Line of fire in military terms is the path of a missile discharged from a fire arm.

In construction, the line of fire is

the path an object will travel. In many of the tasks that you perform frequently there is the possibility of putting
yourself in the line of fire. A few examples include cutting towards yourself, pulling tools or equipment towards
yourself or walking under employees working above. The following are a list of precautions to take to prevent
you from being in the line of fire.

 Never walk under suspended loads.

 Cut away from your body. When you must cut towards yourself stand so that if the knife slips it would not hit your
body.
 Never pull equipment or tools toward you face or body. Position yourself so if the tool or equipment slips it would
not hit you.
 Perform a safety task assignment before beginning work to look for all the hazards and also perform mental
safety task assignments throughout the day to be aware of changing conditions.
 Be aware of weather conditions that can put you in the line of fire. Winds may put you in the line of fire if
materials are not secured properly. Always secure materials that could become airborne.
 Never work directly under other employees. If you must work at an elevated heights barricade the area below you
or use means to secure your tools.
 If you are hoisting materials, barricade the area around the hoisting zone.
 If you must use force when pushing or pulling always look at where you would go if you slipped or equipment
gave way.
 When working around equipment that is remote controlled or could potentially start up always lock and tag it out.
 When working around mobile equipment make sure the operator knows you are there. Never put yourself in a
position where you are between a piece of mobile equipment and another object. Never walk behind mobile
equipment. When moving mobile equipment in tight areas always use a spotter.
 Never work around equipment with missing guards.
 When using a straight edge and utility knife to cut metal or PVC use a safety straight edge. If one is not
available, secure the material and straight edge and always keep you hand above the knife.
 Never attempt to operate equipment that is locked or tagged out or remove the lock or tag.

 You are “in the line of fire” when you are at risk of coming into contact with a force your body
cannot endure. Industry standards break line of fire into three mechanisms of injury:
 1. Stored Energy: Contact with stored energy. Stored energy is “pent up” energy that can be
released unexpectedly.
2. Striking Hazards: Struck by or striking against an object. This includes falling objects. These
are hazards that strike you, or that you strike against.
3. Crushing Hazards: Caught in, on or between an object. Crushing hazards can cause injuries
that occur when body parts get caught in, on or between two objects.
Line of fire” is a military term that describes the path of a discharged missile or firearm. It’s the path an object will
travel. In the workplace, particularly, there are many objects that have potential to create ‘line of fire’
exposure. Examples of line of fire hazards:

 Electric hand tools which could kick back if they jam or catch
 Torque wrenches or other levers used to apply force
 Chains or slings under tension
 Loads that could fall or tip as restraints are released
 Fluids (hydraulic, air, water) when a tap is opened or a fitting loosened
 Shards flying when hitting brittle materials with a hammer
 Mobile equipment

On nearly every job there is something which could hit, spray, pinch or crush. The first priority should be to
eliminate these hazards entirely if possible, but if not, we must focus on moving ourselves out of the line of
fire. Don't forget to look for by-standers who could be in the line of fire too - the right amount of energy can send
things flying a very long way. It is important to always remember that Line of Fire hazards are some of the most
deadly Awareness is the first line of defence. Be alert conditions may change where the line of fire zone exists,
including wind gusts and falling objects. Perform a job site walk-down to identify potential latent
conditions. Recognize and avoid areas where barricades and hazard signs are installed. Pay close attention to
personnel and objects above, below and in the immediate work area during any job evaluation.
Lifting/Hoisting

 Never walk under a suspended load.

 Communicate to other workers when entering a lifting/hoisting zone, even if for a short period.
 Balance the load prior to lifting.
 Rigging equipment shall never be loaded in excess of its maximum safe loading limit.

Tensioned Lines

 Be aware and stay clear of tensioned lines such as cable, chain and rope.
 Use only correct gripping devices. Select proper equipment based on size and load limit.
 Be cautious of torque stresses that drilling equipment and truck augers can generate. Equipment can rotate
unexpectedly long after applied torque force has been stopped.

