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Meeting OSHA and NFPA Fire Extinguisher Rules

By Frank Jones··4 min read

Two sets of rules govern fire extinguishers: OSHA (workplace safety) and NFPA (fire protection standards). Both apply to your business.

Here's how to meet both requirements without confusion.

OSHA Requirements (29 CFR 1910.157)

Who Must Comply

All employers with workplaces where employees could encounter fire hazards.

Basic OSHA Rules

  • Provide appropriate fire extinguishers
  • Mount them properly and keep accessible
  • Inspect monthly and annually
  • Train employees on use (if required to fight fires)

Employee Training Requirements

If you expect employees to use extinguishers:

  • Initial training on fire classes and extinguisher types
  • Hands-on practice recommended
  • Annual refresher training
  • Documentation of all training

If You Don't Want Employees Fighting Fires

You can choose evacuation-only policy:

  • Post evacuation procedures prominently
  • Train employees to evacuate immediately
  • Still need extinguishers for fire department use
  • Reduced training requirements

NFPA 10 Standards

What NFPA 10 Covers

  • Installation requirements
  • Inspection and maintenance procedures
  • Selection of proper extinguisher types
  • Spacing and travel distance rules

Key NFPA Requirements

  • Maximum 75-foot travel distance (Class A)
  • Proper mounting height (5 feet max for top)
  • Monthly visual inspections
  • Annual professional maintenance
  • Six-year internal maintenance

NFPA vs Building Codes

Many local jurisdictions adopt NFPA 10 as their fire code. This makes NFPA standards legally enforceable.

Where OSHA and NFPA Overlap

Inspection Requirements

Both require:

  • Monthly visual inspections
  • Annual professional service
  • Documentation of all inspections
  • Prompt repair of deficiencies

Installation Standards

Both reference proper:

  • Mounting height and location
  • Accessibility and signage
  • Travel distance calculations
  • Appropriate extinguisher selection

Common Compliance Mistakes

Training Confusion

OSHA requires training if employees are expected to use extinguishers. Many employers assume this is automatic - it's not.

Documentation Gaps

  • Missing monthly inspection records
  • Outdated annual service tags
  • No training documentation
  • Inadequate incident reporting

Wrong Extinguisher Types

  • Using home-grade units in commercial settings
  • Incorrect Class ratings for hazards present
  • Undersized units for coverage area

Compliance Checklist

Monthly Requirements

  • [ ] Visual inspections completed and documented
  • [ ] All extinguishers accessible and unobstructed
  • [ ] Pressure gauges in green zones
  • [ ] Safety pins and tamper seals intact

Annual Requirements

  • [ ] Professional inspection by certified technician
  • [ ] Updated service tags with current dates
  • [ ] Service reports documenting any issues
  • [ ] Employee training updated if required

Documentation Maintenance

  • [ ] Monthly inspection logs (minimum 2 years)
  • [ ] Annual service reports (permanent)
  • [ ] Training records (duration of employment + 3 years)
  • [ ] Incident reports involving fire or extinguisher use

Enforcement and Penalties

OSHA Enforcement

  • Complaint-driven inspections
  • Random workplace inspections
  • Post-incident investigations
  • Penalties: $15,625 per serious violation

Fire Marshal Inspections

  • Regular building inspections
  • Business license renewals
  • Complaint investigations
  • Can order facility closure for serious violations

Special Industry Requirements

Healthcare Facilities

  • Enhanced documentation requirements
  • More frequent inspection schedules
  • Specialized extinguisher types
  • Additional staff training mandates

Food Service

  • Class K extinguishers mandatory
  • Kitchen-specific placement rules
  • Hood system integration requirements
  • Additional health department oversight

Manufacturing

  • Hazard-specific extinguisher selection
  • Potentially shorter travel distances
  • Employee training more critical
  • Integration with other fire protection systems

Professional Compliance Help

Consider professional assistance for:

  • Initial compliance assessment
  • Complex multi-building facilities
  • High-hazard operations
  • Facilities with compliance violations

What Professionals Provide

  • Gap analysis against current requirements
  • Written compliance program development
  • Employee training programs
  • Ongoing inspection and maintenance services

Staying Current

Fire codes change. Stay updated through:

  • Professional service provider updates
  • Industry association newsletters
  • Local fire department notifications
  • Annual code review meetings

Don't wait for an inspection to discover compliance gaps. Both OSHA and local fire marshals take fire extinguisher violations seriously.