(1) The employer must select and distribute portable fire extinguishers based on the classes of anticipated workplace fires and on the size and degree of hazard that would affect their use.
(2) Distribution of portable fire extinguishers.
(a) For Class A fires: The employer must distribute portable fire extinguishers so that no employee must travel more than 75 feet (22.9 m) to a fire extinguisher.
Exception: | The employer may use uniformly spaced standpipe systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system for emergency use by employees instead of Class A portable fire extinguishers, if: |
| 1. The system meets all regulatory requirements governing total coverage of the area to be protected; and |
| 2. Employees are trained at least annually in their use. |
(b) For Class B fires: The employer must distribute portable fire extinguishers so that no employee must travel more than 50 feet (15.2 m) to a fire extinguisher.
(c) For Class C fires: The employer must distribute portable fire extinguishers on the basis of the appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards.
(d) For Class D fires: The employer must distribute portable fire extinguishers or other containers of Class D extinguishing agent so no employee must travel more than 75 feet (22.9 m) from the combustible metal working area to any extinguishing agent. Portable fire extinguishers for Class D hazards are required in those combustible metal working areas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, or similarly sized products are generated at least once every two weeks.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050, and
49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-34012, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-34012, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-34012, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]