In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking if there are requirements for providing fire extinguisher training to employees. See what the experts had to say.

Q: With the COVID-19 pandemic, I have not been able to schedule hands-on fire extinguisher training for our team members. I understand that OSHA requires employees to be knowledgeable and trained on fire extinguishers if they are within their work area and are authorized to use them. Are there any requirements of hands-on training that entail employees discharging the fire extinguishers? Could I complete a refresher with my team on the utilization of fire extinguishers without discharging the median and still be compliant with the training standard?

You are correct that employers that provide portable fire extinguishers for employee use must provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage firefighting. Training must occur upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter. Employees who have been designated to use firefighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan must be trained in the use of the appropriate equipment upon assignment and at least annually thereafter.

Employees who are designated to use portable fire extinguishers must be provided with hands-on training in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment. However, OSHA allows the employer to determine how hands-on training will be provided. Discharging fire extinguishers and simulated or actual fires are not mandatory parts of the definition of “hands-on,” but are voluntary.

In addition, it is worth mentioning OSHA’s enforcement memo dated April 16, 2020 titled “Discretion in Enforcement when Considering an Employer’s Good Faith Efforts During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.” In part, the memo states, “During the course of an inspection, OSHA Area Offices will assess an employer’s efforts to comply with standards that require annual or recurring audits, reviews, training, or assessments…Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) should evaluate whether the employer made good faith efforts to comply with applicable OSHA standards and, in situations where compliance was not possible, to ensure that employees were not exposed to hazards from tasks, processes, or equipment for which they were not prepared or trained…CSHOs should evaluate whether the employer thoroughly explored all options to comply with the applicable standard(s) (e.g., the use of virtual training or remote communication strategies).  CSHOs should also consider any interim alternative protections implemented or provided to protect employees, such as engineering or administrative controls, and whether the employer took steps to reschedule the required annual activity as soon as possible. In instances where an employer is unable to comply with OSHA-mandated training…requirements because local authorities required the workplace to close, the employer should demonstrate a good faith attempt to meet the applicable requirements as soon as possible following the re-opening of the workplace. “

In light of both the fire extinguisher standard and the enforcement memo, it is likely that you will be able to conduct a refresher with your team on the utilization of fire extinguishers without discharging them and still be compliant.

By EHS Daily Advisor Staff Oct 6, 2021 Fire Safety