Bringing work home for most of us is a routine event that has no real impact on our personal safety or the safety of our family. That is not always the case if your job involves high-value jewelry or precious stones. If a thief believes you have these goods at home, you can be at risk for not only theft, but personal injury. You can take some common sense precautions to protect yourself and your family.

Preplanning for security

Discuss your profession and your potential exposure to theft and burglary with your police department. They may be able to flag your address for increased patrols or response if consulted in advance.

Maintain a high-quality home alarm system. This system should include perimeter protection as well as panic buttons or additional keypads with panic buttons. This would allow you to call for help from more than one place in your home. Place alarm company signs or decals in visible locations on your property. Always call the police if you think the alarm is being tripped by an intruder. Most residential burglar alarm calls to the police are assumed to be false alarms. A phone call that confirms a problem will get a much greater police response than just an alarm drop.

Home security evaluation

Look at your home from a thief's perspective. Are there bushes or shrubs that could hide an intruder? Are exterior lights present to allow police to see your property? Are ground floor widows locked and alarmed?

Are your doors locked with high-quality dead bolt locks?

Screen visitors using an intercom system or, at the least, through a vision port in your door. There are easily installed home intercom systems that include a CCTV camera at the outside door. Do not open the door to strangers.

Ask your local police department for a home security evaluation. Many police departments have crime prevention specialists who can give you good advice.

Discretion is encouraged

Don't advertise that you are in the jewelry trade. Avoid personalized license plates or markings on your cars, luggage or briefcase. Have trade journals sent to your office, not your home.

Be discreet in sponsoring community events or donating goods to silent auctions or fundraisers in your personal name. That conveys your status in the trade to others who may be looking for a target. Have donations and contributions attributed to the company name.

Daily security awareness

Be aware of any surveillance activities. Almost all jewelry thefts that occur away from the store involve some period of surveillance.

Always be alert for strange people, vehicles or seeing the same person or vehicle multiple times. If you suspect you are being followed or observed, call the police and report your concerns.

Have a plan to respond to an intruder. Surrender the goods and follow their instructions. No amount of merchandise is worth getting injured. Review this plan with your entire family. Use a code phrase that can signal trouble at home so you can alert others discreetly.

If you bring merchandise home, have a safe to store your goods. There are not many hiding places that burglars cannot find. Tie the safe into your burglar alarm system as an added line of defense.

If you are leaving for vacation, alert your local police department to request a vacation check.

Many police departments will check your home while you are away if you ask.

Keep a cell phone available in the event a burglar cuts the phone lines to your home. Post emergency phone numbers at each phone.

Security at home requires planning, vigilance and constantly being aware of your surroundings and environment. A few moments taken to survey the area, evaluate the conditions and assess an unknown visitor can be the difference between tragedy and tedium. Please share these ideas and plans with your loved ones.

If you are planning to install a new alarm, change service providers or make changes to your existing service and have questions, call your Hanover agent or Hanover Risk Solutions for advice that is specific to your situation.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC NOV 2018 11-217c
171-0834 (11/13)

When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.

Factors leading to heat stress

• High temperature and humidity
• Direct sun or heat
• Limited air movement
• Physical exertion
• Poor physical condition
• Some medicines
• Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

• Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Weakness and moist skin
• Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
• Upset stomach or vomiting

Symptoms of heat stroke

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating
• Mental confusion or losing consciousness
• Seizures or convulsions

Preventing heat stress

• Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and coworkers
• Block out direct sun or other heat sources
• Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly
• Drink lots of water; about one cup every 15 minutes
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals

What to do for heat-related illness

• Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once

While waiting for help to arrive:

• Move the worker to a cool, shaded area
• Loosen or remove heavy clothing
• Provide cool drinking water
• Fan and mist the person with water

Source: U.S. Dept. of Labor

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC OCT 2018 08-72
171-0988 (2/14)

The Hanover Insurance Group shares your interest in preventing accidents or injuries and would like to share this list of loss prevention ideas. Implementing them would require a small amount of time and could prove extremely effective in reducing the potential for an undesired event. These items reflect real, large losses that other policyholders have suffered. Visit our Risk Solutions page to find documentation tools, inspection guides and other bulletins to further assist you with these activities.

1. Certificates of insurance

All contractors who work at your facility should have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Providing current Certificates of insurance should be required of all contractors.

2. Applicant/member waivers

Include properly worded waivers in your member applications, youth sports camp applications and special event applications. Legal counsel should review the wording.

3. Sauna safety

Post an appropriate medical warning sign at the sauna’s entrance. Prohibit placement of towels, clothing or other combustibles on sauna heaters. Install a sauna timer to inform users of elapsed time. Check saunas regularly while club is open and then at closing.

4. Keep your club’s equipment fit

Check equipment on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Repair where needed. Train all club members in proper use of equipment. Document training in individual member files. Note if training is declined. Require regular sanitation of equipment contact surfaces.

