Fire Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Charts, 1992-2007 [372 KB PDF, 17 pages], fires and explosions accounted for 3% of workplace fatalities in

2007. This page provides valuable reference materials for prevention of fire-related injuries in all workplaces.

Fire safety is addressed in specific standards for recordkeeping, the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, gear certification, and the construction industry.

Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, the Regulatory Agenda (a list of actions being taken with regard to OSHA standards), directives (instructions for compliance officers), and national

consensus standards related to fire safety.

OSHA

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States

adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness (29 CFR 1904)

1904.2 , Log and summary of occupational injuries and illnesses 1904.7 , General recording criteria [related topic page]

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

1910 Subpart E , Exit routes, emergency action plans, and fire prevention plans [related topic page]

← 1910.35 , Compliance with NFPA 101-2000, Life Safety Code

← 1910.36 , Design and construction requirements for exit routes

← 1910.37 , Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes

← 1910.38 , Emergency action plans

← 1910.39 , Fire prevention plans

1910 Subpart G , Occupational health and environmental controls

← 1910.94 , Ventilation [related topic page]

1910 Subpart H , Hazardous materials [related topic page]

← 1910.101 , Compressed gases (general requirements)

← 1910.102 , Acetylene

← 1910.103 , Hydrogen

← 1910.104 , Oxygen

← 1910.106 , Flammable and combustible liquids

← 1910.107 , Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials

← 1910.109 , Explosives and blasting agents

← 1910.110 , Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases

← 1910.111 , Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia [related topic page]

← 1910.119 , Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals [related topic page]

← 1910.120 , Hazardous waste operations and emergency response [related topic page]

1910 Subpart L , Fire protection

← 1910.155 , Scope, application and definitions applicable to this subpart

← 1910.156 , Fire brigades

← 1910.157 , Portable fire extinguishers

← 1910.158 , Standpipe and hose systems

← 1910.159 , Automatic sprinkler systems

← 1910.160 , Fixed extinguishing systems, general

← 1910.161 , Fixed extinguishing systems, dry chemical

← 1910.162 , Fixed extinguishing systems, gaseous agent

← 1910.163 , Fixed extinguishing systems, water spray and foam

← 1910.164 , Fire detection systems

← 1910.165 , Employee alarm systems

← Appendix A , Fire Protection

← Appendix B , National Consensus Standards

← Appendix C , Fire Protection references for further information

← Appendix D , Availability of publications incorporated by reference in section 1910.156 fire brigades

← Appendix E , Test methods for protective clothing

1910 Subpart N , Materials handling and storage

← 1910.178 , Powered industrial trucks [related topic page]

1910 Subpart Q , Welding, cutting, and brazing [related topic page]

← 1910.252 , General requirements

← 1910.253 , Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting

← 1910.255 , Resistance welding

1910 Subpart R , Special industries

← 1910.261 , Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills [related topic page]

← 1910.263 , Bakery equipment

← 1910.265 , Sawmills [related topic page]

← 1910.266 , Logging operations [related topic page]

← 1910.269 , Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution [related topic page]

← 1910.272 , Grain handling facilities [related topic page]

1910 Subpart Z , Toxic and hazardous substances [related topic page]

← 1910.1200 , Hazard communication [related topic page]

Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915)

1915 Subpart P , Fire protection ← 1915.501 , General provisions

← 1915.502 , Fire safety plan

← 1915.503 , Precautions for hot work

← 1915.504 , Fire watches

← 1915.505 , Fire response

← 1915.506 , Hazards of fixed extinguishing systems on board vessels and vessel sections

← 1915.507 , Land-side fire protection systems

← 1915.508 , Training

← 1915.509 , Definitions applicable to this subpart

← Appendix A , Model fire safety plan (Non-Mandatory)

Marine Terminals (29 CFR 1917)

Longshoring (29 CFR 1918)

Gear Certification (29 CFR 1919)

For additional information on OSHA standards for Shipyard Employment, Marine Terminals, and Longshoring, see the OSHA Assistance for the Maritime Industry Page.

