Means of Egress &

Fire Protection
• General Requirements
• Emergency & Fire Prevention
Plans
• Classification of Fires
• Fire Extinguishers
• Sprinkler Systems
• Advantages/Disadvantages of
Fire Extinguisher Types
Subpart E of OSHA’s 1910 Standard Concerns Safe
and Efficient Means of Leaving a Building or Facility
in an Emergency

Egress: A place or means

of going out.

Subpart E contains:
• definitions
• general requirements that are
fundamental to safe and
efficient egress from facilities
• detailed requirements to ensure
qualitative/quantitative factors
are covered
Why is Important to Properly Mark
Exits & Know The Way Out?
Although fire is the most obvious reason,
there are others:

Toxic Vapors

Natural Radiation
Disasters Exposure
 Still … more hazards include:

Explosions

Smoke

Actions or threats by terrorist

groups, mentally ill persons,
or political radicals
Each hazard can be compounded by:

• Panic and confusion

• Poor visibility
• Lack of information
and/or
• Misinformation

These factors frequently cause more injuries and

fatalities than the hazard itself!!!
Subpart E - Means of Egress
Derived from NFPA 101-1970, Life Safety Code
(NFPA - National Fire Protection Association)

It is written for general applicability

The requirements in Subpart E are general
and do not deal specifically with specialized
facilities or out of the ordinary uses of the facilities.
 Definitions (1910.35)

Means of Egress:
A continuous and unobstructed
way of exit travel from any point in
a building or structure to a public
way and consists of three separate
and distinct parts:
-- the way of exit access
-- the exit
-- the way of exit discharge
 Definitions (1910.35)
A means of egress
includes:
- room spaces
- doorways
- hallways

- corridors
- passageways
- escalators - balconies
- courts - lobbies
 Means of Egress:
General Requirements (1910.36)
• This subpart contains general fundamental
requirements essential to providing a safe means
of egress from fire and like emergencies.
• These are minimum requirements.
• They do not apply to exits from vehicles, vessels,
or other mobile structures.
 Means of Egress:
General Requirements (1910.36)
• Fundamental Requirements:
All buildings, new and old, intended for human
occupancy shall have …
– exits sufficient for prompt and convenient escape
in an emergency
– exits of a certain design that do not depend solely
on any single safeguard
– structures that do not cause danger to occupants
during periods of escape
 Means of Egress:
• Fundamental Requirements:
All buildings, new and old, shall have:
– no locks or devices to prevent an exit in an
emergency except in specialized facilities (mental,
penal, or corrective institutions where attendants
are on duty)
– clearly visible and understandable means to egress
– doorways and passageways that are clearly
marked “Not an Exit” to prevent them from being
mistaken for exits
 Means of Egress:
• Fundamental Requirements:
All buildings, new and old, shall have:
– adequate and reliable illumination for all exits in
every building or structure equipped with artificial
illumination
– fire alarm systems (when a fire may not provide
adequate warning to occupants of a building)
– emergency provisions that shall not cause a hazard
under normal occupancy (i.e., enough exits)
 During Construction & Repair
•The occupants of the building shall be protected
to the same extent as if construction or repair
were complete.
•The activity shall not create any additional danger
or handicap egress beyond normally permissible
conditions of the
building.
 During Maintenance
• Every exit, way of approach to
an exit, and way of travel from
the exit in to the street or open
space shall be free of all
obstructions … or impediments
to full instant use.
• Every automatic sprinkler system, fire detection and alarm
system, exit lighting, fire door, and other item or
equipment shall be continuously in proper operating
condition.
 Means of Egress, General (1910.37)

An exit shall consist only of the approved components.

Exit components shall be constructed as an integral part
of the building or shall be permanently affixed thereto.

What does this mean?

Do not replace parts to exit doors, signs, lighting, etc.,

with parts that did not come with them.
 Fire Resistance
The measure of fire resistance is the
fire resistance rating. This is the time
in hours that materials or assemblies
have withstood a fire.

