Description
Fire Extinguisher Use Safety Poster
Help employees understand the basic principles of portable fire extinguisher use with the Fire Extinguisher Use Safety Poster. This workplace safety poster provides a convenient visual reference for employees who may be authorized or expected to use a portable fire extinguisher during an incipient-stage fire emergency.
Knowing when and how to use a fire extinguisher can be an important part of workplace fire safety. Employees should understand their employer's emergency procedures, know when evacuation is necessary, and only attempt to use a fire extinguisher when it is safe and consistent with workplace policies and training.
How Do You Use a Fire Extinguisher?
A commonly used method for remembering the basic steps for operating many portable fire extinguishers is PASS:
- P – Pull the pin
- A – Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
- S – Squeeze the operating handle
- S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire
Employees should always follow the instructions provided with the specific fire extinguisher and their employer's established emergency procedures.
When Should an Employee Use a Fire Extinguisher?
Portable fire extinguishers are intended for appropriate small or incipient-stage fires when employees have been instructed or trained to use them and conditions allow the extinguisher to be used safely.
Before attempting to fight a fire, employees should follow workplace emergency procedures, activate the fire alarm or notify emergency personnel when appropriate, and maintain a safe evacuation route. Employees should evacuate rather than attempt to fight a fire when conditions are unsafe, the fire is spreading, smoke or heat becomes dangerous, the appropriate extinguisher is unavailable, or workplace procedures require evacuation.
Know the Different Classes of Fire
Different types of fires can require different extinguishing agents. Employees should understand the types of fire hazards present in their workplace and use only an extinguisher appropriate for the fire involved.
- Class A – ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and certain plastics
- Class B – flammable liquids and similar combustible liquid hazards
- Class C – fires involving energized electrical equipment
- Class D – combustible metals
- Class K – certain cooking oils and fats commonly associated with commercial cooking operations
Employees should never assume that every portable fire extinguisher is appropriate for every type of fire. Extinguishers should be selected based on the hazards present in the workplace.
OSHA Fire Extinguisher Requirements
OSHA addresses portable fire extinguishers under 29 CFR 1910.157. Where portable fire extinguishers are provided for employee use, employers must comply with applicable requirements for their selection, placement, accessibility, inspection, maintenance, testing, and employee education or training.
Portable fire extinguishers provided for employee use must be mounted, located, and identified so they are readily accessible without exposing employees to possible injury. Employers must also keep required extinguishers fully charged, operable, and in their designated locations except when they are being used.
OSHA Fire Extinguisher Education and Training
When an employer provides portable fire extinguishers for employee use, 29 CFR 1910.157(g) requires an educational program that familiarizes employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards associated with incipient-stage firefighting.
This education must be provided when employees are initially employed and at least annually thereafter. Employees specifically designated to use firefighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan must receive appropriate training when initially assigned and at least annually thereafter.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Maintenance
Employers are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers covered by OSHA's standard. Portable extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly and receive an annual maintenance check as required by 29 CFR 1910.157.
Employees who observe a damaged, discharged, missing, blocked, or otherwise unsafe fire extinguisher should follow workplace procedures and report the condition to the appropriate supervisor or responsible person.
Where Can a Fire Extinguisher Use Poster Be Displayed?
The Fire Extinguisher Use Safety Poster can help reinforce employee fire safety awareness in many workplaces, including:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Offices and administrative workplaces
- Retail businesses
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens
- Hotels and hospitality facilities
- Schools and educational facilities
- Maintenance and industrial operations
- Employee break rooms
- Safety and training areas
Is a Fire Extinguisher Use Poster Required by OSHA?
OSHA establishes requirements for portable fire extinguishers and employee education or training when extinguishers are provided for employee use. However, this particular Fire Extinguisher Use Safety Poster is intended as a supplemental employee safety and training resource and should not be represented as a universally required OSHA workplace poster.
This poster can help reinforce an employer's fire safety program but does not replace required employee education or training, emergency action plans, fire prevention plans, equipment inspections, evacuation procedures, or other applicable workplace fire safety requirements.
Fire Extinguisher Use Poster Specifications
- 11"W x 17"H
- Portrait orientation
- Printed in full color
- Laminated with high-quality laminate
Workplace Safety and Compliance Resources
Labor Law Compliance Center provides employers with labor law posters, workplace safety posters, specialty postings, and compliance resources for businesses throughout the United States. Browse our Workplace Safety Posters for additional fire safety, first aid, emergency response, PPE, and employee safety materials.
