Fire Prevention
Each department is required to assure compliance with applicable fire safety
regulations regarding the duties and mission of the department.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers can be extremely effective in combating small fires within the workplace. However, not all extinguishers are the same. There are different classes for different types of fires. Proper selection and placement of extinguishers is extremely important. It’s also essential that once installed, the units are carefully, regularly inspected and maintained, and all employees are trained on proper use.
5 Basic Classification Types:
Inspection: Portable fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected monthly, documented inspection and record retained within department or Facilities records. Departments can use the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Form or similar to document.
Maintenance: Portable fire extinguishers shall be subjected to an annual maintenance check. This maintenance check can be scheduled with a County approved vendor by contacting Facilities or completing a Service Request.
Hydrostatic Testing: Hydrostatic testing may be required based on the type of fire extinguisher. Check with the manufacturer for all required testing and proper intervals. At a minimum, they must meet the requirements listed in Table L-1 of §6151 Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Placement: Facilities shall have general oversight of placing fire extinguishers for County owned buildings. For leased or rented occupancies, the building owner shall have responsibility unless the County is required by law or regulation.
Training
Where departments provide portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the department shall also provide training to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting. Employees should not attempt to use fire extinguishers unless they have specific fire extinguisher training.
References and Resources