Fire Prevention and Protection

  • Combustible materials are to be stored in a way that prevents them from toppling.
  • Combustible materials should not be stored taller than 20 feet high.
  • Driveways between and around combustible storage piles should be at least 15 feet wide and maintained free from accumulation of rubbish, equipment, or other articles or materials.
  • Driveways should be so spaced that a maximim grid system unit of 50 feet by 150 feet is produced.

 

No combustible material should be stored outdoors within 10 feet of a building or structure.

  • When storing materials or debris, it is imperitive that all exits remain free and clear of obstructions while all work is being conducted.
  • Flammable liquids should not be stored in areas used for exits, stairways, or places normally used for the safe passage of people.
  • No more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids should be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet.

 

Flashpoint of the liquid means the temperature at which it gives off vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid or within the vessel used as determined by appropriate test procedure and apparatus as specified below.

The flashpoint and other safety related information can be found on the Safety Data Sheet for that particular liquid or chemical.

  • All firefighting equipment should be periodically inspected and maintained in operating condition. Defective equipment should be immediately replaced.
  • A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, should be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher should not exceed 100 feet.

 

Employees should have training on the use and safe storage/mounting of fire extinguishers. This training should, at minimum, consist of:

  • Periodic inspections
  • Keeping a clear area around the fire extinguisher
  • Use of fire extinguisher