5. Immediate investigation and response

Whenever a club member reports an incident involving equipment, club conditions or physical injury, take immediate action that includes investigation, documentation and corrective action.

6. CORI/SORI checks

Criminal Offender Record Information/Sex Offender Registry Information checks should be conducted at the time of hire for any staff member that could interact with persons younger than 18 years old. Child to staff ratio should be 5 to 1 maximum if you offer babysitting services.

7. Air supported structure safety

If you operate an air supported ‘bubble building’, have it inspected by an authorized manufacturer’s representative at least every two years. Immediately repair any damage. Prepare for snowstorms in advance and follow manufacturer procedures for snow removal. Put air handlers, heating systems and emergency generators on a maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Inspect enclosed water piping before cold weather arrives

Look for fire sprinklers and water pipes above ceilings, in closets, or along exterior walls that may need better insulation, higher temperatures or special maintenance to prevent freezing.

9. Ice and snow removal log

Workers spend time and effort keeping people safe from falls by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and parking areas. After the shoveling and salting is done, take a minute to document what they did and when they did it. This can greatly improve your defense position in the event of a slip and fall injury. View The Hanover's snow and ice control record to help maintain appropriate records of snow and ice removal and treatment.

10. Hot work programs

Anyone performing ‘hot work’ (e.g., a welder or plumber) should operate under a hot work permit system that includes a fire watch after the work is completed.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC DEC 2018 09-53H
171-0880 (2/14)

The use of global positioning systems (GPS) has become ever-present in transportation. Most drivers rely on these devices to help them navigate to their destination. This level of GPS technology is the base level and there are other applications that build on this base to provide the motor carrier and shipper with tools for safety and security. This bulletin summarizes a few of the major uses for GPS data in the transportation industry.

• Vehicle tracking and location — Useful in routing, scheduling and monitoring vehicle use and location. Has proven to reduce miles driven and improve fuel economy by eliminating side trips and unauthorized use.
• Vehicle maintenance and diagnostics — Some engines can be remotely monitored for hours of service, diagnostics and error codes as well as tracking fuel efficiency. This allows the fleet operator to manage the maintenance of the fleet and record any recurring problems with the vehicles.
• Geofencing — You can define routes or operating areas for vehicles. Deviations from these established boundaries will trigger an alert message to the fleet manager.
• Scheduling — Establishing normal operating hours for your fleet will allow you to have reports generated when equipment is operated or moved during time you expect it to be idle. This can reduce unauthorized use of vehicles or equipment.
• Regulatory data — Systems are available that can capture data for fuel tax reports, as well as hours of service reporting. This can reduce the burden of paperwork and allow you to gather more accurate data.
• Vehicle recovery — In the event of theft, the vehicle can be tracked, disabled and recovered.
• Event monitoring — Systems can be configured to capture hard braking events, speed in excess of specific set points, and capture black box data for post-accident review. This allows data collection for accident or incident investigation.

GPS systems can rely solely on satellites or can be assisted by cell phone networks on establishing positions. Different systems have varying levels of reporting, initial and ongoing costs and different software that is supported for reporting and data management. The technology for GPS application expands every day. The Hanover’s Risk Solutions partners or your local GPS vendor can help you identify the right GPS solution for your business.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC DEC 2018 09-231
171-0908 (1/14)

Any company that has employees who work with or near chemicals is covered under the OSHA rule. If your workers apply, pour, mix, cut or grind any product or material, they are exposed to some sort of a chemical through a gas, vapor, fume, dust or mist.

What does this cover?

The OSHA rule has requirements for manufacturers as well as employers. The manufacturer must provide the information to the end user regarding the hazards that are associated with the product. Employers use this information to tell workers what the hazards are and how to protect themselves.

Written program — Each company must have a written program that describes how they will manage the products they use. The program must be at each work site and has to be available to all workers.

Product list — You must have a list of all the products your company uses or will use on a single job site. The list must have the product identifier, which will be on the Safety Data Sheet.

Safety Data Sheets  — These are developed by the manufacturer and describe the hazards of the product, the method to use to protect workers and other information that is useful, such as how to store it. Virtually all products will have a Safety Data Sheet and you must have a Safety Data Sheet for all the products you make available for use by your workers.

Labels — Labels are also developed by the manufacturer and will be seen on cans, barrels, buckets and other containers. The label will be the first indicator regarding how the chemical might cause harm. A pictogram on the label will show the main hazard of using the chemical along with a signal word like “danger” or “warning” and a safety statement such as “Highly Flammable” or “May cause liver damage.”

What else do I need to know?

There has always been an OSHA rule to have a program for chemical hazards.

Until 2012 this used to be called “Hazard Communication” or “HazCom” but was changed to the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals” (GHS). OSHA just calls it “HCS 2012” and is pretty much the same as the “old” hazard communication OSHA rule but provides better information to the end user of products.

