Is blocking a fire extinguisher an OSHA violation?

Author: Dr. Antoinette Trantow  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

At 1-6.6, it prohibits fire extinguishers from being blocked. If an employer can quickly go to the fire extinguisher and is able to easily reach the extinguisher, OSHA should be satisfied.

Can a fire extinguisher be blocked?

Never cover or block any extinguisher for even a short period of time. Fire extinguishers are not clothing racks and must never be used as a place to hang anything. ✓ Sprinkler valves: Your fire department and maintenance staff must have access to control water to the sprinkler system at all times in an emergency.

What is the OSHA rule on fire extinguishers?

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. Only approved portable fire extinguishers shall be used to meet the requirements of this section.

What are some common fire extinguisher violations of OSHA regulations?

OSHA fire extinguisher violations usually happen for a host of reasons.
  • Improper fire extinguishers are supplied, or they're not distributed across your facility adequately. Remember, not all fire extinguishers are created equally.
  • Fire extinguishers aren't maintained. ...
  • Lack of fire extinguisher inspection records.

Is blocking an exit an OSHA violation?

Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, to reach an exit or exit discharge, nor may it lead into a dead-end corridor.

OSHA Rules On Fire Extinguishers In Vehicles. Fire Extinguisher Hacks.

Can a fire exit be blocked?

Additionally, blocked exits can violate fire codes and result in hefty fines for businesses. Exit signs must always be visible to indicate the nearest egress door, ensuring a safe exit during an emergency. Recognizing the importance of workplace safety is vital in these situations.

What is considered an OSHA violation?

An OSHA violation occurs when a business or its employees fail to comply with a regulation that keeps the workplace free of serious hazards.

Is it illegal to use a fire extinguisher when there is no fire?

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.

What are the guidelines for fire extinguishers?

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.

What are the safety requirements fire extinguisher?

Make sure it is located in its designated place. Make sure the extinguisher is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located. Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher. Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position.

Is code for fire extinguishers?

The details in regard to the maintenance are given in IS 2190 : 1992 'Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable first aid fire extinguishers (third revision)'. This standard was first published in 1962 and revised in 1972, 1976 and 1985.

What is the minimum clearance around a fire extinguisher?

Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) will expect at least 36-inches clearance in front of the extinguisher as long as it is still visible. They “borrow” this 36-inch clearance measurement from NFPA 70-2011, Article 110.26 for electrical control panels.

What are the OSHA rules for fire extinguishers?

A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.

Are fire extinguishers obstructed?

Extinguishers also need to be installed in places where they're visible, but if an obstruction is unavoidable then there needs to be a sign provided to indicate the extinguisher's location.

Should fire extinguishers be locked up?

Fire extinguishers must never be blocked by any obstacles, such as stacked products, that would prevent employees from quickly and safely accessing them in an emergency.

What is the rule for using a fire extinguisher?

It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire.

Is it a felony to discharge a fire extinguisher?

Discharging a fire extinguisher can be considered a misdemeanour or a felony depending on the circumstances — specifically, the harm caused by the act. If done maliciously, it could be legally penalized, yet accidental or non-malicious discharges may not incur such charges.

Does the fire department check fire extinguishers?

Some local fire stations offer fire extinguisher inspections alongside other safety services. However, each fire department is different and some may not offer this service due to liability concerns. Check with your local fire department to see what fire safety services they offer.

Does OSHA pay you for reporting?

OSHA whistleblower “relief” is intended to correct any retaliatory wrongs committed against the employee. If, for example, an employee has been fired for reporting a violation of the OSH Act, the relief may consist of reinstatement, the recovery of lost pay, and/or a lump sum.

What is the most frequently violated OSHA electrical regulation?

The Prevalence of Electrical Violations

In the realm of workplace safety, you'll often find that mishaps with wiring methods, components, and equipment top the list. These violations not only endanger lives but also result in hefty penalties.

What is the least serious OSHA violation?

A De Minimis violation is a technical violation of OSHA rules that does not directly impact the health and safety of the workers. This is the most minor class of violation and usually does not lead to heavy fines or citations.

What is the biggest OSHA violation?

The 5 largest OSHA fines in history
  • #5 Kleen Energy natural gas explosion. ...
  • #4 Imperial Sugar Company explosion. ...
  • #3 IMC Fertilizer/Angus Chemical fertilizer plant blast. ...
  • #2 BP America refinery explosion. ...
  • #1 BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

What happens when you call OSHA on a company?

OSHA telephones the employer, describes the alleged hazards and then follows up with a fax or a letter. The employer must respond within five days, identifying in writing any problems found and noting corrective actions taken or planned. If the response is adequate, OSHA generally will not conduct an inspection.

What triggers an OSHA inspection?

Incidents that cause fatalities or serious worker injuries will lead to an OSHA inspection to gauge whether the accident was the employer's fault. Employee complaints: Employees can submit a complaint to the OSHA area office about any hazard in the workplace.

Previous article
Do I need to dilute bleach for cleaning?
Next article
Should I wrap my chicken in foil to cook?