There are very, and I mean like I can can the number of audits on one hand, rare that we do a compliance audit and not have a 1910.157 finding. And the kicker of it… OSHA gives employers options on how they manage their use of fire extinguishers. Bottom line… OSHA does NOT require that fire extinguishers be provided; your insurance company may require or your state fire code may require it, but OSHA does not. Here are our compliance (minimum) options when it comes to fire extinguishers…
NOTE: I am offering this information for those who have decided they will NOT train any of their employees in “incipent stage” fire fighting using fire extinguishers. I am in NO WAY advocating that we throw out our extinguishers, we just have to manage our personnel risks and property risks PROPERLY.
Employers are generally required by 29 CFR 1910 to provide portable fire extinguishing equipment for use in fighting incipient stage fires in the workplace. 29 CFR 1910.157, however, provides alternatives for employers who do not want their employees to fight incipient stage fires in the workplace. Employers who opt for the evacuation of all or most employees to a safe area do not have to comply with certain requirements of 1910.157, depending on the option chosen. These options are:
(emphasis by me)