How close can tar kettles be to an exit or means of egress?

Tar kettles, which are used for roofing applications and heat materials such as tar, must be positioned with careful consideration for safety, especially in the vicinity of exits or means of egress. The guideline of maintaining a distance of 10 feet from exits or egress routes is crucial to adhere to fire prevention standards. This distance helps to ensure that any heat or potential fire hazard generated by the kettle does not pose a threat to individuals using the exit or egress path.

By keeping tar kettles at least 10 feet away, it reduces the risk of accidental ignition of flammable materials and allows for safe passage in case of an emergency. Additionally, this regulation helps ensure that emergency responders have unimpeded access to exits during a fire incident, as well as maintaining a safe environment for workers and occupants in the vicinity.

In contrast, lesser distances would increase the risk of fire or injury, while greater distances, although safer, are not necessary according to established safety codes. Hence, a distance of 10 feet strikes an appropriate balance for safety and practicality.