Means of Egress & Fire Protection

• General Requirements• Emergency & Fire Prevention Plans• Classification of Fires• Fire Extinguishers• Sprinkler Systems• Advantages/Disadvantages of Fire Extinguisher Types

Subpart E of OSHA’s 1910 Standard Concerns Safe and Efficient Means of Leaving a Building or Facility in an Emergency

Egress: A place or means of going out.

Subpart E contains:• definitions• general requirements that are fundamental to safe and efficient egress from facilities• detailed requirements to ensure qualitative/quantitative factors are covered

Why is Important to Properly Mark Exits & Know The Way Out?

Although fire is the most obvious reason,there are others:

Radiation Exposure

Toxic Vapors

Natural Disasters

Still … more hazards include:

Explosions

Smoke

Actions or threats by terroristgroups, mentally ill persons,or political radicals

Each hazard can be compounded by:

• Panic and confusion• Poor visibility• Lack of information

and/or• Misinformation

These factors frequently cause more injuries andfatalities than the hazard itself!!!

Subpart E - Means of Egress

Derived from NFPA 101-1970, Life Safety Code (NFPA - National Fire Protection Association)

It is written for general applicability

The requirements in Subpart E are general and do not deal specifically with specialized facilities or out of the ordinary uses of the facilities.

Definitions (1910.35)

Means of Egress: A continuous and unobstructedway of exit travel from any point ina building or structure to a publicway and consists of three separateand distinct parts: -- the way of exit access -- the exit -- the way of exit discharge

Definitions (1910.35)

A means of egressincludes:

- room spaces- doorways- hallways

- escalators- courts

- corridors- passageways- balconies- lobbies

Means of Egress:General Requirements (1910.36)

• This subpart contains general fundamental requirements essential to providing a safe means of egress from fire and like emergencies.

• These are minimum requirements.• They do not apply to exits from vehicles, vessels,

or other mobile structures.

Means of Egress:General Requirements (1910.36)

• Fundamental Requirements:

All buildings, new and old, intended for human occupancy shall have …

– exits sufficient for prompt and convenient escape in an emergency

– exits of a certain design that do not depend solely on any single safeguard

– structures that do not cause danger to occupants during periods of escape

Means of Egress:

• Fundamental Requirements:

All buildings, new and old, shall have:– no locks or devices to prevent an exit in an

emergency except in specialized facilities (mental, penal, or corrective institutions where attendants are on duty)

– clearly visible and understandable means to egress– doorways and passageways that are clearly marked

“Not an Exit” to prevent them from being mistaken for exits

Means of Egress:

• Fundamental Requirements:

All buildings, new and old, shall have:– adequate and reliable illumination for all exits in

every building or structure equipped with artificial illumination

– fire alarm systems (when a fire may not provide adequate warning to occupants of a building)

– emergency provisions that shall not cause a hazard under normal occupancy (i.e., enough exits)

During Construction & Repair•The occupants of the building shall be protected to the same extent as if construction or repair were complete.•The activity shall not create any additional danger or handicap egress beyond normally permissible conditions of the building.

During Maintenance

• Every exit, way of approach to an exit, and way of travel from the exit in to the street or open space shall be free of all obstructions … or impediments to full instant use.

• Every automatic sprinkler system, fire detection and alarm system, exit lighting, fire door, and other item or equipment shall be continuously in proper operating condition.

Means of Egress, General (1910.37)

An exit shall consist only of the approved components.Exit components shall be constructed as an integral part of the building or shall be permanently affixed thereto.

What does this mean?

Do not replace parts to exit doors, signs, lighting, etc., with parts that did not come with them.

Fire Resistance

The measure of fire resistance is thefire resistance rating. This is the timein hours that materials or assemblieshave withstood a fire.

When an exit is protected by separation from otherparts of the building, the separating construction shallmeet the following requirements:• Three stories or more - 1 hour fire resistance• Four or more stories - 2 hour fire resistance• Openings must be protected by approved self-closing fire doors

Means of Egress (1910.37)

• Rules to observe:– Level exits are limited to the use of no more than

100 persons; inclined exits - 60 persons– The capacity at an exit (means of egress) shall be

sufficient for occupant load of a space served– Occupant load is the maximum number of persons

that may be in a space at any time– Exits must be readily accessible at all times

Means of Egress (1910.37)

• Rules to observe:– Access to an exit shall NOT be through a bathroom or other room subject to being locked (except where the exit serves only that room)– Access to exits shall be clearly recognizable– Exit doors shall not be disguised, covered, concealed or decorated in such a way to confuse their purpose– Mirrors must not be placed on or near exit doors– Exit routes shall never be toward a high hazard location, unless effectively shielded– Minimum width of any way of exit access is 28 inches

Exterior Exit Routes

•Are permissible, under certain conditions•May include flat roof tops, enclosed courtyards, balconies, etc.•Have specific requirements:– Smooth, solid, level floors– Guard rails on open sides above ground level– Covered by roof if snow or ice could accumulate– Permanent, reasonable straight route of travel– No obstruction to use of exterior access route– No dead ends longer than 20 feet

