Egress and Fire Protection

MODULE 17

Egress and Fire Protection

What could make employees need to escape quickly? What are the typical escape routes? What precautions are taken for fire protection and prevention?

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Regulations
29 CFR 1910 Subparts E and L 29 CFR 1926 Subpart F construction API RP 54
Section 7: Fire Protection and Prevention 6.10: Auxiliary Escape 9.3.10: At least 2 stairways on a drilling rig

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Exit Routes, EAPs, and FPPs

29 CFR 1910 Subpart E

1910.34 Coverage
Every employer is covered:
1910.34 through 1910.39 apply to workplaces in general industry Except mobile workplaces such as vehicles or vessels

Exit routes Emergency action plans

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1910.34(c) Definitions
Exit: that portion of an exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. Exit access: that portion of an exit route that leads to an exit. Exit discharge: the part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
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1910.34(c) Definitions
Exit 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:
The exit access; The exit; and, The exit discharge.

Equivalent to Means of Egress in the Life Safety Code and most local building and fire codes
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1910.35 Compliance with NFPA 101-2000, Life Safety Code

Compliance with the exit route provisions of NFPA 101-2000 will be deemed to be in compliance with the corresponding requirements in 1910.34, 1910.36, 1910.37

NFPA
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29 CFR 1910.36

Design and Construction Requirements for Exit Routes

1910.36(a)(1) Basic Requirement

An exit route must be a permanent part of the workplace
Eat at Mas Place

No ropes or rope ladders

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1910.36(a)(2) Exit separated by fire resistant materials

Construction materials used to separate an exit from other parts of the workplace:
1 hour resistance 3 stories 2 hours resistance 4 stories 1 hour
2 hours
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1910.36(a)(3) Openings into an exit must be limited

Openings into an exit: limited to those necessary to allow access to the exit Each opening must be protected by an approved self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency

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1910.36(b) The number of exit routes must be adequate

At least 2 routes must be available
Except for sufficiently small occupancy see (b)(3) As far away from each other as practical in case one is blocked by fire or smoke More than 2 required if all cannot evacuate through 2 exit routes

Life Safety Code can help with this determination

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1910.36(c)(1) Exit Discharge

Must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside
Exit
Discharge
Offices Storage

Discharge

Exit access Fabricating shop

Exit
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1910.36(c)(2) Exit Discharge

The street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space to which an exit discharge leads must be large enough to accommodate the building occupants likely to use the exit route

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1910.36(c)(3) Exit Discharge

Exit stairs that continue beyond the level of the exit discharge must be interrupted at that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel leading to the exit discharge
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EXIT

NOT AN

EXIT

NOT AN

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1910.36(d) Exit door must be unlocked

Must be able to open exit route door
From the inside at all times Without keys, tools, or special knowledge Panic bar is permissible

No device or alarm that could restrict use of route if device fails Mental, penal, correctional facilities: exception with constant supervision & plan
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1910.36(e)(1) A side-hinged exit door must be used

A side-hinged door must be used to connect any room to an exit route Must swing out in the direction of exit travel if
room is designed for > 50 people or room is a high hazard area

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1910.36(f) The capacity of an exit route must be adequate

Must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served
See factors for occupant load and capacity in NFPA Life Safety Code Chapter 7
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1910.36(f) The capacity of an exit route must be adequate

Exit route capacity may not decrease toward exit discharge

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1910.36(g) Exit minimum height and width requirements

Ceiling at least 76 Any projection from the ceiling 68 Exit access 28 inches wide
Including all objects projecting into route
7- ft.

6 ft.- 8 in.

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1910.36(h) An outdoor exit route is permitted.

