Fire Prevention

Understanding OSHA regulations on fire prevention and protection

The following training requirements have been excerpted from Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910. Note that additional training requirements may appear in certain other standards (ANSI, NFPA, etc.) adopted by reference in Part 1910 and are therefore mandatory.

Fire safety becomes everyone’s job at a worksite. Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. This plan should outline the assignments of key personnel in the event of a fire and provide an evacuation plan for workers on the site. In the construction industry, a “fire plan” should be set up prior to beginning any demolition job. The following references aid in recognizing and evaluating hazards and possible solutions in the workplace.

• Carbon Monoxide Explosion Hazards in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking Operations. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2015, December 4).
• Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2005, July 31). Highlights hazards associated with combustible dusts; work practices and guidelines that reduce the potential for a combustible dust explosion, or that reduce the danger to employees if such an explosion occurs; and training to protect employees from these hazards.
• Total Flooding Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishing System. OSHA Technical Information Bulletin, (2001, December 22).
• Fire Hazard of Polyurethane and Other Organic Foam Insulation Aboard Ships and in Construction. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, (1989, May 10).