Laundry » Fire Hazards

Hazards

Lint build-up on ceilings and other surfaces can increase the risk of fire. Lint build-up in lint traps within dryers can also be a hazard.

Requirements under OSHA’s Fire Prevention Standard, 29 CFR 1910.39

Routine cleaning surfaces of lint and emptying of lint traps.

  • Fire Prevention Plan: The purpose of a fire prevention plan is to prevent a fire from occurring in the workplace. An employer must have a fire prevention plan when an OSHA Standard requires one. [29 CFR 1910.39]. It is important that employers implement a fire prevention plan in the laundry because of the fire hazards. A fire prevention plan must be in writing, if required by the standard. [29 CFR 1910.39(b)]
  • A fire prevention plan must include, among other elements:
    • "Housekeeping Procedures": Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials. In a laundry environment, this includes lint residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency. [29 CFR 1910.39(c)(2)]
    • "Maintenance Procedures": Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent accidental ignition of combustible materials. [29 CFR 1910.39(c)(3)]
  • The employer must apprise employees upon initial assignment to a job of the fire hazards to which they are exposed. The employer must also review with each employee those parts of the fire prevention plan which the employee must know to protect him or herself in the event of a fire. [29 CFR 1910.39(d)]

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