National Occupational Standards for Fire Safety

History

• In 1970, Congress passed the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which created OSHA. The general duties listed in the act specified that employers must furnish employment and a workplace "free from recognized hazards" that can cause serious harm or risk of death.
  
  

Function

• OSHA standards cover workplace topics ranging from individual privacy and discrimination to scaffolding and bakery equipment. Regarding fire safety, OSHA regulates "means of egress"---or unobstructed emergency exits---fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems, explosive and flammable materials, fire detection and protective clothing, among other procedures.
  
  

Partnership

• The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) works with OSHA to provide research, training and education programs regarding fire safety. As of 2010, NFPA has established approximately 300 workplace standards---including electric, fuel and life safety codes---many of which formed the basis for OSHA regulations.