Safety & Health Consultation
Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and
Fire Protection
Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and
Fire Protection
Safety & Health Consultation
IntroductionIntroduction• Fires and explosions kill more than
200 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year
• There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country caused by problems with fire exits and extinguishing systems
• OSHA requires employers to provide proper exits, fire fighting equipment, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace
NUMBER OF SERIOUS VIOLATIONS – FY 2014
29CF
R 19
10 S
UBP
ARTS
37(b)(4)
36(g)(2)
36(d)(1)
37(b)(2)
37(a)(3)
145
148
197
359
431
MEANS OF EGRESS [1910.33 – 39]
3
EXIT ROUTES FREE & UNOBSTRUCTED
EXIT MARKING
EXIT ROUTE UNLOCKED
EXITS – MINIMUM 28 INCHES WIDE
EXIT ROUTE SIGNS
SUBPART E
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit RouteExit Route
• A continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge areas)
• Consists of three parts:– Exit access– Exit– Exit discharge
1910.34
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit RoutesBasic Requirements
Exit RoutesBasic Requirements
• Exit routes must be permanent
and there must be enough exits
in the proper arrangement for
quick escape
• Exits must be separated by fire-
resistant materials
1910.36(a)
1910.36(b)
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit RoutesBasic Requirements
Exit RoutesBasic Requirements
• Openings into an exit must be limited to those necessary to allow access to the exit or to the exit discharge
• An opening into an exit must be protected by an approved self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency
1910.36(a)
1910.36(b)
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit DischargeExit Discharge
Each exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside that is large enough to accommodate all building occupants likely to use the exit route
1910.36(c)
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit DischargeExit DischargeExit stairs that continue beyond the level on which the exit discharge is located must be interrupted on that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel to the exit discharge
1910.36(c)(3)
Exit Route DesignExit Route Design
• Must be:– Unlocked and
unrestricted– Side-hinged – Adequate capacity and
height– Must meet height and
width requirements– Outdoor exit route
permitted
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.36(d) – (h)
Unlocked and UnrestrictedUnlocked and Unrestricted
• Must be able to open door from inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge.– Panic bars that lock from the outside are permitted.
• Must be free of device or alarm that could restrict emergency use if device or alarm fails.
• May be locked from inside in mental, penal, or correctional facilities.– And only if supervisory personnel are continuously on duty
and their is an emergency plan.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.36(d)
Unlocked and UnrestrictedUnlocked and Unrestricted
1910.36(d)
Safety & Health Consultation
Side-Hinged Exit DoorSide-Hinged Exit Door
• Must be used to connect any room to an exit route
• A door that connects any room to an exit route must swing out in the direction of exit travel if the room is designed to be occupied by more than 50 people or contains high hazard contents
1910.36(e)
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit Route Capacityand Dimensions
Exit Route Capacityand Dimensions
• Must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served
• Capacity must not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge
• Ceiling must be at least 7-½ ft. high with no projection reaching a point less than 6 ft.-8 in. from floor
• An exit access must be at least 28 in. wide at all points
1910.36(f) & (g)
Outdoor Exit RouteOutdoor Exit Route
• Have guardrails to protect unenclosed sides if a fall hazard exists.
• Covered if snow or ice is likely to accumulate along route.
• Reasonably straight and have smooth, solid, substantially level walkways.
• Must not have a dead-end that is longer than 20 feet.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.36(h)
Safety & Health Consultation
Minimize Danger to EmployeesMinimize Danger to Employees
• Exit routes must be free and unobstructed
• Keep exit routes free of explosive or highly flammable materials
• Arrange exit routes so that employees will not have to travel toward a high hazard area, unless it is effectively shielded
• Emergency safeguards (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire doors, exit lighting) must be in proper working order at all times
Obstructed exit route
1910.37(a)
Exit Route Maintenance and Safeguards
Exit Route Maintenance and Safeguards
• Danger to employees minimized.• Adequate and appropriate lighting and
marking.• Fire retardant properties maintained.• Exit routes maintained during construction
and repairs.• Employee alarm system must be operable.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.36(a) – (e)
Lighting and MarkingLighting and Marking
• Adequately lighted. • Clearly visible and marked by a sign reading
“Exit”. • Free of decorations or signs that obscure visibility
of exit.• If direction of travel to exit is not apparent, signs
must be posted along exit access indicating direction of travel to nearest exit.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.37(b)
Safety & Health Consultation
Exit MarkingExit Marking
Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked “Not an Exit” or similar designation, or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g., closet).
1910.37(b)(5)
Fire Retardant PropertiesFire Retardant Properties
• Fire retardant paints or solutions must be renewed as often as necessary to maintain their fire retardant properties.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.37(c)
Construction and RepairsConstruction and Repairs
• During new construction, employees must not occupy a workplace until exit routes are completed and ready for employee use.
