FIRE SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Prevent fire hazards and respond safely in emergencies.
Fire hazards, control measures and emergency preparedness.
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Toolbox Topic
FIRE SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent fire by controlling fuel, heat and oxygen sources; assess hazards associated with hot work, combustible materials, electrical equipment and gases; and verify alarm, initial response, evacuation and assembly arrangements before work begins.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
Fire requires fuel, oxygen and heat. Removing one of these elements helps prevent or control fire.
Store flammable materials correctly, manage hot work under permit and keep extinguishers accessible.
Everyone must know alarm points, escape routes and assembly areas.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
Grinding sparks ignited nearby combustible materials.
A nearby extinguisher allowed the fire to be controlled quickly.
Good housekeeping and spark protection would have prevented the incident.
REMEMBER
Preventing a fire is always safer than fighting one.
KEY HAZARDS
Welding, cutting or grinding sparks igniting combustible materials.
Uncontrolled release of flammable liquids, gases or vapours.
Leaks from gas cylinders, hoses or regulators.
Damaged electrical equipment, short circuits or overloaded circuits.
Unsafe storage of combustible materials and waste.
Smoking violations and uncontrolled ignition sources.
Blocked escape routes or inaccessible firefighting equipment.
Smoke, toxic combustion products and loss of visibility.
CONTROL MEASURES
Store flammable and combustible materials correctly and away from ignition sources.
Use an approved hot-work permit and dedicated fire watch where required.
Verify that suitable inspected extinguishers are immediately accessible.
Keep escape routes, emergency exits and alarm points unobstructed.
Store gas cylinders upright, secured and correctly segregated.
Remove electrical equipment from service if overheating, damage or burning odour is identified.
Collect combustible waste in suitable containers and remove it regularly.
Restrict smoking to designated areas.
Know the alarm, evacuation and assembly-point procedure.
Attempt initial firefighting only when trained, conditions are safe and escape remains available.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Team, today we will assess more than whether an extinguisher is present. We will check combustibles, sparks and hot surfaces, electrical equipment, gas cylinders, escape routes and alarm points. If a fire occurs, raise the alarm first and move people to safety. Do not attempt firefighting unless you are trained, conditions are safe and you have a clear escape route. If the fire grows, evacuate and follow the emergency procedure.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Where is the nearest extinguisher?
Where is the assembly point?
Is a Hot Work Permit required?
How do you raise the alarm?
What is the PASS method?
Is the escape route clear?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Extinguisher available
Escape routes clear
Alarm point known
Combustibles removed
Permit ready
Fire watch assigned
Housekeeping good
Gas cylinders secure
Team briefed
Assembly point known
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Fire risk assessments, emergency plans, hot-work permits and site procedures take priority.