Discharge from Exits

• Must discharge directly to the street, yard, court, or other open space leading to the street

• The discharge area (including the street) shall be large enough to accommodate all who leave the building from the exit

• Stairs and other exits shall be so arranged as to make clear the direction of exit to the street

Means of Egress - A Wrap-up• Must have a minimum ceiling height of 7’6”• Lights from the ceiling shall be at least 6’8” from the floor• If an exit is not level, stairs or ramps must be used• Exit alarms installed to restrict the improper use of an exit shall not prevent the emergency use of the exit• Furnishings & decorations cannot obstruct an exit• Every exit shall be marked by a clearly visible sign with the word EXIT in plainly legible letters at least 6” high (and 3/4” wide letters)

Means of Egress - A Wrap-up• Exit signs shall be illuminated either by an internal or external means by a “reliable” light source giving a value of not less than 5 foot-candles on the illuminated source• When the way to an exit is not readily apparent, signs or markings similar to exit signs shall be provided with the direction to the exit

Emergency & Fire Prevention Plans (1910.38)

•More than 10 employees - must be in writing•Must include:– Escape procedures– Escape route assignments– Critical operations shutdown procedure– Rescue & medical duty assignments– Means of reporting fires & emergencies– Identification of responsible persons for further info– Procedure to account for all personnel

Alarm System (1910.165)

• Established by employers to the requirements of OSHA 1910.165• Alarm should be audible or seen by all people in the plant• Should have auxiliary power supply• Alarm sound be distinctive (recognizable as a signal to evacuate)• Signals performance of emergency action operations

Evacuation

•Types of evacuation must be in emergency action plan•Employees must know their roles in each type of emergency•Refuge/Safe areas should be determined and identified in the emergency action plan•Exterior safe areas may include– Parking lots– Open Fields– Streets•Employees must clear area for emergency operations

Emergency Training

• Employees must be trained before implementing emergency plans

• Training for each type of disaster response is necessary (so employees know what to do)

• Employer shall review emergency plan with each employee when:

– the plan is developed– employee responsibilities or actions change– the plan is changed

Personal Protection

•Essential to personnel exposed to hazardous substances•Employees may be exposed to a wide variety of hazardous substances in an emergency•Employees must be adequately protected in those situations (especially those assigned to get employees out and/or stay behind)

Medical Assistance

• Employers are required to have:

-- personnel trained to render first aid

-- eye wash stations (where employees are

exposed to corrosive materials)

-- the ready availability of medical personnel

for advice and consultation on matters

of employee health (health care does

not need to be provided, but medical help

must be available to resolve problems

Fire Prevention Plan Must include the following elements:

1 - List of all major work place hazards (including proper handling and storage procedures, potential ignition sources,and type of fire equipment or systems to control a fire involving them)2 - Names or job titles of equipment maintenance personnel (and those responsible for ignition prevention or control systems)3 - Names or job titles of those responsible for control of fuel source hazards

Fire Prevention Plan

Plans must also include:•Housekeeping of flammable & combustible waste materials and residues•Employee review of the fire prevention plan•Availability - by placing the plan in the workplace•Employee training - to apprise them of the fire hazards of materials & processes to which they are exposed•Maintenance of equipment and systems that produce heat to prevent accidental ignition of combustible materials

Fire Protection - Subpart L

• 1910.155 - Scope, Application & Definitions• 1910.156 - Fire Brigades• 1910.157 - Portable Fire Extinguishers• 1910.158 - Standpipe & Hose Systems• 1910.159 - Automatic Sprinkler Systems• 1910.160 - Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General

1910.161-163 (Other types of fixed systems)• 1910.164 - Fire Detection Systems• 1910.165 - Employee Alarm Systems

Fire Protection - Definitions

Class A Fire- A fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood,cloth, and some rubberand plastic materials.

Fire Protection - DefinitionsClass B Fire - A fire involving flammable or combustibleliquids, flammable gases, greases and similar materials,and some rubber and plastic materials.

Fire Protection - Definitions

Class C Fire - A fireinvolving energizedelectrical equipmentwhere safety to the employee requires theuse of electricallynonconductiveextinguishing media.

Fire Protection - Definitions

Class D Fire - A fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.

Extinguisher rating - The numerical rating given to an extinguisher which indicates the extinguishing potential of the unit based on standardized tests developed by Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc.