Same minimum height and width Additional requirements:
Guardrails on unenclosed sides Covered if snow or ice likely to accumulate
Unless snow removed before hazard

Reasonably straight Smooth, solid, level walkways No dead end longer than 20 feet
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29 CFR 1910.37

Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes

1910.37(a) The danger to employees must be minimized

Exit routes must be kept free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings or decorations No exit route may lead toward high hazard area, unless shielded
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1910.37(a) The danger to employees must be minimized

Exit routes free and unobstructed: No materials/equipment may be placed within exit route Exit access must not go through a room that can be locked Safeguards must be kept in working order
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1910.37(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate

Exit routes adequately lighted Clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit" No decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of exit route door
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1910.37(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate

If the direction of travel to the exit is not immediately apparent, signs must be posted indicating the direction of travel to the nearest exit Line-of-sight to an exit sign must clearly be visible at all times

Way to exit is not apparent

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1910.37(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate

Each doorway or passage 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)
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1910.37(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate

Each exit sign must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five footcandles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color The word "Exit" in plainly legible letters 6 Letters 3/4 inch thick
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1910.37(d) Exit routes during construction, repairs, or alterations

Employees must not occupy a workplace until the exit routes are ready in occupied portion

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1910.37(d) Exit routes during construction, repairs, or alterations

Employees must not be exposed to hazards from construction activities that are beyond the normal permissible conditions, or that would impede exiting the workplace

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1910.37(e) Alarm system

Alarm system must be installed and maintained in operable condition
To warn of fire or other emergencies Unless employees can promptly see or smell fire or hazard in time Must comply with 1910.165 (in Subpart L)

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29 CFR 1910.38

Emergency Action Plans

1910.38 Emergency action plans (EAP)

Emergency action plan:
In writing Kept in the workplace Available to employees for review
EAP

Employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees
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1910.38(c) Minimum elements of an emergency action plan

1. Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency 2. Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments 3. Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before evacuating
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1910.38(c) Minimum elements of an emergency action plan

4. Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation 5. Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties 6. Name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan
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Alarms, training, review

d. Alarm system must use distinctive signals for each purpose, comply with 1910.165 e. Designate and train employees to assist in safe, orderly evacuation of others f. Review of EAP with each employee:

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When plan developed or employee assigned When employees responsibilities under the plan change When the plan changes
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29 CFR 1910.39

Fire Prevention Plans

1910.39(b) Written and oral fire prevention plans

Any required fire prevention plan must:
Must be in writing, Be kept in the workplace, and Be made available to employees for review

Employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees
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1910.39(c)(1) Minimum elements of a fire prevention plan

List of all major fire hazards Proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials Potential ignition sources and their control Type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard
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1910.39(c)(1) Minimum elements of a fire prevention plan, contd

Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste Maintenance procedures for safeguards on heat-producing equipment to prevent ignition of combustible materials Name or title of employees responsible for maintaining equipment to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires Name or title of employees responsible for control of fuel source hazards
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1910.39(e) Employee 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 selfprotection.

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29 CFR Subpart L

Fire Protection

Organization of 1910 Subpart L

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155 Scope, application, definitions 156 Fire brigades 157 Portable fire extinguishers 158 Standpipe and hose systems 159 Automatic sprinkler systems 160-163 Fixed extinguishing systems 164 Fire detection systems 165 Employee alarm systems
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29 CFR 1910.155

Scope, Application, and Definitions

Scope and Application

Fire brigades, fire suppression equipment, fire detection systems, alarm systems Applies to all employments except maritime, construction, and agriculture

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Definitions
Class A fire: Ordinary combustible materials

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Paper Wood Cloth Some rubber and plastic. Flammable or combustible liquids Flammable gases Greases Some rubber and plastic
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Class B fire:

Definitions
Class C fire: Energized electrical equipment
Employee safety requires nonconductive extinguishing media

Class D fire: Combustible metals

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Magnesium Titanium Zirconium Sodium Lithium Potassium

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Definitions
Dry chemical: small particles of chemicals supplemented for dryness and flow
Bicarbonates Potassium chloride Monoammonium phosphate

Dry powder: compound used to extinguish or control Class D fires

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Definitions
Enclosed structure:
Has a roof or ceiling and at least 2 walls May accumulate smoke, toxic gases and heat

