Requirements For Placement, Use, Maintenance And Testing Of Portable Fire Extinguishers – Part 1

The requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Standard 1910.157 apply to the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. Where extinguishers are provided but are not intended for employee use and the employer has both an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.39 respectively, then only the requirements of paragraphs 1910.157(e) and 1910.157(f) apply. This series of articles will provide a summary of each section of  Occupational Safety and Health Standard 1910.157 to allow the reader a good understanding […]

Understanding The Requirements For Portable Fire Extinguishers – Part 4

This is the final Part 4 of a 4 part series of articles intended to provide a better understanding and detailing of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers since a thorough understanding of requirements and expectations is the first step in becoming compliant. The applicable governing regulations and sections are identified where appropriate to allow the reader a ready reference for additional research. While this article does not provide every detail of the applicable requirements it should provide enough information to give the reader a good grasp of the scope and nature of the OSHA requirements for portable fire […]

Understanding The Requirements For Portable Fire Extinguishers – Part 3

This is Part 3 of a 4 part series of articles intended to provide a better understanding and detailing of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers since a thorough understanding of requirements and expectations is the first step in becoming compliant. The applicable governing regulations and sections are identified where appropriate to allow the reader a ready reference for additional research. While this article does not provide every detail of the applicable requirements it should provide enough information to give the reader a good grasp of the scope and nature of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers in […]

Understanding The Requirements For Portable Fire Extinguishers – Part 2

This is Part 2 of a 4 part series of articles intended to provide a better understanding and detailing of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers since a thorough understanding of requirements and expectations is the first step in becoming compliant. The applicable governing regulations and sections are identified where appropriate to allow the reader a ready reference for additional research. While this article does not provide every detail of the applicable requirements it should provide enough information to give the reader a good grasp of the scope and nature of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers in […]

Understanding The Requirements For Portable Fire Extinguishers – Part 1

This is Part 1 of a 4 part series of articles intended to provide a better understanding and detailing of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers since a thorough understanding of requirements and expectations is the first step in becoming compliant. The applicable governing regulations and sections are identified where appropriate to allow the reader a ready reference for additional research. While this article does not provide every detail of the applicable requirements it should provide enough information to give the reader a good grasp of the scope and nature of the OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers in […]

Understanding The Types Of Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are typically a key element of any business’s fire safety plan.  Understanding the fundamental principles of firefighting, the different types of fires that might occur within a business or building, the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and the different types of portable fire extinguishers and the fires they are effective against are critical to ensuring your fire safety plan is adequate. Fundamental principles of firefighting There are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist. There must be oxygen to sustain combustion, heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature, fuel to […]