Toolbox Talk #13 · Fire

Fire Prevention & Extinguisher Use

Ignition sources, hot work permits, fire extinguisher classes, and the PASS technique every worker must know.

5-minute talkSign-in sheet includedEN + ES

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⚡ Construction fires cause over $300 million in property damage annually and are the leading cause of building fires in the U.S. Hot work is the #1 ignition source (NFPA).

Why This Matters

Construction sites are filled with the three elements of the fire triangle: combustible materials, ignition sources from hot work and electrical equipment, and unlimited oxygen. A fire that starts small can engulf a structure within minutes when wall cavities and open framing provide unobstructed paths for fire travel. Every worker needs to know the fire triangle, how to use an extinguisher, and exactly when to evacuate instead of fight.

Key Points: Read These Aloud
  1. The fire triangle: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Remove any one element and the fire cannot start or sustain.
  2. A hot work permit is required for any welding, cutting, or grinding near combustible materials. No permit — no work.
  3. Fire watch must stay in place for at least 30 minutes after hot work ends. Smoldering fires can reignite long after sparks appear to be out.
  4. Know your extinguisher classes: A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), K (cooking). ABC dry chemical covers most jobsite fires.
  5. PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
  6. Only fight a fire if it is small (wastebasket size or smaller), you have a clear exit behind you, and you have already called 911.
  7. Know the location of every extinguisher in your work area. Verify it is charged (green zone on gauge) before starting work.
Discussion Questions: Ask Your Crew
Q1Where are the fire extinguishers located in your current work area, and when were they last inspected?
Q2What are the top three fire hazards specific to the work happening on this site today?
Q3At what point does a fire become too large to fight, and what do you do instead?
Site-Specific Notes

Recommended Gear for This Talk

Hand-picked PPE and supplies that match this safety topic. Links go to Amazon search results.

Red fire alarm and safety panel on a wall

GFCI Receptacle Tester

Tests wiring and GFCI function near combustibles. Faulty wiring is a leading ignition source on construction sites.

~$10–20View on Amazon
Maintenance worker opening an electrical wall panel

Lockout / Tagout Kit

De-energize electrical ignition sources before any hot work begins nearby. One kit per crew minimum.

~$35–80View on Amazon
Construction worker in safety gear operating a power tool on a road

ANSI Class 2 Hi-Vis Vest

Required for fire watch personnel operating near equipment traffic or active roadways.

~$12–25View on Amazon

Greenberg Safety participates in the Amazon Associates program. If you purchase through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we would specify on a real jobsite.