Fire Brigades - 1910.156

• Fire Fighting Equipment:– Shall be maintained and inspected at least

annually– Portable fire extinguishers and respirators shall be

inspected at least monthly

Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157

• Employees are NOT required to use extinguishers

• If an employer has a – total evacuation policy and a– emergency action plan and a– fire prevention plan which meets 1910.38 AND– does NOT have extinguishers in the workplace the employer is EXEMPT from 1910.157

Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157

• General Requirements:– Mount, locate and identify them for ready accessibility– Use only approved extinguishers– Do NOT use Carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents– Maintain fully charged and operable extinguishers– Keep extinguishers in their designated places at all times except during use– Remove soldered - or riveted shell - inverted type extinguishers from service permanently

Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157

• Selection & Distribution:

– Select based on the classes of workplace fires and the size and degree of hazard

– Extinguishers shall be distributed so that the following maximum travel distances apply:

Class A ….. 75 feet Class B ….. 50 feet Class C ….. Based on appropriate pattern for existing Class A or B hazards Class D ….. 75 feet

Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157

• Training and Education:– Employees shall be educated in use of extinguishers and associated hazards upon initial employment and at least ANNUALLY thereafter– Employees designated to use fire fighting equipment shall be trained

Automatic Sprinkler Systems - 1910.159

• Complete coverage is necessary• Equipment and devices must be approved• Systems must be properly maintained• A main drain flow test must be performed on each

system annually• The inspector’s test valve shall be opened at least

every two years to assure proper system operation• New systems shall have proper acceptance tests

conducted

Automatic Sprinkler Systems - 1910.159

• Sprinkler system must provide at least 1 automatic water supply for at least 30 minutes

• To prevent interference and provide for a maximum protection area, the vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below shall be at least 18 inches

Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General - 1910.160

• Systems using dry chemical, gaseous agents, water spray and foam are regulated by 1910.161 through 1910.163

• Fixed systems must be designed and approved for use on the specific fire hazards they are expected to control

• If the system becomes inoperable, employer must:– Notify employees– Take precautions to assure their safety (install

temporary system, etc.)

Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General - 1910.160

• Except where discharge is immediately recognizable, a distinctive alarm or signaling system shall be provided

• Safeguards must warn employees against entry into hazardous discharge atmospheric areas

• Hazard warning or caution signs shall be posted at the entrance to, and inside, areas protected by use of agents in hazardous concentrations

• Systems must be inspected annually by a knowledgeable person

Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General - 1910.160

• Total Flooding Systems:– Emergency action plan for each area required

where agent concentrations exceed maximum safe levels (as specified in 1910.162(b)(5) and (b)(6))

– Pre-discharge alarm needed for all systems– Alarm must be seen above ambient light or noise

levels– Alarm must give employees time to safely exit from

the discharge area prior to discharging

Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General - 1910.160

• Total Flooding System:– Automatic system actuation shall be provided by

an approved fire detection device interconnected with the pre-discharge employee alarm system

Fire Detection Systems - 1910.164

- Only approved devices/ equipment may be used - Shall be restored to normal operating condition as soon as possible after test- Must be maintained in an operable condition except during repairs or maintenance- Must be tested and adjusted as often as needed to maintain proper reliability and operating conditions- Servicing, maintenance and testing must be done by a trained person knowledgeable in the operations and functions of the system- Protect outdoor equipment from corrosion

Fire Detection Systems - 1910.164

- Detection equipment must be located and/or protected from mechanical or physical impact- Systems shall be designed to operate in time to control or extinguish a fire- Must be designed and installed to provide a warning for emergency action and safe escape of employees- The number, location, and spacing of fire detectors must be based on design data obtained from: - Field experience - Tests - Surveys - Mfg. Recommendations

Employee Alarm Systems - 1910.165

- Shall: - Provide warning for necessary emergency action & safe escape - Shall be perceived above ambient noise or light levels by all employees in the affected workplace areas - Must be distinctive & recognizable as a signal to evacuate- Employer shall explain to each employee the preferred means of reporting emergencies (manual pull boxes, public address system, radio, telephone, etc.)- All devices must be approved

Employee Alarm Systems - 1910.165

- All employee alarm systems must be restored to normal operating condition as promptly as possible after test or alarm- Shall be maintained in operating condition (except when undergoing repair/maintenance)- Shall be tested for reliability/adequacy every 2 months (for non-supervised alarm systems)- Supervised employee alarm systems must be test annually for reliability and adequacy- Servicing, maintenance and testing must be done by trained persons

HOUR 3 QUIZ . 4. Exterior safe areas include all of the 1. A means of egress is defined as a following, except:continuous and unobstructed way of exit a. Parking lotstravel from a specific point in a building b. Open Fieldsor structure to a public way and consists of c Alley waysthree separate and distinct parts. d Streets True_______ False_________ 5. A fire involving energized electrical2. Exterior exit routes have specific equipment is classified as a:requirements. These are: a. Class A fire a. No dead ends longer then 10 feet b Class B fire b. Open, irregardless of the weather c Class C fire c. Smooth, solid, level floors d Class D fire d. Guard rails on all sides above ground level.

3. Emergency and fire prevention plansmust be in writing if an employer has more than 10 employees. True________ False__________

Hour 3 Quiz - Answers

• 1. False. Means of egress must be from any point in a building or structure - not a specific point.

• 2. C.• 3. True.• 4. C.• 5. C.