Is it illegal for a factory to operate without a fire alarm?

Answer 1

In the United States not all places of employment are required to have alarms...

When required, employers must develop emergency action plans that:

• Describe the routes for workers to use and procedures to follow.
• Account for all evacuated employees.
• Remain available for employee review.
• Include procedures for evacuating disabled employees.
• Address evacuation of employees who stay behind to shut down critical plant equipment.
• Include preferred means of alerting employees to a fire emergency.
• Provide for an employee alarm system throughout the workplace.
• Require an alarm system that includes voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles, or horns.
• Make the evacuation signal known to employees.
• Ensure emergency training.
• Require employer review of the plan with new employees and with all employees whenever the plan is changed.

It is unlikely that a classic factory could get a building permit without having an alarm system. Building permits are usually issued by the city or county which have usually have adopted national fire protection standards. These standards , which are not law by themselves, become law when adopted by a legal entity.

So if the business permit requires a building permit and fire inspection, it would likely be illegal to operate without an alarm except for short periods of maintenance where an alternate fire protection plan is in operation. It would also be extremely stupid and irresponsible to do so.

If your place of employment has alarms installed which do not work, it would be reasonable to report this to OSHA as a suspected violation.