Fire Extinguishers

Employers are responsible for inspection, maintenance, and testing of fire extinguishers in the workplace according to specific timetables, as follow:

• Fire extinguishers must undergo a yearly maintenance check.
• Stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers with a 12-year hydrostatic test requirement must be emptied and maintained every six years. Hydrostatic testing must be performed by a trained person.

Employers must provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the associated hazards of firefighting.

Sometimes employers are exempt from these OSHA requirements, such as when:

• The employers have established and implemented a written fire safety policy which requires the immediate and total evacuation of employees from the workplace upon the sounding of a fire alarm signal.
• The employer's fire safety policy includes an emergency action plan and fire prevention plan.
• When extinguishers are not available in the workplace.

To learn more about Exit Routes and Fire Protection visit our Exit Routes, Emergency Action, Fire Prevention & Protection Online Training web page.