OSHA Fire Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines about various issues related to the safety of people in the workplace. Many people recognize the name OSHA, but may be unaware of the agency's tasks. With regard to fire training, OSHA has two sets of guidelines: one for people who work with fires and one for typical business needs. Employers who do not adhere to OSHA fire safety standards can find themselves in serious trouble.
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Fire Training
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Firefighters must adhere to all OSHA guidelines regarding fire safety training. First, firefighters must have uniforms that meet fire safety requirements. For example, fire gear cannot have anything "protruding" from it, which includes beards, glasses, and other commonly-worn items. OSHA's regulations also control how often the firefighters have additional training.
Fire Extinguishers
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OSHA regulations require fire extinguishers for all buildings with employees. The placement of these extinguishers should be based on the places most likely to have a fire break out and also should be accessible to everyone. OSHA regulations also require that all employees receive orientation training for the use of a fire extinguisher and that this training repeats at least annually.
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Fire Exits
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All companies must have a direct, unobstructed exit to the building. Most buildings require two exits, and they should be in separate parts of the building. According to OSHA guidelines, buildings with more than 60 employees require more than two exits, and others may require additional points of exit based on the structure and size of the building.
Training Requirements
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Firefighters are required to undergo training annually. This training varies depending on the type of work the firefighter does. Some firefighters work only on exterior fires, for example, and the OSHA fire training required for these people relates to their specific task. For other businesses, OSHA fire training calls for orientation to include information about fire-related issues, such as how to use a fire extinguisher and where to locate fire exits. This training needs to be updated annually.
Enforcement
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OSHA guidelines are enforceable by law. OSHA officials rely on people to report any violations that their employers make. If OSHA representatives believe someone willfully disobeys an OSHA regulation, the agency can require a hearing and potentially fine or close that company.
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References
- Photo Credit fire extinguisher image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
