Fire Safety and Restoration: What Construction Professionals Need to Know

Restoration work can create fire hazards that change as a project moves from demolition to reconstruction. Open walls, temporary electrical systems, construction debris, flammable products and hot-work activities can all increase the chance of ignition. A site-specific safety plan helps construction professionals control these hazards while protecting both the workers and the property.

The Unique Fire Risks on a Restoration Site

Finished buildings rely on layered protection, including working sprinklers, detectors and fire-rated walls. Restoration projects, on the other hand, strip those layers away, exposing wiring and combustible materials. 

The stakes run high. The U.S. recorded an estimated 344,600 residential building fires in 2023, resulting in an $11 billion loss.

Disabled Fire Protection Systems

Restoration frequently requires shutting off the systems that guard a structure. Crews may drain sprinkler lines or cover detectors to keep dust from triggering them. 

Each change removes a barrier that would slow flames in a finished building. Open wall cavities let fire and smoke travel between floors within minutes. When a permanent system cannot remain active, the project team should establish temporary protection and coordinate changes with the applicable fire code and local authorities.

Hot Work and Ignition Sources

Welding, cutting, grinding and soldering can generate sparks, flames and intense heat. Temporary heaters, electrical equipment and generators can create additional ignition sources.

Before hot work begins, workers should remove or protect nearby combustibles and keep extinguishing equipment immediately available.

Identifying Flammable Materials During Renovation

Restoration work brings chemical strippers, solvents, adhesives and oil-based paints onto the site, which can release vapors that ignite easily. Workers should check product labels and safety data sheets for storage and handling requirements.

Teams should keep flammable liquids in approved, closed containers and away from ignition sources. They should also limit the amount stored in active work areas and secure all containers when not in use.

Combustible waste creates a second layer of risk. Sawdust, demolition debris and oily rags can pile up. Rags soaked in oil can be especially risky, as they can ignite on their own as the oil generates heat while it dries.

Construction workers should remove waste regularly and use appropriate covered containers for combustible materials. Good housekeeping also keeps walkways and exits clear.

Essential Fire Safety and Suppression Equipment

Fire protection equipment should reflect the hazards present at each stage of restoration. Employers must keep that gear available and inspected throughout the project.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

OSHA requires at least one 2A-rated extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet of protected building area, with a maximum travel distance of 100 feet to the nearest extinguisher. At least one 2A-rated extinguisher must also be available on each floor, with additional requirements applying to projects or facilities using larger quantities of flammable liquids or gases.

Extinguishers should be easily visible and accessible to workers and must undergo regular inspections. Employees must also be trained to know which type of extinguisher applies to the materials present.

Temporary Standpipes and Water Supply

An approved temporary or permanent water supply must be ready as soon as combustible materials arrive. Temporary standpipes give firefighters hose connections on upper floors, which allows them to respond quickly when necessary.

Emergency Alarms and Egress Lighting

Workers need a dependable way to report a fire and evacuate the building. Maintain clear exit paths, adequate temporary lighting and visible exit markings throughout the project.

OSHA requires an alarm system, such as a telephone system or siren, that can alert workers and the local fire department. Emergency reporting instructions should be posted where workers can easily find them.

First Aid and Medical Preparedness for Fire Hazards

Fire-related incidents can cause burns, smoke exposure, cuts and other injuries. Construction and restoration professionals need to prepare first-aid and incident response procedures before work begins. First-aid supplies must be accessible, and injury response arrangements should account for the site’s distance from medical facilities.

Preparing Burn and Trauma Kit Supplies

A worksite first-aid kit should contain supplies suited to the project’s hazards and workforce. OSHA recommends these items for small jobsites with around two to three employees:

• Small and large gauze pads
• Band-aids
• Gauze roller bandage
• Two triangular bandages
• Wound cleaning agent
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket
• Latex gloves
• Resuscitation equipment
• Splint
• Elastic wraps
• Instructions for requesting emergency assistance

The number of kits and items will depend on the size of the site and the number of employees.

Treating Burns and Smoke Inhalation

Make sure the area is safe before approaching an injured worker. Call emergency services for serious injuries or signs of breathing difficulty. For a thermal burn, cool the affected area with clean, cool running water for five to 20 minutes. Avoid ice and do not apply butter, creams or other substances to the burn.

Smoke can damage areas that flames never reach, while firefighting efforts can leave a building with substantial water damage. A dedicated restoration partner can help assess the building’s condition and develop a plan that accounts for the type and severity of the fire damage.

Establishing Emergency Response Protocols

Every restoration project should have a written emergency plan that identifies who calls emergency services, who provides first aid and where workers assemble after the evacuation. Staff should post emergency contact information and evacuation instructions in accessible locations.

The plan should also account for changing site conditions. As crews open new areas, move equipment or restore building systems, supervisors should review whether fire protection and emergency procedures still meet project requirements.

Prioritizing Safety During Building Restoration

Fire safety requires attention throughout the restoration process. Construction teams should control ignition sources, store flammable materials correctly, remove combustible waste, and keep extinguishers, water supplies and alarms accessible. Regular inspections and worker training help maintain these safeguards even as the worksite changes.

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