['Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Emergency Planning - OSHA']
['Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Fire Extinguishers', 'Emergency Alarms']
03/13/2024
Copyright 2024 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
...
Fire is capable of damaging and destroying property, and it’s among the deadliest of workplace hazards. Because of the serious danger of fire, it’s to your benefit to know about fires and what to do should a fire erupt. OSHA regulates several aspects of fire protection and response. Subpart L to 29 CFR 1910 provides requirements for fire brigades and all portable and fixed fire suppression equipment, fire detection systems, and fire or employee alarm systems installed to meet the fire protection requirements of Part 1910. Note that Subpart L is about fire protection, not fire prevention or evacuation, which are covered elsewhere, at 1910.39 and 1910.38, respectively.
Scope
Subpart L to 29 CFR 1910 applies to all employments except for maritime, construction, and agriculture.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.155 — Scope, application and definitions applicable to this subpart
- 29 CFR 1910.156 — Fire brigades
- 29 CFR 1910.157 through 1910.158 — Portable fire suppression equipment (including portable fire extinguishers and standpipe and hose systems)
- 29 CFR 1910.159 through 1910.163 — Fixed fire suppression equipment (including automatic sprinkler systems and fixed extinguishing systems, i.e., dry chemical, gaseous agent, and water spray and foam)
- 29 CFR 1910.164 through 1910.165 — Other fire protection systems (including fire detection systems and employee alarm systems)
- Appendices to Subpart L of 29 CFR 1910 — These appendices offer information on Subpart L compliance, national consensus standards, fire protection references, availability of publications incorporated by reference in 1910.156, and mandatory test methods for protective clothing.
Key definitions
- After-flame: The time a test specimen continues to flame after the flame source has been removed.
- Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF): A fluorinated surfactant with a foam stabilizer which is diluted with water to act as a temporary barrier to exclude air from mixing with the fuel vapor by developing an aqueous film on the fuel surface of some hydrocarbons which is capable of suppressing the generation of fuel vapors.
- Approved: Acceptable to OSHA under the following criteria:
- If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; or
- With respect to an installation or equipment of a kind which no nationally recognized testing laboratory accepts, certifies, lists, labels, or determines to be safe, if it is inspected or tested by another federal agency and found in compliance with the provisions of the applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Code; or
- With respect to custom-made equipment or related installations which are designed, fabricated for, and intended for use by its manufacturer on the basis of test data which the employer keeps and makes available for inspection to OSHA.
- For the purposes of this definition, equipment is listed, labeled, accepted, or certified if it meets the criteria listed in 1910.155(c)(3). Also, refer to 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Automatic fire detection device: A device designed to automatically detect the presence of fire by heat, flame, light, smoke, or other products of combustion.
- Buddy-breathing device: An accessory to self-contained breathing apparatus which permits a second person to share the same air supply as that of the wearer of the apparatus.
- Carbon dioxide: A colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive inert gas (chemical formula CO2) that is a medium for extinguishing fires by reducing the concentration of oxygen or fuel vapor in the air to the point where combustion is impossible.
- Class A fire: A fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, and some rubber and plastic materials.
- Class B fire: A fire involving flammable or combustible liquids; flammable gases, greases, and similar materials; and some rubber and plastic materials.
- Class C fire: A fire involving energized electrical equipment where safety to the employee requires the use of electrically nonconductive extinguishing media.
- Class D fire: A fire involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.
- Dry chemical: An extinguishing agent composed of very small particles of chemicals, such as, but not limited to, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, urea-based potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, or monoammonium phosphate supplemented by special treatment to provide resistance to packing and moisture absorption (caking) as well as to provide proper flow capabilities. Dry chemical does not include dry powders.
- Dry powder: A compound used to extinguish or control Class D fires.
- Education: The process of imparting knowledge or skill through systematic instruction. It does not require formal classroom instruction.
- Enclosed structure: A structure with a roof or ceiling and at least two walls which may present fire hazards to employees, such as accumulations of smoke, toxic gases and heat, similar to those found in buildings.
- Extinguisher classification: The letter classification given an extinguisher to designate the class or classes of fire on which an extinguisher will be effective.
