How often is fire extinguisher training required? At hire, then every year
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g) requires fire extinguisher training upon initial employment and at least annually wherever extinguishers are provided for employee use. Employees designated to fight fires need equipment training at assignment and every year. Sites with a total evacuation policy and no extinguishers are exempt.
Live fire class, $550 for 10 Check the exemption
01How often does OSHA require fire extinguisher training?
29 CFR 1910.157(g) sets two levels, both yearly[1]:
| Who | What OSHA requires | When[1] |
|---|---|---|
| All employees, where extinguishers are provided for employee use | An educational program on the general principles of extinguisher use and the hazards of incipient stage fire fighting ((g)(1)) | Upon initial employment and at least annually ((g)(2)) Required |
| Employees designated in the emergency action plan to use fire fighting equipment | Training in the use of the appropriate equipment ((g)(3)) | Upon initial assignment and at least annually ((g)(4)) Required |
40 employees need the yearly education; 6 designated extinguisher users need equipment training
Annual sessions = 1 for everyone + 1 hands-on for the 6, repeated every year[1]
02When is fire extinguisher training not required?
Under 1910.157(b)(1), an employer is exempt from the section when it has a written fire safety policy requiring immediate and total evacuation at the alarm, an emergency action plan (1910.38) and a fire prevention plan (1910.39), and extinguishers are not available in the workplace[1].
| Your site | Training required? |
|---|---|
| Extinguishers provided for employee use | Yes, yearly education for all[1] |
| Staff designated to fight fires in the emergency action plan | Yes, yearly equipment training[1] |
| Extinguishers present but not for employee use, with EAP and fire prevention plan | Only paragraphs (e) and (f) apply[1] |
| Total evacuation policy, EAP, fire prevention plan, no extinguishers | Exempt[1] |
03How many workplace fires happen?
111,900 nonresidential building fires ÷ 365 days = about 307 a day[2]
04What should fire extinguisher training cover?
| Topic | OSHA basis | In the live fire class?[4] |
|---|---|---|
| General principles of extinguisher use | 1910.157(g)(1)[1] | Yes |
| Hazards of incipient stage fire fighting | 1910.157(g)(1)[1] | Yes, hazard awareness |
| Fire classes and extinguisher types | Supports (g)(1) and (g)(3) | Yes |
| Fire prevention | Fire prevention plan, 1910.39 | Yes |
| Hands-on use of the equipment | 1910.157(g)(3) for designated employees[1] | Yes, every participant puts out live fires |
OSHA's rule text asks designated employees for "training in the use of the appropriate equipment"[1]. Live-fire practice is the most direct way to show that training happened.
Fire extinguisher live fire training onsite
About 1.5 hours: classroom plus live fire practice for every participant, 1-year digital certification. 23 Oct 2026 price: $550 for up to 10 people, $700 for up to 25.
Live fire class at AED Leader, $550 Book at Response Ready05What does fire extinguisher training cost?
| Group size | Up to 10 | Up to 12 | Up to 15 | Up to 20 | Up to 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Extinguisher Live Fire | $550 | $585 | $610 | $660 | $700 |
| Per person | $55.00 | $48.75 | $40.67 | $33.00 | $28.00 |
Up to 10: $550 ÷ 10 = $55.00 · Up to 25: $700 ÷ 25 = $28.00 per person[4]
Add CPR or first aid on the same visit: prices in the group training cost guide and the CPR and safety training category.
06What else does OSHA check on extinguishers?
| Task | Frequency | Rule[1] |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Monthly | 1910.157(e)(2) |
| Maintenance check (record kept) | Annually | 1910.157(e)(3) |
| Employee education | At hire and annually | 1910.157(g)(2) |
| Designated user training | At assignment and annually | 1910.157(g)(4) |
Run the same calendar for the AED next to the extinguisher: see the AED maintenance guide and, if you still need a unit, complete AED kits from $1,463.80.
07Your yearly fire training plan in 5 steps
- Confirm extinguishers are provided for employee use; if not, check the evacuation exemption[1].
- Name the designated users in the emergency action plan (1910.38).
- Book one session for all: Fire Extinguisher Live Fire at AED Leader or Response Ready.
- Keep attendance and the certificate; the class certificate lasts 1 year[4].
- Set the next session within 12 months, with monthly extinguisher checks in between[1].
08Fire extinguisher training: questions
How often is fire extinguisher training required?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g) requires extinguisher education upon initial employment and at least annually after that for employees where extinguishers are provided for their use, and equipment training at initial assignment and at least annually for employees designated to fight fires.
Does OSHA require hands-on fire extinguisher training?
For all employees, OSHA requires an educational program on general principles. Employees designated in the emergency action plan to use fire fighting equipment must get training in the use of the appropriate equipment.
Is fire extinguisher training mandatory for all employees?
Yes, where portable extinguishers are provided for employee use. It is not required when the employer has a total evacuation policy with an emergency action plan and fire prevention plan and no extinguishers in the workplace.
How long is a fire extinguisher certification good for?
The live fire class from AED Leader and Response Ready gives a 1-year digital certification, which matches OSHA's annual training cycle.
How long does fire extinguisher training take?
The live fire class runs about 1.5 hours, including classroom instruction and hands-on practice putting out live fires.
How often must fire extinguishers be inspected?
OSHA requires a monthly visual inspection and an annual maintenance check with the maintenance date recorded, under 29 CFR 1910.157(e).
Related guides
OSHA first aid requirements · Bloodborne pathogens training · OSHA CPR requirements · AEDs for manufacturing · AEDs for restaurants · AEDs for offices
How we check: prices are read from the live AED Leader and Response Ready listings on the date shown; rules are quoted from the eCFR. See our editorial standards and methodology. AED Best Brands is independent of AED manufacturers.
Sources
- eCFR, 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers: (a) scope, (b)(1) exemption, (e) inspection and maintenance, (g) training and education (text checked 23 Oct 2026).
- U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), U.S. fire statistics: 2024 national estimates.
- OSHA, OSHA Penalties: maximum $16,550 per serious violation for penalties assessed after 15 January 2025.
- AED Leader course listings, CPR & AED, CPR, AED & First Aid, Stop the Bleed, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, Fire Extinguisher Live Fire: price by group size, length and certification, checked 23 Oct 2026; Response Ready lists the same price ranges.
Updated 15 October 2026.