OSHA Guidelines for Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace

Written by Staff Writer

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports more than 8,000 structure fires in commercial buildings annually. These incidents claim more than 150 lives and cause nearly a billion dollars in property damage.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has comprehensive guidelines for the use of fire suppression equipment in the workplace to ensure the safety of workers. In this article, we will explore these guidelines — focusing on OSHA guidelines for fire extinguisher placement and maintenance in the workplace.

Why Extinguishers?

Having the right tool for the job is critical. In case of fire, that means safely extinguishing the blaze as quickly as possible. Overhead sprinklers, gas or foam deployment systems and clean agent dispersal devices can quickly halt an out-of-control conflagration. But they may be overkill for a smaller emergency. A fire pump is more controlled, but there may not be time to assemble a team to wrestle a hose across a busy production floor as flames spread.

A handheld fire extinguisher is the ideal first line of defense against accidental ignitions in most environments. These trusty canisters are easy to spot, quick to grab and effective against a wide range of small blazes. A single employee can successfully operate a portable extinguisher, even with minimal training. That’s why they feature prominently in OSHA’s fire protection standard.

Understanding the Administration’s Role in Workplace Safety

Businesses must comply with OSHA standards to maintain a safe work environment and avoid potential penalties. Knowing what type of extinguishers are required and where they should be placed is an important part of reducing the risk of accidental ignition and containing ongoing blazes.

To ensure compliance with the OSHA requirement for handheld or portable fire extinguishers, employers should:

• Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the workplace
• Select and provide the appropriate type and number of units
• Ensure proper placement and mounting of all equipment
• Implement a regular inspection and maintenance program
• Provide employees with comprehensive fire safety training
• Maintain accurate records of all fire-related activities
• Integrate firefighting protocols into the overall emergency action and prevention plans

Types and Classes

Different types of portable fire extinguishers are designed for specific types of hazards. Depending on the type of accelerant or fuel that must be extinguished, the device may use water, gases or other chemicals to suppress the blaze. A one-letter code indicates both the method of operation and the type of fire each is meant to extinguish. The administration recognizes these five fire extinguisher types and classes:

1. Class A: For paper, cloth, wood, rubber and many plastics
2. Class B: For flammable liquids and gases like gasoline, oil, paint, solvents and propane
3. Class C: For electrical equipment like wiring, fuse boxes, computers and motors
4. Class D: For combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, aluminum and other alloys that can react explosively to water
5. Class K: For cooking oils and lipids like grease or fat

Some portable multi-purpose types use dry chemicals for classes A, B and C.

Guidelines for Extinguisher Placement and Maintenance in the Workplace

Proper placement is crucial for quick access during emergencies. Specific OSHA extinguisher placement rules include:

• Visibility and Accessibility: Equipment must be readily visible and accessible. Devices should be placed along normal paths of travel and near exits. Signs should indicate the location of each installation.
• Distance: In general, the travel distance to reach an extinguisher should not exceed 75 feet for Class A hazards and 50 feet for Class B hazards.
• Mounting Height: Equipment weighing 40 pounds or less should be installed so that the top is no more than five feet above the floor. For heavier units, the top should be no more than 3.5 feet above the floor.
• Obstruction: The area around safety equipment must be free of obstructions of any kind. Employers should place each extinguisher for quick access.
• Specific Hazards: Additional installations may be required near specific hazards, such as flammable liquid storage areas or electrical equipment.
• Multiple Floors: For multi-story buildings, at least one extinguisher must be present on each floor.

Every employer should conduct a thorough assessment of the workplace to determine the appropriate number, type and placement of the units based on the specific hazards present and the layout of the facility.

Inspection and Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of portable firefighting devices. Equipment that is properly inspected, tested and maintained is unlikely to fail when it is needed most. The law requires that safety equipment be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant NFPA standard.

Regular maintenance ensures compliance and provides peace of mind that the required equipment will function properly in an emergency.

Federal requirements include regular inspections to ensure that safety equipment is in proper working condition when needed — including monthly visual inspections and more thorough annual maintenance checks.

Monthly Visual Inspection Checklist

During your monthly OSHA fire extinguisher inspection checklist, you should:

• Ensure the extinguisher is in its designated location
• Check that the equipment is visible and accessible
• Verify that the pressure gauge shows the proper pressure range
• Inspect for any physical damage, corrosion or leakage
• Check that the pull pin and tamper seal are intact
• Ensure the nozzle is unobstructed
• Verify that the operating instructions are legible and facing outward

Annual Maintenance Inspection

The annual fire extinguisher maintenance inspection must be performed by a certified professional and should include:

• A thorough examination of the mechanical parts, extinguishing agent and expelling means
• Recharging or replacing the equipment if necessary
• Hydrostatic testing (if required, based on type and year it was last tested)
• Proper documentation of the inspection and any maintenance performed

Companies should maintain records of all inspections and maintenance activities for each unit in the workplace.

In addition to the monthly visual inspections and annual maintenance, organizations also need to replace any equipment that fails inspections and ensure employees are informed about any changes resulting from maintenance activities.

Other Workplace Safety Regulations Related to Extinguishers

Portable firefighting equipment is a key component of OSHA compliance requirements as part of the administration’s broader initiative to keep employees safe on the job.

Extinguishers are also involved in the following crucial workplace safety principles:

• Emergency Plans: Each employer must develop and implement a written emergency action plan that includes procedures for reporting and evacuation planning, including uncontrolled ignition or burning.
• Fire Prevention Plans: A written prevention plan is required in workplaces with more than 10 employees. This plan should identify major hazards and proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials.
• Exit Routes: Employers must provide and maintain adequate exit routes for employees to safely evacuate the workplace in case of an emergency, such as a major blaze.
• Alarm Systems: Workplaces must have a reliable way to alert employees of emergencies, such as an employee alarm system that can be activated either manually or automatically in case of ignition.
• Training: Employees must be trained on the parts of the emergency action and prevention plans that are relevant to their roles.

Each regulation works in conjunction to create a comprehensive approach to keeping everyone safe in the workplace.

The OSHA Fire Extinguisher Training Requirement

Employers must train their team members on fire prevention and the proper type, placement and use of the required equipment. OSHA Education Center offers several classes that can help companies comply with training rules.

Detection and Protection Safety Training for General Industry

This course provides an overview of hazard preparation strategies and meets detection and protection training requirements. Participants in this brief certificate program will receive an official Certificate of Completion.
» Learn More

Fire Prevention Safety Training for Construction

This prevention and safety training course for construction provides essential information for construction workers, managers, foremen and superintendents. Participants in this certificate program will receive an official Certificate of Completion.
» Learn More

SST 1-Hour Fire Protection and Prevention

This course is designed for New York City construction workers. Approved by the NYC Department of Buildings, you will learn the science of fire prevention, safety protocols and key regulations related to the construction industry. This one-hour course is an elective credit that can be applied toward a full SST card.
» Learn More

Start Learning Today

Each of our classes can be completed 100% online from any internet-connected device. Train at your own pace to use and maintain essential suppression equipment in your workplace. Learning how to properly prevent and respond to uncontrolled flames or unexpected ignition can save lives.

You can sign up for any of our industry-leading safety courses and log in right now. Just pick the training that’s right for you and start studying!

To learn more about our courses, contact us today.