• Potential Hazard:

The potential for fire can occur from many different sources such as: heat-producing equipment, storage of flammable chemicals, and faulty electrical wiring.

Possible Solutions

OSHA Fire Safety requirements include: Adequate exit routes for evacuation during fires and other emergencies [29 CFR 1910.34)].

Employers must provide exit routes in accordance ith OSHA Standard on Exit Routes 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E, including:

§  An adequate number of exit routes [29 CFR 1910.36(b)].

§  Exits must discharge to a safe area [29 CFR 1910.36(c)].

§  Exits must be of adequate capacity and width [29 CFR 1910.36(f) and 29 CFR 1910.36(g)].

§  Exits must be clearly lighted and marked [29 CFR 1910.37(b)].

§  An employee alarm system is provided [29 CFR 1910.37(b)] and complies with 29 CFR 1910.165.

Employers must maintain exit routes in accordance with OSHA Standard on Exit Routes:

 [29 CFR 1910 Subpart E]:

§  Exit doors must be unlocked [29 CFR 1910.36(d)].

§  Access to exits must remain free and unobstructed at all times [29 CFR 1910.37(a)].

§  During construction, exit routes must be compliant prior to employee occupancy [29 CFR 1910.37(d)(1)].

§  During repairs or alterations, exit routes must be compliant during employee occupancy or alternate protective measures provided [29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1)].

Alternatives: Employers may use the corresponding provisions of the following codes as alternatives to the Subpart E provisions above [29 CFR 1910.35].

The 2009 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code
The 2009 International Fire Code.

Emergency Action Plans: must be provided in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.38 when required by another OSHA standard. See OSHA's Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool - Emergency Action Plan Page.

§  Must be writing if over 10 employees [29 CFR 1910.38(b)].

§  Elements to include in the plan are listed in 29 CFR 1910.38(c).

Fire Prevention Plans: must be provided in accordance with 1910.39 when required by another OSHA standard. See OSHA's Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool - Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) Page.

  Must be writing if over 10 employees [29 CFR 1910.39(b)].

  Elements to include in the plan are listed in 29 CFR 1910.39(c).

Hazardous Materials are used in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 Subpart H, which includes:

  Oxygen [29 CFR 1910.104]

  Nitrous Oxide [29 CFR 1910.105]

  Flammable and Combustible Liquids [29 CFR 1910.106]

Electrical wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use [29 CFR 1910.305].

Fire Brigades: if provided, must meet 29 CFR 1910.156.

Fire Protection Systems: if provided, must meet 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L, which includes:

  Standpipe systems [29 CFR 1910.158]

  Fixed extinguishing systems [29 CFR 1910.159 through 1910.163]

  Fire Detection systems [29 CFR 1910.164]

  Employee alarm systems [29 CFR 1910.165]

• Additional Information:

Fire Safety. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Covers general fire safety measures. Fire Safety [55 KB PDF*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet. Emergency Exit Routes [71 KB PDF*, 3 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet.