Fires in industrial settings can escalate quickly, and when they do, there’s little time for hesitation. Having properly trained employees who know how to use fire extinguishers effectively can make all the difference between a contained fire and a disaster. But how often should fire extinguisher training be conducted to ensure your team is always prepared?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 38,000 fires occur at industrial properties annually, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and sometimes even fatalities. Fire extinguisher training (FET) is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. It’s not just about having the equipment—it’s about making sure your team knows how to use it when every second counts.

OSHA Guidelines for Fire Extinguisher Training

OSHA mandates that fire extinguisher training is not a one-and-done deal. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Initial Training
OSHA standard 1910.157(g)(1) states that if portable fire extinguishers are available in the workplace, employees must be trained on their use when they are first hired. This ensures that every new employee knows how to handle a fire emergency from day one.

2. Annual Refresher Training
It’s not enough to train employees once. According to OSHA 1910.157(g)(2), employees must receive refresher fire extinguisher training annually to maintain their skills. This keeps fire response fresh in their minds, ensuring they can react quickly and appropriately in an emergency.

Types of Fire Extinguishers Your Team Should Know

Different types of fire extinguishers are designed for different types of fires. Your team should be familiar with:

• Water-based extinguishers for wood, paper, and cloth fires.

• Foam extinguishers for flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.

• Dry powder extinguishers for fires involving electrical equipment or flammable gases.

Understanding these distinctions is critical to ensure the right extinguisher is used in the right situation, preventing accidents from escalating.

How Basin Safety Can Help You Stay Compliant

At Basin Safety, we provide tailored fire extinguisher training programs that meet OSHA standards. We help ensure your employees are not only compliant but fully prepared to act in an emergency. With hands-on training and scenario-based exercises, we guarantee that your team is ready to respond effectively to any fire hazard.

If you’re unsure how often fire extinguisher training should be conducted at your facility, reach out to Basin Safety today. We offer a variety of fire safety services, from training programs to safety products, to keep your workplace safe and compliant year-round.

Contact us now to schedule your training session and protect your team!