November 2024

Fort Bliss Fire Department

Fire Prevention Construction

Guide

IN CASE OF:

FIRE/MEDICAL/MILITARY POLICE EMERGENCY

DIAL 9-1-1 From a cell phone or landline.

When reporting any emergency, give dispatcher the following information:

a. NAME

b. BUILDING NUMBER/ SITE LOCATION/STATE YOU'RE REPORTING

AN EMERGENCY ON FORT BLISS

c. TYPE OF FIRE (STRUCTUAL, GRASS, ELECTRICAL, ETC.).

d. EXACT LOCATION OF FIRE IF POSSIBLE

After speaking to the dispatcher have someone stand outside the building to direct emergency vehicles to your location. If at a remote location, state where emergency personnel can meet you and be guided to the scene.

NOTE: The Fire Department is available for advice and assistance on any matters pertaining to Fire Prevention and Protection.

Fire Prevention Office: 744-8194/8195/2817

Fire Department Business: 915-744-2938

Fort Bliss Fire Prevention Division is located in building 11240 SSG Sims St., Biggs Army Airfield, FT Bliss, Texas.

FIRE PREVENTION CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

1. Prior to performing "Hot Work" ( welding, soldering, cutting, tar pots, etc.) or operating other flame producing devices, contractor shall request the issuance of a Hot Work Permit. Permits will not be issued in advance. Ensure all equipment is in place prior to calling. The telephone number to request the permit is 915-543-0019.

2. All painting materials to include paint brushes, empty paint cans, drop cloths etc., and flammable liquids shall be stored outside in authorized storage containers. The containers will be located at a safe distance from the building and ensure they are not obstructing any Fire Department Connections to that building.

3. Accumulation of trash, papers, shavings, sawdust, excelsior, boxes and other packing materials will be removed from the building at close of work day and disposed in proper containers located away from the building. Areas outside of the building undergoing work will be kept clean of trash, paper or other discarded combustibles.

4. Storage of lumber, roofing paper or other combustible supplies needed during construction shall be kept at a safe distance from the building if no storage yard is assigned.

5. All portable electric devices (saws, sanders, compressors, extension cords or lights) will be disconnected at the close of each workday.

6. All contractors will require their employees to familiarize themselves with locations of the nearest administrative telephones and the procedures when using their own cell phones. Employees will dial the emergency numbers provided in this guide book.

7. Contractors will report all fires no matter how small they may be. Use emergency numbers provided in the guide book.

8. Fire extinguishers in buildings shall not be removed from their locations or used for any purpose other than fire.

9. Fire hydrants will not be utilized without getting the consent of Ft. Bliss Water at 915-569-5358 or 915-564-1332 and the Asst Chief of Fire Prevention at 915-744-9896.

10. Fort Bliss Water will provide personnel for the operation of water valves pertaining to our water distribution system.

11. Smoking in buildings undergoing work is prohibited. Assign a designated smoking area with a proper receptacle for discarded smoking material located a minimum of 50' away from all buildings.

12. Contractors will notify the Fire Department if roads, Fire Lanes, etc., are to be blocked or closed. Call Dispatch at 915-744-2115 or 915-744-9172.

13. Contractors will not work on sprinkler systems or any part of the alarm system without the approval of the Fort Bliss Fire Department. You will call 915-744-2115 or 915-744-8194/8195/2817 prior to commencing work.

14. The contractor(s) Shall check for hot spots 60 minutes after hot work has been completed and will ensure hot work is cool to the touch a minimum of 60 minutes prior to contractor leaving for the day.

15. Prior to close of business each day, contractors will inspect the exterior and interior of the building to ensure all guide lines have been followed.

Listed below are other areas of concern which may pose problems in and around the construction site:

a. Improper storage of flammable materials;

b. Cleaning with flammables;

c. Improper use of extension cords;

d. The use of electrical equipment with faulty wiring;

e. The use of tools that are not UL approved;

f. Not following Hot Work Permit guidelines;

g. Smoking in unauthorized areas and or improper discard receptacles;

h. Blocking Fire Department Connections.

Joseph F. Allen, Fire Chief Fire and Emergency Service Division Directorate of Emergency Services