When an exit is protected by separation from other

parts of the building, the separating construction shall
meet the following requirements:
• Three stories or more - 1 hour fire resistance
• Four or more stories - 2 hour fire resistance
• Openings must be protected by approved self-closing
fire doors
 Means of Egress (1910.37)
• Rules to observe:
– Level exits are limited to the use of no more than
100 persons; inclined exits - 60 persons
– The capacity at an exit (means of egress) shall be
sufficient for occupant load of a space served
– Occupant load is the maximum number of persons
that may be in a space at any time
– Exits must be readily accessible at all times
 Means of Egress (1910.37)
• Rules to observe:
– Access to an exit shall NOT be through a bathroom
or other room subject to being locked (except where
the exit serves only that room)
– Access to exits shall be clearly recognizable
– Exit doors shall not be disguised, covered, concealed
or decorated in such a way to confuse their purpose
– Mirrors must not be placed on or near exit doors
– Exit routes shall never be toward a high hazard
location, unless effectively shielded
– Minimum width of any way of exit access is 28 inches
 Exterior Exit Routes
•Are permissible, under certain conditions
•May include flat roof tops, enclosed courtyards,
balconies, etc.
•Have specific requirements:
– Smooth, solid, level floors
– Guard rails on open sides above ground level
– Covered by roof if snow or ice could accumulate
– Permanent, reasonable straight route of travel
– No obstruction to use of exterior access route
– No dead ends longer than 20 feet
 Discharge from Exits
• Must discharge directly to the street, yard, court,
or other open space leading to the street
• The discharge area (including the street) shall be
large enough to accommodate all who leave the
building from the exit
• Stairs and other exits shall be so arranged as to
make clear the direction of exit to the street
 Means of Egress - A Wrap-up
• Must have a minimum ceiling height of 7’6”
• Lights from the ceiling shall be at least 6’8” from the floor
• If an exit is not level, stairs or ramps must be used
• Exit alarms installed to restrict the improper use of an
exit shall not prevent the emergency use of the exit
• Furnishings & decorations cannot obstruct an exit
• Every exit shall be marked by a clearly visible sign with the
word EXIT in plainly legible letters at least 6” high (and
3/4” wide letters)
 Means of Egress - A Wrap-up
• Exit signs shall be illuminated either by an internal
or external means by a “reliable” light source
giving a value of not less than 5 foot-candles
on the illuminated source
• When the way to an exit is not readily apparent,
signs or markings similar to exit signs shall be
provided with the
direction to the exit
 Emergency & Fire Prevention
Plans (1910.38)
•More than 10 employees - must be in writing
•Must include:
– Escape procedures
– Escape route assignments
– Critical operations shutdown
procedure
– Rescue & medical duty
assignments
– Means of reporting fires & emergencies
– Identification of responsible persons for further info
– Procedure to account for all personnel
Alarm System (1910.165)
• Established by employers to the
requirements of OSHA 1910.165
• Alarm should be audible or seen by
all people in the plant
• Should have auxiliary power supply
• Alarm sound be distinctive (recognizable
as a signal to evacuate)
• Signals performance of emergency
action operations
 Evacuation
•Types of evacuation must be
in emergency action plan
•Employees must know their
roles in each type of emergency
•Refuge/Safe areas should be determined and identified
in the emergency action plan
•Exterior safe areas may include
– Parking lots
– Open Fields
– Streets
•Employees must clear area for emergency operations
 Emergency Training
• Employees must be trained before implementing
emergency plans
• Training for each type of disaster response is
necessary (so employees know what to do)
• Employer shall review emergency plan with each
employee when:
– the plan is developed
– employee responsibilities or actions change
– the plan is changed
Personal Protection

•Essential to personnel exposed to

hazardous substances
•Employees may be exposed to a wide
variety of hazardous substances in
an emergency
•Employees must be adequately protected
in those situations (especially those
assigned to get employees out and/or
stay behind)
 Medical Assistance
• Employers are required to have:
-- personnel trained to render first aid
-- eye wash stations (where employees are
exposed to corrosive materials)
-- the ready availability of medical personnel
for advice and consultation on matters
of employee health (health care does
not need to be provided, but medical help
must be available to resolve problems
 Fire Prevention Plan
Must include the following elements:

