Small Sparks Are Dangerous! ... Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters "Fire Risk with Flames Flying Up to 11m"

A member of the Gyeongnam Fire Department is extinguishing a fire at the site where a blaze broke out rapidly. [Image source=Gyeongnam Fire Department]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters has urged caution, warning of fire risks during welding and cutting work at construction sites in winter.

According to the Gyeongnam Headquarters on the 6th, welding and cutting sparks are small in size but reach high temperatures of 1600℃ to 3000℃, and depending on the work environment, they can scatter horizontally up to 11 meters.

When sparks land on nearby combustible materials and ignite, the fire is often noticed immediately, but if they fall into gaps that are difficult to visually confirm, detection becomes challenging.

Sparks that fall between objects may undergo a smoldering process without visible flames, slowly burning for several hours before spreading into a large fire.

According to the headquarters' 119 fire statistics data, in the past three years, 275 fires caused by sparks during welding and cutting work have occurred in the province, resulting in 1 death, 13 injuries, and approximately 6.575 billion KRW in property damage.

In February 2020, a fire broke out at a livestock product distribution center in Juchon-myeon, Gimhae City, when sparks from oxygen cutting work inside a newly constructed building ignited urethane foam in a gap on the adjacent exterior wall, causing property damage worth 4.86 billion KRW.

The Gyeongnam Headquarters emphasized the following fire prevention measures: ▲prior notification to construction personnel about the work details, location, time, and methods ▲installation of spark prevention covers, flame guards, and welding fireproof blankets ▲removal and isolation of combustible materials and flammable hazards around the work area ▲placement of fire extinguishers in visible and easily accessible locations.

Kim Hwansu, Director of Prevention and Safety, stated, “Construction sites contain many combustible materials such as Styrofoam and urethane foam that spread fire quickly and emit large amounts of toxic gases, resulting in extensive damage when fires occur. We strongly urge everyone to strictly follow safety rules to prevent fires.”