OSHA sets the following fire extinguisher requirements for general business.
Fire extinguishers must be accessible to employees without subjecting them to possible injury.
Only OSHA-approved fire extinguishers may be used.
Fire extinguishers must be charged, operational and in their designated place when not in use.
Fire extinguishers that use carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane are prohibited.
Do not use soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid, foam or gas cartridge water-type fire extinguishers that operate by rupturing the cartridge or generating chemical reactions to expel the extinguishing agent.
OSHA sets additional requirements for training and inspection.
Employees are prohibited from handling portable fire extinguishers unless they have been trained in proper use.
Organizations are required to provide fire extinguisher training for employees when they are first hired and then at least once a year.
Visual inspections must be performed monthly on all portable fire extinguishers, but documentation is not required.
Annual portable fire extinguisher inspection is mandatory and must be documented.
These are the different classes of fire extinguishers.
Class A—Ordinary combustibles - paper, wood: A in a Triangle. Travel distance must be 75 feet or less.
Class B—Flammable liquids - gasoline, paint, diesel fuel: B in a Square. Travel distance must be 50 feet or less.
Class C—Electrical equipment. C in a Circle. The travel distance for a Class C fire extinguisher is determined by the A or B hazards present. For offices and warehouses with ordinary combustibles, a Class C extinguisher should follow Class A distance standards. If flammable liquids are present, use the Class B travel distance.
Class D—Combustible metal: D in a 5 pointed star. Travel distance must be 75 feet or less.
Class K—Combustible cooking oils & fats - K for Kitchen: Travel distance must be 30 feet or less.
OSHA has the following mounting requirements for portable fire extinguishers.
For all mounted fire extinguishers, the bottom of the extinguisher must be at least 4 inches off the ground.
If the extinguisher weighs more than 40 lbs., the top of the extinguisher must be no more than 3.5 feet off the ground
If the extinguisher weights less than 40 lbs., the top of the extinguisher must be no more than 5 feet off the ground
How to Use A Fire Extinguisher: PASS
P: PULL the pin
A: AIM at the base of the fire
S: SQUEEZE the handle
S: SWEEP side to side
Resources: OSHA
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