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Hospital eTool - HealthCare Wide Hazards Module
Fire Hazards
Potential Hazards
The potential for fire can occur from many different sources such as: heat-producing equipment, storage of flammable chemicals,
and faulty electrical wiring.
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Possible Solutions
OSHA Fire Safety requirements include:
- A safe means of egress from fire and like emergencies
[1910.36(a)].
- Any area under construction or under maintenance must:
- Continuously maintain existing exits and any existing fire protection, or other measures which provide equivalent safety
[1910.36(c)(2)].
- Not be occupied in whole or in part until all exits required for that part are completed and ready for use
[1910.36(c)(1)].
- Have travel from exits to outside continuously free and clear of obstruction
[1910.36(d)(1)].
- Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
[1910.305].
- "Housekeeping." The employer shall control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that
they do not contribute to a fire emergency. The housekeeping procedures shall be included in the written fire prevention plan
[1910.38(b)(3)].
- The employer shall apprise employees of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which they are exposed
[1910.38(b)(4)(i)].
- The employer shall review with each employee upon initial assignment those parts of the fire prevention plan which the employee must
know to protect the employee in the event of an emergency
[1910.38(b)(4)(ii)].
- "Maintenance." The employer shall regularly and properly maintain, according to established procedures, equipment and
systems installed on heat producing equipment to prevent accidental ignition of combustible materials. The maintenance procedures shall be included in
the written fire prevention plan
[1910.38(b)(5)].
- If employees are to fight fires, the employer must decide if all employees or just
designated employees will fight fires, or if a fire brigade will be trained and equipped. Fire Brigades
[1910.156].
Portable Fire Extinguishers [1910.157].
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If employees are not to fight fires, (i.e., employer relies on safe evacuation of all employees and outside
services, e.g., local fire stations to fight fires). Employers must provide an Emergency Action Plan,
1910.38(a)
and a Fire Prevention Plan, 1910.38(b)
following the requirements of 1910.38.
Additional Information:
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