Appendix A to Subpart L of Part 1910 - Fire Protection
29:5.1.1.1.8.12.37.12.9 : Appendix A
Appendix A to Subpart L of Part 1910 - Fire Protection
§
1910.156 Fire brigades.
1. Scope. This section does not require an employer to
organize a fire brigade. However, if an employer does decide to
organize a fire brigade, the requirements of this section
apply.
2. Pre-fire planning. It is suggested that pre-fire
planning be conducted by the local fire department and/or the
workplace fire brigade in order for them to be familiar with the
workplace and process hazards. Involvement with the local fire
department or fire prevention bureau is encouraged to facilitate
coordination and cooperation between members of the fire brigade
and those who might be called upon for assistance during a fire
emergency.
3. Organizational statement. In addition to the
information required in the organizational statement, paragraph
1910.156(b)(1), it is suggested that the organizational statement
also contain the following information: a description of the duties
that the fire brigade members are expected to perform; the line
authority of each fire brigade officer; the number of the fire
brigade officers and number of training instructors; and a list and
description of the types of awards or recognition that brigade
members may be eligible to receive.
4. Physical capability. The physical capability
requirement applies only to those fire brigade members who perform
interior structural fire fighting. Employees who cannot meet the
physical capability requirement may still be members of the fire
brigade as long as such employees do not perform interior
structural fire fighting. It is suggested that fire brigade members
who are unable to perform interior structural fire fighting be
assigned less stressful and physically demanding fire brigade
duties, e.g., certain types of training, recordkeeping, fire
prevention inspection and maintenance, and fire pump
operations.
Physically capable can be defined as being able to perform those
duties specified in the training requirements of section
1910.156(c). Physically capable can also be determined by physical
performance tests or by a physical examination when the examining
physician is aware of the duties that the fire brigade member is
expected to perform.
It is also recommended that fire brigade members participate in
a physical fitness program. There are many benefits which can be
attributed to being physically fit. It is believed that physical
fitness may help to reduce the number of sprain and strain injuries
as well as contributing to the improvement of the cardiovascular
system.
5. Training and education. The paragraph on training and
education does not contain specific training and education
requirements because the type, amount, and frequency of training
and education will be as varied as are the purposes for which fire
brigades are organized. However, the paragraph does require that
training and education be commensurate with those functions that
the fire brigade is expected to perform; i.e., those functions
specified in the organizational statement. Such a performance
requirement provides the necessary flexibility to design a training
program which meets the needs of individual fire brigades.
At a minimum, hands-on training is required to be conducted
annually for all fire brigade members. However, for those fire
brigade members who are expected to perform interior structural
fire fighting, some type of training or education session must be
provided at least quarterly.
In addition to the required hands-on training, it is strongly
recommended that fire brigade members receive other types of
training and education such as: classroom instruction, review of
emergency action procedures, pre-fire planning, review of special
hazards in the workplace, and practice in the use of self-contained
breathing apparatus.
It is not necessary for the employer to duplicate the same
training or education that a fire brigade member receives as a
member of a community volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or
similar organization. However, such training or education must have
been provided to the fire brigade member within the past year and
it must be documented that the fire brigade member has received the
training or education. For example: there is no need for a fire
brigade member to receive another training class in the use of
positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus if the fire
brigade member has recently completed such training as a member of
a community fire department. Instead, the fire brigade member
should receive training or education covering other important
equipment or duties of the fire brigade as they relate to the
workplace hazards, facilities and processes.
It is generally recognized that the effectiveness of fire
brigade training and education depends upon the expertise of those
providing the training and education as well as the motivation of
the fire brigade members. Fire brigade training instructors must
receive a higher level of training and education than the fire
brigade members they will be teaching. This includes being more
knowledgeable about the functions to be performed by the fire
brigade and the hazards involved. The instructors should be
qualified to train fire brigade members and demonstrate skills in
communication, methods of teaching, and motivation. It is important
for instructors and fire brigade members alike to be motivated
toward the goals of the fire brigade and be aware of the importance
of the service that they are providing for the protection of other
employees and the workplace.
It is suggested that publications from the International Fire
Service Training Association, the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA-1041), the International Society of Fire Service
Instructors and other fire training sources be consulted for
recommended qualifications of fire brigade training
instructors.
In order to be effective, fire brigades must have competent
leadership and supervision. It is important for those who supervise
the fire brigade during emergency situations, e.g., fire brigade
chiefs, leaders, etc., to receive the necessary training and
education for supervising fire brigade activities during these
hazardous and stressful situations. These fire brigade members with
leadership responsibilities should demonstrate skills in strategy
and tactics, fire suppression and prevention techniques, leadership
principles, pre-fire planning, and safety practices. It is again
suggested that fire service training sources be consulted for
determining the kinds of training and education which are necessary
for those with fire brigade leadership responsibilities.
It is further suggested that fire brigade leaders and fire
brigade instructors receive more formalized training and education
on a continuing basis by attending classes provided by such
training sources as universities and university fire extension
services.
The following recommendations should not be considered to be all
of the necessary elements of a complete comprehensive training
program, but the information may be helpful as a guide in
developing a fire brigade training program.
All fire brigade members should be familiar with exit facilities
and their location, emergency escape routes for handicapped
workers, and the workplace “emergency action plan.”
In addition, fire brigade members who are expected to control
and extinguish fires in the incipient stage should, at a minimum,
be trained in the use of fire extinguishers, standpipes, and other
fire equipment they are assigned to use. They should also be aware
of first aid medical procedures and procedures for dealing with
special hazards to which they may be exposed. Training and
education should include both classroom instruction and actual
operation of the equipment under simulated emergency conditions.
Hands-on type training must be conducted at least annually but some
functions should be reviewed more often.
In addition to the above training, fire brigade members who are
expected to perform emergency rescue and interior structural fire
fighting should, at a minimum, be familiar with the proper
techniques in rescue and fire suppression procedures. Training and
education should include fire protection courses, classroom
training, simulated fire situations including “wet drills” and,
when feasible, extinguishment of actual mock fires. Frequency of
training or education must be at least quarterly, but some drills
or classroom training should be conducted as often as monthly or
even weekly to maintain the proficiency of fire brigade
members.
