ABSTRACT
Requirements for portable fire extinguishers are given in 29 CFR 1910.157. Each tractor in a fleet should be equipped with some type of portable fire extinguisher. It is not enough just to have them present; drivers must be knowledgeable about their use and maintenance. The only allowance for an exemption to this regulation is in the case of an employer who states in their emergency action plan that employees are to evacuate and not attempt to extinguish a fire. The first three things to be looked at when providing fire extinguishers in the workplace are Location, Mounting, and Identification. The fire extinguishers must be situated in such a way so as to be accessible and not cause injury to employees. To understand the different types of fire extinguishers, it is best to first understand the four classifications of fire: Class A —normal combustible material, Class B —flammable liquids, Class C —electricity, and Class D —flammable metals.
