The OSHA Way: Fire Safety Regulations for Your Workplace

The 1991 industrial fire in Hamlet, N.C. claimed 25 lives and injured 54 people. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, most of the victims didn’t suffer from burns. The major culprit? Smoke inhalation.

After the fire, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discovered several exit and fire safety violations that trapped the victims. The citations included lack of fire alarms, emergency plans, and fire prevention/suppression plans; long distances to exits; locked or blocked doors; and unmarked exits and non-exits.

FIRE BUSTER. A fire extinguisher eliminates fire and breaks the chain reaction of flames.

Don’t let your facility become another Hamlet fire disaster. Follow these OSHA fire safety regulations to keep your buildings safe and compliant.

• Construct at least two unlocked and unobstructed fire exits, which are far from one another. Identify them properly with fire exit signs.
• Install, maintain, inspect and label fire extinguishers. Don’t forget to teach your workers how to operate these fire equipment and about the hazards of fire fighting.
• Conduct a fire safety training regularly and instruct your employees on how to quickly and safely evacuate in case of fire emergencies. To make evacuations easy and organized, delegate responsibilities of shutting down operations and carrying on rescue and first aid tasks.
• Warn your employees of fire emergencies using alarms or signals. It may be verbal or in the form of whistles, bells or other instruments.
• Prevent fire by properly storing and disposing flammable materials, controlling fire-causing activities such as smoking and welding, and maintaining heat-producing equipment such as ovens and stoves.

Fire safety is not just your responsibility; it’s everyone’s  job. Efficient communication, regular safety drills, a well-designed plan and practice, and properly maintained fire-fighting equipment are the key ingredients in maintaining a fire-safe workplace.

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Editor’s Note: What fire safety plans do you employ in your workplace? Share your tips in the comments section!