In this module
Objectives covered: LO 3.4.1. By the end you will be able to:
- Describe the requirements for exit routes.
- List what an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan must contain.
- Select and use portable fire extinguishers correctly.
4.1 Exit routes
- At least two exit routes, as far apart as practical, unless the building is small enough for one.
- Exit doors must never be locked or blocked from the inside while people are working. Side-hinged doors should open in the direction of travel when needed.
- Exit routes at least 28 inches (71 cm) wide, kept clear, lit and marked with EXIT signs. Doors that are not exits but could be mistaken for one are marked "NOT AN EXIT".
4.2 Emergency action plan (EAP)
An EAP must cover: how to report fires and emergencies, evacuation procedures and routes, procedures for workers who stay to run critical operations, how to account for everyone after evacuation, rescue and medical duties, and who to contact. Employers with more than 10 workers must have it in writing. Practise it with drills.
4.3 Fire prevention plan
A fire prevention plan lists major fire hazards and how materials are stored, ignition sources and their control, housekeeping, maintenance of heat-producing equipment, and who is responsible. Remember the fire triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen. Remove any one and the fire cannot start or continue.
4.4 Portable extinguishers
| Class | Fire type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary combustibles: cloth, paper, wood | Water, foam, ABC dry powder |
| B | Flammable liquids and gases | Foam, CO₂, dry powder |
| C | Energised electrical equipment | CO₂, dry powder (never water) |
| D | Combustible metals | Special dry powder |
| K | Cooking oils and fats | Wet chemical |
Use PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Only fight a small, early fire with a clear exit behind you. Extinguishers need a monthly visual check and an annual maintenance check.
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E (1910.34 to 1910.39): exit routes, EAP, fire prevention plans.
- 1910.157: portable fire extinguishers. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; NFPA 10.
- Bangladesh: Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003, BNBC 2020 Part 4 (fire protection), and Labour Act Section 62 (precautions in case of fire).
In the Tazreen Fashions fire (2012), workers were told to return to their machines and exit doors led to locked areas. More than 100 workers died. Since then, Accord and RSC programmes have required fire-rated stairs, unlocked and unobstructed exits, alarms, sprinklers and regular drills in thousands of RMG factories. These are the same principles as OSHA Subpart E.
Learning Check
Answer these two questions to check your understanding. You can try again as many times as you like.