There are many excellent sources of training and education that
the employer may want to use in developing a training program for
the workplace fire brigade. These sources include publications,
seminars, and courses offered by universities.
There are also excellent fire school courses by such facilities
as Texas A and M University, Delaware State Fire School, Lamar
University, and Reno Fire School, that deal with those unique
hazards which may be encountered by fire brigades in the oil and
chemical industry. These schools, and others, also offer excellent
training courses which would be beneficial to fire brigades in
other types of industries. These courses should be a continuing
part of the training program, and employers are strongly encouraged
to take advantage of these excellent resources.
It is also important that fire brigade members be informed about
special hazards to which they may be exposed during fire and other
emergencies. Such hazards as storage and use areas of flammable
liquids and gases, toxic chemicals, water-reactive substances,
etc., can pose difficult problems. There must be written procedures
developed that describe the actions to be taken in situations
involving special hazards. Fire brigade members must be trained in
handling these special hazards as well as keeping abreast of any
changes that occur in relation to these special hazards.
6. Fire fighting equipment. It is important that fire
fighting equipment that is in damaged or unserviceable condition be
removed from service and replaced. This will prevent fire brigade
members from using unsafe equipment by mistake.
Fire fighting equipment, except portable fire extinguishers and
respirators, must be inspected at least annually. Portable fire
extinguishers and respirators are required to be inspected at least
monthly.
7. Protective clothing. (A) General. Paragraph (e)
of § 1910.156 does not require all fire brigade members to wear
protective clothing. It is not the intention of these standards to
require employers to provide a full ensemble of protective clothing
for every fire brigade member without consideration given to the
types of hazardous environments to which the fire brigade member
might be exposed. It is the intention of these standards to require
adequate protection for those fire brigade members who might be
exposed to fires in an advanced stage, smoke, toxic gases, and high
temperatures. Therefore, the protective clothing requirements only
apply to those fire brigade members who perform interior structural
fire fighting operations.
Additionally, the protective clothing requirements do not apply
to the protective clothing worn during outside fire fighting
operations (brush and forest fires, crash crew operations) or other
special fire fighting activities. It is important that the
protective clothing to be worn during these types of fire fighting
operations reflect the hazards which are expected to be encountered
by fire brigade members.
(B) Foot and leg protection. Section 1910.156 permits an
option to achieve foot and leg protection.
The section recognizes the interdependence of protective
clothing to cover one or more parts of the body. Therefore, an
option is given so that fire brigade members may meet the foot and
leg requirements by either wearing long fire-resistive coats in
combination with fully extended boots, or by wearing shorter
fire-resistive costs in combination with protective trousers and
protective shoes or shorter boots.
(C) Body protection. Paragraph (e)(3) of § 1910.156
provides an option for fire brigade members to achieve body
protection. Fire brigade members may wear a fire-resistive coat in
combination with fully extended boots, or they may wear a
fire-resistive coat in combination with protective trousers.
Fire-resistive coats and protective trousers meeting all of the
requirements contained in NFPA 1971-1975 “Protective Clothing for
Structural Fire Fighters,” are acceptable as meeting the
requirements of this standard.
The lining is required to be permanently attached to the outer
shell. However, it is permissible to attach the lining to the outer
shell material by stitching in one area such as at the neck.
Fastener tape or snap fasteners may be used to secure the rest of
the lining to the outer shell to facilitate cleaning. Reference to
permanent lining does not refer to a winter liner which is a
detachable extra lining used to give added protection to the wearer
against the effects of cold weather and wind.
(D) Hand protection. The requirements of the paragraph on
hand protection may be met by protective gloves or a glove system.
A glove system consists of a combination of different gloves. The
usual components of a glove system consist of a pair of gloves,
which provide thermal insulation to the hands, worn in combination
with a second pair of gloves which provide protection against
flame, cut, and puncture.
It is suggested that protective gloves provide dexterity and a
sense of feel for objects. Criteria and test methods for dexterity
are contained in the NIOSH publications, “The Development of
Criteria for Firefighters' Gloves; Vol. I: Glove Requirements” and
“Vol. II: Glove Criteria and Test Methods.” These NIOSH
publications also contain a permissible modified version of Federal
Test Method 191, Method 5903, (paragraph (3) of appendix E) for
flame resistance when gloves, rather than glove material, are
tested for flame resistance.
(E) Head, eye, and face protection. Head protective
devices which meet the requirements contained in NFPA No. 1972 are
acceptable as meeting the requirements of this standard for head
protection.
Head protective devices are required to be provided with ear
flaps so that the ear flaps will be available if needed. It is
recommended that ear protection always be used while fighting
interior structural fires.
Many head protective devices are equipped with face shields to
protect the eyes and face. These face shields are permissible as
meeting the eye and face protection requirements of this paragraph
as long as such face shields meet the requirements of § 1910.133 of
the General Industry Standards.
Additionally, full facepieces, helmets or hoods of approved
breathing apparatus which meet the requirements of § 1910.134 and
paragraph (f) of § 1910.156 are also acceptable as meeting the eye
and face protection requirements.
It is recommended that a flame resistant protective head
covering such as a hood or snood, which will not adversely affect
the seal of a respirator facepiece, be worn during interior
structural fire fighting operations to protect the sides of the
face and hair.
8. Respiratory protective devices. Respiratory protection
is required to be worn by fire brigade members while working inside
buildings or confined spaces where toxic products of combustion or
an oxygen deficiency is likely to be present; respirators are also
to be worn during emergency situations involving toxic substances.
When fire brigade members respond to emergency situations, they may
be exposed to unknown contaminants in unknown concentrations.
Therefore, it is imperative that fire brigade members wear proper
respiratory protective devices during these situations.
Additionally, there are many instances where toxic products of
combustion are still present during mop-up and overhaul operations.
