March, 2019 | The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires
employers to implement fire protection and prevention programs in the
workplace. The regulations that apply to fire protection and prevention can
be found mainly in Subpart F of the construction standards, though the
requirement for a fire prevention program is first set out in Subpart C. The
following sections of the construction standards contain requirements for fire
protection that are of significance to roofing contractors:

1926.24 Subpart C, Fire protection and prevention programs
1926.150 Fire protection
1926.151 Fire prevention
1926.152 Flammable and combustible liquids
1926.153 Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas)
1926.154 Temporary heating devices
1926.155 Definitions
1926.550 Subpart N, Cranes and derricks

Following this chapter, there is a list of fire safety work practices addressing
many fire hazards found in the roofing workplace, including field operations
and shop activities. Contractors should review the elements of the list most
applicable to their companies’ operations and consider including them in
their companies’ health and safety program.

Fire Protection
Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three elements to be present for the
reaction to take place and continue. The three elements are:

 Heat, or an ignition source
 Fuel
 Oxygen

These three elements typically are referred to as the “fire triangle.” Fire is the
result of the reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air. Scientists
developed the concept of a fire triangle to aid in understanding of the cause
of fires and how they can be prevented and extinguished. Heat, fuel and
oxygen must combine in a precise way for a fire to start and continue to
burn. If one element of the fire triangle is not present or removed, fire will not
start or, if already burning, will extinguish.

Ignition sources can include any material, equipment or operation that emits
a spark or flame—including obvious items, such as torches, as well as less
obvious items, such as static electricity and grinding operations. Equipment
or components that radiate heat, such as kettles, catalytic converters and
mufflers, also can be ignition sources.

Fuel sources include combustible materials, such as wood, paper, trash and
clothing; flammable liquids, such as gasoline or solvents; and flammable
gases, such as propane or natural gas.

Read more rules and regulations for fire protection from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

(originally reported March, 2019 by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)