Do I need to train my employees to use fire extinguishers? What training is required?

OSHA allows you four options for employee training with regard to fire extinguishers, based upon your emergency evacuation plans and what you train your employees to do in the event of a fire:

Option 1 - If you require total evacuation of employees from the workplace immediately when alarm sounds. No one is authorized to use available portable fire extinguishers or fire extinguishers are not provided.

Then you must: Establish an emergency action plan, fire prevention plan and train employees accordingly. No employee hands-on training is required. Extinguishers are not required (1910.157(b)(1)).

Option 2 - If designated employees are authorized to use portable fire extinguishers to fight fires, and all other employees must evacuate workplace immediately when alarm sounds. Then you must: Establish an emergency action plan and train all employees accordingly. Annually train the designated employees to use fire extinguishers. Only designated employees must receive hands-on training (1910.157(b)(2)).

Option 3 - All employees are authorized to use portable fire extinguishers to fight fires. If any employees will be evacuating, then you must establish an emergency action plan and train employees accordingly. Provide annual hands-on training to all employees to use fire extinguishers (1910.157(b)(2)).

Option 4 - Extinguishers are provided but not intended for employee use. Then you must: Establish an emergency action plan, fire prevention plan and train employees accordingly. No hands-on training is required.