By: LINDSEY O’NEILL, ESQ.
Wildfires again in the news… Reminds me of a recent fire scare at a local business here in San Diego. The company conducted evacuation procedures in accordance with its policies to protect employees from possible injury from a fire hazard. With the recent fires in the news, I can’t help but wonder how many employers actually understand their legal obligations when it comes to fire safety.
Under the law, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees – one that is free from hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. With regard to fire safety, OSHA regulations require employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards as issued and enforced either by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or by an OSHA-approved State Plan. Employers can be cited for violating these laws and regulations if there is a recognized hazard, and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate the hazard.
The problem, though, is that many employers don’t know how to comply with OSHA regulations… or, worse, don’t even know there are rules they’re required to follow! That’s where I can hopefully help! OSHA publishes various manuals to help businesses understand their obligations with regard to workplace safety. While not the official rules, the guides can help businesses in their compliance efforts. I’ve provided OSHA’s manual regarding Fire Safety below for your reference. It provides a general overview of OSHA’s fire safety standards and fire emergency protection guidelines.
This comprehensive overview manual from OSHA explains how fire service operations can be influenced by different building features and offers considerations for design professionals that can help facilitate these operations. The manual includes chapters and narratives on building and site design, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire department connections, fire alarm and communications systems, as well as various firefighting systems. To access the manual, click here.
Learn more about OSHA regulations in LawInfo’s Free Legal Resource Center. For more information conact an OSHA attorney or a general employment attorney by visiting LawInfo’s attorney directory.
