According to OSHA regulations, no one at a workplace is supposed to use a fire extinguisher unless they have been trained to do so. Though this may seem awfully restrictive, there are several good reasons for this rule. If an untrained person tries to extinguish a blaze, some serious mistakes can happen.
Yes, you can use an extinguisher effectively without training. Many people have.
It does not require formal classroom instruction." So, at the bare minimum, employers must provide workers with instructions on general fire extinguisher use and the hazards associated with fighting incipient-stage (beginning-stage) fires.
This is probably the most important decision you will face when a fire breaks out. If you are not trained in portable extinguisher use, the answer is easy: you should evacuate, and never attempt to fight a fire if you do not have extinguisher training.
Did you think there was a fire and there wasn't? In both of these cases there would be no legal repercussions, unless you damaged something, which is possible using a dry chemical extinguisher around electrical equipment. If it was malicious however there could be charges.
There are rare situations, though, where it's appropriate for anyone to use an extinguisher – training or no training. Untrained individuals should only use a fire extinguisher if it's necessary in order to safely evacuate.
OSHA requires a minimum-rated 10B fire extinguisher be provided within 50 feet of the point of job site use of more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas.
Cutting off or limiting the oxygen supply
If you don't have a fire extinguisher, the easiest one to remove is oxygen by limiting the air supply. If a fire breaks out inside an oven or a microwave, the easiest way to cut off the oxygen supply is to ensure the door to these appliances remains fully closed.
Class A fires - Combustible materials:
Caused by flammable solids, such as plastics, wood, paper, straw, coal, textiles, furniture, etc.
those who are responsible for overseeing fire safety. designated fire marshals. anyone who needs to know how to use a fire extinguisher.
"ABC" indicating that they are designed to extinguish class A, B, and C fires. "BC" indicating that they are designed to extinguish class B and C fires.
So to recap; employers who have portable fire extinguishers in the workplace must provide education on fire extinguishers for all workers, training for all designated workers, and nothing for any/all employees who have been specifically excluded in their emergency action plan from using fire extinguishers.
The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires.
Organizations are required to provide this training when employees are first hired and annually thereafter. Employers are also advised to establish a policy clarifying who is qualified to use fire extinguishers, the situations when they can and should be used, and the proper procedures for their use.
Did you think there was a fire and there wasn't? In both of these cases there would be no legal repercussions, unless you damaged something, which is possible using a dry chemical extinguisher around electrical equipment. If it was malicious however there could be charges.
If you discover or suspect a fire, sound the building fire alarm. If there is no alarm in the building, warn the other occupants by knocking on doors and shouting as you leave. LEAVE THE BUILDING. Try to rescue others only if you can do so safely.
29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1) [and (2)] requires that, where an employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, he shall also provide an educational training program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage ...
Failure to comply with OSHA safety requirements can result in hefty fines for business owners. Organizations may face maximum penalties of up to $15,625 per serious violation or $156,259 for willful or repeated violations. These penalties can accrue daily after the deadline to fix the issue.
1910.157 - Portable fire extinguishers. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Pull: Pull the safety pin located at the top of the fire extinguisher. Aim: Aim the nozzle at the fire's base rather than its top. Squeeze: Squeeze the lever gently to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to sufficiently cover the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Whatever the size of your office building – small, medium, or large, you must make sure you have the following fire safety measures in place: A Fire Risk Assessment. A designated 'Responsible Person' The correct extinguishers.