• During repairs or alterations, employees must not occupy a workplace unless exit routes are available and existing fire protections are maintained, or until alternate fire protection is furnished.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.37(d)
Operable Alarm SystemOperable Alarm System• Install and maintain an
operable employee alarm system that has a distinctive signal to warn employees of fire or other emergencies, unless employees can promptly see or smell a fire or other hazard in time to provide adequate warning to them.
• Employee alarm system must comply with 1910.165.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.37(e)
Psychological HazardsPsychological Hazards• Lack of information
• Panic
• Confusion
Physical HazardsPhysical Hazards
• Fire
• Toxic vapors
• Threats
• Storms
• Other safer location
Emergency Action PlanEmergency Action Plan• An employer must have an
emergency action plan whenever an OSHA standard in this part requires one.
• An emergency action plan (EAP) must be in writing kept at the workplace and available to employees when required.
• If an employer has 10 or fewer employees, may be communicated verbally.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.38(a) – (b)
Emergency Action PlanElements
Emergency Action PlanElements
• Must have procedures for:– Reporting a fire or other emergency– Emergency evacuation– Employees who operate critical operations– Account for employee post evacuation– Employees performing rescue or medical duties– Name or job title of every employee who may
be contacted about the EAP
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.38(c)
Alarm System and TrainingAlarm System and Training
• Maintained and distinctive sounds based on an emergency.
• Employer must designate and train employees for a safe and orderly evacuation.
• Employer must review plan with employees:– Development and/or initial hiring– Job change– Plan change
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.38(d) – (e)
Fire Prevention PlanFire Prevention Plan
• An employer must have a fire prevention plan when an OSHA standard in this part requires one.
• A fire prevention plan must be in writing, kept at the workplace, and available to employees for review.
• If an employer has 10 or fewer employees, it may be communicated verbally.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.39(a) – (b)
Safety & Health Consultation
Fire Prevention PlanFire Prevention Plan
The plan must include: • A list of the major fire hazards and handling,
storage, and control procedures• Names or job titles of persons responsible for
maintenance of equipment and systems to prevent or control ignitions or fires
• Names or job titles of persons responsible for control of fuel source hazards
• Training for all employees who have responsibilities in the plan
1910.39
Employee InformationEmployee Information
• An employer must inform employees upon initial assignment to a job of the fire hazards to which they are exposed.
• An employer must also review with each employee those parts of the fire prevention plan necessary for self-protection.
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.39(d)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersPortable Fire Extinguishers
NUMBER OF SERIOUS VIOLATIONS – FY 2014
29CF
R 19
10 S
UBP
ARTS
FIRE PROTECTION [1910.155 – 165]
31
EXTINGUISHERS – PROVIDED & ACCESSIBLE
EXTINGUISHERS – ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CHECKS
EXTINGUISHERS – VISUAL MONTHLY INSPECTIONS
SUBPART L
EXTINGUISHERS – TRAINING PROGRAM
EXTINGUISHERS – INITIAL & ANNUAL TRAINING157(g)(2)
157(g)(1)
157(e)(2)
157(e)(3)
157(c)(1)
149
170
175
197
336
Safety & Health Consultation
PurposePurpose
Portable fire extinguishers are used to begin
fire extinguishment in the EARLY stages of
its development to minimize loss.
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersExemptions
Portable Fire ExtinguishersExemptions
Where the employer has implemented a written fire safety policy which requires the immediate and total evacuation of employees from the workplace upon the sounding of the fire alarm…
Has an Emergency Action Plan and Fire Prevention Plan meeting 1910.38 and extinguishers are not provided by the employer…
1910.157(b)(1)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersExemptions
Portable Fire ExtinguishersExemptions
Where the employer has an emergency action plan meeting 1910.38, which designates certain employees authorized to use available fire extinguishers, other employees evacuate, employer is exempt from the distribution requirements.
1910.157(b)(2)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersExemptions
Portable Fire ExtinguishersExemptions
Where the employer has an emergency action plan meeting 1910.38, which designates certain employees authorized to use available fire extinguishers, other employees evacuate, employer is exempt from the distribution requirements.
1910.157(b)(2)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
• Provide portable fire extinguishers
• Mount• Locate• Identify• Readily accessible
without injury
1910.157(c)(1)
Safety & Health Consultation
Properly Mounted?Properly
Mounted?
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersPortable Fire Extinguishers
If portable fire extinguishers are provided for employee use, the employer must mount, locate and identify them so workers can access them without subjecting themselves to possible injury.
Blocked extinguisher
1910.157(c)(1)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
• Only approved fire extinguishers shall be used.
1910.157(c)(2)
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
• Employer shall not provide or make available in the workplace portable fire extinguishers using: – Carbon tetrachloride, or– Chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents
Safety & Health Consultation 1910.157(c)(3)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
Portable Fire ExtinguishersGeneral Requirements
Portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use.