What about training?

All workers must be trained on the products they use or might be exposed to. This includes training on products that other companies might use where they could be exposed to gases, vapors, fumes, dusts and mists. Training must include:

• Understanding the company’s written program
• The labeling system that is used
• Safety Data Sheets
• The hazards of the products use such as health related or physical related (fire, explosion)
• How workers can protect themselves (respirators, ventilation)
• What the product looks like or smells like in case of a spill or if testing equipment needs to be used to determine how much is present.

Where can I get more help?

The Hanover Risk Solutions website has additional information that you can review or use for worker training. Additional resources can also be found on the OSHA website and they even have a dedicated place just for Hazard Communication 2012.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 12-377
171-1100 (9/14)

Signature:                                                 Date:                            Phone:                                           

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC FEB 2019-301
171-1225 (10/15)

Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Annually, an average of 16,600 Americans are injured by grill fires. Summertime should be a time of fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Residential grill fire facts

• An estimated 9,600 grill fires occur on grills, hibachis or barbecues each year in the United States.
• Most (97 percent) of grill fires occur in the four months of May, June, July and August.
• Most structure fires that result from grill fires (22 percent) are caused by using grills that have not been cleaned.
• Eleven percent of structure fires caused by grill fires begin when an outside wall catches fire.

Grill safety

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal grills

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Propane grills

• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:
  1. Turn off the propane tank and grill.
  2. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  3. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
• Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

First aid for burns

For minor burns, take the following action:

• Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don’t put ice on the burn.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don’t use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than 2, children and teenagers recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin.

Talk to a doctor if you have concerns.

Fire pits

In recent years, there has been a new concern for the fire service — fire pits. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambience. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit.

• Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not wear loose fitting or flammable clothing such as nylon.
• Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that often pops and throws sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
• Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.

Campfires

When building a camp fire, follow these campfire safety tips:

How to pick your spot

• DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.
• FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.
• If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead.

Extinguishing your campfire

When you’re ready to put out your fire and call it a night, follow these guidelines:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire; drown all embers, not just the red ones.
• Pour until hissing sound stops.
• Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. REMEMBER: do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

REMEMBER: If it is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

Sources: Consumer Product Safety, Mayo Clinic, Fire Pits Helper

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC MAR 2019
171-0856 (6/14)

Almost all fluorescent and high intensity discharge lamps contain small quantities of mercury. Because of the potential health hazard, mercury-containing lamps should be handled carefully. Special precautions should be taken if they are accidentally broken. Lamps should be disposed of according to state and local rules, preferably by recycling.

Types that may contain mercury

The following lamps may contain mercury or other substances requiring special handling and disposal:

• Fluorescent tubes, used in schools, offices, homes, commercial and manufacturing facilities
• Compact fluorescent bulbs, used in homes and businesses to replace less efficient incandescent light bulbs
• High intensity discharge lamps, including mercury, metal halide and sodium lamps typically used for outdoor security and street lighting, in arena floodlight and industrial lighting systems, and for medical treatment, industrial production, and water and air purification

Lamp disposal — best practices

Not all spent or broken lamps need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. That depends on the type of user, the state where the user is located and the amount of mercury inside.

A growing number of states have passed laws more stringent than federal, banning the disposal of all or most all mercury-containing lamps in solid waste. (Federal law exempts households and small quantity generators, and lamps with low mercury content.)

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recommends contacting state authorities to determine local disposal requirements. NEMA also encourages businesses and consumers to voluntarily recycle their spent mercury-containing lamps.

Information on state requirements may be found at the NEMA-sponsored website www.lamprecycle.org. The site contains a list of recyclers. The site also has links to state websites with information about local rules concerning mercury-containing lamps.

Cleaning up broken lamps

Broken lamps may cause release of hazardous materials that can create potential health hazards.

When a lamp breaks a supervisor or manager should be notified immediately. Special training may be needed for those who perform cleanup. Those who are trained will likely do the following:

• Ventilate the area to disperse any vapors that may have been generated
• Keep people away to prevent powder or broken pieces from being tracked into other areas
• Use only vacuums designed for hazardous waste, not a standard vacuum or wet/dry shop vacuum
• Wear gloves and wipe the area with a damp paper towel
• Place materials in a sealed plastic bag or closed container; include any lamp that shows evidence of leakage or damage
• Don't touch hands to face. Wash hands thoroughly when done

Lamp replacement

Manufacturers' recommendations should be strictly followed when replacing lamps. Guidelines will likely include the following:

• Store and transport lamps in compatible packages and containers that are adequate to prevent breakage
• Keep containers and packages closed except when adding or removing lamps
• Watch for evidence of leaks or container damage; report any issues immediately to a supervisor or manager
• Never break any lamps
• Send used lamps to a hazardous waste recycling facility

