both training and drills. The work area and its surroundings must be kept orderly. Passageways used by employees must be predetermined, and placing materials on these routes must be strictly prohibited. Site layout must not obstruct emergency escape routes, and regular inspections must be carried out. In addition, emergency action plans and evacuation procedures must be prepared at the beginning of the project and kept ready for implementation. The continuity of all these measures can only be ensured through regular site inspections and raising awareness among employees.”
Training prevents fires from turning into disasters
Emphasizing the importance of fire safety training, Dr. Tuğçe Oral stated: “In sectors classified as very hazardous, detailed training must be provided to employees, considering that machinery and equipment may cause fires. These trainings are planned within the technical topics of Basic Occupational Health and Safety Training and tailored to the specific work environment. Even if employees are not part of the emergency response team, all workers are taught how to properly use firefighting equipment. Theoretical knowledge is reinforced through practical fire drills.” She added that the training covers critical topics such as fire formation and stages, fire classes and correct extinguisher selection, fire-related risks and chemicals used on construction sites, correct behavior during fires, duties of firefighting and rescue teams, extinguishing techniques, actions to avoid when using fire extinguishers, the importance of the first five minutes, emergency evacuation plans, notification methods, and first aid practices after fires.
Fire extinguishers must undergo monthly pressure checks
Referring to the inspection of fire equipment, Dr. Oral said that due to the scattered nature of construction sites, emergency exit routes must be checked daily, which helps maintain order and instills safety awareness among employees. She reminded that fire extinguishers must undergo monthly pressure checks and be properly labeled, adding: “A fire extinguisher that is not ready for use can cause a fire to turn into a disaster.”
What should be done during a fire?
Explaining proper actions during a fire, Dr. Tuğçe Oral emphasized that a fire safety plan tailored to each phase of the project must be in place from the start. The person who detects the fire must immediately reach the nearest fire extinguisher and activate the alarm system. Employees must follow designated evacuation routes and proceed to the emergency assembly area, and should not attempt to intervene unless absolutely necessary,” she said. Dr. Oral also stated that while authorized emergency teams intervene in the fire, other designated personnel must contact the fire department and manage the evacuation process.
Heaters pose the greatest risk in container settlements
Highlighting that container settlements pose the highest risk during winter months, Dr. Oral said: “With decreasing temperatures, heaters used inside containers significantly increase the risk of fire. Therefore, if possible, containers should be covered with non-flammable materials, and items used inside should be fire-resistant. Technically, each container must be equipped with a fire extinguisher, detector, fire alarm system, and there must be a nearby water source. These measures can help prevent the spread of fire or ensure that it is brought under control through proper intervention. In addition, families living in container settlements must be trained on fire classes, potential fire causes, and correct response methods, and regular drills must be conducted. Escape routes, assembly areas, and rapid evacuation scenarios must be established in all container settlements.”
Pay attention to electrical installations
Stating that the most common causes of container fires are electrical installations and electric heaters, Dr. Oral emphasized: “Halogen-free cables should be preferred in electrical installations. All electrical device cables used inside containers must be regularly visually inspected and must not be used if damaged. Fuses and circuit breakers must be installed to prevent overloads caused by increased heating needs. Proper capacity calculations must be made. In addition, container electrical systems must be secured through grounding, and cables must be protected from external factors such as water, humidity, and heat. Using low-heat, energy-efficient LED lighting reduces fire risks. Electrical outlets must have protective covers and be designed to resist water, moisture, and dust.”
Correct intervention in the first five minutes saves lives
Explaining key considerations in investigating fire causes, Dr. Oral concluded her remarks as follows: “Although warning and alert systems are easily accessible and low-cost today, it is unfortunate that they are not actively used. Just as in first aid, the first five minutes during a fire are crucial for correct intervention. Fires can occur at any time for various reasons, but every workplace and residence must have emergency scenarios in place, conduct drills at least once, and evaluate escape routes under normal conditions. At the most basic level, how many of us currently keep a ready-to-use fire extinguisher in our homes?”