Subpart L
Yes. Employers must provide portable fire extinguishers where needed for the hazards present and keep them ready for use to protect employees and property. See the requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection) and, in particular, the provisions covering portable extinguishers under Subpart L.
Select extinguishers based on the types of fire hazards (Class A, B, C, D, K) present and the expected size of small fires that employees might fight. Match extinguisher agents to hazard classes and use manufacturer/NFPA guidance when in doubt. See the guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection) for selecting suitable portable extinguishing equipment.
Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and maintained at least annually, and they must be serviced or tested as required by the standard and applicable NFPA tests. Keep records of inspections and maintenance actions. See the inspection and maintenance requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Monthly inspections can be done by a trained site employee; annual maintenance and more technical servicing must be done by a qualified person or a certified service company following the standard and manufacturer's instructions. See the service and maintenance requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Extinguishers must be mounted, positioned, and marked so they are readily accessible and visible; follow clearance, mounting height, and travel distance guidance provided in the Subpart L requirements. Keep access routes to extinguishers clear. See mounting and placement guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Yes. Employers must provide training so employees expected to use portable fire extinguishers can do so effectively and safely; training should cover extinguisher types, operation, limitations, and when to evacuate. See the training expectations referenced in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Only employees who are assigned and trained to use portable extinguishers or who are members of a designated fire brigade should attempt to fight small incipient-stage fires; other employees should follow evacuation or emergency procedures. Employers should limit firefighting assignments to those trained and equipped. See the relevant provisions in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Fixed extinguishing systems are required where hazards or operations make portable extinguishers insufficient; they must be designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained by qualified persons per the Subpart L requirements and applicable consensus standards. See the fixed system requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Employers should keep records of periodic inspections, maintenance, servicing, and tests for fire protection equipment (portable extinguishers and fixed systems) and retain those records as required by the standard or company policy. See recordkeeping and inspection requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Employers must maintain clear exit routes and keep access to fire protection equipment unobstructed so employees can reach exits and firefighting gear quickly and safely. Blocked paths or locked equipment that delay evacuation or response are not permitted. See the general fire protection and egress requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
A fire prevention plan is a written program that identifies fire hazards, ignition sources, control procedures, and responsibilities; employers should develop one where required by specific standards or when hazards make a plan necessary to protect employees. The Subpart L guidance explains when and how to prepare such plans. See the fire prevention plan provisions in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
A fire prevention plan should include training on identified fire hazards, proper handling and storage of flammable materials, use of firefighting equipment for authorized personnel, and employee actions during a fire. Training should be provided to employees exposed to the hazards covered by the plan. See training-related guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Where employers establish a fire brigade, the brigade must be properly trained, equipped, and organized to safely perform assigned firefighting duties; employers must meet the provisions that cover fire brigade operations in the Subpart L requirements. See the fire brigade provisions in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Employers must control ignition sources, follow proper storage and handling practices, and provide appropriate fire protection (extinguishers, fixed systems) for operations involving flammable liquids and gases; coordinate controls with the applicable Subpart L requirements and relevant standards for those materials. See the hazard control guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Fire extinguishers, alarms, and other fire protection equipment should be clearly marked so employees can quickly identify them; signs and markings should be visible and maintained. See the visibility and marking guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
No. Employers are responsible for on-site fire protection measures appropriate to the hazards; while local fire departments provide emergency response, employers must still provide portable extinguishers, fixed systems, plans, and training as required by the Subpart L standards. See employer responsibilities in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Yes. Alarms and controls for fixed suppression systems must be tested and maintained at intervals required by the standard and applicable consensus standards; perform testing by qualified personnel and record results. See testing and maintenance requirements in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
Employers must control hot work hazards by removing combustibles, using guards, providing extinguishers or fire watches, and implementing hot work permits when required; follow the relevant Subpart L and related standards for hot work controls. See the hazard control guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
After a fire or suppression activation, employers should secure the area, ensure hazards are controlled, inspect and repair or replace damaged fire protection equipment, investigate causes, and update plans and training as needed. Document inspection, maintenance, and corrective actions per the Subpart L expectations. See post-incident and maintenance guidance in 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).
OSHA enforces the fire protection standards; you can read the official Subpart L text and related provisions on OSHA's website at 1910 Subpart L (Fire Protection).