Emergency Preparedness and Fire Prevention
Plans you must be able to describe
The emergency action plan (1910.38) covers reporting procedures, evacuation routes and escape assignments, employees who stay to perform critical operations, accounting for everyone after evacuation, rescue and medical duties, and named contacts. The fire prevention plan (1910.39) lists major fire hazards, handling and storage procedures, ignition sources, the fire protection equipment provided, and housekeeping and maintenance of safeguards. Exit routes (1910.36 and 1910.37) must be adequate in number and width, kept clear, marked and lit, and unlocked from the inside.
Fire behavior and extinguishers
Fire needs fuel, oxygen, heat, and (in the tetrahedron model) the uninhibited chemical chain reaction; extinguishment attacks one of these. Extinguisher classes: A ordinary combustibles, B flammable liquids, C energized electrical equipment, D combustible metals, K cooking media. Travel distances are commonly tested: 75 feet for Class A, 30 feet for Class B where more than 5 gallons of flammable liquid is present (50 feet for 5 gallons or less), 75 feet for Class D, and 30 feet for Class K. Extinguishers need a monthly visual inspection, annual maintenance, and hydrostatic testing at intervals set by type. Use PASS - pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.
Traps
Questions swap monthly inspection with annual maintenance, pair an energized electrical fire with a water extinguisher, or overlook the hot work permit requirement. Remember that drills and alarm tests must be documented.
Worked example
A paint-storage room holds 55 gallons of Class B flammable liquid in containers. Because the quantity exceeds 5 gallons, an extinguisher must be within 30 feet of travel distance from the hazard area.