Where fire extinguishers must go

Placement

For flammable liquid (Class B) hazards, OSHA 1910.157(d)(4) shortens the maximum travel distance from the hazard area to an extinguisher to 50 feet.

OSHA 1910.157(c)(1) requires employers to mount, locate and mark extinguishers so workers can reach them without putting themselves at risk.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department policy on extinguishers says a unit weighing 40 pounds or less must be hung with its top no more than 5 feet above the floor.

The same San Diego policy lowers the top to 3.5 feet for units over 40 pounds and requires at least 4 inches between the bottom of any extinguisher and the floor.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District requires every business and apartment building to have at least one extinguisher rated 2A:10BC, mounted in an approved location.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District says extinguishers belong in conspicuous spots along normal paths of travel, preferably near an exit door, and on every floor.

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue guidance for low hazard occupancies calls for 2A:10BC extinguishers no more than 150 feet apart, plus at least one for every 3,000 square feet.

Sources: 75 feet to a Class A extinguisher; Top no higher than 5 feet; At least one 2A:10BC unit; One per 3,000 square feet

Training staff

Under OSHA 1910.157(g)(1), an employer that provides extinguishers for employee use must also run an education program on how extinguishers work and the hazards of fighting a small fire.

OSHA 1910.157(g)(2) requires that education at the start of employment and at least once a year after that.

OSHA 1910.157(g)(3) and (g)(4) add equipment training for employees designated to fight fires under the emergency action plan, at assignment and at least yearly.

OSHA 1910.157(b)(1) exempts an employer from the section when a written policy requires immediate total evacuation on alarm, with emergency action and fire prevention plans, and no extinguishers are available.

OSHA's evacuation eTool teaches the P.A.S.S. technique: pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, sweep side to side.

OSHA's eTool tells employees to sound the alarm and pick a safe evacuation path before approaching a fire, and to leave if the fire grows beyond its earliest stage.

Sources: Education for all employees; The P.A.S.S. method