In the USA, fires are responsible for a significant amount of damage and injuries in the workplace. Indeed, FEMA statistics show that every year, 100,000 people are injured in fires annually. Fortunately, with the proper fire extinguisher training, you can be prepared to handle fire at your business premises safely. Is fire extinguisher training a legal requirement?
Read more about fire extinguisher training and the legal requirements surrounding it below.
What is Fire Extinguisher Training?
Fire Extinguisher Training is a safety program designed to teach people how to effectively use a fire extinguisher in an emergency. It covers topics such as identifying different types of fire extinguishers and understanding their distinct uses, selecting the right kind of extinguisher for various classifications of fires, properly operating the equipment, and maintaining it to ensure it is ready for use in case of an emergency. It also provides important safety tips and procedures to follow before, during, and after a fire incident.
Is Fire Extinguisher Training A Legal Requirement?
The answer to this question depends on your location, as each state has different fire safety regulations and guidelines. In many states, there are legal requirements for workplace safety that include fire extinguisher training.
However, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that employers provide employees with adequate fire extinguisher training to ensure they know how to properly operate the equipment in the event of a fire. OSHA also states that employers should “train all users on the principles of using a fire extinguisher, including specific instructions on the type of extinguisher they will be using and the proper response to a fire emergency.”
Additionally, there may be laws requiring employers to provide periodic refresher courses in the use of fire extinguishers and maintain them in an active-ready condition. But, again, it is important to check with your local fire safety authority to determine the specific requirements for your state or region.
Who Needs To Receive Fire Extinguisher Training?
In some cases, employers are legally obligated to provide fire extinguisher training for their employees. But beyond meeting the legal requirements, everyone should receive basic fire extinguisher training to help ensure their safety in the event of an emergency.
Employees who work in high-risk areas or handle hazardous chemicals or materials should receive more extensive training and instruction on using fire extinguishers and other safety measures.
Additionally, employers may choose to offer additional training on using fire extinguishers to their entire staff, even if they are not legally obligated to do so. This can help build a culture of safety within the workplace and ensure that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed in case of an emergency.
Choose Industrial Fire For All Your Fire Extinguisher Training Needs!
At Industrial Fire, we offer comprehensive fire extinguisher training courses that will teach your employees how to effectively use a fire extinguisher in the event of an emergency. Our certified instructors will provide expert instruction and ensure that you understand the principles of using this life-saving equipment.
Whether you are looking for basic or advanced fire extinguisher training, Industrial Fire has you covered. Contact us today at 713-223-9181 to learn more about our fire extinguisher training courses and how we can help keep your workplace safe!