Therefore, fire brigade members should continue to wear respirators
during these types of operations.
Self-contained breathing apparatus are not required to be
equipped with either a buddy-breathing device or a quick-disconnect
valve. However, these accessories may be very useful and are
acceptable as long as such accessories do not cause damage to the
apparatus, restrict the air flow of the apparatus, or obstruct the
normal operation of the apparatus.
Buddy-breathing devices are useful for emergency situations
where a victim or another fire brigade member can share the same
air supply with the wearer of the apparatus for emergency escape
purposes.
The employer is encouraged to provide fire brigade members with
an alternative means of respiratory protection to be used only for
emergency escape purposes if the self-contained breathing apparatus
becomes inoperative. Such alternative means of respiratory
protection may be either a buddy-breathing device or an escape
self-contained breathing apparatus (ESCBA). The ESCBA is a
short-duration respiratory protective device which is approved for
only emergency escape purposes. It is suggested that if ESCBA units
are used, that they be of at least 5 minutes service life.
Quick-disconnect valves are devices which start the flow of air
by insertion of the hose (which leads to the facepiece) into the
regulator of self-contained breathing apparatus, and stop the flow
of air by disconnecting the hose from the regulator. These devices
are particularly useful for those positive-pressure self-contained
breathing apparatus which do not have the capability of being
switched from the demand to the positive-pressure mode.
The use of a self-contained breathing apparatus where the
apparatus can be switched from a demand to a positive-pressure mode
is acceptable as long as the apparatus is in the positive-pressure
mode when performing interior structural fire fighting operations.
Also acceptable are approved respiratory protective devices which
have been converted to the positive-pressure type when such
modification is accomplished by trained and experienced persons
using kits or parts approved by NIOSH and provided by the
manufacturer and by following the manufacturer's instructions.
There are situations which require the use of respirators which
have a duration of 2 hours or more. Presently, there are no
approved positive-pressure apparatus with a rated service life of
more than 2 hours. Consequently, negative-pressure self-contained
breathing apparatus with a rated service life of more than 2 hours
and which have a minimum protection factor of 5,000 as determined
by an acceptable quantitative fit test performed on each
individual, will be acceptable for use during situations which
require long duration apparatus. Long duration apparatus may be
needed in such instances as working in tunnels, subway systems,
etc. Such negative-pressure breathing apparatus will continue to be
acceptable for a maximum of 18 months after a positive-pressure
apparatus with the same or longer rated service life of more than 2
hours is certified by NIOSH/MSHA. After this 18 month phase-in
period, all self-contained breathing apparatus used for these long
duration situations will have to be of the positive-pressure
type.
Protection factor (sometimes called fit factor) is defined as
the ratio of the contaminant concentrations outside of the
respirator to the contaminant concentrations inside the facepiece
of the respirator.
Protection factors are determined by
quantitative fit tests. An acceptable quantitative fit test should
include the following elements:
1. A fire brigade member who is physically and medically capable
of wearing respirators, and who is trained in the use of
respirators, dons a self-contained breathing apparatus equipped
with a device that will monitor the concentration of a contaminant
inside the facepiece.
2. The fire brigade member then performs a qualitative fit test
to assure the best face to facepiece seal as possible. A
qualitative fit test can consist of a negative-pressure test,
positive-pressure test, isoamyl acetate vapor (banana oil) test, or
an irritant smoke test. For more details on respirator fitting see
the NIOSH booklet entitled “A Guide to Industrial Respiratory
Protection” June, 1976, and HEW publication No. (NIOSH) 76-189.
3. The wearer should then perform physical activity which
reflects the level of work activity which would be expected during
fire fighting activities. The physical activity should include
simulated fire-ground work activity or physical exercise such as
running-in-place, a step test, etc.
4. Without readjusting the apparatus, the wearer is placed in a
test atmosphere containing a non-toxic contaminant with a known,
constant, concentration.
The protection factor is then determined by dividing the known
concentration of the contaminant in the test atmosphere by the
concentration of the contaminant inside the facepiece when the
following exercises are performed:
(a) Normal breathing with head motionless for one minute;
(b) Deep breathing with head motionless for 30 seconds;
(c) Turning head slowly from side to side while breathing
normally, pausing for at least two breaths before changing
direction. Continue for at least one minute;
(d) Moving head slowly up and down while breathing normally,
pausing for at least two breaths before changing direction.
Continue for at least two minutes;
(e) Reading from a prepared text, slowly and clearly, and loudly
enough to be heard and understood. Continue for one minute; and
(f) Normal breathing with head motionless for at least one
minute.
The protection factor which is determined must be at least
5,000. The quantitative fit test should be conducted at least three
times. It is acceptable to conduct all three tests on the same day.
However, there should be at least one hour between tests to reflect
the protection afforded by the apparatus during different times of
the day.
The above elements are not meant to be a comprehensive,
technical description of a quantitative fit test protocol. However,
quantitative fit test procedures which include these elements are
acceptable for determining protection factors. Procedures for a
quantitative fit test are required to be available for inspection
by the Assistant Secretary or authorized representative.
Organizations such as Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Lawrence
Livermore Laboratory, NIOSH, and American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) are excellent sources for additional information
concerning qualitative and quantitative fit testing.
§ 1910.157 Portable fire extinguishers.
1. Scope and application. The scope and application of
this section is written to apply to three basic types of
workplaces. First, there are those workplaces where the employer
has chosen to evacuate all employees from the workplace at the time
of a fire emergency. Second, there are those workplaces where the
employer has chosen to permit certain employees to fight fires and
to evacuate all other non-essential employees at the time of a fire
emergency. Third, there are those workplaces where the employer has
chosen to permit all employees in the workplace to use portable
fire extinguishers to fight fires.
