OSHA Requirements For Fire Extinguishers On Commercial Vehicles

Travis Jolliff

Fire extinguishers are required by law on all trucks, truck tractors, and buses. The fire extinguisher(s) must be filled and located so that it is readily available for use. The extinguisher(s) must be securely mounted to prevent sliding, rolling, or vertical movement relative to the motor vehicle. You can’t just throw the extinguisher behind your seat or leave it covered with tools in your toolbox. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) maintains and enforces safety requirements for nearly all employers in the United States. This includes fire extinguisher requirements for all employers that rely on commercial transportation. OSHA requirements for fire extinguishers in vehicles include:

  • Employers must mount, secure and identify fire extinguishers in an area conspicuous to employees.
  • Use only OSHA-approved fire extinguishers.
  • Employers must inspect, test and maintain fire extinguishers.
  • Employer-provided fire extinguishers must be appropriately classified for the kinds of fires that could occur in each specific work environment.

OSHA-approved fire extinguishers meet specific safety ratings set by the Underwriters’ Laboratories, an independent safety testing and certification organization. The Underwriters’ Laboratories fire extinguisher ratings are based on two criteria: the type of fire the extinguisher is equipped to extinguish and the fire extinguisher’s size. The number in a fire extinguisher’s safety rating refers to the square feet of coverage it provides, and the letter or letters in its safety rating refer to the class of fires it is designed to extinguish:

  • Class A fires are fires involving everyday flammable materials like wood, paper and textiles.
  • Class B fires are fires involving flammable gases and liquids such as gasoline and oil.
  • Class C fires are fires involving electronics and electrical equipment.
  • Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals like titanium, sodium and magnesium.

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.