Shipyard fire protection

A fire watch is required whenever hot work is performed in locations where fires could start and spread, until the area is safe. Employers must assign trained personnel to watch for and extinguish fires and to alert others if a fire starts, consistent with the fire protection requirements in 1915 Subpart P.

• Train fire watchers in fire extinguisher use and emergency procedures.
• Keep fire watch on duty for an appropriate period after hot work ends to ensure smoldering materials do not ignite.

For the exact trigger conditions and responsibilities, follow the provisions and definitions in 1915 Subpart P.

Employers must provide, locate, and maintain portable fire extinguishers so employees can use them to control small fires or escape safely, in accordance with the fire protection rules in 1915 Subpart P.

• Install extinguishers where they are readily accessible and appropriate for the class of fire hazards present.
• Inspect, maintain, and test extinguishers on the schedule required by the standard and keep records if required.
• Train employees in extinguisher use when employees are expected to use them.

See the detailed requirements and placement/maintenance rules in 1915 Subpart P.

Before performing hot work inside a confined space or fuel tank, the employer must ensure the space is safe by following the permit and preparatory procedures required by the shipyard fire protection rules in 1915 Subpart P.

• Purge or isolate flammable atmospheres and verify atmosphere is within safe limits.
• Remove or protect flammable materials and residues, and ventilate as required.
• Assign fire watch(es) and secure hot work permits if the standard requires them.

Follow the specific hot work and confined-space fire precautions described in 1915 Subpart P for full compliance steps.

Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored in approved containers or storage cabinets and sited so they do not create a fire hazard, as required by the fire protection provisions in 1915 Subpart P.

• Use proper containers, grounding/bonding when transferring liquids, and approved cabinets for inside storage.
• Keep storage areas away from ignition sources and provide suitable ventilation.
• Post proper signage and limit quantities to those needed for operations.

Consult the storage and handling sections of 1915 Subpart P for specific limits and construction/installation requirements.

Employers must train employees on the fire hazards they may face, how to use fire protection equipment provided, and the actions to take in an emergency as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Training should cover extinguisher use when employees may be expected to operate them, the duties of fire watchers, and evacuation procedures.
• Provide refresher training as needed to maintain competence.

Refer to the training and employee-protection provisions in 1915 Subpart P for specifics on topics and responsibilities.

Employers must control combustible waste, maintain good housekeeping, and remove flammable debris so it does not become a fire hazard, consistent with the requirements in 1915 Subpart P.

• Regularly remove oily rags, scrap, and other combustibles from work areas.
• Provide covered, labeled containers for flammable waste and empty them frequently to prevent accumulation.

See the housekeeping and fire hazard control requirements in 1915 Subpart P for detailed obligations.

Employers must provide and maintain adequate means of egress so employees can escape quickly and safely in case of fire, as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Keep exit routes clear, properly marked, and unobstructed at all times.
• Ensure exits are sufficient in number, size, and location for the number of workers and the layout of the worksite.

For specifics on dimensions, number, and maintenance of exits, consult the egress-related provisions within 1915 Subpart P.

Fire detection and alarm systems must be provided when required by the hazard level, occupancy, or specific operations to promptly alert workers and activate fire response measures, in line with 1915 Subpart P.

• Where operations pose a significant fire risk or where large numbers of people are present, provide appropriate alarm systems and notification appliances.
• Maintain and test alarm systems so they function when needed.

Refer to the fire detection and alarm requirements in 1915 Subpart P to determine when systems are mandatory.

Employers must provide fixed fire-extinguishing systems where the hazard, occupancy, or operations make them necessary for employee protection, consistent with 1915 Subpart P.

• Where fixed systems are required, they must be installed, inspected, and maintained so they will operate when needed.
• Coordinate fixed-system use with other fire protection measures like alarms and emergency plans.

Check the specific installation and maintenance requirements for fixed systems in 1915 Subpart P.

Employers must regularly inspect, test, and maintain firefighting equipment so it is ready for use, according to the fire protection requirements in 1915 Subpart P.

• Keep records of inspections and maintenance when the standard requires documentation.
• Repair or replace defective equipment immediately.

Follow the inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules and procedures described in 1915 Subpart P for full compliance.

Employers must prohibit or control smoking and open flames where they create a fire hazard and post signs where such prohibitions apply, as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Establish designated smoking areas away from flammables and post "No Smoking" signs in hazardous locations.
• Enforce controls during hot work, fueling, and storage of flammable materials.

See the fire hazard control and signage provisions in 1915 Subpart P for specific requirements.

When welding, cutting, or brazing near combustible materials, employers must take precautions such as removing combustibles, shielding, or using guards and assigning a fire watch as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Move combustibles away or cover them with fire-resistant materials.
• Provide fire extinguishers and assign a trained fire watch when there is a risk of fire.

Refer to the hot work and fire-watch provisions in 1915 Subpart P for the detailed requirements.

Employers must implement fire protection measures and emergency procedures appropriate to the operations and hazards; when a written plan is required by the hazards present, it must be prepared and followed as specified in 1915 Subpart P.

• A written plan is especially important where complex operations, fixed systems, or large workforces make coordinated response necessary.
• Include procedures for alarms, evacuation, fire-fighting responsibilities, and communication.

Consult 1915 Subpart P to determine whether and when a written fire protection plan is needed for your workplace.

If a fire occurs, employers must follow the established emergency procedures: alert occupants, notify emergency responders, attempt safe extinguishment with available equipment when trained to do so, and evacuate if necessary, in accordance with 1915 Subpart P.

• Ensure employees know evacuation routes and assembly points.
• Preserve safe access for fire responders and shut down operations if required.

