Notable Safety Regulations

Each morning, we enter our place of business, walk the familiar hallways, and then settle into our work routine. Yet if I asked you where the nearest fire extinguisher is to your workstation, would you be able to tell me?

Portable fire extinguishers should be an integral part of your facility’s fire safety program, because they can be an effective tool for immediately responding to and suppressing small fires. Oftentimes, a trained employee will be your first line of defense to quench a small fire before it burns out of control.

OSHA makes clear that employers are responsible for placing portable fire extinguishers where employees can easily access and identify them.

29 CFR §1910.157(c)(1) – “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.”

Accuform Signs offers several product solutions designed specifically to help increase the visibility of portable fire extinguishers located throughout your facility.

• Fire & Emergency Projection™ Signs – Available in 3D, 90D and 180D styles, Projection™ signs “project” outward from the wall to draw attention to the location of portable fire extinguishers.
• Fire Extinguisher Cover – Available in bilingual Spanish or French, this cover not only protects the extinguisher from dust, corrosion and sunlight; but its bright orange color provides high visibility. The cover also includes basic instructions for extinguisher use and space to check off the type of fire extinguisher (learn more about this product by watching the video).

For specific guidance on selection and placement of portable fire extinguishers, visit OSHA’s web page on Extinguisher Placement and Spacing.

Next time, we’ll look at OSHA’s requirements on proper maintenance and recordkeeping for portable fire extinguishers.