Understanding the OSHA requirements for fire extinguishers is important to make sure that your company is in compliance and not at risk of any fines or penalties. OSHA has set three prominent regulations for employers to follow. The three important regulations are:
- OSHA requirements for fire extinguishers are outlined in 29 CFR 1910.157
- It is important to note that other OSHA requirements for fire prevention are also applicable to this topic such as the 29 CFR 1910.39.
- Fire Prevention and Protection 29 CFR 1926.150 Sub-Part F.
OSHA's fire extinguisher and emergency-related regulations are not just a guideline for employers, but they are also legal requirements. These requirements may seem strict but they are put into place to protect the employees from harm.
Many people are not even aware of the OSHA fire extinguisher requirements for employers. The frequently-asked questions mentioned below are some of the main points that will help you understand compliance.
Here’s a Story About How a Safety Officer Complied with the Requirements
I grab a cup of coffee, get ready, and drive to the main office for about an hour. This is how my day as a safety officer usually begins. Another day, another site to visit. Today’s location is the new building of the MNO company.
Safety should be observed at all times. Meaning, that from initial construction to the final touches, the employer should be responsible for promoting the safety, health, and well-being of the employees.
As a safety officer, I make sure that standards and guidelines are being followed and observed so that the workplace is a safe environment for everyone. Mr. Smith, a representative from the MNO company, joined me today during the inspection.
MNO company is known for both residential and commercial projects. This site, in particular, will soon become a condominium with a hotel look and feel. Sounds interesting. However, my goal for today was to check whether or not they comply with the written guidelines regarding fire prevention and protection.
We first went to the future lobby area which was more spacious than the other floors. Right away, I looked for available fire fighting equipment present in the said area. I immediately saw a fire extinguisher which could be seen and reached easily. I was also able to get the equipment in no time. No obstructions along the way. Note that the distance between the area and the nearest fire extinguisher should be less than 100 feet.
Fire extinguishers have been placed for a purpose—that is to be prepared in case of fire incidents and to immediately control the fire if ever it starts. Therefore, it should be visible enough not just to the responding team but also to residents or guests. Equipment like these should be present as soon as construction begins.
Mr. Smith introduced me to the Fire Response Team composed of engineers and other trained staff. A response team trained on how to handle fire incidents should be organized. A group must lead and do actions according to guidelines, especially in emergency situations like fire. This specific team is vital to ensure a quick response in case an incident happens.
Mr. Smith, together with the Fire Response Team, accompanied me to the other floors. Again, fire extinguishers with readable signages are present in the floors. For a high-story building like this, several extinguishers are needed and at least one should be near the stairway. I approached one of them on the 4th floor to check its type and whether it was still in good condition. Yes, fire extinguishers have types too.
This building has the stored-pressure-type fire extinguishers with a 2A rating. The number pertains to the effectiveness of the extinguisher while the letter refers to the
type of material. For instance, class A can extinguish fires coming from wood, paper, and trash. They work by removing heat when these materials burn. Since the site has materials such as wood and paper, a class 2A type would be sufficient.
Soon, if ever flammable or combustible liquids more than 5 gallons are present on the site, a fire extinguisher with a classification of not less than 10B may be required within 50 feet.
Class B can extinguish fires from materials such as flammable liquids, paints, gasoline, and grease. Class C and D can extinguish fires from electrical equipment and combustible materials, respectively. There are other kinds of fire extinguishers according to composition but it is important to note that carbon tetrachloride and other toxic vaporizing types are not allowed.
Also, I have mentioned seeing several fire extinguishers. This is because this type of equipment should be provided for every 3000 square feet of the protected building area. MNO company provides fire extinguishers for a major part of the building which is a commendable practice as well.
I am sure that the team is very much familiar with safety guidelines but I think a little refresher won’t hurt. It’s a good thing that fire extinguishers are present in visible locations on this site. However, it is also important to know how to check whether they are still in good condition. Look for possible damage on the container such as corrosion or leaks. You want an extinguisher that is full so you can find out by lifting it. If it is heavy, you are expecting its contents to be still present. Next, check the pressure gauge if it is in the desired range.
I asked them about the frequency of their inspection and they said every month. That is acceptable. I also reminded them to document their observations. Document everything including the date inspection was performed, who did it, their notes and remarks, everything.
Mr. Smith said that they conduct orientation and teach everyone how to operate this fire fighting equipment. He adds that Class A types can be operated using the PASS method.
PASS is a short acronym for.
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle
Squeeze the lever
Sweep from side to side
Next, we checked for water.
As soon as combustible materials arrive, an ample supply of water should be made available. In case fire extinguishers are not available, a 55-gallon drum of water, two fire pails, and a garden-type hose with a ½-inch diameter, not more than 100 feet long should be present.
I saw that they have given priority to the installation of automatic sprinklers. This is commendable. I also reminded them that the sprinklers’ control valves must be checked daily. Sprinklers work by detecting high temperatures, causing them to activate and spray significant amounts of water. An essential point to note here is that there should be reliable connections between the pipes and reliable sources of water.
