Risk Mitigation & Safe Work Practices

The use of fire suppression and fire detection equipment is one way to mitigate risks associated with fires. Portable fire extinguishers are one form of fire suppression equipment. Understanding the best suppression option for each situation is essential in any fire safety training program. For example, a standard 10-pound ABC extinguisher provides 20 seconds of discharge.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a common and easily recognized form of fire suppression equipment. OSHA outlines the requirements for fire extinguishers in the workplace, such as their:

• Placement
• Use
• Maintenance
• Testing

Additional requirements for portable fire extinguishers are, 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 must ensure 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

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