1. Means of Egress & Fire Protection
General Requirements
Emergency & Fire Prevention
Plans
Classification of Fires
Fire Extinguishers
Sprinkler Systems
Advantages/Disadvantages of
Fire Extinguisher Types

2. 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

3. Why is Important to Properly Mark Exits & Know The Way Out?
Although fire is the most obvious reason,
there are others:
Toxic Vapors
Radiation
Exposure
Natural
Disasters

4. Still … more hazards include:
Explosions
Smoke
Actions or threats by terrorist
groups, mentally ill persons,
or political radicals

5. 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!!!

6. Subpart E - Means of Egress
Derived from NFPA , Life Safety Code
(NFPA - National Fire Protection Association)
It is written for general applicability
The 1913 Life Safety Code was used extensively until
1921, when the Building Exits Code became the
comprehensive guide to exits
In 1966 the code was changed again - from the Building
Exits Code to The Code for Safety to Life from Fire in
Buildings & Structures (known as the Life Safety Code)

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

8. 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

9. Definitions (1910.35) A means of egress includes: - room spaces
- doorways
- hallways
- escalators
- courts
- corridors
- passageways
- balconies
- lobbies

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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)

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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)

23. 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

24. 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

25. Alarm System (1910.165) Established by employers to the
requirements of OSHA
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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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)

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. Fire Protection - Subpart L
Scope, Application & Definitions
Fire Brigades
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Standpipe & Hose Systems
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General
(Other types of fixed systems)
Fire Detection Systems
Employee Alarm Systems

33. Fire Protection - Definitions
Class A Fire- A fire involving ordinary combustible
materials such as paper, wood,cloth, and some rubber
and plastic materials.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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

38. 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
AND
does NOT have extinguishers in the
workplace
the employer is EXEMPT from

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General - 1910.160
Systems using dry chemical, gaseous agents, water spray and foam are regulated by through
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.)

45. 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

46. 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 (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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. 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

51. 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

52. 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__________

53. 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.