Fire poses a threat to companies in all industries. If not properly contained, they can severely injure or kill employees, and can bring business to a screeching halt. Fortunately, there are many things a safety team can do to greatly reduce the risk of a widespread fire in a place of business. OSHA Standard 1910.155 states the guidelines which any safety team should follow in relation to fire protection and prevention. Following these guidelines will reduce the chances of a fire, help prevent the spread of a fire in potentially dangerous situations, and will put into place procedures to protect employees should a fire grow beyond easily suppressible levels.

First and foremost, it is important to have federally approved fire protection equipment in place. Approved equipment is equipment which has been tested by a third party and deemed to be compliant with the National Fire Protection Association Fire Code, or must be custom made and have test data available to inspectors.

This standard also discusses the basic requirements for some of the most common, and most important, preventative equipment which is necessary in any workplace. This include things like sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and employee alarms. It discusses in detail the various sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers which a company might utilize, and how to properly audit and label them.

Finally, this standard discusses what must be done in the event of a fire. This includes what systems must be available, what escape mechanisms must be in place, and also ties in with all applicable evacuation plan requirements.

If you have not recently reviewed your fire protection plans, or are afraid your plan is not up to code, please contact us so that we can help. And if you have anything to add about fire protection, please leave a comment.