Fires can happen anywhere and at any time. They usually happen without warning and, without the proper fire protection plan in place, they can grow and build without anyone knowing until it is too late. And for this reason, OSHA created Standard 1910.155.

Standard 1910.155 sets the guidelines for fire protection equipment, including setting basic requirements for what equipment and prevention methods are required to be available. It explains what is required of some of the most commonly used fire prevention and detection equipment. This equipment includes: fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, employee alarms, and smoke detectors. The standard goes into specific details for many of these items, including how to properly maintain them with a rigorous auditing schedule and how to properly label them. This equipment is very important for fire prevention and suppression, and usually is the most important equipment to ensure a safe and healthy evacuation after an incident; it is also very important for business continuity.

The standard also explains what must be done in the event of a fire. Much of this standard, at lease in reference to the steps which must be followed in the event of an actual fire, overlaps with Standard 1910.36 which covers evacuation plans. If your evacuation plan is not included with your fire protection plans, you should revisit your plans to ensure they are up to code.

If you have any questions about fire protection plans, please contact us so that we can help you through your issues. And if you have anything to add about fire protection plans, please leave a comment.