Workplace Fires: Plan, Train, and Prepare

OSHA requires most employers to implement a fire prevention plan to minimize fire risks and the need for evacuation. The plan must be in writing and available for employee review.

According to OSHA’s fire prevention plan standard (29 CFR 1910.39), your plan must incorporate:

• A list of the major workplace fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their control, and the type of fire protection equipment needed to control each major hazard
• Names or job titles of employees responsible for maintaining equipment installed to prevent or control sources of ignition and fires
• Names or job titles of employees responsible for controlling fuel source hazards
• Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials
• Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials

Through training, all employees should be familiarized with potential fire hazards of their job and the procedures called for in your fire prevention plan. The plan must be reviewed with all new employees when they begin their job and again whenever the plan is changed.

---

Checklists keep your workplace and your workers safe. See how with the award-winning Safety Audit Checklists program from BLR. Try it at no cost and no risk plus receive a free special report. Get the full story.

---

Fire Exits

OSHA’s maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes standard (29 CFR 1910.37) requires each workplace building to have at least two means of escape remote from each other to be used in a fire emergency.

Fire doors can’t be blocked or locked to prevent emergency use when employees are inside buildings. Delayed opening of fire doors is permitted, however, when an approved alarm system is integrated into the fire door design.

Exit routes from buildings must be clear and free of obstructions and properly marked with signs designating exits from the building.

Fire Suppression System

OSHA says properly designed and installed fixed fire suppression systems enhance fire safety in the workplace. Automatic sprinkler systems throughout the workplace are among the most reliable method of suppressing fires. Fire sprinkler systems detect fire, sound an alarm, and put the water where the fire and heat are located.

You must post signs around areas protected by total flooding fire suppression systems that use agents that are a serious health hazard such as carbon dioxide and Halon 1211. These automatic systems must be equipped with area pre-discharge alarm systems to warn employees of the impending discharge of the system and allow them time to evacuate the area.

---

Examine the best-selling Safety Audit Checklists program for 30 days at no cost —not even for return shipping. Try it now and receive a FREE special report! Get the details.

---

Automatic fire suppression systems require proper maintenance to keep them in serviceable condition. When you have to take a fire suppression system out of service during working hours, OSHA says you must temporarily substitute a fire watch of trained employees standing by to respond quickly to any fire emergency in the normally protected area. The fire watch must interface with you fire prevention plan and emergency action plan.

Fire Extinguishers

OSHA’s portable fire extinguisher standard (29 CFR 1910.157) requires each workplace building to have a full complement of the proper type of fire extinguisher for the fire hazards present. Local fire codes also require fire extinguishers.

Employees expected or anticipated to use fire extinguishers must be trained in the hazards of fighting fire, how to properly operate the fire extinguishers available, and what procedures to follow in alerting others to the fire emergency.

Only approved fire extinguishers are permitted to be used in workplaces, and they must be kept in good operating condition. Proper maintenance and inspection of this equipment is required.

More Articles on
Emergencies