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

1926 Subpart C , General safety and health provisions ← 1926.24 , Fire protection and prevention

← 1926.34 , Means of egress

← 1926.35 , Employee emergency action plans

1926 Subpart D , Occupational health and environmental controls

← 1926.57 , Ventilation

← 1926.64 , Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals

← 1926.65 , Hazardous waste operations and emergency response

← 1926.66 ,Criteria for design and construction of spray booths

1926 Subpart F , Fire protection and prevention

← 1926.150 , Fire protection

← 1926.151 , Fire prevention

← 1926.152 , Flammable and combustible liquids

← 1926.153 , Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas)

← 1926.154 , Temporary heating devices

← 1926.155 , Definitions applicable to this subpart

1926 Subpart H , Materials handling, storage, use, and disposal

← 1926.252 , Disposal of waste materials

1926 Subpart J , Welding and cutting

← 1926.350 , Gas welding and cutting

← 1926.352 , Fire prevention

1926 Subpart K , Electrical [related topic page]

← 1926.405 , Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use

← 1926.408 , Special systems

1926 Subpart R , Steel erection

← 1926.752 , Site layout, site-specific erection plan and construction sequence

1926 Subpart S , Underground construction, caissons, cofferdams, and compressed air

← 1926.800 , Underground construction

← 1926.803 , Compressed air. Includes a section on fire protection and prevention.

1926 Subpart T , Demolition

← 1926.850 , Preparatory operations

1926 Subpart U , Blasting and the use of explosives

Directives

Compliance Policy for Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention Plans . CPL 02-01-037 [CPL 2-1.037], (2002, July 9). Provides a consolidated compliance policy for the application of emergency action plans (EAPs) and fire prevention plans (FPPs), General Industry Standard for 29 CFR 1910.38.

1910.156(e)(3)(ii) Fire - Resistive Coat Requirements for Fire Brigades . STD 01-09-003 [STD 1-9.3], (1981, December 12). Recognizes a variation to the washing cycle requirements referenced in 29 CFR 1910.156(e)(3)(ii).

29 CFR 1910.157(f)(2),(f)(2)(i) and (f)(4) Hydrostatic Testing of Dry Chemical Cartridge Portable Fire Extinguishers. STD 01-09-002 [STD 1-9.2], (1981, August 5). Provides exceptions for hydrostatic testing and repairs.

Search all available directives.

National Consensus

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.

International Code Council (ICC)

About ICC: Introduction to the ICC . Includes information about the ICC which initiated a request for recognition of its codes by OSHA in May of 2004, with submission of a document in November of 2005 that details a section by section comparison and analysis of the IBC with OSHA's rules in Subpart E. After review of that document OSHA made a preliminary finding, as noted in an ANPRM, recognizing the IBC and IFC as compliant with the OSHA requirements.

← Code Development . Includes information about the code development cycle, the National Institute of Standard's (NIST) World Trade Center Recommendations, disaster response, comparison of the International Building Code (IBC) with NFPA 5000, the Building Construction and Safety Code, as well as ICC policies and procedures.

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

Codes & Standards . Develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. Virtually every building, process, service, design, and installation in society today is affected by NFPA documents.

← 1, Uniform Fire Code

← 101, Life Safety Code

← 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

← 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code

Consensus Standards and the General Duty Clause

Using Consensus standards to support a 5(a)(1) Citation:

A consensus standard can be used to show "industry recognition" of a hazard. However, the hazard must be recognized in the employers' industry, not an industry other than the employers'

industry.

Section 5(a)(1):

is not used to enforce "should" standards. is not used to required abatement methods not required by a specific standard.

is not normally used to cover categories of hazards exempted by an OSHA standard.

Background

Section 5(a)(1):

Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employee;

The general duty provisions can only be used where there is no standard that applies to the particular hazard involved.

Evaluation of Potential 5(a)(1) situations:

Employer failed to keep workplace free of hazards to which employees of that employer were exposed.

← Must involve a serious hazard and employee exposure.

← Does not specify a particular abatement method - only that the employer keeps the workplace free of serious hazards by any feasible and effective means.

← The hazard must be reasonably foreseeable.

The hazard was recognized.

← Industry recognition

← Employer recognition

← Common-sense recognition

The hazard caused or was likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Feasible means to correct the hazard were available.

Hazards and Possible Solutions

Fire safety becomes everyone's job at a worksite. Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. This plan should outline the assignments of key personnel in the event of a fire and provide an evacuation plan for workers on the site. In the construction industry, a "fire plan" should be set up prior to beginning any

demolition job. The following references aid in recognizing and evaluating hazards and possible solutions in the workplace.

Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions . OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2005, July 31). Also available as a 21 KB PDF, 9 pages. Highlights hazards associated with combustible dusts; work practices and guidelines that reduce the potential for a combustible dust explosion, or that reduce the danger to employees if such an explosion occurs; and training to protect employees from these hazards.

Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers . OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, (2004, January 7). Also available as a 35 KB PDF, 4 pages.