Aside from the fire fighting equipment I have mentioned before, standpipes are also essential. It is a connection of pipes and hoses which allows rapid control of fire situations through the help of the local fire response department. I saw that the building has one standard hose outlet for every floor. Another good point.
The head of the Fire Response Team mentioned that they are in the process of constructing fire exits, installation of automatic fire doors, and completing the firewalls.
They say prevention is always better than cure. However, when disaster strikes, one has to know how to seek help. A working fire alarm system or emergency siren should be there so employees present on the site and the local fire department will be informed. They have also placed signages with phone numbers to call in case an emergency happens.
After checking the necessary points, it’s now time to leave. This company truly exhibits care for its employees by following and implementing safety guidelines.
Fire is a serious danger in residential and commercial establishments. In order to avoid occupational-related hazards, employers and employees should understand the importance of working together and following guidelines and standards.
Stay safe everyone!
Important FAQS on Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Is It a Legal Requirement to Have Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace?
It is a legal requirement to have fire extinguishers in the workplace. The facts and figures about fires in the workplace are alarming. According to statistics, there are about 25,000 fires in the workplace every year. To combat these rising statistics, OSHA being the authority has published this prominent regulation: 29 CFR 1910.157.
How Do I Calculate How Many Fire Extinguishers I Need?
How many fire extinguishers should a workplace have and how do you determine the number required? OSHA set regulations for how many fire extinguishers employers must have on hand for their employees to use in emergencies. The type of fire extinguisher that an employer must provide depends on the size of the workplace and what kinds of hazards exist there.
Some of the general rules of thumbs are:
- Determine the square area and layout of the floor.
- Carry out a workplace inspection or risk assessment to determine the number and type of fire extinguishers needed.
- Fire hazards (light, ordinary, and extra) present in the workplace will also determine the number required.
The first thing you need to understand about OSHA's fire extinguisher requirements is this: they are not one-size-fits-all. The type of industry you are in will dictate what type of fire extinguisher you need to have on hand at your workplace.
Does OSHA Require Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections?
Inspections are important to monitor the equipment’s condition and therefore OSHA requires such inspections on a monthly basis. The frequency of inspection to be done is at least once a month as stated in 1910.157(e)(2).
Although documentation of inspection is not required for maintenance purposes, documenting is recommended. What OSHA requires is the documentation of maintenance. The employer is required to keep the maintenance date for monitoring and preserve this record for one year. The record must be readily available for auditing.
The inspection tag attached to the equipment has a monthly grid for the inspector to fill out; this makes the tracking of the inspection and maintenance handy. The inspection tag is important to monitor when the previous inspection has been done. Aside from filling out the inspection, it is suggested to have a computerized record especially when there is a large number of fire extinguishers in the workplace.
Business owners opt to document periodic inspections anyway as this overlaps with the maintenance.
Maintenance includes the removal of depressurized tanks from service and replacing them with new ones.
Does OSHA Require Annual Fire Extinguisher Training?
The employer is required to provide education to the employees in the use of the fire extinguisher in the workplace at least once a year to familiarize employees with the safe and proper use of this equipment. Please refer to 1910.157(g).
But who are those employees required to take the training? These employees are the ones designated in the emergency action plan or stated in the company’s safety procedure.
Please be reminded that fire extinguisher training must be provided upon the initial designation of these employees and at least once a year thereafter.
The training can be done on-site. What employers can do to supply the training is either by hiring a safety instructor or appointing someone from the organization who has knowledge of such training.
The training must compose of theoretical and practical training.
An appropriate number of fire extinguishers must be provided so that every employee can have their time practicing.
Some Tips in Securing Workplace Safety
- Employers must provide an emergency action plan that includes specific instructions for employees who are responsible for using fire extinguishers, as well as any other procedures necessary to make sure that employees know how to respond when there is a fire or other emergency situation in the workplace.
- Remove depressurized tanks (the needle should be pointing at the green area in the gauge), those with signs of rust and physical damage and immediately replace them with brand new ones. This is when Periodic inspection is necessary to ensure that fire extinguishers located in various locations at the workplace are in good working condition.
- The most common reason why fire extinguishers are moved from their designated location is that they are not mounted; they are just left on the floor. To prevent the equipment from being moved, it should be mounted or placed in a cabinet. The mounting height depends on the type and weight of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extinguisher weighs below 40 lbs, it should be mounted not more than 5 feet from the floor to its carrying handle; if the fire extinguisher weighs more than 40 lbs, it should not be mounted more than 3.5 feet from the floor.
- Designate a person who will be in charge of the inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers in the workplace. Doing so ensures periodic inspection is followed and doesn’t get forgotten.
To Make a Conclusion
OSHA is a federal agency that sets safety standards to ensure that workers are protected from hazards in the workplace.
The OSHA requirements for fire extinguishers are set to ensure that the workplace is safe and in compliance with OSHA regulations. They are also set to help employers maintain a safe workplace.
Stay safe everyone!