The section also addresses two kinds of work areas. The entire
workplace can be divided into outside (exterior) work areas and
inside (interior) work areas. This division of the workplace into
two areas is done in recognition of the different types of hazards
employees may be exposed to during fire fighting operations. Fires
in interior workplaces, pose a greater hazard to employees; they
can produce greater exposure to quantities of smoke, toxic gases,
and heat because of the capability of a building or structure to
contain or entrap these products of combustion until the building
can be ventilated. Exterior work areas, normally open to the
environment, are somewhat less hazardous, because the products of
combustion are generally carried away by the thermal column of the
fire. Employees also have a greater selection of evacuation routes
if it is necessary to abandon fire fighting efforts.
In recognition of the degree of hazard present in the two types
of work areas, the standards for exterior work areas are somewhat
less restrictive in regards to extinguisher distribution. Paragraph
(a) explains this by specifying which paragraphs in the section
apply.
2. Portable fire extinguisher exemptions. In recognition
of the three options given to employers in regard to the amount of
employee evacuation to be carried out, the standards permit certain
exemptions based on the number of employees expected to use fire
extinguishers.
Where the employer has chosen to totally evacuate the workplace
at the time of a fire emergency and when fire extinguishers are not
provided, the requirements of this section do not apply to that
workplace.
Where the employer has chosen to partially evacuate the
workplace or the effected area at the time of a fire emergency and
has permitted certain designated employees to remain behind to
operate critical plant operations or to fight fires with
extinguishers, then the employer is exempt from the distribution
requirements of this section. Employees who will be remaining
behind to perform incipient fire fighting or members of a fire
brigade must be trained in their duties. The training must result
in the employees becoming familiar with the locations of fire
extinguishers. Therefore, the employer must locate the
extinguishers in convenient locations where the employees know they
can be found. For example, they could be mounted in the fire truck
or cart that the fire brigade uses when it responds to a fire
emergency. They can also be distributed as set forth in the
National Fire Protection Association's Standard No. 10, “Portable
Fire Extinguishers.”
Where the employer has decided to permit all employees in the
workforce to use fire extinguishers, then the entire OSHA section
applies.
3. Portable fire extinguisher mounting. Previous
standards for mounting fire extinguishers have been criticized for
requiring specific mounting locations. In recognition of this
criticism, the standard has been rewritten to permit as much
flexibility in extinguisher mounting as is acceptable to assure
that fire extinguishers are available when needed and that
employees are not subjected to injury hazards when they try to
obtain an extinguisher.
It is the intent of OSHA to permit the mounting of extinguishers
in any location that is accessible to employees without the use of
portable devices such as a ladder. This limitation is necessary
because portable devices can be moved or taken from the place where
they are needed and, therefore, might not be available at the time
of an emergency.
Employers are given as much flexibility as possible to assure
that employees can obtain extinguishers as fast as possible. For
example, an acceptable method of mounting extinguishers in areas
where fork lift trucks or tow-motors are used is to mount the units
on retractable boards which, by means of counterweighting, can be
raised above the level where they could be struck by vehicular
traffic. When needed, they can be lowered quickly for use. This
method of mounting can also reduce vandalism and unauthorized use
of extinguishers. The extinguishers may also be mounted as outlined
in the National Fire Protection Association's Standard No. 10,
“Portable Fire Extinguishers.”
4. Selection and distribution. The employer is
responsible for the proper selection and distribution of fire
extinguishers and the determination of the necessary degree of
protection. The selection and distribution of fire extinguishers
must reflect the type and class of fire hazards associated with a
particular workplace.
Extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards may be selected
from the following types: water, foam, loaded stream, or
multipurpose dry chemical. Extinguishers for protecting Class B
hazards may be selected from the following types: Halon 1301, Halon
1211, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, foam, or loaded stream.
Extinguishers for Class C hazards may be selected from the
following types: Halon 1301, Halon 1211, carbon dioxide, or dry
chemical.
Combustible metal (Class D hazards) fires pose a different type
of fire problem in the workplace. Extinguishers using water, gas,
or certain dry chemicals cannot extinguish or control this type of
fire. Therefore, certain metals have specific dry powder
extinguishing agents which can extinguish or control this type of
fire. Those agents which have been specifically approved for use on
certain metal fires provide the best protection; however, there are
also some “universal” type agents which can be used effectively on
a variety of combustible metal fires if necessary. The “universal”
type agents include: Foundry flux, Lith-X powder, TMB liquid,
pyromet powder, TEC powder, dry talc, dry graphite powder, dry
sand, dry sodium chloride, dry soda ash, lithium chloride,
zirconium silicate, and dry dolomite.
Water is not generally accepted as an effective extinguishing
agent for metal fires. When applied to hot burning metal, water
will break down into its basic atoms of oxygen and hydrogen. This
chemical breakdown contributes to the combustion of the metal.
However, water is also a good universal coolant and can be used on
some combustible metals, but only under proper conditions and
application, to reduce the temperature of the burning metal below
the ignition point. For example, automatic deluge systems in
magnesium plants can discharge such large quantities of water on
burning magnesium that the fire will be extinguished. The National
Fire Protection Association has specific standards for this type of
automatic sprinkler system. Further information on the control of
metal fires with water can be found in the National Fire Protection
Association's Fire Protection Handbook.
An excellent source of selection and distribution criteria is
found in the National Fire Protection Association's Standard No.
10. Other sources of information include the National Safety
Council and the employer's fire insurance carrier.
5. Substitution of standpipe systems for portable fire
extinguishers. The employer is permitted to substitute
acceptable standpipe systems for portable fire extinguishers under
certain circumstances. It is necessary to assure that any
substitution will provide the same coverage that portable units
provide. This means that fire hoses, because of their limited
portability, must be spaced throughout the protected area so that
they can reach around obstructions such as columns, machinery, etc.
and so that they can reach into closets and other enclosed
areas.
6. Inspection, maintenance and testing. The ultimate
responsibility for the inspection, maintenance and testing of
portable fire extinguishers lies with the employer. The actual
inspection, maintenance, and testing may, however, be conducted by
outside contractors with whom the employer has arranged to do the
work. When contracting for such work, the employer should assure
that the contractor is capable of performing the work that is
needed to comply with this standard.
