The Line of Fire Hazards: What You Need to Know

What are Line of Fire Hazards?

In workplace safety, line of fire hazards refers to any potential exposure to injury resulting from the release of energy during the operation of machinery. This type of hazard can occur in construction, electric, and manufacturing settings, where there is often much potential risk of exposure.

What are the Major Categories of Line of Fire Hazard Incidents?

To be in the line of fire is known as “being in harm’s way” as in being in a position where one could reasonably get hurt because of a firearm. Following that context, a line of fire hazard occurs when a moving object has a path that goes through an area occupied by a person or object.

There are three main categories of line-of-fire incidents:

Major Categories of Line of Fire Hazard Incidents

There are three main categories of line-of-fire incidents: caught-in or between, struck-by, and released energy. To better understand them, let’s discuss each one:

Caught-in or between

The most common type of line-of-fire incident, this category describes incidents that happen when someone is either caught in the equipment or between two pieces of equipment. For example, when a construction worker is repairing a machine and their clothing gets caught in the gears because of lack of machine guarding.

Struck-by

Struck-by incidents occur when someone is hit by an object that has been ejected from the equipment, often leading to injuries or fatalities. For example, if a worker is using a power saw and the blade breaks, it could fly off and hit another worker nearby.

Released energy

Released energy incidents happen when energy is released from the equipment, such as an electric shock. An example would be if a piece of machinery that has been overloaded or a pressure vessel that gets subjected to unsafe conditions suddenly explodes.

Common Examples

Line of fire hazards are often encountered in situations where workers are exposed to the path of moving objects, hazardous energy, or equipment that could cause injury. These hazards are typically found in many workplaces, especially where machinery or heavy equipment is operated. Examples include:

• Standing beneath or near suspended loads that could fall.

• Walking or standing in front of or behind moving equipment such as forklifts, cranes, vehicles, or backhoes.

• Being near pressurized lines, pipes, or cylinders that could rupture or release energy suddenly.

• Working in front of power tools or machinery, such as nail guns or grinding wheels, especially without proper guards.

• Performing maintenance or repair on equipment that is not properly locked out, leading to unexpected startup.

• Being in the path of flying debris or falling objects, such as at construction or demolition sites.

• Standing near doors that may swing open suddenly.

• Being positioned near unsecured materials that could slide or fall due to wind or vibration.

Tips for Avoiding Line of Fire Hazards

The best way to avoid line of fire hazards and incidents is to understand their potential risks on job sites and duties.

Worker duties may require simple avoidance such as moving out of the way, while others may require complex engineering efforts with barriers or location changes. Regardless, safety should be a priority in every job done.

Here are some ways that organizations can avoid accidents to stay safe, particularly during working:

• Perform regular toolbox talks or safety talks to properly orient workers on line-of-fire hazards.

• Conduct regular, mobile course-supported training sessions for proper safety procedures when working with line-of-fire hazards.

• Implement an efficient communication system across teams, ideally with the use of handheld and digital devices.

• Secure objects like scaffolds, poles, stacks, and spools using safety tethers.

• Remind workers to always hold on to a handrail when climbing stairs.

• Follow proper Lock Out Tag Out procedures to ensure equipment is unlikely to power up while performing any repairs or maintenance.

• Inform workers to never their body parts to control equipment to prevent asset damage and injury.

• Keep workplaces with electrical equipment dry and free of other items to prevent electrocutions.

• Conduct regular risk assessments and hazard mitigation procedures.

• Monitor lone workers with remote safety devices, or ensure workers are with a buddy at all times if possible.

10 Safety Tips for Employees

While employers can provide safety guidelines and implement proper procedures, it is also the employees’ duty to protect themselves and others while at work. Here are ten safety tips to protect ones when working in the line of fire:

1. Always be aware of your surroundings and identify potential hazards.

2. Listen and engage in toolbox talks when being conducted.

3. Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

4. Stay alert and follow all safety procedures.

5. Follow proper machinery operating procedures and finish usage time safely for the next person.

6. Attend necessary training when using heavy machinery.

7. If you see a potential hazard, report it to a supervisor or manager immediately.

8. Provide daily safety inspections on equipment to avoid sudden mechanical failures.

9. Dispose of broken equipment, parts, and assets properly.

10. If you are ever in doubt about a situation, ask a supervisor or manager for clarification.