Corporate Safety Manual

Procedure 4-3

FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

Define and explain the requirements for an effective fire protection program.

SECTION 2 - SCOPE

This section applies to all NORTHSTAR operations.

SECTION 3 - POLICY

All personnel employed by NORTHSTAR will at all times, while present on a jobsite or
Company property, comply with the requirements of this Fire Protection Program.

The fire fighting efforts of NORTHSTAR personnel shall be limited to incipient stage fires only,
unless the location has a site fire brigade that complies with the requirements of 29 CFR
1910.156.

SECTION 4 - GENERAL

The fire fighting efforts of NORTHSTAR personnel at most locations shall be limited to
incipient fire fighting only.

Interior structural fire fighting may be permitted only by site fire brigades that have the
equipment and highly trained personnel that fully comply with all of the requirements of 29 CFR
1910.156, Fire Brigades.

SECTION 5 - TRAINING

Where the Company has provided portable fire extinguishers for the use of employees, these
employees must receive training in the use of the portable fire extinguishers upon initial
employment and at least annually thereafter.

Personnel who work in NORTHSTAR offices and warehouses and who may be required to use
fire extinguishers will be provided training periodically to ensure that they are familiar with the

NORTHSTAR GROUP SERVICES, INC. FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM

Corporate Safety Manual Procedure 4-3
Revised: 09/01/09 Page 1 of 4
Corporate Safety Manual
Procedure 4-3

correct techniques and procedures.

In addition, if the facility is equipped with small hose rack or reels (1½ inch or less) training shall
also be provided with this equipment.

Employees must be trained to recognize various types of fires, how to best fight the fire, and
most importantly, when it is time to stop fire fighting efforts and leave the fire scene.

Employees must be trained in all aspects and requirements of the site-specific Emergency Action
Plan. This training must be provided to each employee on his or her first day on the job, as part
of the new employees orientation and repeated at least monthly during the course of the project.

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

(See Section 4-1 of the Corporate Safety Manual)

Each work site must have an Emergency Action Plan. The minimum elements of the Emergency
Action Plan, which must be in writing and physically located at the jobsite, must include at least
the following:

• The method in which emergency situations are announced.

• Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route assignments.
• Procedures to be followed by employees who must remain to operate any critical
equipment which has to be shut down before they can evacuate.
• Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation have been
completed.
• Name who will provide rescue and medical duties, if required.
• The method of reporting fires and other emergencies.
• Names and/or job titles, as well as telephone numbers, of persons who can be
contacted for additional information about the Emergency Action Plan.

SECTION 7 - FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Emergency alarm systems shall be available in all workplaces where there are ten (10) or more
employees. This system and the action required must be explained to each employee, as a part of
their first day at work orientation. Fire alarm systems, when used, must meet or exceed the
requirements of 29 CFR 1910.165.

NORTHSTAR GROUP SERVICES, INC. FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM

Corporate Safety Manual Procedure 4-3
Revised: 09/01/09 Page 2 of 4
Corporate Safety Manual
Procedure 4-3

SECTION 8 - FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS

Fire detection systems, when employed, must conform to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.164.

SECTION 9 - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The selection, distribution, inspection, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers
shall conform to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.157.

• All portable fire extinguishers in offices, warehouses and on jobsites must be mounted,
located and identified in such a manner that they are readily accessible to the employees
without subjecting the employees to possible injury.
• The area immediately adjacent to the mounted fire extinguishers must be kept free of all
obstructions.
• Only approved fire extinguishers can be used.
• An inventory of all portable fire extinguishers is to be maintained by each office, warehouse
or jobsites.
• All fire extinguishers will be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in
their assigned places, except during use, testing or recharging.
• Any fire extinguisher not meeting the prescribed criteria will be tagged and removed from
service until the deficiencies are corrected.

SECTION 10 - MAINTENANCE

Portable fire extinguishers must be maintained in compliance with the requirements of 29 CFR
1910.157.

• All fire extinguishers are to be visually inspected at least monthly.

• An annual inspection must be performed by an approved third party who is trained in fire
extinguisher maintenance.
• Records of all inspections must be maintained at the facility or in the project file.
• Dry chemical fire extinguishers must be emptied and inspected by a competent technician
every six (6) years.
• Fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested in accordance with Table L-1 of 29 CFR
1910.157.

NORTHSTAR GROUP SERVICES, INC. FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM

Corporate Safety Manual Procedure 4-3
Revised: 09/01/09 Page 3 of 4
Corporate Safety Manual
Procedure 4-3

KEY ITEM CHECK LIST – FIRE PROTECTION

Key Item Yes No

General Requirements
• Is there an adequate fire protection program?  
• Are required Hot Work Permits obtained and pre-fire
plans coordinated?  
• Are fire prevention and control systems given priority?  
• Has the Emergency Action Plan been posted?  
• Are all employees familiar with the contents of the
Emergency Action Plan?  
• Are personnel aware that fire fighting is limited
to incipient fires only?  
• Have employees been taught to recognize various
types of fires and know what type of extinguisher to use?  
• Is there some type of alarm system to announce a fire?  
• Are only approved types of heaters used?  

Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Is fire extinguishing equipment available?  
• Is this equipment immediately accessible?  
• Is this equipment well marked and mounted?  
• Are fire extinguishers visually inspected at least monthly?  
• Are fire extinguishers physically inspected at least annually?  
• Are fire extinguishers which are broken or partially
discharged, tagged and removed from service?  
• Are all fire exit doors unlocked and clear of debris?  
• Have all employees been trained in the correct
use of portable fire extinguishers?  
• Is this training conducted at least annually?  

Material Storage
• Are materials placed so that access and egress to the
work area remain unblocked?  
• Are materials located so that they do not increase
the risk of fire?  
• Are combustible materials stored away from egress
routes, heaters and lights?  
• Are storage areas free of weeds, cardboard, rubbish,
and other combustible debris?  
• Is material stored so that it does not impede sprinklers?  

NORTHSTAR GROUP SERVICES, INC. FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM

Corporate Safety Manual Procedure 4-3
Revised: 09/01/09 Page 4 of 4