OSHA List of Fire Hazards

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, performs the task of making sure that conditions at job sites prove safe to the workers employed there. OSHA accomplishes this duty by setting guidelines and providing manuals, in conjunction with audits. Fire safety, an integral part of a safe work place, involves identifying fire hazards and setting forth solutions.

Dust

• After four different fires primarily caused by certain types of dust made of flammable material, OSHA released a bulletin in 2005 to suggest awareness of this fire hazard. In all four instances, a fire ignited dust build up and caused explosions. The resulting suggestions focused on housekeeping to control dust, and awareness of ventilation system design.

Insulation

• Polyurethane foam, a common insulator, consists of at least nine different flammable and noxious components. OSHA suggests that when handling this type of material to use caution, and exercise awareness of its flammable properties. Organic foams sometimes bear the label of being "flame retardant," but still possess flammable characteristics.

Gas

• Because of the variety of gasses used in industry, special standards exist for most types as well as general guidelines for compressed gas. Compressed air also falls under this category with its own standards for safe handling. Requirements also exist for the equipment containing and dispensing these gasses.

Heavy Industry

• The nature of heavy industrial work presents a significant hazard. Equipment used can produce extreme heat as well as sparks that have the potential to start fires. Chemicals present on these work sites also add to the danger of sparks from equipment.

Pyrotechnics

• This category mostly covers the sale and usage of fireworks. OSHA provides retailers detailed guidelines to prevent fire hazards in stores where large amounts of fireworks reside. Guidelines and standards also exist for workers who ignite firework displays.