1 - List of all major work place hazards

(including proper handling and storage procedures,
potential ignition sources,and type of fire equipment
or systems to control a fire involving them)
2 - Names or job titles of equipment maintenance
personnel
(and those responsible for ignition prevention or
control systems)
3 - Names or job titles of those responsible for control of
fuel source hazards
 Fire Prevention Plan
Plans must also include:
•Housekeeping of flammable & combustible waste
materials and residues
•Employee review of the fire prevention plan
•Availability - by placing the plan in the workplace
•Employee training - to apprise them of the fire hazards
of materials & processes to which they are exposed
•Maintenance of equipment and systems that produce
heat to prevent accidental ignition of combustible
materials
 Fire Protection - Subpart L
• 1910.155 - Scope, Application & Definitions
• 1910.156 - Fire Brigades
• 1910.157 - Portable Fire Extinguishers
• 1910.158 - Standpipe & Hose Systems
• 1910.159 - Automatic Sprinkler Systems
• 1910.160 - Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General
1910.161-163 (Other types of fixed systems)
• 1910.164 - Fire Detection Systems
• 1910.165 - Employee Alarm Systems
Fire Protection - Definitions

Class A Fire- A fire involving ordinary combustible

materials such as paper, wood,cloth, and some rubber
and plastic materials.
 Fire Protection - Definitions
Class B Fire - A fire involving flammable or combustible
liquids, flammable gases, greases and similar materials,
and some rubber and plastic materials.
Fire Protection - Definitions

Class C Fire - A fire

involving energized
electrical equipment
where safety to the
employee requires the
use of electrically
nonconductive
extinguishing media.
 Fire Protection - Definitions
Class D Fire - A fire involving combustible metals
such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium,
lithium and potassium.

Extinguisher rating - The numerical rating given to

an extinguisher which indicates the extinguishing
potential of the unit based on standardized tests
developed by Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc.
 Fire Brigades - 1910.156
• Fire Fighting Equipment:
– Shall be maintained and inspected at least annually
– Portable fire extinguishers and respirators shall be
inspected at least monthly
Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157
• Employees are NOT required to use
extinguishers

• If an employer has a
– total evacuation policy and a
– emergency action plan and a
– fire prevention plan which meets 1910.38
AND
– does NOT have extinguishers in the
workplace
the employer is EXEMPT from 1910.157
 Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157
• General Requirements:
– Mount, locate and identify them
for ready accessibility
– Use only approved extinguishers
– Do NOT use Carbon tetrachloride
or chlorobromomethane
extinguishing agents
– Maintain fully charged and operable extinguishers
– Keep extinguishers in their designated places at all times
except during use
– Remove soldered - or riveted shell - inverted type extinguishers
from service permanently
Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157
• Selection & Distribution:

– Select based on the classes of workplace fires and the

size and degree of hazard

– Extinguishers shall be distributed so that the following

maximum travel distances apply:

