Let’s talk fire extinguishers. Have you inspected yours lately? Are they fully charged, strategically located, accessible, and ready for use? Or, are they covered with dust and hidden in a corner where they create a false sense of security? Do you employees know how to use them? Before OSHA comes in to ask, it’s best if we answer these questions ourselves.
Do you know everything you need to know about the most frequently cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards? In this series, we’re exploring the most common OSHA violations, one by one. Keep reading to learn how to avoid an electrical violation and protect your portable fire extinguisher citations.
OSHA’s Portable Fire Extinguisher Standard: What It Is
OSHA definition:
“The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury. Only approved portable fire extinguishers shall be used to meet the requirements of this section. The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use.” (Source)
Simple definition:
Fire extinguishers must be kept accessible and functional to eliminate lost time when needed. They should also be the proper class of extinguisher based on the kinds of materials in your operation.
Like most aspects of emergency preparedness, fire extinguishers are tools companies hope never to use. Tools that go untouched for long periods can be prone to neglect, but giving your fire extinguishers the proper inspection and maintenance they require is essential. Fire extinguisher inspections are legally required to keep them ready for use if needed and ensure they can effectively extinguish fires. Remember, those fire extinguishers are your first line of defense against fire emergencies.
While we hope that fire extinguishers never have to be used, they still need to be inspected and maintained to ensure they are working properly in case an emergency occurs.
Why Fire Extinguisher Violations Happen
OSHA fire extinguisher violations usually happen for a host of reasons.
- Improper fire extinguishers are supplied, or they’re not distributed across your facility adequately. Remember, not all fire extinguishers are created equally.
- Fire extinguishers aren’t maintained. A dusty, hidden extinguisher isn’t going to help you respond well to an emergency.
- Lack of fire extinguisher inspection records. The same goes for employee training on how to use a fire extinguisher effectively during emergencies.
What You Stand to Lose When Fire Extinguisher Violations Happen
Direct costs: OSHA penalties can exceed $16,000 per violation—and as much per day for every day the issue hasn’t been fixed by OSHA’s deadline. The fine for a willful or repeated violation can be 10 times as much.
Indirect costs:
- workers’ compensation claims from people who have experienced injuries and illnesses from a fire
- lost productivity during and after a fire
- lowered workforce morale due to fear and uncertainty around risk areas
- hours of labor spent identifying and fixing issues
- expenses of cleaning and replacing equipment that’s out-of-date, damaged or broken
- legal and compliance fees
- negative publicity and reputational damage
Signs You’re at Risk of a Fire Extinguisher OSHA Violation
How to Avoid an OSHA Fire Extinguisher Violation: Your Prevention Checklist
What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher?
To properly use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:
- **P**ull the pin.
- **A**im the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- **S**queeze the handle.
- **S**weep the nozzle from side to side.
Always ensure you are standing a safe distance away and approach only if the fire is small enough to put out a small fire. If the fire spreads or becomes uncontrollable, evacuate immediately and call the fire department.
You Don’t Have to Manage Your OSHA Requirements Alone
Have questions? Looking for more detailed OSHA compliance guidance? KPA is here to help.
To truly protect your workforce and bottom line, you’ll need in-depth information—and not just about OSHA’s top 10, but every potential hazard that exists in your organization. You’ll also need to conduct a thorough evaluation of your facilities to identify current gaps and risk areas.
KPA’s unique combination of software, training, and consulting services can provide the coverage your people and your organization need.
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