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July 2021

Raw lumber, buckets of paint, electrical equipment and scattered debris. These are some of the things you’ll find at a construction site. It’s not unusual for basic materials to be out in the open when structures are being built. But, their presence significantly increases the chances of fires breaking out.

Fires are devastating to any business – but perhaps even worse for building and construction companies. Besides causing damage, they impact your budget and delay the completion of the project, damaging your reputation.

Site managers must keep construction sites safe by eliminating fire hazards and other potential threats. By law, they must take measures such as a fire watch to prevent fire-related damage and related injuries by workers, visitors and the public. They also protect structures and building materials from catching fire. Remember, a structure fire is also dangerous to nearby public and private buildings. Should a fire occur, diligent site managers have already limited the risk of fire spreading and causing more damage by taking every precaution.

Fire Risks and How to Protect Against Them

A fire can start from many things at a construction site. Flammable materials, cordless tools, battery-operated equipment, and heaters are just some of the most common sources of fire.

Workers who smoke or engage in work such as soldering and welding may also cause a fire. In recent years, arson or intentional fire has become increasingly common. Depending on your location, social environment, and climate, your probability of fire varies.

Here are 8 things you can do to reduce the risk of fire:

  1. Flammable materials must be stored and disposed of properly. The amount of materials stored at a time should be kept to a minimum so large fires can be avoided.
  2. Electrical equipment and battery-operated tools should undergo regular maintenance and be kept in safe, proper storage. Tools must be charged in stations located outside the building.
  3. Site managers must inspect portable heaters and fans that are brought onto the construction site. They should be approved for use and not be left unsupervised when switched on.
  4. Workers shouldn’t bring cooking equipment at the site, and they shouldn’t be allowed to cook either. Examples include grills, hot plates, and microwaves.
  5. Site managers must impose a strict no smoking policy on site. A smoking and cigarette disposal area can be allowed but it must be in a safe location away from the site.
  6. Secure the site by setting up fences, lighting on motion detectors, and perimeter controls. You should also hire licensed, bonded and insured security personnel who can monitor the site for access control and after-hours.
  7. While the building is being constructed, make sure that there is access to fire extinguishers on site and that you know where the closest fire hydrants are.
  8. Educate workers about the steps you’ve taken to avoid fire, and what they can do should a fire break out.

More Ways To Prevent Fire At Construction Sites

Structures that are under construction usually lack fire protection. This is normal since there are no sprinklers, fire alarms, and fire walls installed. For the meantime, you can set up wireless fire alarms. It is a simple and cost-effective solution to protecting your construction site against fires. Wireless fire alarms detect heat and smoke. They are linked to one another via radio. You can monitor them at all hours, even when the construction site is closed. Note that by law, most cities and counties require fire watches performed by trained security and safety officers while alarms and sprinkler systems are not operational.

 

Since 2001, successful building & construction companies of all sizes have chosen Echelon Protection & Surveillance to keep their jobsite safe and secure from unwanted and illegal activity, including: theft, fire, vandalism, trespassing and safety hazards that cause costly delays. Call 610-831-0277 or email sales@epsagents.com today for reliable, flexible and professional security services. 

 

No matter the location, construction sites are vulnerable to various risks and threats. When everyone is done working for the day, expensive equipment, tools, and materials are often left unsecured. Bad actors may steal, vandalize, or intentionally destroy your valuable assets for no reason at all.

We’ve seen everything from neighbors sabotaging million-dollar gear just because they didn’t like the noise, to vandals pouring sugar in heavy equipment tanks, to “inside job” theft of valuable materials and tools.

Here, we described some of the scenarios that might take place at a construction site. Studies show that while passive security measures such as fencing, lighting, cameras, and deterrent signage help — on site security guards provide better security protection. Guards often act as a real-time deterrent, stopping unwanted activity before it starts. Passive security measures are often helpful, only after the damage has already been done.

Below are 5 tips on hiring security for your construction site.

Tip #1: Look for a construction site security expert

Most security companies offer their services for different kinds of properties. Even though there are general practices that can be applied, each industry has its own security needs.

In this respect, it’s better to contract with a company that specializes in construction site security, rather than a company that provides general security to the public and private sector. They will have the knowledge and experience needed to protect your property and assets, while understanding the special needs and flexibility that the building and construction industry expect.

Being familiar with your industry also allows for easy transition from one stage to another. They can easily adjust to your city or rural jobsite environment and are less likely to have missteps that create liability.

Tip #2: See which services they offer

Construction site security is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Your jobsite may have areas that cannot be actively patrolled or monitored and require wireless security. Sites with a lot of traffic may need on-site access control security during work hours. Most sites need to be patrolled overnight for theft, vandalism, fire and other unwanted activity. An experienced security company will be able to meet all of your building and construction security needs.

Tip #3: Read reviews from former clients

An impressive client list doesn’t always mean they do well on their job. If you want to get an actual picture of their performance, you have to do your due diligence by researching what customers have to say about their capabilities and management. Did their clients leave positive reviews? Are there any active lawsuits or complaints? Are they properly licensed and insured? These are just some of the questions to consider to determine whether your security company is an asset or liability.

Tip #4: Talk to your insurance provider

Hiring construction site security will drastically reduce the liability and threats to your business, including: trespassing, theft, arson, hazard and destruction of property. By reducing these risks, your insurance company will have greater confidence in your project. In turn, you will pay less for your coverage and avoid costly delays that hurt your reputation and profit margin.

Tip #5: Sign a detailed, but flexible contract agreement

As soon as you’ve decided on a security company that’s a good fit, the last step is to sign an agreement. But before you do, there are still a few things that need to be considered.