If the employer should elect to perform the inspection,
maintenance, and testing requirements of this section in-house,
then the employer must make sure that those persons doing the work
have been trained to do the work and to recognize problem areas
which could cause an extinguisher to be inoperable. The National
Fire Protection Association provides excellent guidelines in its
standard for portable fire extinguishers. The employer may also
check with the manufacturer of the unit that has been purchased and
obtain guidelines on inspection, maintenance, and testing.
Hydrostatic testing is a process that should be left to contractors
or individuals using suitable facilities and having the training
necessary to perform the work.
Anytime the employer has removed an extinguisher from service to
be checked or repaired, alternate equivalent protection must be
provided. Alternate equivalent protection could include replacing
the extinguisher with one or more units having equivalent or equal
ratings, posting a fire watch, restricting the unprotected area
from employee exposure, or providing a hose system ready to
operate.
7. Hydrostatic testing. As stated before, the employer
may contract for hydrostatic testing. However, if the employer
wishes to provide the testing service, certain equipment and
facilities must be available. Employees should be made aware of the
hazards associated with hydrostatic testing and the importance of
using proper guards and water pressures. Severe injury can result
if extinguisher shells fail violently under hydrostatic
pressure.
Employers are encouraged to use contractors who can perform
adequate and reliable service. Firms which have been certified by
the Materials Transportation Board (MTB) of the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) or State licensed extinguisher servicing firms
or recognized by the National Association of Fire Equipment
Distributors in Chicago, Illinois, are generally acceptable for
performing this service.
8. Training and education. This part of the standard is
of the utmost importance to employers and employees if the risk of
injury or death due to extinguisher use is to be reduced. If an
employer is going to permit an employee to fight a workplace fire
of any size, the employer must make sure that the employee knows
everything necessary to assure the employee's safety.
Training and education can be obtained through many channels.
Often, local fire departments in larger cities have fire prevention
bureaus or similar organizations which can provide basic fire
prevention training programs. Fire insurance companies will have
data and information available. The National Fire Protection
Association and the National Safety Council will provide, at a
small cost, publications that can be used in a fire prevention
program.
Actual fire fighting training can be obtained from various
sources in the country. The Texas A & M University, the University
of Maryland's Fire and Rescue Institute, West Virginia University's
Fire Service Extension, Iowa State University's Fire Service
Extension and other State training schools and land grant colleges
have fire fighting programs directed to industrial applications.
Some manufacturers of extinguishers, such as the Ansul Company and
Safety First, conduct fire schools for customers in the proper use
of extinguishers. Several large corporations have taken time to
develop their own on-site training programs which expose employees
to the actual “feeling” of fire fighting. Simulated fires for
training of employees in the proper use of extinguishers are also
an acceptable part of a training program.
In meeting the requirements of this section, the employer may
also provide educational materials, without classroom instruction,
through the use of employee notice campaigns using instruction
sheets or flyers or similar types of informal programs. The
employer must make sure that employees are trained and educated to
recognize not only what type of fire is being fought and how to
fight it, but also when it is time to get away from it and leave
fire suppression to more experienced fire fighters.
§ 1910.158 Standpipe and hose systems.
1. Scope and application. This section has been written
to provide adequate coverage of those standpipe and hose systems
that an employer may install in the workplace to meet the
requirements of a particular OSHA standard. For example, OSHA
permits the substitution of hose systems for portable fire
extinguishers in § 1910.157. If an employer chooses to provide hose
systems instead of portable Class A fire extinguishers, then those
hose systems used for substitution would have to meet the
applicable requirements of § 1910.157. All other standpipe and hose
systems not used as a substitute would be exempt from these
requirements.
The section specifically exempts Class I large hose systems. By
large hose systems, OSHA means those 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) hose lines
that are usually associated with fire departments of the size that
provide their own water supply through fire apparatus. When the
fire gets to the size that outside protection of that degree is
necessary, OSHA believes that in most industries employees will
have been evacuated from the fire area and the “professional” fire
fighters will take control.
2. Protection of standpipes. Employers must make sure
that standpipes are protected so that they can be relied upon
during a fire emergency. This means protecting the pipes from
mechanical and physical damage. There are various means for
protecting the equipment such as, but not limited to, enclosing the
supply piping in the construction of the building, locating the
standpipe in an area which is inaccessible to vehicles, or locating
the standpipe in a stairwell.
3. Hose covers and cabinets. The employer should keep
fire protection hose equipment in cabinets or inside protective
covers which will protect it from the weather elements, dirt or
other damaging sources. The use of protective covers must be easily
removed or opened to assure that hose and nozzle are accessible.
When the employer places hose in a cabinet, the employer must make
sure that the hose and nozzle are accessible to employees without
subjecting them to injury. In order to make sure that the equipment
is readily accessible, the employer must also make sure that the
cabinets used to store equipment are kept free of obstructions and
other equipment which may interfere with the fast distribution of
the fire hose stored in the cabinet.
4. Hose outlets and connections. The employer must assure
that employees who use standpipe and hose systems can reach the
hose rack and hose valve without the use of portable equipment such
as ladders. Hose reels are encouraged for use because one employee
can retrieve the hose, charge it, and place it into service without
much difficulty.
5. Hose. When the employer elects to provide small hose
in lieu of portable fire extinguishers, those hose stations being
used for the substitution must have hose attached and ready for
service. However, if more than the necessary amount of small hose
outlets are provided, hose does not have to be attached to those
outlets that would provide redundant coverage. Further, where the
installation of hose on outlets may expose the hose to extremely
cold climates, the employer may store the hose in houses or similar
protective areas and connect it to the outlet when needed.
There is approved lined hose available that can be used to
replace unlined hose which is stored on racks in cabinets. The
lined hose is constructed so that it can be folded and placed in
cabinets in the same manner as unlined hose.
Hose is considered to be unserviceable when it deteriorates to
the extent that it can no longer carry water at the required
pressure and flow rates. Dry rotted linen or hemp hose, cross
threaded couplings, and punctured hose are examples of
unserviceable hose.
