Hands-On Training

OSHA mandates stricter guidelines regarding the use of fire protection systems in some industries, such as:

• Where hot work is conducted
• Work involving welding
• Work involving brazing

In these industries, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 says employers must provide employees who have been designated to use fire-fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan with training in the use of the appropriate equipment. For these employees, hands-on training in the use of a portable fire extinguisher is required. During hands-on training employees should be allowed to practice discharging a fire extinguisher, although a live fire demonstration is not required as part of this scenario.

Employees should be trained to follow specific steps when responding to an incipient stage fire, as follow:

• Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate.
• Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
• Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.
• Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique.
• Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.
• Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
• Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.

To learn more about Fire Extinguishers visit our Portable Fire Extinguishers Online Training web page.