Know whether to use or evacuate
Learning objective: Explain your assigned role before an emergency occurs.
An extinguisher hangs near your work area. Does that mean you should use it if a fire starts? No. First know the employer’s fire policy and your role. Some workers must leave at once. Others may use specific equipment within a trained and assigned role.
This general-industry track uses 1910.157. The rule depends on who may use the units and who must leave. Some sites have units that workers must not use. If the required emergency action and fire prevention plans are in place, only its inspection, maintenance and testing paragraphs apply. A unit on the wall does not grant a use role.
One rule allows a written policy for everyone to leave, with the required plans and no units available. This exception does not apply if another Part 1910 rule requires a unit. Another option allows only named users, with others required to leave the fire area. That option exempts only the rules on how units are spread out. The employer checks every condition.
If your role is evacuation only, raise the alarm and leave as the plan directs. Do not pause to try an extinguisher because the flames look small. If your role is unclear, get it resolved before an emergency; do not improvise fire fighting.
This is an online knowledge component. It is not an OSHA approval, fire brigade qualification or work authorization. The employer must supply the actual site actions and any required equipment training. State Plan and other applicable rules may add duties.
Source context: 1910.157(a), (b), (g); OSHA interpretation of September 12, 1986