Follow the emergency response and notification provisions in 1915 Subpart P for detailed guidance.

Employers must post signs and labels to warn of fire hazards, mark the locations of fire equipment and exits, and identify areas where special precautions are required, consistent with 1915 Subpart P.

• Mark fire extinguishers, alarm stations, evacuation routes, and ‘‘No Smoking’’ zones clearly.
• Ensure signs remain visible and legible and replace damaged signage.

See the signage and hazard-communication-related provisions in 1915 Subpart P for specifics.

Employers must control ignition sources—such as open flames, sparks, and hot work—near flammable gases through isolation, ventilation, and administrative controls, as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Store cylinders securely, away from heat and ignition sources, and use proper regulators and fittings.
• Enforce hot-work permits, grounding/bonding, and fire watches where needed.

Refer to the combustible-gas and flammable-gas handling provisions in 1915 Subpart P for more detail.

Portable heaters may be used only when employers ensure they do not create a fire hazard and are installed and operated in accordance with the fire protection rules of 1915 Subpart P.

• Keep heaters away from combustibles, follow manufacturer instructions, and use only approved units for the environment.
• Provide proper clearances and supervise use in confined or congested spaces.

Check the heating equipment and fire-hazard control provisions in 1915 Subpart P for any specific restrictions.

When multiple employers or contractors work on the same site, the controlling employer must coordinate fire protection measures and communicate hazards and procedures so all parties comply with 1915 Subpart P.

• Share hot-work permits, evacuation plans, and locations of fire equipment.
• Assign responsibility for fire watches, inspections, and maintaining clear egress routes.

See 1915 Subpart P for guidance on employer coordination and shared responsibilities.

Spray painting operations must be conducted with controls to prevent ignition of flammable vapors—this includes using proper ventilation, approved equipment, and maintaining safe distances from ignition sources, as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Use explosion-proof or intrinsically safe electrical equipment where vapors are present.
• Store and handle paints and solvents in approved containers and keep quantities controlled.

Follow the flammable-liquid and painting-operation provisions in 1915 Subpart P for details.

Employers must ensure fire departments and emergency responders have safe and timely access to the site and that on-site systems support firefighting operations as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Maintain clear routes for fire apparatus, provide standpipes or water supplies where needed, and label access points.
• Coordinate with local fire authorities on site hazards and response plans.

See 1915 Subpart P for requirements related to firefighting access and support systems.

Employers must ensure electrical equipment is installed and maintained to prevent fires, and protect against sparks and overheating that could ignite combustibles, in accordance with 1915 Subpart P.

• Use approved wiring methods, maintain clearances, and avoid overloading circuits.
• Remove or protect combustible materials from heat-producing electrical equipment.

Refer to the electrical-safety and fire-hazard control sections of 1915 Subpart P for specifics.

Fuel-handling operations must be managed so that spills, vapors, and ignition sources are controlled; this includes using suitable transfer procedures, grounding/bonding, and prohibiting hot work nearby as required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Implement spill response procedures, provide fire extinguishing equipment, and train personnel involved in fueling.
• Keep fueling areas well-ventilated and restrict access during transfers.

Consult the fuel-handling and fire-prevention provisions in 1915 Subpart P for detailed requirements.

Yes, employers must remove or render inert flammable residues in tanks and spaces before conducting hot work, and ensure atmospheres are tested and safe, consistent with the hot-work provisions of 1915 Subpart P.

• Purging, ventilating, and testing are common methods to ensure safety; do not rely on assumptions—verify conditions with gas-testing instruments.
• Use written permits and trained personnel when required.

Refer to the tank-cleaning, purging, and hot-work sections of 1915 Subpart P for exact procedures and controls.

Employers should keep records of hot-work permits, equipment inspections, maintenance, and training when the standard or employer procedures require documentation, in accordance with 1915 Subpart P.

• Maintain inspection tags or logs for extinguishers, fixed systems, and hoses as required.
• Keep copies of hot-work permits and any related hazard assessments for the appropriate retention period.

Check 1915 Subpart P for which items require documentation and related retention guidance.

Employers must de-energize, lockout/tagout, or otherwise control sources of energy that could cause sparks or heat capable of starting a fire, and follow fire protection measures in 1915 Subpart P.

• Implement electrical isolation and verify zero energy before hot work near electrical equipment.
• Use non-sparking tools and safe work practices where de-energizing is not possible.

See the energy control and hot-work interaction provisions referenced in 1915 Subpart P for more details.

During repair, conversion, or dry-docking operations, employers must implement comprehensive fire protection measures—such as hot-work controls, fire watches, portable and fixed suppression systems, and emergency procedures—required by 1915 Subpart P.

• Anticipate changing hazards as work progresses and adjust protections accordingly.
• Coordinate with all trades on site to maintain clear egress and firefighting access.

Follow the specific shipyard-operation provisions in 1915 Subpart P for detailed obligations during these operations.

Employers must evaluate workplace hazards and provide portable fire extinguishers of types and sizes appropriate to the classes of fire that could occur, in line with 1915 Subpart P.

• Match extinguisher agents to expected fire classes (A, B, C, etc.) and ensure rating and placement meet the needs of the area.
• Replace or supplement extinguishers where operations or materials change.

Consult the portable-extinguisher selection and placement guidance within 1915 Subpart P for specifics.

The employer who controls the work at each stage is responsible for coordinating fire protection and communicating hazards; when responsibility shifts, the incoming controlling employer must ensure fire protections meet 1915 Subpart P requirements.

• Provide handover information about hot-work status, confined-space conditions, and fire-system availability.
• Ensure continuity of fire watches, permits, and extinguisher availability during transfers.

Refer to the multi-employer coordination and control provisions described in 1915 Subpart P.