EGRESS AND FIRE
PROTECTION
KEY TERMS
Means of Egress:
Low Hazard content:
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
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.
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.
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
eliminating or minimizing
one of the components
of the “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 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