First, you need to agree on the shifts and number of security personnel that will be assigned to your project. Second, list estimated start and end dates. Third, discuss your security expectations and work toward a flexible contract that allows for security changes throughout the stages of construction work.

Of course, most jobs take longer than expected. Plus, you may end up needing more or fewer guards or shift coverage than estimated. Anticipating common sense adjustments based on industry experience is the best way to manage unexpected costs.

Since 2001, successful building & construction companies of all sizes have chosen Echelon Protection & Surveillance to secure and protect their job site from unwanted and illegal activity, including: theft, fire, vandalism, trespassing and safety hazards that cause costly delays. Call 610-831-0277 or email sales@epsagents.com today for reliable, flexible and professional security services.

Homebuilders are facing a big threat: construction site theft. Cases continue to soar, which is highly attributed to the skyrocketing prices of construction materials. If you have an ongoing construction project, it’s important to take safety precautions to keep the thieves at bay.

The problem with most construction sites is their poor security. Since construction isn’t finished yet, project managers often overlook the security aspect. But in the eyes of thieves, construction equipment is gold.

This makes construction site theft a low-risk but high-reward pursuit for burglars. Once the workers are out, it’s a piece of cake to funnel out expensive construction equipment and materials.

For big projects, the losses can rise to millions. As much as the numbers are daunting, you can do something to stop the burglary. Here are a few quick steps you can take:

Keep your construction site secured.

Construction site safety should be more than just putting up a ‘No Trespassing’ sign. You have to lock up your tools, secure heavy equipment, and don’t leave construction materials lying around.

Many construction sites take weeks to realize that something has been stolen because of poor supplies inventory. Therefore, it’s essential to keep tabs on your supplies. This will let you report theft once something has been stolen.

Also, manufacturers have since adapted a standard, a 17-digit identification number for the equipment they produce. Ensure that this PIN is embedded on two parts of the equipment, with one hidden to prevent tampering.

Register your equipment

The National Equipment Register allows contractors to register their heavy equipment so law enforcers can easily recover the item once stolen. It’s also solid proof that you own the equipment should other contractors raise their own claim.

Hire a watch guard

Keeping the construction manned will deter burglars. This isn’t the sole solution, but it will make a big difference in preventing construction site theft. You can also work with local authorities in securing your construction site.

Moreover, it’s important to impose a zero-tolerance policy for employees and contractors who will play a part in the theft.

Install a security system

Aside from hiring security personnel, you should also invest in top-of-the-line security cameras. This will be your additional eyes on the construction site. And should anyone steals, you can easily present video evidence to the authorities.

The good thing about having security cameras is you can easily check the construction site anywhere. In addition, it will let you spot burglary attempts, vandalism, and accidents.

Perform an employee background check

You should be careful who you trust on the construction site. Take the time to perform a rigorous background check on each employee to ensure they have a clean record.

Past theft records should raise a red flag. This will allow you to hire smarter, especially for expensive construction jobs where prized equipment will be used.

Conclusion

Construction site theft should never be put on the sidelines. Property managers and construction companies should invest in construction site security as much as they do on the actual project. This will help them save large sums from stolen equipment and the hassle of litigation.

No one would want to wake up to the news that their construction site has turned to ashes. Whatever you’re building, a 24-hour fire watch guard should be your first line of defense against fire hazards. These professionals will patrol and secure your property before a fire breaks out.

The truth is that only a few business owners and construction managers hire fire watch guards. While their role isn’t widely known, these watch guards can save property, money and lives.

Here are the top reasons why you should consider hiring a fire watch guard for your property:

Saving lives and preventing injuries

The ultimate role of fire watch guards is to prevent fires that would compromise the safety of the people and property. A potential fire hazard will be mitigated through their proactive services before it turns into a deadly catastrophe.

These watch guards will also prevent the occurrence of fire-related injuries across industries. This protection applies to the occupants, workers, and visitors of the property.

Preventing expensive property damage

A fire can ravage millions’ worth of assets within hours. Flames don’t spare anything, no matter how costly the damage will be.

This major financial loss can be prevented with the help of fire watch guards. They are on duty 24/7 to ensure that your property, equipment, and facilities are free from major fire hazards.

The difference between the cost of hiring fire watch guards and recovering from a fire is astronomical.

Abiding by the OSHA Fire Prevention Guidelines

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) imposes strict guidelines to minimize fire hazards. Business owners and property managers are obliged to abide by these rules. Otherwise, you’ll be slapped with a massive penalty and potential jail time.

Instead of defying the law, you should consider hiring a fire watch guard. They are trained to comply with the OSHA guidelines to ensure that the law won’t come after you.

Complying with insurance company requirements

Insurance companies often require property owners to provide a regular maintenance log. This is to prove that the insured has preventive measures in place to avoid fire accidents.

Fire watch guards can produce such maintenance logs to keep you compliant with your insurer’s terms.  You can sleep soundly at night knowing that your property’s fire safety is at par with the industry standards.

Receiving professional fire management

Above all, fire watch guards provide professional fire management services. They are trained to respond to fire accidents and mitigate hazards. The watch guards also adhere to strict protocol to prevent lapses that could result in a fire.

Aside from meeting regulations, fire watch guards can help save you hard-earned investments. It’s something you can’t put a price on, especially for multi-million dollar properties.

Conclusion

A fire can happen anytime and anywhere. Instead of exposing your construction site to such risk, it’s best to hire fire watch guards. These professionals are an investment to secure your property, employees, tenants, and visitors.

The benefit will also trickle down to your insurance premiums and reputation as a business owner. In the long run, fire watch guard services will pay for themselves.

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