Class A ….. 75 feet Class B ….. 50 feet

Class C ….. Based on appropriate pattern for
existing Class A or B hazards
Class D ….. 75 feet
Portable Fire Extinguishers - 1910.157
• Training and Education:
– Employees shall be educated in use of extinguishers
and associated hazards upon initial employment
and at least ANNUALLY thereafter
– Employees designated to use fire fighting equipment
shall be trained
 Automatic Sprinkler Systems -
1910.159
• Complete coverage is necessary
• Equipment and devices must be approved
• Systems must be properly maintained
• A main drain flow test must be performed on each
system annually
• The inspector’s test valve shall be opened at least
every two years to assure proper system operation
• New systems shall have proper acceptance tests
conducted
 Automatic Sprinkler Systems -
1910.159
• Sprinkler system must provide at least 1 automatic
water supply for at least 30 minutes
• To prevent interference and provide for a
maximum protection area, the vertical clearance
between sprinklers and material below shall be at
least 18 inches
Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General
- 1910.160
• Systems using dry chemical, gaseous agents, water
spray and foam are regulated by 1910.161 through
1910.163
• Fixed systems must be designed and approved for
use on the specific fire hazards they are expected
to control
• If the system becomes inoperable, employer must:
– Notify employees
– Take precautions to assure their safety (install
temporary system, etc.)
Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General
- 1910.160
• Except where discharge is immediately
recognizable, a distinctive alarm or signaling
system shall be provided
• Safeguards must warn employees against entry
into hazardous discharge atmospheric areas
• Hazard warning or caution signs shall be posted at
the entrance to, and inside, areas protected by use
of agents in hazardous concentrations
• Systems must be inspected annually by a
knowledgeable person
Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General
- 1910.160
• Total Flooding Systems:
– Emergency action plan for each area required
where agent concentrations exceed maximum safe
levels (as specified in 1910.162(b)(5) and (b)(6))
– Pre-discharge alarm needed for all systems
– Alarm must be seen above ambient light or noise
levels
– Alarm must give employees time to safely exit
from the discharge area prior to discharging
Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General
- 1910.160
• Total Flooding System:
– Automatic system actuation shall be provided by
an approved fire detection device interconnected
with the pre-discharge employee alarm system
 Fire Detection Systems - 1910.164
- Only approved devices/ equipment may
be used
- Shall be restored to normal operating
condition as soon as possible after test
- Must be maintained in an operable condition except during
repairs or maintenance
- Must be tested and adjusted as often as needed to maintain
proper reliability and operating conditions
- Servicing, maintenance and testing must be done by a
trained person knowledgeable in the operations and
functions of the system
- Protect outdoor equipment from corrosion
 Fire Detection Systems - 1910.164
- Detection equipment must be located and/or protected from
mechanical or physical impact
- Systems shall be designed to operate in time to control or
extinguish a fire
- Must be designed and installed to provide a warning for
emergency action and safe escape of employees
- The number, location, and spacing of
fire detectors must be based on
design data obtained from:
- Field experience
- Tests
- Surveys
- Mfg. Recommendations
 Employee Alarm Systems - 1910.165
- Shall:
- Provide warning for necessary
emergency action & safe escape
- Shall be perceived above ambient
noise or light levels by all employees
in the affected workplace areas
- Must be distinctive & recognizable as a signal to
evacuate
- Employer shall explain to each employee the preferred means
of reporting emergencies (manual pull boxes, public
address system, radio, telephone, etc.)
- All devices must be approved
 Employee Alarm Systems - 1910.165
- All employee alarm systems must be
restored to normal operating condition
as promptly as possible after test or
alarm
- Shall be maintained in operating condition
(except when undergoing repair/maintenance)
- Shall be tested for reliability/adequacy every 2 months
(for non-supervised alarm systems)
- Supervised employee alarm systems must be test annually
for reliability and adequacy
- Servicing, maintenance and testing must be done by trained
persons
HOUR 3 QUIZ . 4. Exterior safe areas include all of the
1. A means of egress is defined as a following, except:
continuous and unobstructed way of exit a. Parking lots
travel from a specific point in a building b. Open Fields
or structure to a public way and consists of c Alley ways
three separate and distinct parts. d Streets
True_______ False_________
5. A fire involving energized electrical
2. Exterior exit routes have specific equipment is classified as a:
requirements. These are: a. Class A fire
a. No dead ends longer then 10 feet b Class B fire
b. Open, irregardless of the weather c Class C fire
c. Smooth, solid, level floors d Class D fire
d. Guard rails on all sides above
ground level.

3. Emergency and fire prevention plans

must be in writing if an employer has
more than 10 employees.
True________ False__________
 Hour 3 Quiz - Answers
• 1. False. Means of egress must be from any point
in a building or structure - not a specific point.
• 2. C.
• 3. True.
• 4. C.
• 5. C.