6. Nozzles. Variable stream nozzles can provide useful
variations in water flow and spray patterns during fire fighting
operations and they are recommended for employee use. It is
recommended that 100 psi (700kPa) nozzle pressure be used to
provide good flow patterns for variable stream nozzles. The most
desirable attribute for nozzles is the ability of the nozzle person
to shut off the water flow at the nozzle when it is necessary. This
can be accomplished in many ways. For example, a shut-off nozzle
with a lever or rotation of the nozzle to stop flow would be
effective, but in other cases a simple globe valve placed between a
straight stream nozzle and the hose could serve the same purpose.
For straight stream nozzles 50 psi nozzle pressure is recommended.
The intent of this standard is to protect the employee from
“run-away” hoses if it becomes necessary to drop a pressurized hose
line and retreat from the fire front and other related hazards.
7. Design and installation. Standpipe and hose systems
designed and installed in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 14,
“Standpipe and Hose Systems,” are considered to be in compliance
with this standard.
§ 1910.159 Automatic sprinkler systems.
1. Scope and application. This section contains the
minimum requirements for design, installation and maintenance of
sprinkler systems that are needed for employee safety. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration is aware of the fact
that the National Board of Fire Underwriters is no longer an active
organization, however, sprinkler systems still exist that were
designed and installed in accordance with that organization's
standards. Therefore, OSHA will recognize sprinkler systems
designed to, and maintained in accordance with, NBFU and earlier
NFPA standards.
2. Exemptions. In an effort to assure that employers will
continue to use automatic sprinkler systems as the primary fire
protection system in workplaces, OSHA is exempting from coverage
those systems not required by a particular OSHA standard and which
have been installed in workplaces solely for the purpose of
protecting property. Many of these types of systems are installed
in areas or buildings with little or no employee exposure. An
example is those warehouses where employees may enter occasionally
to take inventory or move stock. Some employers may choose to shut
down those systems which are not specifically required by OSHA
rather than upgrade them to comply with the standards. OSHA does
not intend to regulate such systems. OSHA only intends to regulate
those systems which are installed to comply with a particular OSHA
standard.
3. Design. There are two basic types of sprinkler system
design. Pipe schedule designed systems are based on pipe schedule
tables developed to protect hazards with standard sized pipe,
number of sprinklers, and pipe lengths. Hydraulic designed systems
are based on an engineered design of pipe size which will produce a
given water density or flow rate at any particular point in the
system. Either design can be used to comply with this standard.
The National Fire Protection Association's Standard No. 13,
“Automatic Sprinkler Systems,” contains the tables needed to design
and install either type of system. Minimum water supplies,
densities, and pipe sizes are given for all types of
occupancies.
The employer may check with a reputable fire protection
engineering consultant or sprinkler design company when evaluating
existing systems or designing a new installation.
With the advent of new construction materials for the
manufacuture of sprinkler pipe, materials, other than steel have
been approved for use as sprinkler pipe. Selection of pipe material
should be made on the basis of the type of installation and the
acceptability of the material to local fire and building officials
where such systems may serve more than one purpose.
Before new sprinkler systems are placed into service, an
acceptance test is to be conducted. The employer should invite the
installer, designer, insurance representative, and a local fire
official to witness the test. Problems found during the test are to
be corrected before the system is placed into service.
4. Maintenance. It is important that any sprinkler system
maintenance be done only when there is minimal employee exposure to
the fire hazard. For example, if repairs or changes to the system
are to be made, they should be made during those hours when
employees are not working or are not occupying that portion of the
workplace protected by the portion of the system which has been
shut down.
The procedures for performing a flow test via a main drain test
or by the use of an inspector's test valve can be obtained from the
employer's fire insurance company or from the National Fire
Protection Association's Standard No. 13A, “Sprinkler System,
Maintenance.”
5. Water supplies. The water supply to a sprinkler system
is one of the most important factors an employer should consider
when evaluationg a system. Obviously, if there is no water supply,
the system is useless. Water supplies can be lost for various
reasons such as improperly closed valves, excessive demand, broken
water mains, and broken fire pumps. The employer must be able to
determine if or when this type of condition exists either by
performing a main drain test or visual inspection. Another problem
may be an inadequate water supply. For example, a light hazard
occupancy may, through rehabilitation or change in tenants, become
an ordinary or high hazard occupancy. In such cases, the existing
water supply may not be able to provide the pressure or duration
necessary for proper protection. Employers must assure that proper
design and tests have been made to assure an adequate water supply.
These tests can be arranged through the employer's fire insurance
carrier or through a local sprinkler maintenance company or through
the local fire prevention organization.
Anytime the employer must shut down the primary water supply for
a sprinkler system, the standard requires that equivalent
protection be provided. Equivalent protection may include a fire
watch with extinguishers or hose lines in place and manned, or a
secondary water supply such as a tank truck and pump, or a tank or
fire pond with fire pumps, to protect the areas where the primary
water supply is limited or shut down. The employer may also require
evacuation of the workplace and have an emergency action plan which
specifies such action.
6. Protection of piping. Piping which is exposed to
corrosive atmospheres, either chemical or natural, can become
defective to the extent that it is useless. Employers must assure
that piping is protected from corrosion by its material of
construction, e.g., stainless steel, or by a protective coating,
e.g., paint.
7. Sprinklers. When an employer finds it necessary to
replace sprinkler system components or otherwise change a
sprinkler's design, employer should make a complete fire protection
engineering survey of that part of the system being changed. This
review should assure that the changes to the system will not alter
the effectiveness of the system as it is presently designed. Water
supplies, densities and flow characteristics should be
maintained.
8. Protection of sprinklers. All components of the system
must be protected from mechanical impact damage. This can be
achieved with the use of mechanical guards or screens or by
locating components in areas where physical contact is impossible
or limited.
