Risk Mitigation & Safe Work Practices for Fires

The use of fire suppression and fire detection equipment is one way to mitigate risks associated with fire in the workplace.

There are several forms of fire suppression and fire detection equipment, including the following:

• Portable fire suppression equipment
• Fixed fire suppression equipment
• Fixed extinguishing systems
• Fire detection systems
• Employee alarm systems

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a common and easily recognized form of fire suppression equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines the requirements for fire extinguishers in the workplace, including the equipment's:

• Placement
• Use
• Maintenance
• Testing

Requirements for portable fire extinguishers exist, as follows:

• Employers must provide portable fire extinguishers and mount, locate, and identify them so they are readily accessible to employees without risk of injury to the employee
• Only approved extinguishers can be used
• The employer cannot provide or make available extinguishers that use carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents
• The employer will make sure that extinguishers are maintained and kept in their designated places at all time except during use

Portable fire extinguishers must be provided for employee use, and they must be selected and distributed based on the following criteria:

• Classes of anticipated workplace fire
• Size of hazard that would affect their use
• Degree of fire that would affect their use

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