Fire Extinguisher Placement and Maintenance: Guidelines for Construction Sites
Working on a construction site comes with unique fire safety challenges. As materials change location and structures evolve, so must your fire protection strategy. Here's what you need to know about proper fire extinguisher placement and maintenance to keep your job site safe and OSHA-compliant.
The 25-75 Foot Rule for Flammable Materials
A common mistake on is placing fire extinguishers too close to flammable materials. OSHA regulations are clear:
Fire extinguishers must be located between 25 to 75 feet away from flammable storage areas.
The ideal placement is around 45-50 feet away.
Remember: When you move flammable materials (like roofing supplies or chemicals), you need to adjust your fire extinguisher placement accordingly.
The 100-Foot Travel Distance Requirement
Throughout all construction phases, workers must have access to a fire extinguisher within 100 feet of travel from any work area. This becomes more challenging as walls go up and the site develops.
As your construction project progresses:
Monitor travel distances as new barriers are created
Add additional extinguishers when needed
Reposition extinguishers as work areas change
Proper Mounting and Accessibility
For optimal safety and compliance:
Mount extinguishers approximately 4 feet off the ground
Ensure they're easily visible and accessible
Keep the area around extinguishers clear of materials and debris
Protect extinguishers from construction dust, mortar, and damage
Regular Inspection Requirements
Construction sites are tough environments for safety equipment. Monthly visual inspections are essential:
Check the pressure gauge is in the green zone
Verify the hose is functional and not clogged
Ensure mounting is secure
Look for physical damage that could affect performance
Remove any dust or debris buildup
All extinguishers require annual maintenance by licensed professionals, with inspection dates recorded and documentation maintained.
Crew Training Requirements
Your crew needs to know how to use fire extinguishers effectively. OSHA requires:
Annual training for anyone expected to use fire extinguishers
Instructions on which types of fires they should tackle
Training on the P.A.S.S. technique:
Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side
Adapting to Site Changes
Construction sites are dynamic environments. What works for fire safety during framing may not work during finishing. Make fire extinguisher placement part of your daily safety checks, especially when:
New areas become accessible
Walls or barriers are installed
Flammable materials are relocated
Work crews move to different sections of the site
By staying vigilant about fire extinguisher placement and maintenance, you're not just checking a box for OSHA—you're creating a safer work environment for everyone on your construction site.
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