|
Fire Prevention Program
Purpose
The Company Fire Safety Plan has been developed to work in conjunction with
company emergency plans and other safety programs. This includes reviewing
all new building construction and renovations to ensure compliance with
applicable state, local, and national fire and life safety standards. Fire
prevention measures reduce the incidence of fires by eliminating opportunities
for ignition of flammable materials.
Responsibilities
Management
- Ensure all fire prevention methods are established and enforced
- Ensure fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and extinguishers are
periodically inspected and maintained to a high degree of working order
- Train supervisors to use fire extinguishers for incipient fires
- Train employees on evacuation routes and procedures
Supervisors
- Closely monitor the use of flammable materials and liquids
- Train assigned employees in the safe storage, use and handling of flammable
materials
- Ensure flammable material storage areas are properly maintained
Employees
- Use, store and transfer flammable materials in accordance with provided
training
- Do not mix flammable materials
- Immediately report violations of the Fire Safety Program
Hazards
Fire and explosion hazards can exist in
almost any work area. Potential hazards include:
- Improper operation or maintenance of
gas fired equipment
- Improper storage or use of flammable
liquids
- Smoking in prohibited areas
- Accumulation of trash
- Unauthorized Hot Work operations
Hazard Control
Elimination of Ignition
Sources
All nonessential ignition sources must be eliminated where flammable liquids
are used or stored. The following is a list of some of the more common potential
ignition sources:
- Open flames, such as cutting and welding torches, furnaces, matches, and
heaters-these sources should be kept away from flammable liquids operations.
Cutting or welding on flammable liquids equipment should not be performed unless
the equipment has been properly emptied and purged with a neutral gas such as
nitrogen.
- Chemical sources of ignition such as d.c. motors, switched, and circuit
breakers-these sources should be eliminated where flammable liquids are handled
or stored. Only approved explosion-proof devices should be used in these areas.
- Mechanical sparks-these sparks can be produced as a result of friction. Only
nonsparking tools should be used in areas where flammable liquids are stored or
handled.
- Static sparks-these sparks can be generated as a result of electron transfer
between two contacting surfaces. The electrons can discharge in a small volume,
raising the temperature to above the ignition temperature. Every effort should
be made to eliminate the possibility of static sparks. Also proper bonding and
grounding procedures must be followed when flammable liquids are transferred or
transported.
Removal of Incompatibles
Materials that can contribute to a flammable liquid fire should not be stored
with flammable liquids. Examples are oxidizers and organic peroxides, which, on
decomposition, can generate large amounts of oxygen.
Control of Flammable Gases
Generally, flammable gases pose the same type of fire hazards as flammable
liquids and their vapors. Many of the safeguards for flammable liquids also
apply to flammable gases, other properties such as toxicity, reactivity, and
corrosivity also must be taken into account. Also, a gas that is flammable could
produce toxic combustion products.
Fire Extinguishers
A portable fire extinguisher is a "first aid" device and is very effective
when used while the fire is small. The use of fire extinguisher that matches the
class of fire, by a person who is well trained, can save both lives and
property. Portable fire extinguishers must be installed in workplaces regardless
of other firefighting measures. The successful performance of a fire
extinguisher in a fire situation largely depends on its proper selection,
inspection, maintenance, and distribution.
Classification of Fires and Selection of Extinguishers
Fires are classified into four general categories depending on the type of
material or fuel involved. The type of fire determines the type of extinguisher
that should be used to extinguish it.
- 1)
- Class A fires involve materials such as wood, paper, and cloth which produce
glowing embers or char.
- 2)
- Class B fires involve flammable gases, liquids, and greases, including
gasoline and most hydrocarbon liquids which must be vaporized for combustion to
occur.
- 3)
- Class C fires involve fires in live electrical equipment or in materials
near electrically powered equipment.
- 4)
- Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, zirconium,
potassium, and sodium.
Extinguishers will be selected according to the potential fire hazard, the
construction and occupancy of facilities, hazard to be protected, and other
factors pertinent to the situation.
Location and Marking of Extinguishers
Extinguishers will be conspicuously located and readily accessible for
immediate use in the event of fire. They will be located along normal paths of
travel and egress. Wall recesses and/or flush-mounted cabinets will be used as
extinguisher locations whenever possible.
Extinguishers will be clearly visible. In locations where visual obstruction
cannot be completely avoided, directional arrows will be provided to indicate
the location of extinguishers and the arrows will be marked with the
extinguisher classification.
If extinguishers intended for different classes of fire are located together,
they will be conspicuously marked to ensure that the proper class extinguisher
selection is made at the time of a fire. Extinguisher classification markings
will be located on the front of the shell above or below the extinguisher
nameplate. Markings will be of a size and form to be legible from a distance of
3 feet.
