Fire Safety

Fire is among the most deadly of workplace hazards and the most preventable of accidents. 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 prevention and response. Emergency planning, fire prevention plans, and evacuation that would need to be done in the event of a serious fire are addressed in the OSHA standard, 1910.38. In addition the provision of fire extinguishers and other protection is addressed in 1910.157.

It is important to know what type of fire is in progress. If you use a fire extinguisher be sure to use one only on fires for which that fire extinguisher is designed. Using the wrong agent on a fire may increase the intensity of the fire. Check the label on the fire extinguisher; it should list the fire classes it is meant to put out.

It takes a certain combination of three elements, oxygen, an ignition source, and fuel to start a fire. Without one of these elements in the proper amount, the fire will not start, or if it has already started, it will go out. Fire can be represented by a simple equation:

Fire = Ignition + Fuel + Oxygen

Many of the thousands of chemicals in use in the workplace are both highly toxic and highly volatile. Extreme caution must be used to prevent and fight fires resulting from chemical spills and accidents. Chemicals can cause serious injuries through physical fire or explosion, and health hazards such as burns and poisons.

Workplace Fire Hazards

• Smoking areas: (Permit smoking in designated areas only).
• Heating, ventilating and air-condition systems: (Keep motors free of dust, oil, and fibers. Clean filters on a regular schedule).
• Electrical equipment, including wiring and controls: (Secure covers on all junction, switch, outlet and panel board boxes). Extension cords: (Keep extension cords and electrical wiring out of aisles, check cords frequently for fraying and damage to the plugs).
• Static electricity: (Control static electricity by bonding and grounding your equipment).
• Forklift fueling and servicing: (Refuel and service forklifts outside of manufacturing and storage facilities).
• Hot work areas: (When performing hot work follow the hot work permit, clear the area of combustibles, and have someone available to operate a fire extinguisher during the job and for at least 30 minutes after the job is completed).
• Flammable, combustible liquids, and gases: (Store flammable liquids in a trash free area in approved safety containers. Use in well ventilated areas; post warning signs, and no smoking in flammable liquid areas).
• Storage areas:
• Waste removal:

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