- 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 brigade (private fire department, industrial fire department): An organized group of employees who are knowledgeable, trained, and skilled in at least basic fire fighting operations.
- Fixed extinguishing system: A permanently installed system that either extinguishes or controls a fire at the location of the system.
- Flame resistance: The property of materials, or combinations of component materials, to retard ignition and restrict the spread of flame.
- Foam: A stable aggregation of small bubbles which flow freely over a burning liquid surface and form a coherent blanket which seals combustible vapors and thereby extinguishes the fire.
- Gaseous agent: A fire extinguishing agent which is in the gaseous state at normal room temperature and pressure. It has low viscosity, can expand or contract with changes in pressure and temperature, and has the ability to diffuse readily and to distribute itself uniformly throughout an enclosure.
- Halon 1211: A colorless, faintly sweet smelling, electrically nonconductive liquefied gas (chemical formula CBrC1F2) which is a medium for extinguishing fires by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of fuel and oxygen. It is also known as bromochlorodifluoromethane.
- Halon 1301: A colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive gas (chemical formula CBrF3) which is a medium for extinguishing fires by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of fuel and oxygen. It is also known as bromotrifluoromethane.
- Helmet: A head protective device consisting of a rigid shell, energy absorption system, and chin strap intended to be worn to provide protection for the head or portions thereof, against impact, flying or falling objects, electric shock, penetration, heat, and flame.
- Incipient stage fire: A fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.
- Inspection: A visual check of fire protection systems and equipment to ensure that they are in place, charged, and ready for use in the event of a fire.
- Interior structural fire fighting: The physical activity of fire suppression, rescue, or both, inside of buildings or enclosed structures which are involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient stage.
- Lining: A material permanently attached to the inside of the outer shell of a garment for the purpose of thermal protection and padding.
- Local application system: A fixed fire suppression system which has a supply of extinguishing agent, with nozzles arranged to automatically discharge extinguishing agent directly on the burning material to extinguish or control a fire.
- Maintenance: The performance of services on fire protection equipment and systems to assure that they will perform as expected in the event of a fire. Maintenance differs from inspection in that maintenance requires the checking of internal fittings, devices, and agent supplies.
- Multipurpose dry chemical: A dry chemical which is approved for use on Class A, Class B, and Class C fires.
- Outer shell: The exterior layer of material on the fire coat and protective trousers which forms the outermost barrier between the fire fighter and the environment. It is attached to the vapor barrier and liner and is usually constructed with a storm flap, suitable closures, and pockets.
- Positive-pressure breathing apparatus: Self-contained breathing apparatus in which the pressure in the breathing zone is positive in relation to the immediate environment during inhalation and exhalation.
- Pre-discharge employee alarm: An alarm which will sound at a set time prior to actual discharge of an extinguishing system so that employees may evacuate the discharge area prior to system discharge.
- Quick disconnect valve: A device which starts the flow of air by inserting of the hose (which leads from the facepiece) into the regulator of self-contained breathing apparatus, and stops the flow of air by disconnection of the hose from the regulator.
- Sprinkler alarm: An approved device installed so that any waterflow from a sprinkler system equal to or greater than that from single automatic sprinkler will result in an audible alarm signal on the premises.
- Sprinkler system: A system of piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards and installed to control or extinguish fires. The system includes an adequate and reliable water supply, and a network of specially sized piping and sprinklers which are interconnected. The system also includes a control valve and a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation.
- Standpipe systems:
- Class I standpipe system means a 21/2″ (6.3 cm) hose connection for use by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams.
- Class II standpipe system means a 11/2″ (3.8 cm) hose system which provides a means for the control or extinguishment of incipient stage fires.
- Class III standpipe system means a combined system of hose which is for the use of employees trained in the use of hose operations and which is capable of furnishing effective water discharge during the more advanced stages of fire (beyond the incipient stage) in the interior of workplaces. Hose outlets are available for both 11/2″ (3.8 cm) and 21/2″ (6.3 cm) hose.
- Small hose system means a system of hose ranging in diameter from 5/8″ (1.6 cm up to 11/2″ (3.8 cm) which is for the use of employees and which provides a means for the control and extinguishment of incipient stage fires.