Condition
Portable extinguishers will be maintained in a fully charged and operable
condition. They will be kept in their designated locations at all times when not
being used. When extinguishers are removed for maintenance or testing, a fully
charged and operable replacement unit will be provided.
Mounting and Distribution of Extinguishers
Extinguishers will be installed on hangers, brackets, in cabinets, or on
shelves. Extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds will be so
installed that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 3-1/2 feet above the
floor.
Extinguishers mounted in cabinets or wall recesses or set on shelves will be
placed so that the extinguisher operating instructions face outward. The
location of such extinguishers will be made conspicuous by marking the cabinet
or wall recess in a contrasting color which will distinguish it from the normal
decor.
Extinguishers must be distributed in such a way that the amount of time
needed to travel to their location and back to the fire does not allow the fire
to get out of control. OSHA requires that the travel distance for Class A and
Class D extinguishers not exceed 75 feet. The maximum travel distance for Class
B extinguishers is 50 feet because flammable liquid fires can get out of control
faster that Class A fires. There is no maximum travel distance specified for
Class C extinguishers, but they must be distributed on the basis of appropriate
patterns for Class A and B hazards.
Inspection and Maintenance
Once an extinguisher is selected, purchased, and installed, it is the
responsibility of _____________ to oversee the inspection, maintenance, and
testing of fire extinguishers to ensure that they are in proper working
condition and have not been tampered with or physically damaged.
Fire Safety Inspections & Housekeeping
First line supervisors and Safety Committees are responsible for conducting
work site surveys that include observations of compliance with the Fire Safety
Program. These surveys should include observations of worksite safety and
housekeeping issues and should specifically address proper storage of chemicals
and supplies, unobstructed access to fire extinguishers, and emergency
evacuation routes. Also, they should determine if an emergency evacuation plan
is present in work areas and that personnel are familiar with the plan.
Emergency Exits
Every exit will be clearly visible, or the route to it conspicuously
identified in such a manner that every occupant of the building will readily
know the direction of escape from any point. At no time will exits be blocked.
Any doorway or passageway which is not an exit or access to an exit but which
may be mistaken for an exit, will be identified by a sign reading "Not An Exit"
or a sign indicating it actual use (i.e., "Storeroom"). Exits and accesses to
exits will be marked by a readily visible sign. Each exit sign (other than
internally illuminated signs) will be illuminated by a reliable light source
providing not less than 5 foot-candles on the illuminated surface.
Emergency Plan for Persons with
Disabilities
The first line supervisor is assigned the responsibility to assist Persons
with Disabilities (PWD) under their supervision. An alternate assistant will be
chosen by the supervisor. The role of the two assistants is to report to their
assigned person, and to either assist in evacuation or assure that the PWD is
removed from danger.
- Supervisors, alternates, and the person with a disability will be trained on
available escape routes and methods.
- A list of persons with disabilities is kept in the _________________ Office.
- Visitors who have disabilities will be assisted in a manner similar to that
of company employees. The Host of the person with disabilities will assist in
their evacuation.
Emergencies Involving Fire
Fire Alarms
In the event of a fire emergency, a fire alarm will sound for the building.
Evacuation Routes and Plans
Each facility shall have an emergency evacuation plan. All emergency exits
shall conform to NFPA standards.
Should evacuation be necessary, go to the nearest exit or stairway and
proceed to an area of refuge outside the building. Most stairways are fire
resistant and present barriers to smoke if the doors are kept closed.
Do not use elevators. Should the fire involve the control panel of the
elevator or the electrical system of the building, power in the building may be
cut and you could be trapped between floors. Also, the elevator shaft can become
a flue, lending itself to the passage and accumulation of hot gases and smoke
generated by the fire.
Emergency Coordinators/Supervisors
Emergency Coordinators/Supervisors will be responsible for verifying
personnel have evacuated from their assigned areas.
Fire Emergency Procedures
If you discover a fire
- Activate the nearest fire alarm.
- Notify your Supervisor and other occupants.
Fight the fire ONLY if
- The fire department has been notified of the fire, AND
- The fire is small and confined to its area of origin, AND
- You have a way out and can fight the fire with your back to the exit, AND
- You have the proper extinguisher, in good working order, AND know how to use
it.
- If your are not sure of your ability or the fire extinguisher's capacity to
contain the fire, leave the area.
If you hear a fire alarm
- Evacuate the area. Close windows, turn off gas jets, and close doors as you
leave.
- Leave the building and move away from exits and out of the way of emergency
operations.
- Assemble in a designated area.
- Report to the monitor so he/she can determine that all personnel have
evacuated your area.
- Remain outside until competent authority states that it is safe to re-enter.
Evacuation Routes
- Learn at least two escape routes, and emergency exits from your area.
- Never use an elevator as part of your escape route.
- Learn to activate a fire alarm.
- Learn to recognize alarm sounds.
- Take an active part in fire evacuation drills.
|