Foam: Bubbles form a blanket over liquid, sealing combustible vapors Gaseous agent: Diffuses uniformly to extinguish fires
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29 CFR 1910.156

Fire Brigades

Scope and Application

Organization, training, PPE Fire brigades established by employer
Industrial fire departments Private or contractual fire departments

PPE requirements only apply to interior structural firefighting

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Organization and Training

Organizational statement available Physical capability
No heart disease, epilepsy, or emphysema without physicians certificate of fitness

Training and education

Beforehand and frequently enough Examples of quality training programs Special hazards and written procedures
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Firefighting Equipment
Maintain and inspect at least annually Portable fire extinguishers and respirators: inspect at least monthly Remove and replace unserviceable or damaged equipment

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Protective clothing
For interior structural firefighting
Not required for incipient stage firefighting

Provide at no cost and assure use Protect head, body, and extremities

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Foot and leg protection Body protection Hand protection Head, eye, and face protection
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Respiratory protection devices

Provided to and used by fire brigade members Meet 1910.134 as well SCBA requirements

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29 CFR 1910.157

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Scope and application

Placement, use, maintenance, testing For portable fire extinguishers to be used by employees inside structures (e) and (f) only if not for employee use Partial exemptions:
Policy requiring total evacuation; FPP and EAP; extinguishers not present Only designated employees authorized
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General requirements
Provide, mount, locate and identify
Readily accessible to employees without possible injury

Only approved fire extinguishers No carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishers Maintain fully charged and operable in designated places
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Selection and distribution

Based on fire classes, size of hazard Class A: 75 ft. travel distance to extinguisher, or standpipe Class B: 50 ft. travel distance to extinguisher Class C: Based on pattern for Class A/B Class D: 75 ft. travel distance to extinguishing agent
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Fire Extinguisher Classes

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Inspection, maintenance, and testing

Portable extinguishers or hose visually inspected monthly Annual maintenance check record available Maintenance 6 years after recharge or hydrostatic test for dry chemical extinguishers with 12-year hydrostatic test requirements Alternate equivalent protection during maintenance/recharging
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Hydrostatic testing
Performed by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities Test interval given for various types of extinguishers Tested when new evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury Details for various types
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Training and education

If employees are to use fire extinguishers, the employer must educate them on principles and hazards EAP-designated employees trained on appropriate equipment Upon employment and at least annually

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Standpipe and hose systems

For smaller systems not Class I Protected against mechanical damage
Repaired promptly if damaged

Equipment: designed for prompt use Water supply: minimum 100 gal/min Tests and maintenance

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1910.159-163: Sprinklers and Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Sprinklers only if required by OSHA Fixed extinguishing systems
Discharge alarms and safeguards Inspection and maintenance PPE for rescue of employees trapped

Dry chemical Gaseous agent Water spray and foam

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Fire detection systems

Restore to normal condition ASAP after each test or alarm spares available Maintenance and testing Protect from corrosion, physical impact Do not support by wires or tubing Designed to operate in time, provide a warning Delay only if necessary for immediate safety
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Employee alarm systems

All local fire alarm signaling systems used to alert employees Enough warning for emergency action of safe escape Perceived above ambient noise/light
Tactile devices when necessary

Distinctive and recognizable

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Employee alarm systems

Explain to each employee how to report emergencies Establish procedures for emergency alarm Restore to normal condition ASAP after each test or alarm spares available

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Employee alarm systems

Maintain in operating condition except during repairs or maintenance Test for reliability/adequacy every 2 months if unsupervised Back-up means of alarm when out of service Supervised systems notify personnel of deficiencies test once/year
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Employee alarm systems

Manually operated actuation devices (fire alarm pulls)
Unobstructed Conspicuous Readily accessible

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API RP 54

Fire Protection on Oil and Gas Well Sites

API RP 54 Requirements
Drilling rigs: at least 4 20-pound capacity, Class BC rated fire extinguishers Well servicing rigs: at least 2 20-pound capacity, Class BC rated fire extinguishers Available near all welding Firefighting equipment also includes water hoses and drilling fluid guns
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