1910.157(a): Scope and application
Key takeaways
- 1910.157(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.157(a) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.157(a) ("Scope and application") is one requirement inside 1910.157 Portable fire extinguishers, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart L). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(a) Scope and application. The requirements of this section apply to the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. Paragraph (d) of this section does not apply to extinguishers provided for employee use on the outside of workplace buildings or structures. Where extinguishers are provided but are not intended for employee use and the employer has an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.39 respectively, then only the requirements of paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section apply. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.157.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1910.157(a) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.157(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.157(a).
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.157 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.