Requirements For Fire Extinguishers On Construction Sites And Vehicles

Travis Jolliff

The U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service outline regulations for fire extinguishers on construction sites and vehicles. Individual pieces of equipment that are not vehicles are subject to the regulations of the construction site. Vehicles have regulations based on their size, outlined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Part 243 FW-1.

Construction Sites

The U.S. Department of Labor’s fire protection code 1926.150 outlines requirements for fire protection procedures and placement of fire extinguishers on a construction site. Employers are responsible for maintaining equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and for training employees on their use. There is no requirement listed for individual pieces of construction equipment, but section c-1-i indicates that a fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A must be provided for each 3,000 square feet of a protected area with a travel distance not exceeding 100 feet.

Motor Vehicles

Light Duty Motor Vehicles (less than 10,000 pounds) must be equipped with a minimum 2 1/2 lb. fire extinguisher, ABC type, rated at 1A:10BC. Local managers can use their discretion with vehicles less than 10,000 pounds with regard to fire extinguisher type.

Motor Vehicles weighing between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds must have a 2 1/2 lb., ABC type fire extinguisher rated at 1A:10BC.

Heavier vehicles (as outlined by the Part 243 FW-1 statute) require a 5 lb., ABC type fire extinguisher.

Combustible Environments

Heavy duty motor equipment used in combustible environments or where heat or sparks are generated must have a fire extinguisher that is a minimum of 10 lb., ABC type, rated at 4:A:60BC.

On a job site, a fire extinguisher rated a minimum of 10B has to be placed on a motor vehicle within 50 feet of any location where more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or gas are being used. This requirement does not include the regular, internal fuel tank of motor vehicles.

Securing a Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher must be secured by a harness, strap or cage to protect the occupants of a vehicle.

The Jay L Harman Fire Equipment team understands your firefighting needs and is ready to help

Jay L Harman’s DOT Hydrostatic Testing facility and equipment meet all NFPA requirements for the hydrostatic testing of self contained breathing apparatus compressed gas cylinders in addition to testing ABC portable fire extinguisher cylinders.

Jay L Harman is the best and one of the biggest firefighting equipment suppliers and service providers in the region, specializing in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire hoses, hydrostatic testing and more. Serving El Paso TX, Las Cruces NM and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible.

Jay L Harman Fire Equipment is your go-to distributor for OVAL low-profile fire extinguishers in West Texas and New Mexico.

Contact Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment in El Paso TX at 915-533-7021 or Las Cruces NM at 575-523-8880..

Since 1925, we have protected businesses throughout the area from the harms and hazards of fires. Every Jay L Harman technician is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Each of these technicians continually receives the most up-to-date factory training and certifications by our manufacturers. Contact Jay L Harman Fire Equipment today. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff tell you more about our fire suppression systems and help you find the ideal fire suppression system for your needs. Learn more about our full offering of fire extinguisher training, firefighting services, firefighting products, request a quote, ask a question or request additional information.