- Total flooding system: A fixed suppression system which is arranged to automatically discharge a predetermined concentration of agent into an enclosed space for the purpose of fire extinguishment or control.
- Training: The process of making proficient through instruction and hands-on practice in the operation of equipment, including respiratory protection equipment, that is expected to be used and in the performance of assigned duties.
- Vapor barrier: Material used to prevent or substantially inhibit the transfer of water, corrosive liquids, and steam or other hot vapors from the outside of a garment to the wearer’s body.
Summary of requirements
- Fire detection systems:
- Ensure fire detection systems are approved for the purpose for which they are intended.
- Return fire detection systems to normal operating condition promptly after each test or alarm. Have spare detection devices and components available, if these parts are normally destroyed when they detect fires.
- Test and adjust fire detection systems as often as needed to maintain proper reliability and operating condition, with some exceptions specified in the regulations.
- Clean the fire detection systems at regular, periodic intervals.
- Equip all pneumatic and hydraulic operated fire detection systems with supervised systems, if they were installed after January 1, 1981.
- Locate or protect all fire detection equipment so that it is protected from any mechanical or physical impact that might make it inoperable. Also protect outdoor detection equipment from corrosion.
- Ensure the number, spacing, and location of fire detectors is based on the regulations.
- Ensure that fire detection systems will actuate in time to control or extinguish a fire.
- Employee alarm systems:
- Ensure the employee alarm system is distinctive, recognizable, and capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels.
- Explain to each employee the preferred means of reporting emergencies.
- Post emergency contact numbers in conspicuous locations.
- Educate employees as to the procedures for sounding alarms in the facility.
- Ensure that employee alarm systems are approved.
- Test a non-supervised alarm system every two months.
- Restore each employee alarm system to normal operating condition promptly after each test or alarm.
- Maintain or replace power supplies as often as is necessary to assure a fully operational condition.
- Make sure that all supervised alarm systems are tested at least annually for reliability and adequacy.
- Confirm that the person servicing, maintaining, and testing the system is trained in the designed operation and functions necessary for reliable and safe operation of the system.
- Portable fire extinguishers:
- Develop and implement an emergency action plan and/or fire prevention plan, if required, depending on the options you select for fire extinguishers under 1910.157(a) and (b).
- Mount, locate, and identify approved fire extinguishers so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting themselves to possible injury. Locate extinguishers depending on the fire hazards present.
- Keep extinguishers in their designated places at all times, except during use.
- Keep extinguishers fully charged and in operable condition.
- Ensure that extinguishers are inspected, maintained, and tested at intervals specified in the regulation.
- Ensure that hydrostatic testing is performed by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities.
- Familiarize employees initially and annually with general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting, where you have provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace.
- Train employees initially and annually in the use of fire fighting equipment, if they are designated to use the equipment as part of the emergency action plan.
- Standpipe and hose systems:
- Protect standpipes so that they can be relied upon during a fire emergency.
- Make sure that the hose and nozzle are accessible to employees without subjecting them to injury.
- Ensure that the hose reels and hose cabinets are conspicuously identified and used only for fire equipment.
- Ensure hose outlets and connections are located high enough above the floor to avoid being obstructed, yet accessible to employees.
- Standardize screw threads or use appropriate adapters to assure hose connections are compatible with fire equipment.
- Meet regulatory specifications for hoses, nozzles, and the minimum water supply for standpipe and hose systems.
- Have piping and hose undergo acceptance testing.
- Have a trained person maintain and inspect water supply levels, piping connection valves, and hose systems as required.
- When the system is found not to be serviceable, remove it from service immediately and replace it with equivalent protection such as extinguishers and fire watches.
- Automatic sprinkler systems (if required):
- Ensure the automatic sprinkler system provides complete coverage for the zone it protects.
- Design and install your automatic sprinkler system with approved materials.
- Ensure the automatic sprinkler system will function in the event of a fire through routine inspections, regular testing, and proper maintenance.
- Assure that every automatic sprinkler system is provided with at least one automatic water supply capable of providing design water flow for at least 30 minutes.
