Fire Extinguisher Laws

Fire extinguishers save lives every day in restaurants, factories and other workplaces. However, for fire extinguishers to be of any use when they're needed most, they must be properly maintained, and the people who will ultimately use them must be trained in the proper techniques. Several laws govern the care and use of fire extinguishers.

Required Fire Extinguishers

• In places of employment, fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible places so that they can be retrieved without risk of injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration dictates the placement of fire extinguishers based on the fire risks.

  Class A fires involve ordinary flammable materials such as paper or fabric.
  Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline or cooking grease.
  Class C fires involve electrical equipment.
  Class D fires involve combustible metals such as tungsten.

  If there is a risk of a Class A or Class D fire, there should be fire extinguishers within 75 feet of every employee's workspace. For Class B fires, fire extinguishers should be within 50 feet of every employee's workspace. Distribution of extinguishers for Class C fires should follow the workplace's guidelines for Class A or B risks.

Exemptions

• If an employer has implemented some form of a fire safety policy, requiring total and immediate evacuation of all employees, a fire extinguisher is not needed. The written plan must satisfy OSHA requirements and must include a fire-prevention plan. In addition, if only a few key individuals are trained to use a fire extinguisher, the fire extinguishers are not required 50 or 75 feet from every workspace.

Testing of Fire Extinguishers

• Visually inspect fire extinguishers every month. Once a year, the employer must thoroughly examine the fire extinguisher and record the date of inspection. Employers should ensure that the extinguisher is not blocked, the level of pressure is appropriate, the seals are intact and the extinguisher is not damaged, dented or leaking.

Training

• The employer is required to provide training for employees on the use of fire extinguishers in the workplace. The employer should train employees upon hire and then every year thereafter. If only a specific group of employees is trained to use the extinguishers, employers should retrain that group once every year.

Extinguisher Use

• Different types of extinguishers put out different kinds of fires. Workplaces should have extinguishers that can handle their particular fire hazards. Water-based extinguishers, for example, will put out a Class A fire but could be disastrous on a Class B fire, actually spreading the flames. Only use a fire extinguisher when you can discern a clear exit path and if you are fully trained for its use.