29 CFR 1910.157: OSHA Fire Extinguishers

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable Fire Extinguishers

What Is OSHA's Portable Fire Extinguisher Standard?

29 CFR 1910.157 covers the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for employee use. It also requires training for employees expected to use extinguishers.

Why Extinguisher Requirements Matter

A working, correctly placed extinguisher can stop a small fire from becoming a major one. But an extinguisher that is blocked, uncharged or used by an untrained worker can put people in danger.

Core Requirements

1. Mount, Locate and Identify

Portable extinguishers must be mounted, located and identified so they are readily accessible without subjecting employees to possible injury.

2. Travel Distances

Extinguishers for Class A fires must be distributed so the travel distance is 75 feet or less. For Class B hazards, travel distance is generally 50 feet or less.

3. Keep Them Charged and Operable

Extinguishers must be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use.

4. Inspect and Maintain

Extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly and subjected to a maintenance check at least annually, with records kept. Hydrostatic testing is required at intervals set by the standard.

5. Train Employees

Where extinguishers are provided for employee use, employees must receive education on general extinguisher use and incipient-stage firefighting when first hired and at least annually after that.

Common Compliance Approaches

Match Extinguishers to Hazards

Choose extinguisher types, such as Class A, B, C, D or K, based on the fire risks in each area.

Keep Access Clear

Include extinguisher access in housekeeping inspections so they don't get blocked by stock or equipment.

Decide on Your Fire Response Policy

Employers can choose total evacuation instead of employee firefighting, but that choice affects which requirements apply.

Example: Fire Extinguisher Compliance in Practice

A commercial kitchen installs a Class K extinguisher near its deep fryers and ABC extinguishers near the exits. Staff are trained at hire and annually on when to use an extinguisher and when to evacuate. A manager signs off monthly visual checks, and an outside contractor performs annual maintenance and records it on each tag.

Related regulations: OSHA Emergency Action Plans, OSHA General Duty Clause, WHS first aid and emergency plans.

Note: This summary reflects federal OSHA requirements. States with OSHA-approved State Plans may have additional or different requirements. Always check the current regulation text and any state rules that apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must fire extinguishers be inspected under OSHA?

Portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected at least monthly and have a maintenance check at least once a year. Hydrostatic testing is required at intervals specified in the standard.

How far apart should fire extinguishers be?

For Class A fire hazards, extinguishers must be placed so that employees don't have to travel more than 75 feet to reach one. For Class B hazards, the travel distance is generally 50 feet or less.

Is fire extinguisher training required by OSHA?

Yes, if employers provide extinguishers for employee use. Employees must be trained on extinguisher use and the hazards of incipient-stage firefighting when first hired and at least annually after that.