Building Construction Safety – Fireproofing, Maintaining and Inspecting the Structures

Construction is a broad term. There are many types of construction that you will find. It is one of the most hugely indulged activities in any given society with a sizeable population. It is essential to ensure proper safety in the construction of a building.

Wood Construction

The most common type of building construction is wood construction. Wood construction uses pre-cut timbers of a given size and height, with a preplanned position of the boards in holes and a roof over them.

Building Construction Safety

Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete uses concrete materials compounded of reinforced polystyrene pellets, concrete blocks or stones, poured over an existing surface and reinforced further with steel rebar. In concrete, as in most other forms of construction, the construction methods and materials must be eco-friendly.

In the Event of a Fire

When fire breaks out inside a structure, a designated individual in the firefighting crew will enter the building and either rescue people or provide protection for them while they are being rescued. The fire chief is one of the most senior persons in a department and has the overall responsibility for building construction and safety.

He/she has the authority to order the immediate removal of people from the building and directs the personnel that will be required to render assistance and will also be required to assist in the evacuation of the building. When a collapse occurs, the fire chief will use equipment like fire trucks, ambulances, aerial support and even watercraft to bring the occupants out of harm’s way.

Building Construction Safety

Once the fire has been put out, the fire chief will open the exits and allow people to evacuate the building. Then he will take stock of the damage and structural integrity of the buildings, walls, floors, ceilings and other structural components. He will document any visible damage and collect information about the fire. He will notify the media and any other agencies that may be involved in the response.

After the fire has abated, the roof contractor will conduct an inspection of the building’s foundation and verify that all structural members are intact. If there are any void spaces, he/she will make sure those spaces are sealed by the roofing manufacturer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The inspections and maintenance conducted by the roofer and his employees will ensure that the building’s structure is sound and safe.

Commercial Structures

Commercial buildings are different. In order to have a safe and functional commercial structure, a much more intensive inspection and maintenance program are necessary. Structural problems associated with the movement of materials and fires can often compromise a building’s safety and cause catastrophic damage.

Building Construction Safety

In order to keep the exterior walls strong, the interior spaces must also be kept sufficiently dry and free of debris. The roofers and other employees of the various commercial construction companies must quickly erect and dismantle any temporary structures that have been damaged by fire or water.

Commercial structures that are more complex require more advanced techniques for their inspection and design. In areas where heavy rains may occur, special attention must be given to the movement of earth and debris, as well as the presence of voids in the underlying structure.

In Conclusion

By understanding the relationship between the various components of a building and the effects of natural forces on them, it is easier to design a safer, more efficient building. These advanced techniques are used in the design of floors, roofs, walls, ceilings and other critical interior spaces, ensuring the structural integrity of the building and preventing the occurrence of leaks.

About Lydia May