Workplace Health & Safety for Fires

Listening to a talk on fire safety or participating in a fire drill might seem boring, and a reason for paying attention might only be appreciated in hindsight. Once ignited, a fire can spread very rapidly, not leaving much time for escape. History shows us the pain, loss and horror that neglect of workplace fire safety has generated. For this reason, laws are in place that are designed to prevent the pain and suffering caused by fire.

OSH Act of 1970

• The OSH Act of 1970, which brought about the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stipulates that an employer furnish to each employee "employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees" and "shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act." The act also holds employees responsible for compliance with its rules as relates to their own workplace activities.

History

• Paper helped fuel a 1911 fire in New York City.

  Workplace fire and safety regulations were not always as strict as they are today. For example, on March 25, 1911, a fire at 23 Washington Place in New York City killed over 140 people, all of whom were employees of the Triangle Waist Company on the eighth, ninth and 10th floors. The building itself was fireproof and was left standing. What caught fire were items inside the building, such as paper, cloth and wooden furniture. There was one fire escape in the interior of the building, but no one used it. Instead, people flooded elevators or jumped from windows.

Fire Prevention

• According to an article in the New York Times -- "141 Men and Girls Die in Factory Fire"-- published the day after the fire, a flash of flames was seen in a corner where some were working. The flames spread very rapidly, and in a half hour the fire had spread throughout the building.

  Today, OSHA standards require written and oral fire prevention plans to be available in the workplace for employee reference. These plans should include a list of all of the main fire hazards on the premises, plus maintenance procedures and equipment required for control of these hazards. In addition, names or job titles of people responsible for prevention and control of fire risks must be made available to employees.

Fire Exits

• Adequate fire escapes are required by law.

  According to The New York Times article, Fire Chief Coker of the NYC Fire Department said "I have been advocating and agitating that more fire escapes be put on factory buildings similar to this. The large loss of life is due to this neglect." Now, according to OSHA, a workplace is required to have at least two exit routes in order for prompt evacuation to occur during an emergency--more if necessary to evacuate all employees safely.

Expert Insight

• A good resource for fire safety information is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A nonprofit organization formed in 1896, it is dedicated to reducing the effects of fire on the quality of life worldwide.