The options taken for fire extinguisher distribution and use in 1910.157(a) and (b) may prompt the requirement for an EAP. The options that require an EAP include:
- Evacuating all employees to safety when a fire occurs and not complying with 1910.157 unless a specific standard requires it;
- Evacuating all employees except those designated to use portable fire extinguishers and not complying with 1910.157(d); and
- Keeping portable fire extinguishers in the workplace but evacuating all employees to safety and not wanting employees fighting fires.
Employers who do not select any of the above three 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, but there would be no requirement under 1910.157 to have an EAP.
