Many businesses provide portable fire extinguishers throughout the workplace for employee use during the incipient stage or initial outbreak of a fire. BUT did you know OSHA does not allow you as a business owner to let your employees use one of those fire extinguishers when there is a fire unless they have been trained to identify when it is appropriate to use portable fire extinguishers and how to properly use them.
Businesses must provide this training when employees are hired and then provide annual training thereafter. During your business’ fire extinguisher training you should state which employees can use portable fire extinguishers and which cannot. Your policy should identify when it is appropriate to use a fire extinguisher and the procedures for proper use.
OSHA states it this way: “Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage firefighting.”
Who is exempt from OSHA Fire Extinguisher Training?
If your business chooses to enact a written fire-safety policy which states that all employees must immediately evacuate the premises when a fire alarm is set off and have an established emergency-action plan and fire-prevention plan which meets OSHA’s standards. Then your business does not need to worry about OSHA’s portable fire extinguisher training requirements.
However, if you choose to only allow certified employees to use your available portable fire extinguishers and your emergency-action plan requires all other employees to evacuate the area after the fire alarm sounds, you will not need to train all employees on fire extinguisher use.
What does OSHA Recommend?
OSHA recommends all businesses, even if you choose not to supply fire extinguishers or train your employees on their use, when an employee discovers a fire, they should activate the fire alarm before attempting to control the fire. This allows others in the workplace to evacuate to a safe location. Once the fire alarm has been activated the fire department should be called. If your company has a sprinkler system just evacuate and let the sprinklers do their job.
Brazas Fire has your Fire Fighting needs covered
We at Brazas Fire know that you will have questions. Questions about what fire suppression system is right for your business. As one of the largest firefighting equipment suppliers and service providers in the region, we specialize in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, firefighting protective gear, fire hoses, and much more. Serving all of Albuquerque, NM, the Greater Albuquerque metro-area and even the rest of New Mexico we take pride in supporting your business by buying local and hiring local whenever possible.
Give Brazas Fire in Albuquerque, NM a call at 505-889-8999. We service businesses all over the Albuquerque area and New Mexico. Safeguard your business from fires and fire hazards today. Let the friendly and knowledgeable Brazas Fire staff educate you on our fire suppression systems and help find that perfect fire suppression system that your company needs. Please take the time to learn about our fire protection products and services, request your free quote, or ask us a question today. We are here to help!