9. Sprinkler alarms. The most recognized sprinkler alarm
is the water motor gong or bell that sounds when water begins to
flow through the system. This is not however, the only type of
acceptable water flow alarm. Any alarm that gives an indication
that water is flowing through the system is acceptable. For
example, a siren, a whistle, a flashing light, or similar alerting
device which can transmit a signal to the necessary persons would
be acceptable. The purpose of the alarm is to alert persons that
the system is operating, and that some type of planned action is
necessary.
10. Sprinkler spacing. For a sprinkler system to be
effective there must be an adequate discharge of water spray from
the sprinkler head. Any obstructions which hinder the designed
density or spray pattern of the water may create unprotected areas
which can cause fire to spread. There are some sprinklers that,
because of the system's design, are deflected to specific areas.
This type of obstruction is acceptable if the system's design takes
it into consideration in providing adequate coverage.
§ 1910.160 Fixed extinguishing systems, general.
1. Scope and application. This section contains the
general requirements that are applicable to all fixed extinguishing
systems installed to meet OSHA standards. It also applies to those
fixed extinguishing systems, generally total flooding, which are
not required by OSHA, but which, because of the agent's discharge,
may expose employees to hazardous concentrations of extinguishing
agents or combustion by-products. Employees who work around fixed
extinguishing systems must be warned of the possible hazards
associated with the system and its agent. For example, fixed dry
chemical extinguishing systems may generate a large enough cloud of
dry chemical particles that employees may become visually
disoriented. Certain gaseous agents can expose employees to
hazardous by-products of combustion when the agent comes into
contact with hot metal or other hot surface. Some gaseous agents
may be present in hazardous concentrations when the system has
totally discharged because an extra rich concentration is necessary
to extinguish deep-seated fires. Certain local application systems
may be designed to discharge onto the flaming surface of a liquid,
and it is possible that the liquid can splatter when hit with the
discharging agent. All of these hazards must be determined before
the system is placed into operation, and must be discussed with
employees.
Based on the known toxicological effects of agents such as
carbon tetrachloride and chlorobromomethane, OSHA is not permitting
the use of these agents in areas where employees can be exposed to
the agent or its side effects. However, chlorobromomethane has been
accepted and may be used as an explosion suppression agent in
unoccupied spaces. OSHA is permitting the use of this agent only in
areas where employees will not be exposed.
2. Distinctive alarm signals. A distinctive alarm signal
is required to indicate that a fixed system is discharging. Such a
signal is necessary on those systems where it is not immediately
apparent that the system is discharging. For example, certain
gaseous agents make a loud noise when they discharge. In this case
no alarm signal is necessary. However, where systems are located in
remote locations or away from the general work area and where it is
possible that a system could discharge without anyone knowing that
it is doing so, then a distinctive alarm is necessary to warn
employees of the hazards that may exist. The alarm can be a bell,
gong, whistle, horn, flashing light, or any combination of signals
as long as it is identifiable as a discharge alarm.
3. Maintenance. The employer is responsible for the
maintenance of all fixed systems, but this responsibility does not
preclude the use of outside contractors to do such work. New
systems should be subjected to an acceptance test before placed in
service. The employer should invite the installer, designer,
insurance representative and others to witness the test. Problems
found during the test need to be corrected before the system is
considered operational.
4. Manual discharge stations. There are instances, such
as for mechanical reasons and others, where the standards call for
a manual back-up activation device. While the location of this
device is not specified in the standard, the employer should assume
that the device should be located where employees can easily reach
it. It could, for example, be located along the main means of
egress from the protected area so that employees could activate the
system as they evacuate the work area.
5. Personal protective equipment. The employer is
required to provide the necessary personal protective equipment to
rescue employees who may be trapped in a totally flooded
environment which may be hazardous to their health. This equipment
would normally include a positive-pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus and any necessary first aid equipment. In cases where the
employer can assure the prompt arrival of the local fire department
or plant emergency personnel which can provide the equipment, this
can be considered as complying with the standards.
§ 1910.161 Fixed extinguishing systems, dry chemical.
1. Scope and application. The requirements of this
section apply only to dry chemical systems. These requirements are
to be used in conjunction with the requirements of § 1910.160.
2. Maintenance. The employer is responsible for assuring
that dry chemical systems will operate effectively. To do this,
periodic maintenance is necessary. One test that must be conducted
during the maintenance check is one which will determine if the
agent has remained free of moisture. If an agent absorbs any
moisture, it may tend to cake and thereby clog the system. An easy
test for acceptable moisture content is to take a lump of dry
chemical from the container and drop it from a height of four
inches. If the lump crumbles into fine particles, the agent is
acceptable.
§ 1910.162 Fixed extinguishing systems, gaseous agent.
1. Scope and application. This section applies only to
those systems which use gaseous agents. The requirements of §
1910.160 also apply to the gaseous agent systems covered in this
section.
2. Design concentrations. Total flooding gaseous systems
are based on the volume of gas which must be discharged in order to
produce a certain designed concentration of gas in an enclosed
area. The concentration needed to extinguish a fire depends on
several factors including the type of fire hazard and the amount of
gas expected to leak away from the area during discharge. At times
it is necessary to “super-saturate” a work area to provide for
expected leakage from the enclosed area. In such cases, employers
must assure that the flooded area has been ventilated before
employees are permitted to reenter the work area without protective
clothing and respirators.
3. Toxic decomposition. Certain halogenated hydrocarbons
will break down or decompose when they are combined with high
temperatures found in the fire environment. The products of the
decomposition can include toxic elements or compounds. For example,
when Halon 1211 is placed into contact with hot metal it will break
down and form bromide or fluoride fumes. The employer must find out
which toxic products may result from decomposition of a particular
agent from the manufacturer, and take the necessary precautions to
prevent employee exposure to the hazard.
§ 1910.163 Fixed extinguishing systems, water spray and foam.
1. Scope and application. This section applies to those
systems that use water spray or foam. The requirements of §
1910.160 also apply to this type of system.
