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Warning Signs

30 CFR 56.4101, 57.4101, 77.1102 and 75.1702

 

30 CFR §56/57.4101 Warning signs.

Readily visible signs prohibiting smoking and open flames shall be posted where a fire or explosion hazard exists.

 

There is no MSHA policy for this standard.

 

30 CFR §77.1102 Warning signs; smoking and open flame.

Signs warning against smoking and open flames shall be posted so they can be readily seen in areas or places where fire or explosion hazards exist.

 

There is no MSHA policy for this standard.

 

30 CFR § 75.1702 Smoking; prohibition.
No person shall smoke, carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters underground, or smoke in or around oil houses, explosives magazines, or other surface areas where such practice may cause a fire or explosion. The operator shall institute a program, approved by the Secretary, to insure that any person entering the underground area of the mine does not carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters.

 

MSHA policy can be found here: 75.1702

 

These standards require that readily visible signs prohibiting smoking or open flames be posted in areas where a fire or explosion hazard exists (metal and nonmetal and coal surface and metal and nonmetal underground).

 

Other relevant MSHA standards:

56.4100 and 57.4100 Smoking and use of open flames

56.4102 and 57.4102 Spillage and leakage

56.4104 and 57.4104 Combustible waste

75.1702-1 Smoking programs

75.1107-17 Incorporation by reference; availability of publications

77.1102 Warning signs; smoking and open flame

77.1103 Flammable liquids; storage

77.1104 Accumulations of combustible materials


Issues to Consider in Determining Compliance:

        Are warning signs posted near storage and dispensing areas for flammable or combustible liquids?

        Are warning signs posted near storage and dispensing areas for grease?  Although greases may be more difficult to ignite than flammable liquids, once ignited they burn intensely and are difficult to extinguish.

        Are warning signs posted near storage areas for flammable gases?

        Are warning signs posted near areas where flammable or combustible liquids or flammable gases are used or transported in a manner that could create a fire hazard?

        Are signs posted in vehicles transporting flammable liquids, for persons who smoke, that such transport could create a fire or explosion hazard? 

        Are the signs readily visible to all persons in the area and adequate to warn persons of the hazardous area?

        Do warning signs inform a "reasonable person" that smoking or the use of open flames should not occur in the area?