Clean up what can burn

The hazard

A small fire can get out of control fast, and smoke can make it hard to see or breathe before you ever see flames. A fire can start from something simple, like a pile of scrap, a leaking gas can, oily rags or a heater too close to something that burns. Preventing a fire is always safer than fighting one.

The action

Scrap wood, cardboard, packaging and rags are all fuel. In construction, combustible scrap and debris must be removed at regular intervals, with a safe way to haul it out. Put oily and used rags in a covered container, because oily rags can heat up and catch fire on their own. (29 CFR 1926.25(b))