Employers are generally required to provide portable fire extinguishing equipment for use in fighting incipient stage fires in the workplace. Section 1910.157, however, provides alternatives for employers who do not want their employees to fight incipient stage fires in the workplace. Employers that opt for the evacuation of all or most employees to a safe area do not have to comply with certain requirements of 1910.157, depending on the option chosen.

Evacuate all employees

The employer chooses to evacuate all employees to safety when a fire occurs. Employers that select this option do not have to comply with 1910.157 unless a specific standard in part 1910 requires that portable fire extinguishers be provided. If this option is selected, compliance with 1910.38 and 1910.39 is required through 1910.157(b)(1).

Evacuate some employees

The employer chooses to evacuate all employees except those designated to use portable fire extinguishers. Employers that select this option need not comply with the distribution requirements of 1910.157(d). This option allows the employer to distribute extinguishers so that they are available to the employees who have been designated to fight incipient stage fires. If this option is selected, compliance with 1910.38 is required through 1910.157(b)(2).

Have fire extinguishers but evacuate all employees

Some employers keep portable fire extinguishers in the workplace, even though they do not want employees fighting fires and have a policy for total evacuation. Portable fire extinguishers may be required in the workplace by other organizations such as insurance companies or local fire departments. Portable fire extinguishers that are not intended for employee use may still pose a hazard if they are not properly maintained. Employers who select this option must comply only with the maintenance, inspection, and testing requirements in paragraphs (e) and (f) of 1910.157.

All employees fight fires

Employers who do not select any of these options but instead provide portable fire extinguishers for use by any employee to use in fighting incipient stage fires must comply with 1910.157 in its entirety. Employers that provide portable fire extinguishers for employee use must provide an educational program to familiarize then with the general principles of fire extinguisher use. Those employees expected to use portable fire extinguishers must receive “hands on” training in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment. If the employer chooses to comply with all of 1910.157, there is no requirement to comply with 1910.38 or 1910.39.