2. Characteristics of foams. When selecting the type of
foam for a specific hazard, the employer should consider the
following limitations of some foams.
a. Some foams are not acceptable for use on fires involving
flammable gases and liquefied gases with boiling points below
ambient workplace temperatures. Other foams are not effective when
used on fires involving polar solvent liquids.
b. Any agent using water as part of the mixture should not be
used on fire involving combustible metals unless it is applied
under proper conditions to reduce the temperature of burning metal
below the ignition temperature. The employer should use only those
foams that have been tested and accepted for this application by a
recognized independent testing laboratory.
c. Certain types of foams may be incompatible and break down
when they are mixed together.
d. For fires involving water miscible solvents, employers should
use only those foams tested and approved for such use. Regular
protein foams may not be effective on such solvents.
Whenever employers provide a foam or water spray system,
drainage facilities must be provided to carry contaminated water or
foam overflow away from the employee work areas and egress routes.
This drainage system should drain to a central impounding area
where it can be collected and disposed of properly. Other
government agencies may have regulations concerning environmental
considerations.
§ 1910.164 Fire detection systems.
1. Installation and restoration. Fire detection systems
must be designed by knowledgeable engineers or other professionals,
with expertise in fire detection systems and when the systems are
installed, there should be an acceptance test performed on the
system to insure it operates properly. The manufacturer's
recommendations for system design should be consulted. While entire
systems may not be approved, each component used in the system is
required to be approved. Custom fire detection systems should be
designed by knowledgeable fire protection or electrical engineers
who are familiar with the workplace hazards and conditions. Some
systems may only have one or two individual detectors for a small
workplace, but good design and installation is still important. An
acceptance test should be performed on all systems, including these
smaller systems.
OSHA has a requirement that spare components used to replace
those which may be destroyed during an alarm situation be available
in sufficient quantities and locations for prompt restoration of
the system. This does not mean that the parts or components have to
be stored at the workplace. If the employer can assure that the
supply of parts is available in the local community or the general
metropolitan area of the workplace, then the requirements for
storage and availability have been met. The intent is to make sure
that the alarm system is fully operational when employees are
occupying the workplace, and that when the system operates it can
be returned to full service the next day or sooner.
2. Supervision. Fire detection systems should be
supervised. The object of supervision is detection of any failure
of the circuitry, and the employer should use any method that will
assure that the system's circuits are operational. Electrically
operated sensors for air pressure, fluid pressure, or electrical
circuits, can provide effective monitoring and are the typical
types of supervision.
3. Protection of fire detectors. Fire detectors must be
protected from corrosion either by protective coatings, by being
manufactured from non-corrosive materials or by location. Detectors
must also be protected from mechanical impact damage, either by
suitable cages or metal guards where such hazards are present, or
by locating them above or out of contact with materials or
equipment which may cause damage.
4. Number, location, and spacing of detectors. This
information can be obtained from the approval listing for detectors
or NFPA standards. It can also be obtained from fire protection
engineers or consultants or manufacturers of equipment who have
access to approval listings and design methods.
§ 1910.165 Employee alarm systems.
1. Scope and application. This section is intended to
apply to employee alarm systems used for all types of employee
emergencies except those which occur so quickly and at such a rapid
rate (e.g., explosions) that any action by the employee is
extremely limited following detection.
In small workplaces with 10 or less employees the alarm system
can be by direct voice communication (shouting) where any one
individual can quickly alert all other employees. Radio may be used
to transmit alarms from remote workplaces where telephone service
is not available, provided that radio messages will be monitored by
emergency services, such as fire, police or others, to insure
alarms are transmitted and received.
2. Alarm signal alternatives. In recognition of
physically impaired individuals, OSHA is accepting various methods
of giving alarm signals. For example, visual, tactile or audible
alarm signals are acceptable methods for giving alarms to
employees. Flashing lights or vibrating devices can be used in
areas where the employer has hired employees with hearing or vision
impairments. Vibrating devices, air fans, or other tactile devices
can be used where visually and hearing impaired employees work.
Employers are cautioned that certain frequencies of flashing lights
have been claimed to initiate epileptic seizures in some employees
and that this fact should be considered when selecting an alarm
device. Two way radio communications would be most appropriate for
transmitting emergency alarms in such workplaces which may be
remote or where telephones may not be available.
3. Reporting alarms. Employee alarms may require
different means of reporting, depending on the workplace involved.
For example, in small workplaces, a simple shout throughout the
workplace may be sufficient to warn employees of a fire or other
emergency. In larger workplaces, more sophisticated equipment is
necessary so that entire plants or high-rise buildings are not
evacuated for one small emergency. In remote areas, such as pumping
plants, radio communication with a central base station may be
necessary. The goal of this standard is to assure that all
employees who need to know that an emergency exists can be notified
of the emergency. The method of transmitting the alarm should
reflect the situation found at the workplace.
Personal radio transmitters, worn by an individual, can be used
where the individual may be working such as in a remote location.
Such personal radio transmitters shall send a distinct signal and
should clearly indicate who is having an emergency, the location,
and the nature of the emergency. All radio transmitters need a
feedback system to assure that the emergency alarm is sent to the
people who can provide assistance.
For multi-story buildings or single story buildings with
interior walls for subdivisions, the more traditional alarm systems
are recommended for these types of workplaces. Supervised telephone
or manual fire alarm or pull box stations with paging systems to
transmit messages throughout the building is the recommended alarm
system. The alarm box stations should be available within a travel
distance of 200 feet. Water flow detection on a sprinkler system,
fire detection systems (guard's supervisory station) or tour signal
(watchman's service), or other related systems may be part of the
overall system. The paging system may be used for nonemergency
operations provided the emergency messages and uses will have
precedence over all other uses of the system.
4. Supervision. The requirements for supervising the
employee alarm system circuitry and power supply may be
accomplished in a variety of ways. Typically, electrically operated
sensors for air pressure, fluid pressure, steam pressure, or
electrical continuity of circuitry may be used to continuously
monitor the system to assure it is operational and to identify
trouble in the system and give a warning signal.
[45 FR 60715, Sept. 12, 1980; 46 FR 24557, May 1, 1981]