Conclusion

Fluorescent and high intensity discharge lamps contain potentially hazardous materials including mercury. They should be handled with care. Lamps should not be broken on purpose. If a lamp is accidentally broken, cleanup should be performed by trained personnel. Some lamps with low mercury content may be disposed of as ordinary garbage. However, some states ban the disposal of mercury lamps in municipal waste. Lamp disposal should be according to local and state requirements, preferably at hazardous waste recycling facilities. State and local regulations should always be followed.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC OCT 2018 14-65
171-0919 (1/14)

A fixed ladder is a ladder permanently attached to a structure, building or equipment. Fixed ladders will normally be of a length greater than 20 ft. (6.1 m) to a maximum unbroken length of 30 ft. (9.1 m), and be equipped with cages or ladder safety devices. A “cage” is a guard that is fastened to the side rails of the fixed ladder, or to the structure, to encircle the climbing space of the ladder for the safety of the person climbing the ladder.

The primary hazard when using a ladder is falling. A poorly designed, maintained or improperly used ladder may collapse under the load placed upon it and result in a fall.

The following checklist can be used to evaluate the safety of fixed ladders:

Employers should establish and implement adequate controls, such as barricades and signs, to prevent non-emergency use of fixed ladders which are meant for fire fighter use and emergency escape only. In some situations, fixed ladders not equipped with cages, landing platforms, ladder safety devices, or other forms of worker protection, may be allowed as a means of access for fire fighters and other emergency personnel, or escape for workers in fire and other emergency situations.

Copyright ©2008, Services Properties, Inc.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC MAR 2019-198
171-0991 (3/14)

Fires on construction sites cause major property loss and can be deadly. Developing a site-specific fire prevention and inspection policy can minimize the potential for fires on construction sites. Consider these tips for fire safety.

Fire prevention policy

OSHA requires that each job site have a fire prevention plan and such plan should include these items:

• Access to all firefighting equipment must be maintained at all times.
• All firefighting equipment must be conspicuously located and maintained.
• Training must be provided to employees who will use fire protection equipment.
• Portable fire extinguishers are required on all job sites.
• Fire emergency reporting numbers should be prominently posted.
• Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored and dispensed properly.
• LP gas-fired equipment must be used and LP cylinders stored in accordance with regulations.
• Ensure workers know how to report a fire or other emergency to minimize response time.
• Develop an inspection program that periodically reviews the fire prevention efforts on the project.

Mobile equipment

• Accumulations of grass, brush or trash under mobile equipment can be ignited by the engine or exhaust and equipment storage locations should be cleared of these materials.
• During daily equipment inspections, note any leaks or seepage from hoses or fittings, and replace at the first sign of wear or leakage.
• Only refuel equipment that is turned off and cool. Spilled fuel can be ignited by hot surfaces.
• Keep the equipment clean. Excessive build-up of dirt can cause higher temperatures and increased wear on components.
• Protect against arson and vandalism by locking all engine compartment covers and fuel supplies.
• Keep equipment away from open fires or hot work that could be an ignition source.

Construction areas

• Enforce a no-smoking rule in all building locations, fueling areas and near combustible or flammable storage locations.
• Only store flammable liquids in approved containers.
• Initiate and enforce a good housekeeping policy to minimize accumulation of scrap and combustible debris.
• Locate trash bins away from buildings.
• Install and maintain electrical and temporary heating systems in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
• Only allow the installation and maintenance of temporary electrical systems to be performed by qualified electricians.
• Inspect temporary electrical equipment periodically for damage.
• Control hazards of cutting and welding using a hot work program or permit system.

Firefighting equipment

• Maintain fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems in accordance with OSHA requirements.
• Inspect fire extinguisher to ensure they are pressurized and quick access to them is not blocked off by materials.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available near hot work operations.
• Ensure fire hydrants are not blocked by equipment or material storage.

Storage areas

• Maintain storage yards to reduce accumulation of grass, trash or brush that could allow a fire to spread.
• Maintain fueling areas in accordance with OSHA requirements.
• Do not allow dunnage, pallets, cardboard or other scrap to accumulate in storage areas or inside storage containers.

Working with public agencies

• Develop site plans that indicate fire department access points for your job site.
• Contact the local fire department and make sure they have the correct address information for your site.
• Identify new street names on plans and verify that local police and fire departments have this information.
• Maintain a 24-hour contact number so law enforcement or fire department personnel can reach you in an emergency or to confirm after-hours site access.
• Request additional patrols and discuss who has after-hours access and authorization with local police.
• Request a pre-plan walk-through by the local fire department to ensure they are familiar with your operations.
• Discuss water volume requirements with fire department personnel to ensure adequate water is available based on type and size of the project.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC FEB 2019 14-88
171-1031 (02/14)