EGRESS AND FIRE PROTECTION

KEY TERMS Means of Egress:

A continuous and unobstructed plan of exit comprised of the path to and from the exit (access and discharge, respectively) as well as the exit itself

Exit Access:

The portion of the "means of egress" which leads to an entrance or exit

Exit:

Portion of a means of Egress, separated from all other spaces, to provide a protected way of travel to exit discharge.

Low Hazard content:

These contents are those with low combustibility that no self-propagating fire can occur and that the only probable danger requiring the use of emergency exits will be from panic, fumes, smoke or fire from external source.

Ordinary Hazard content:

These contents are liable to burn with moderate rapidity. They give off considerable smoke, but do not produce poisonous fumes or explosions.

High Hazard content:

These are liable to burn with extreme rapidity. They produce poisonous fumes and /or explosions are feared in the event of fire to, or with in the contents.

Fire Prevention

• The “Fire Triangle” identifies the three components of any fire:– Fuel paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical

equipment, etc...

– Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Often referred to as the ignition source.

– Oxidizer (air)

IF ANY ONE OF THESE IS MISSING, A FIRE CANNOT CONTINUE.

THEREFORE…

Prevention

•Prevention is based on Prevention is based on eliminating or eliminating or minimizing one of the minimizing one of the components of the components of the “Fire Triangle”.“Fire Triangle”.

Prevention

• Other fire prevention methods include:– Heat and/or smoke detectors.

– Automatic fire sprinkler systems.

– Kitchen hood systems.

– Building codes and materials.

– Flame retardant furnishings and materials.

Exit Drills

• We recommend quarterly fire drills conducted in all occupied locations of the facility.

• The fire drills should include staff from all shifts on a rotating basis (i.e. one per shift per quarter).

Evacuation

• Primary and secondary evacuation routes should be established, and all employees should be drilled to use either route.

• Exits should be clearly marked and all signs lit and unobstructed.

REACT upon discovery of fire or smokefire or smoke

Remove persons in immediate danger!

Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)

Activate the building alarm !

Call the Fire Department !

Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!• Continue a complete building evacuation

• Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are trained in use of a fire extinguisher !

GENERAL GUIDELINES EXIT ROUTES

Proper means of egress require inspection, testing, & maintenance. Keep the following guidelines in mind when instituting a means of egress for your structure:

Fire alarms are required if a fire could start without providing adequate warning to occupants

There must be enough exits in the proper arrangement for quick escape

Adequate and reliable illumination must be provided for all exit facilities

Minimum escape route width: 28 inches; minimum ceiling height: 7.5 feet

1910.37(l) –

No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall be so placed as to obstruct exits, including access to, egress from, or their visibility.

Exit Doors Must Be Unlocked

• Must be able to open from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge

• Device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted

• Must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use if the device or alarm fails

• May be locked from the inside only in mental, penal, or correctional facilities where there is constant supervision

Locked and blocked exit

Emergency Action Plan

• Describes actions that must be taken to ensure employee safety in emergencies

• Includes floor plans or maps which show emergency escape routes

• Tells employees what actions to take in emergency situations

• Covers reasonably expected emergencies, such as fires, explosions, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and floods

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

• Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency;

• Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments;

• Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;

• Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation;

• Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties;

• The name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan.

• Alarm system established for emergencies:

– Alert employees

– Alert fire department

• Reporting instructions conspicuously posted by phones and worker entrances

ELEMENTS OF THE EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Evacuation

• Types of evacuation (partial or complete)

• Refuge area designated in plan

ELEMENTS OF THE EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Training:

• Train personnel before implementing

• Employer review plan with employees

• Wardens selected to assist evacuation

Alarm system complying with 1910.165 must be present