OSH Answers Fact Sheets

Why have an emergency plan? A definite plan to deal with major emergencies is an important element of occupational health and safety (OHS) programs. Besides the major benefit of providing guidance during an emergency, developing the plan has other advantages. You may discover unrecognized hazardous conditions that would aggravate an emergency situation and you can work to eliminate them. The planning process may bring to light deficiencies, such as the lack of resources (equipment, trained...

What is a fire safety plan? A fire safety plan is a detailed document that covers all aspects of fire safety for a specific building or property. The plan will outline: A safe and orderly way for occupants to evacuate the building. Proper maintenance and housekeeping required to prevent fires. Methods of control that minimize the damage from fires when they do occur. Fire safety plans are often required by your local Fire Code, especially for certain buildings and occupancy rates....

What is the fire tetrahedron? To understand how to prevent fires, it is important to know how a fire can occur. Four elements must be present at the same time for a fire to take place: Fuel or combustible material - something to burn, such as paper or wood. Heat - to raise the material to its ignition (burning) temperature. Oxygen - to sustain combustion (the fire). Chemical reaction - the process of burning. If you remove any of these four elements, the fire will not be able to burn. What...

What is a hazard? The meaning of the word hazard can be confusing. Often dictionaries do not give specific definitions or combine it with the term "risk". For example, one dictionary defines hazard as "a danger or risk" which helps explain why many people use the terms interchangeably. There are many definitions for hazard but the most common definition when talking about workplace health and safety is: A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health...