Time for some fire safety Q&A in honor of Fire Prevention Week! 🔥🧯
Q: When is a portable fire extinguisher required to be on a powered industrial truck/forklift?
A: While a portable fire extinguisher is not specifically required by OSHA's portable fire extinguisher or PIT standard, it can still be required in at least 2 specific situations:
- If installed by the manufacturer; and/or
- If while operating the PIT, you are outside the maximum travel distance to the closest extinguishers (common when operating PITs outdoors). Maximum travel distance to the closest appropriate extinguisher is 75 feet for Class A and Class D fuels, 50 feet for Class B fuels, and 30 feet for Class K fuels. Class C fuels do not have a maximum travel distance and is based on the existing Class A and B fuels in the immediate vicinity.
Comments (18)
Good to know! Generally most places I've worked have had extinguishers on the PITs, seems like an easy enough thing to do (as long as it's being maintained)
Wow, excellent question! I would definitely agree with the first as OSHA says they same thing about "if equipped by manufacturer" in other places. The second makes great sense and logic. With your permission I am going to add to my Train-the-Trainer Pit Training Course and OSHA Outreach modules on PIT and Material Handling! Thanks!
Awesome information. My manager had me install FE on our fork trucks because they thought it was an OSHA or company standard. Did some research, and the company only requires them on our LP truck. There is 5 FE I get to go take off our Electric trucks. I had to replace one twice this year because they kept knocking it off. Great news, thank you.
Nice question that is a good refresher for safety pros! Thanks for sharing.
Just did this Drew!
With this being fire prevention month, I appreciate all of the emails and blog discussions about anything fire-related. How ironic that I chose October to host our annual fire extinguisher inspections!!!