Objects with Fall Potential

 Not all objects may be overhead; be especially mindful of top-heavy items and items being transported
by forklift or flatbed.

Objects with Roll Potential

 Secure objects that can roll such as tools, cylinders and poles.
 Secure rolling stock using approved binders; apply parking brakes or use chocks to prevent movement.

Pressurized Cylinders and Lines

 Safety standards for compressed cylinders include chaining all tanks upright and installing caps when not in
use.

High-Pressure Hydraulic Tools

 Only trained or instructed individuals should change fittings on or make modifications to hydraulic tools.

Regulator/Gauge Pressurization

 During the instant that pressure is introduced into a cylinder regulator gauge, stand aside and avoid facing
the front or back of the regulator gauge.

Electrical Equipment

 Stand aside when racking breakers into position in case of malfunction and breaker fragments.
 Stay clear of equipment when breakers are being closed remotely.

Spring-Loaded Devices
 Springs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can release tremendous energy if compression as
tension is suddenly released.

Vehicle/Heavy Equipment

 Use parking brakes and wheel chocks for any vehicle or equipment parked on an incline.
 When working near moving, heavy equipment such as trucks and cranes, remain in operator’s full view.
 Obtain operator’s attention prior to approaching equipment.
 Take precautions for all pedestrian and vehicle traffic when positioning vehicles and equipment at a job site.

Working at Heights

 Establish a drop zone, an area below any work being performed at heights. Drop zone size depends on work
scope and potential for falling tools and equipment. Keep the drop zone clear of people.
 If work at the structure base is unavoidable, inform the worker above. Make sure work stops. Secure tools
and equipment prior to working below.
 Materials should never be dropped from above. Use special devices to provide tools and equipment to
workers above.
 Stay clear of equipment actively being worked. Never position yourself or vehicles in close proximity to them.

In the workplace, being in the wrong place at the wrong time is sometimes referred
to as being in the line of fire. You can be injured or killed by your own actions or by
the actions of another worker or even a stranger.

A common line of fire mistake is to be standing in the way of a closed door that could
suddenly fling open. Workers have been knocked off ladders while changing light
bulbs or painting in the path of a door. The solution is to prop the door open and post
a warning sign.

Here are some other line of fire hazards and suggestions for avoiding them:

 Standing too close to another worker who is wielding a tool such as a sledge
hammer or a large wrench. The head could fly off the sledge hammer or the
wrench could slip off the nut, sending all of its force into your body. Don’t
stand in its path.
 Standing too close to materials secured by steel bands that are under
tremendous pressure. When one of these bands is cut, an end can whip
around and inflict serious injury. Ensure you are wearing the appropriate PPE.
If there are several straps, cut the one farthest away first, using shears with
long handles. Stand well back while releasing straps.
 Working on machinery without being certain that all of its hazardous energy
sources have been safely shut down. Hazardous energy sources go beyond
electricity, including hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, chemical and thermal
energy, plus gravity. Moving a power switch to the off position or flipping a
breaker switch won’t keep you safe. If it hasn’t been properly locked and
tagged out, don’t go near it.

How to Protect Yourself

Before starting a job, take a moment to look around for any potential hazards. Ask
yourself what could possibly go wrong and what could happen to you if you were
working there.

Could you be hit by welding sparks? Is someone operating a forklift too quickly and
too close for comfort? Are you standing below an elevated area where a worker
could accidentally knock a heavy object off a roof or scaffolding?

Test Your Knowledge

1. Losing awareness of your surroundings can put you directly in the line of fire.
True or False?
2. What is one of the hazards of working under a suspended load?
_________________________________
3. If you’re only going to be performing a task for a few seconds it’s fine to stand
or set a ladder up in front of a closed door.
True or False?
4. Before working on machinery you need to ensure that all forms of
____________ have been neutralized.
5. People operating mobile equipment always know what’s in the vicinity of their
equipment and will always see and avoid people working or walking nearby.
True or False?

A busy workplace is no place to daydream. Stay aware of your surroundings,

think of how you might be in the line of fire and step away from the danger.