18 WESTERN PALLET
The compliance manual was developed with fire code experts, using the knowledge and expertise that NWPCA members already were using to prevent fires, emphasized Brad. It was not a top-down approach.
“We incorporated all best practices that NWPCA members already were using in their businesses,” he said. The efforts to develop the manual included the work of an NWPCA task force and information Brad collected by surveying members.
There are four components to fire prevention, he said: a site plan, a fire prevention plan, a fire emergency response plan, and a security plan.
A site plan primarily delineates such things as lot lines and the location of where any hazardous materials may be stored, fire alarms, and designated smoking areas.
A fire prevention plan should include a walk-through inspection, safeguards for “hot works” processes, regular preventive maintenance, and outdoor storage requirements. “Most pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities have guidelines for insurance purposes” said Brad. While these guidelines are specific for insurance purposes, the fire prevention plan may compliment these practices.
A key aspect of a fire prevention plan is daily housekeeping, emphasized Brad. That includes proper clean-up and storage of dirt and dust and scrap material, including sawdust.
The compliance manual was developed with fire code experts, using the knowledge and expertise that NWPCA members already were using to prevent fires. It was not a top-down approach.
The importance of good daily housekeeping was driven home during a survey of pallet companies that had suffered fires over decades of operation. “Fires caused by wood debris or sawdust was more prevalent than expected,” said Brad . A fire can begin after a spark or burning ember comes into contact with sawdust, and slowly smoldering hours later, even after the business was closed. “Proper clean-up could have prevented these fires from starting,” said Brad.
Fire code officials are going to be taking a closer look at operating conditions during their inspection. “Being proactive and establishing a positive relationship with your local/state fire marshal will, in most cases, result in a cooperative exchange of ideas and information,” said Brad. Having a clean operation effectively communicates to your official that you take fire safety seriously. A fire emergency response plan should include procedures as to how to respond to a fire, how employees are trained to respond to a fire, evacuation procedures, and fire drills.