Total Flooding Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishing System [17 KB PDF*, 3 pages]. OSHA Technical Information Bulletin, (2001, December 22).

Fire Hazard of Polyurethane and Other Organic Foam Insulation Aboard Ships and in Construction. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, (1989, May 10).

Possible Explosive and Carcinogenic Hazards to Employees Working with Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) from Inadequate Decontamination Procedures. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, (1987, December 24).

Potential Hazard in Use of Water Spray for Preventing or Controlling the Ignition of Flammable Atmospheres. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, (1986, May 1).

Wormald U.S., Inc., Recall of model EX607 and Model EX589 Portable Fire Extinguisher Hoses. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, (1986, April 10).

General

Small Business Handbook . OSHA Publication 2209-02R, (2005). Also available as a 260 KB PDF, 56 pages.

← Fire Protection

← Flammable and Combustible Materials

Fire Safety . OSHA Fact Sheet, (2002). Also available as a 48 KB PDF, 2 pages. Discusses how employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency.

How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations . OSHA Publication 3088, (Revised 2001). Also available as a 3 MB PDF, 24 pages. Includes information on fire-related emergencies.

OSHA Fire Safety Advisor - Version 1.0a . OSHA Expert System, (2000, September). Provides interactive expert help to apply OSHA's Fire Safety related standards. It addresses OSHA's general industry standards for fire safety and emergency evacuation (29 CFR Subpart E, 1910.36, 37, and 38). It also addresses OSHA standards for fire fighting, fire suppression and fire detection systems and equipment (29 CFR Subpart L, 1910.156 through 165). OSHA invites the public to download, test, and comment on this tool during its development.

OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) . OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).

← Chemical Protective Clothing . Includes information on firefighters' protective clothing.

← Petroleum Refining Processes . Discusses the potential for fire hazards in different types of refining operations.

Fire Safety and Prevention Tools . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), and the US Fire Administration (USFA). Provides listings of residential fire prevention materials in a one stop federal portal, FireSafety.gov, and targeting at-risk populations.

Fire Safety . National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Lists fire safety information documents from NASD.

For additional information on hazards and possible solutions, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on:

← Compressed Gas and Equipment

← Emergency Preparedness and Response

← Hazard Communication

← Pressure Vessels

← Process Safety Management (PSM)

← Pyrotechnics Industry

← Spray Operations

← Welding, Cutting, and Brazing

Construction

OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) . OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20). Includes information on fire safety:

← Preparatory Operations . Contains a section on fire protection and prevention for construction/demolition activities.

Fire and Explosions . Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (eLCOSH). Provides a list of construction-related fire safety resources.

For additional information on hazards and possible solutions, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on:

← Demolition

← Construction Industry

Additional Information

Training

OSHA Training Institute Course Catalog Search . OSHA. Provides a searchable database of course listings, with start and end dates.

Construction Industry Safety and Health Outreach Program . OSHA, (1996, May). Contains three sections pertaining to fire safety:

← Fire Protection and Prevention . Includes a list of applicable definitions, and describes standards pertaining to fire protection, fire fighting, fire prevention,

flammable and combustible liquids, liquefied petroleum gas, and temporary heating devices.

← Classification of Portable Fire Extinguishers . Describes qualifications of Class A, A/B, B/C, and A/B/C fire extinguishers.

← Common Fire Extinguishing Agents . Describes the advantages and disadvantages of six common fire extinguishing agents: water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, multipurpose dry chemical, halon 1301, and halon 1211.

Small Business Handbook . OSHA Publication 2209-02R, (2005). Also available as a 260 KB PDF, 56 pages.

← Hazard Prevention and Control

← Fire Protection

← Flammable and Combustible Materials

Means of Egress and Fire Protection [3 MB ZIP*]. Assists trainers conducting OSHA 10-hour General Industry outreach training for workers. Since workers are the target audience, the material emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control - not standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively.

Fire Safety . National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Provides a listing of several fire safety videos available from NASD.

Other Resources

Working Outdoors in Warm Climates [26 KB PDF*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005, September).

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) . United States Fire Administration (USFA), (2008, June 5). Includes links to reports, software for reporting fires, fire statistics and training materials.

Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) . National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST). Studies building materials; computer-integrated construction practices; fire science and fire safety engineering; and structural, mechanical, and environmental engineering. Products of the laboratory's research include measurements and test methods, performance criteria, and technical data that supports innovations by industry and are incorporated into building and fire standards and codes.

← Fire on the Web . Provides links to fire related software, experimental fire data and mpeg/quick time movies of fire tests that can be downloaded and/or viewed with a web browser.