Loss Control Tips for Manufacturing Occupancies

You have purchased this insurance to provide financial protection in the event of a fire. No one wants to experience the loss of life, injury and disruption that a fire can cause. We have designed this brochure to highlight fire prevention methods for property owners and occupants of buildings used for manufacturing operations to alert you to some factors that can reduce the potential of fire or reduce damage. We cannot address the needs of each of the wide variety of manufacturing occupancies we insure; therefore, we are highlighting issues common to diverse manufacturing operations and are emphasizing conditions that are most prevalent.

Manufacturing businesses are an occupancy class that has inherent hazard due to the use of flammable and combustible materials used during the manufacturing process, or as a result of the nature of the finished goods. The potential for fire due to the use of heat sources and the presence of flammables requires strict adherence to fire safety codes, employee training to recognize the importance of following maintenance schedules, and vigilance in recognizing situations which could cause a fire. Building departments, fire departments and other government regulators have comprehensive code requirements for manufacturing businesses to follow. These codes are the result of careful analysis of actual fires which have occurred over the years. The code requirements are designed to prevent excessive damage from similar fire situations in your establishment. Work necessary to adhere to code requirements should not be considered a burden for managers and workers who have busy and stress-filled work days. Code adherence should be considered a way to prevent injury, maintain property, and safeguard jobs.

A checklist is provided to help you identify potential hazards in your premises. This checklist is by no means comprehensive, and is not intended as a substitute for knowing and understanding applicable codes and regulations. Please use the checklist to recognize what you need to do to decrease the potential of fire.

• Know the materials used in your manufacturing process. Obtain Material Data Hazard Sheets from suppliers and understand use and storage requirements. Make employees aware of safety considerations.

• Create special areas and install equipment for safe processing. Use spray booths for painting and varnishing. Be sure that dust, woodworking residue, or polyethylene filler are accumulated in a properly installed and maintained collection system. Maintain areas and equipment.

• Do not allow accumulation of debris. Remove waste from the premises daily.

• Be sure to satisfy municipal requirements for employee certification for the operation of dangerous equipment.

• Be sure that all employees are familiar with a fire prevention and safety plan.

• Require strict adherence to "No Smoking" rules.

• Inspect all electrical equipment to identify worn or damaged wiring that could cause sparking.

• Keep only minimal amounts of flammable material outside of specially designed storage rooms that have required ventilation.

• Install the proper type of fire extinguishers for your premises. Have them inspected regularly. Train employees in their proper use.

• Mark appropriate aisle spacing and keep aisles clear.

• Safely store both empty and full gas tanks used for welding, cutting equipment or fork lift vehicles. Tanks should be stored in a low traffic area, preferably outside, and chained to avoid tipping. Remember that tanks are never completely empty.

• Maintain the building’s sprinkler system, or demand that the property owner comply with all requirements. Be sure that the system is operational. (Contact NYPIUA for additional information concerning sprinklers.)

• Restrict the use of welding or cutting equipment closer than 35 feet from combustibles.

• Store cardboard boxes and finished goods away from heat sources. Use pallets or shelving for storage.