We have all seen fire extinguishers positioned around the workplace, right? Hopefully, some of you have them positioned in your home as well. Some of us have even used a fire extinguisher to put out a fire.
The question we are asking ourselves today, is whether we need to be trained to use those extinguishers? The short answer is yes, but let’s talk some specifics from the eyes of the employer.
Do I need to be trained to use a fire extinguisher at work?
As an employer, you have three options regarding fire safety in the workplace. If fire extinguishers are provided, those allowed to use them must be trained.
- 1. Upon sounding the alarm, evacuate all employees.
- 2. Designate only certain individuals to use the company provided fire extinguishers.
- 3. Allow any employee to utilize company provided extinguishers.
Evacuating Employees if There is a Fire
There are several scenarios where this may be a suitable option for your workplace. However, please do not assume there are no requirements for the employer. According to OSHA, if you have over ten employees you are still required to have a written Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan. If there are less than 10 employees, a plan still needs to be in place, but can be communicated orally.
Limited Employees Designated to Use Fire Extinguishers
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g)(4), if designated personnel have been established, training must be provided upon initial designation and annually thereafter. This option required the Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan to be communicated and understood so that those employees who are not designated to use Fire Extinguishers, shall evacuate the premises immediately upon sounding of the alarm.
All Employees Designated to Use Fire Extinguishers
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1) and (2), if All employees are designated to use Fire Extinguishers, an educational program shall be in place for all employees. The education must cover basic principles of fire extinguishers, hazards of incipient (beginning) stage firefighting, and training on the use of fire extinguishers. Again, this training must be completed upon initial designation and annually thereafter.
In addition to this program, it is still required to have an Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan in place. It is critical to understand the limitations of fire extinguishers, and when your on-site firefighting teams need to fight fire or when to evacuate.
Be Prepared Stay Prepared
Now that we have talked about the different options available for your workplace, the training requirements for each, you should take an overall look at where your workplace is currently. Do you have these programs in place? Do you have additional fire safety protocols in effect?
While some training requirements may be in black and white; often times, the reality of your situation may not be. If you have concerns that your workplace may be lacking in some areas, you should have an assessment performed to determine if there are any gaps that may be exposing your employees to additional hazards.
Should you ever find yourself struggling to understand the Code of Federal Regulations or can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, try browsing the OSHA Letter of Interpretations (LOI). Basically, the LOI’s are questions submitted by employers such as yourself requesting clarification. At times, I find these very helpful in certain scenarios.
I hope that you have learned a little more about fire extinguishers, and that your workplace is up to par in this area. If you have thoughts, questions, or a topic that you’d like to see, please add them below. We’re always looking for input from our readers.