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Fire is the most common type of emergency for which businesses must plan. One way to limit the amount of damage due to fires is to make portable fire extinguishers available in the workplace. When used properly, fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling a fire until additional help arrives.
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fire. The three most common types of fire extinguishers are: air pressurized water, CO2 (carbon dioxide), and dry chemical. A critical decision for employers is whether or not employees should fight a small fire with a portable fire extinguisher or simply evacuate.
Multi-purpose dry chemical is suitable for use on class A, B, and C.
Scope
The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.
- If there is a total evacuation of the workplace at the time of a fire emergency and when fire extinguishers are not provided, the requirements of 1910.157 do not apply.
- If there is a partial evacuation of the workplace at the time of a fire emergency with designated employees remaining behind to operate critical plant operations or to fight fires with extinguishers, then the employer is exempt from the distribution requirements of 1910.157.
- If all employees in the workforce are permitted to use fire extinguishers, then all requirements under 1910.156 and 1910.157 apply.
Employees who remain behind to perform fire fighting functions or members of a fire brigade must be trained in their duties, especially becoming familiar with the locations of fire extinguishers.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.157 — Portable fire extinguishers
The following regulations have related or separate fire extinguisher requirements:
- 29 CFR 1910.106 — Flammable liquids
- 29 CFR 1910.110 — Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases
- 29 CFR 1910.181 — Derricks
- 29 CFR 1910.179 — Overhead and gantry cranes
- 29 CFR 1910.180 — Crawler locomotive and truck cranes
- 29 CFR 1910.265 — Sawmills
Key definitions
- Class A extinguisher: For ordinary combustibles — paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics.
- Class B extinguisher: For flammable liquids — oils, gasoline, some paints, lacquers, grease, and solvents.
- Class C extinguisher: For electrical equipment — wiring, fuse boxes, energized electrical equipment, computers, and other electrical sources.
- Class D extinguisher For combustible metal - powders, flakes or shavings of combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium.
- Class K extinguisher: For kitchen fires — combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) and cooking appliances.
Summary of requirements
Employers must:
- Select and distribute fire extinguishers based on the potential type and size of fire that can occur.
- Mount fire extinguishers so they are easily accessible to employees.
- Inspect, maintain, and test fire extinguishers per the manufacturer’s written instructions.
- Educate employees on the principles and practices of using a fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting small or developing fires, if fire extinguishers are available for employee use.