1910.157(c)(4)
Safety & Health Consultation
Selection and DistributionSelection and Distribution
• Distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet
1910.157(d)(2)
Selection and DistributionSelection and Distribution
• Employer may use:– Uniformly spaced standpipe
systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system instead of Class A fire extinguishers.
– Systems must provide total coverage of area to be protected and employees must be trained annually in use.
Safety & Health Consultation
Safety & Health Consultation
Selection and DistributionSelection and Distribution
• Distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class B fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 50 feet or less
1910.157(d)(4)
Safety & Health Consultation
Selection and DistributionSelection and Distribution
• The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers used for Class C hazards on the basis of the appropriate pattern for existing Class A or Class B hazards
1910.157(d)
Safety & Health Consultation
Selection and DistributionSelection and Distribution
• Distribute Class D portable fire extinguishers so that the travel distance from the combustible metal working area to any extinguishing agent is 75 feet
1910.157(d)(6)
Safety & Health Consultation
Classes of Fire FuelsClasses of Fire Fuels• Class “A” - Ordinary combustibles
– Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, many plastics– Characteristic - leaves ash
• Class “B” - Flammable or combustible liquids– Gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil based paint,
lacquer, flammable gas
A
B
Safety & Health Consultation
Classes of Fire FuelsClasses of Fire Fuels
• Class “C” - Energized electrical
equipment– Wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery,
appliances• Class “D” - Combustible metals
– Magnesium
C
D
Safety & Health Consultation
Classes of Fire FuelsClasses of Fire Fuels
• Class “K” Cooking materials– Cooking oils, fat, grease K
Safety & Health Consultation
Typical Picture SymbolsTypical Picture Symbols
• Class “A” – Ordinary Combustibles
• Class “B”– Burning Liquids/Gases
Safety & Health Consultation
Typical Picture SymbolsTypical Picture Symbols
• Class “C”– Energized Electrical
Equipment
• Class “K”– Cooking Materials
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire Extinguishers Selection and Distribution
Portable Fire Extinguishers Selection and Distribution
• Class “A” fire extinguisher – Ash• Class “B” fire extinguisher – Boil• Class “C” fire extinguisher – Circuit• Class “D” fire extinguisher – Dense• Class “K” fire extinguisher - Kitchen
1910.157(d)
Safety & Health Consultation
Stored-pressure WaterStored-pressure Water• Size
– 2 1/2 gallon
• Application– Class A
• Operating Principle– Air Pressure
Range Discharge time30-40 ft. 1 minute
Safety & Health Consultation
Dry ChemicalDry Chemical
• Size – 5 - 20 lb.
• Application– Ordinary Base
• Classes B & C– Multipurpose
• Classes A, B, & C• Expellent Principle
– Stored Pressure or Gas Cartridge
Safety & Health Consultation
Dry ChemicalDry Chemical
Size Range Discharge time (lbs.) (feet) (seconds)
5 8 - 12 10 - 15
10 10 - 15 15 - 20
20 5 - 20 10 - 25
Safety & Health Consultation
Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide• Size
– 10 lb.• Application
– Classes B and C• Operating Principle
– Liquefied Compressed Gas
Range Discharge time
3 - 8 ft. 8 - 30 seconds
Safety & Health Consultation
Wet ChemicalWet Chemical• Size
– 1.59 gallons• Agent Type
– Potassium Acetate,• Application
– Class K• Operating Principle
– Air Pressure
Range Discharge time8 -12 ft. 75 - 80 seconds
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersInspection, Maintenance and TestingPortable Fire Extinguishers
Inspection, Maintenance and Testing
• Employer responsible• Portable fire extinguishers
– Annual visual inspection– Maintenance check
• Record date and retain record for one (1) year after last entry or the life of the shell whichever is less
• Provide alternate protection when removed from service for maintenance, testing, and recharging
1910.157(e)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersHydrostatic Testing
Portable Fire ExtinguishersHydrostatic Testing
• Ensure testing is performed by trained personnel with suitable equipment and facilities
• Maintain evidence for OSHA of hydrostatic testing with a certification record
1910.157(f)
Safety & Health Consultation
Portable Fire ExtinguishersHydrostatic Testing
Portable Fire ExtinguishersHydrostatic Testing
• Stored pressure water 5 years• Wet chemical 5 years• Dry chemical 12 years• Carbon dioxide 5 years
1910.157(f)
Training and EducationTraining and Education• Where employer has provided portable fire
extinguishers for employee use– Employer shall provide training on fire
extinguisher use and hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting.• Initially and annually thereafter
Safety & Health Consultation
1910.157(g)(1) – (2)
Training and EducationTraining and Education• Employees who have been designated to
use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan– Employer shall provide training in use of
appropriate equipment to designated group.• Initially and annually thereafter
Safety & Health Consultation
1910.157(g)(3) – (4)
Safety & Health Consultation
Your Questions?Your Questions?