- Make an auxiliary supply or equivalent protection available in the event that the original water supply is not in service, unless the automatic sprinkler system consists of 20 or fewer sprinklers.
- Protect automatic sprinkler system piping against freezing and exterior surface corrosion.
- Assure that all dry sprinkler pipes and fittings are installed so that the system may be totally drained.
- Use only approved sprinklers in your automatic sprinkler system.
- Protect sprinklers against mechanical impact damage.
- Ensure a local waterflow alarm is provided on all sprinkler systems having more than 20 sprinklers.
- Space the sprinklers to provide the maximum amount of area protection coverage per sprinkler. The placement of sprinklers should minimize the discharge spray interference.
- Make sure the hydraulically designed automatic sprinkler systems, or portions thereof, are identified as such. In addition, indicate the location, number of sprinklers in the hydraulically designed section, and the basis of the design.
- Fixed extinguishing systems (if required or may expose employees to possible injury, death, or adverse health effects):
- Design a fixed extinguishing system based on the type of fire that the system will control or extinguish.
- Provide on all extinguishing systems a distinctive alarm or signaling system capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels, to indicate when the extinguishing system is discharging, unless discharge is immediately recognizable.
- Post signs or warnings to notify employees of areas protected by fixed extinguishing systems.
- Use safeguards and warnings to prevent employees from entering discharge areas in which the atmosphere remains hazardous to employee safety and health after discharge.
- Have a knowledgeable person inspect fixed systems annually.
- Semiannually inspect the suppression agent containers for weight and pressure losses.
- Keep a record of the inspection and maintenance on the container, on a tag attached to the container, or in a central location.
- Train employees designated to inspect, maintain, operate, or repair fixed extinguishing systems and annually review their training to keep them up-to-date in the functions they are to perform.
- Do not use chlorobromomethane or carbon tetrachloride as an extinguishing agent where employees may be exposed.
- Approve, install, and maintain automatic detection equipment for all fixed extinguishing systems.
- Ensure that systems installed in the presence of corrosive atmospheres are constructed with the proper materials.
- Ensure that systems installed in areas with climatic extremes operate effectively at the expected temperatures.
- Mark the manual operating devices to identify the hazard they are protecting against.
- Provide personal protective equipment if employees rescue a trapped coworker from an area in which a hazardous agent discharge has occurred.
- Have an emergency action plan if you have total flooding systems that provide agent concentrations exceeding the maximum safe levels.
- Ensure a pre-discharge alarm can be perceived above the area noise and light levels.
- Provide automatic actuation of total flooding systems by means of an approved fire detection device.
- Ensure that dry chemical systems meet the general requirements for fixed extinguishing systems, as well as specific requirements for dry chemical systems.
- Ensure that gaseous agent systems meet the general requirements for fixed extinguishing systems, as well as specific requirements for gaseous agents.
- Ensure that water spray and foam systems meet the general requirements for fixed extinguishing systems, as well as specific requirements for water spray and foam systems.
- Fire brigades:
- Prepare and maintain an organizational statement.
- Ensure employees who are expected to do interior structural fire fighting are physically capable of performing duties which may be assigned to them during emergencies.
- Train and educate all fire brigade members commensurate with those functions that the fire brigade members are expected to perform. Ensure that training and education is conducted frequently enough to assure that each member of the fire brigade is able to perform the member’s assigned duties and functions satisfactorily and in a safe manner.
- Maintain and inspect, at least annually, fire fighting equipment to assure the safe operational condition of the equipment. Portable fire extinguishers and respirators shall be inspected at least monthly.
- Remove from service and replace any fire fighting equipment that is in damaged or unserviceable condition.
- Provide protective clothing at no cost to those fire brigade members who perform interior structural fire fighting operations. Ensure that protective clothing protects the head, body, and extremities, and consists of at least the following components: foot and leg protection; hand protection; body protection; and eye, face, and head protection. Ensure that foot, leg, body, hand, head, eye, face, and respiratory protection meets the specifications of the regulation.
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['Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Emergency Planning - OSHA']
['Fire Protection and Prevention', 'Fire Extinguishers', 'Emergency Alarms']
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Copyright 2024 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.