Does OSHA require forklifts to have fire extinguishers?

Federal OSHA does not require employers to equip their forklifts with portable fire extinguishers. However, depending on the hazards present in an area where forklifts travel, OSHA may have requirements for fire protection in that location.

If the manufacturer equips its forklifts with fire extinguishers, the employer must maintain the extinguishers according to the requirements of 1910.157 and may instruct forklift operators in extinguisher use. An extinguisher cannot be removed from the forklift without written permission from the manufacturer.

Note: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas standard at 1910.110(e)(2) requires that LP-Gas fueled forklifts comply with NFPA 505-1969 Standard for Type Designations, Areas of Use, Maintenance and Operation of Powered Industrial Trucks. Although the 1969 edition does not reference fire extinguishers, the 2006 edition addresses their use in Chapter 9. That chapter mentions that some jurisdictional authorities may require trucks to be equipped with an extinguisher. If so, the chapter suggests following truck manufacturer recommendations when placing a fire extinguisher on the truck. If extinguishers are, in fact, placed on a truck, then truck operators must be trained to operate them safely, according to Chapter 9.