For construction workers and the supervisors who run the site: keep fire extinguishers where they belong and reachable, know how the site alarm works, control ignition sources, and store materials and flammable liquids so a fire cannot start or spread.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.150 (fire protection), 1926.151 (fire prevention) and 1926.152(a)(1), (a)(2) and (b)(1) (flammable liquids) · about 5 min read
Need proof of training? The full course (20 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.
The employer is responsible for a fire protection program followed through all phases of construction and demolition, and provides the firefighting equipment. As fire hazards occur, there must be no delay in providing the necessary equipment.
The equipment
Access to all available firefighting equipment is maintained at all times.
Employer-provided firefighting equipment is conspicuously located.
All of it is periodically inspected and kept in operating condition. Defective equipment is immediately replaced.
A water supply able to run the firefighting equipment is made available as soon as combustible materials accumulate.
Your part: do not stack material in front of an extinguisher, and report one that is missing, damaged or discharged.
Building areaAt least one extinguisher rated not less than 2A for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area, or major fraction thereof.
Travel distanceNo point in the protected area more than 100 feet of travel from the nearest extinguisher.
Each floorOne or more 2A extinguishers on each floor. In multistory buildings, at least one is next to a stairway.
Flammable liquids and gasA 10B extinguisher within 50 feet wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used. This does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
Allowed substitutes for a 2A extinguisher include one 55-gallon open drum of water with two fire pails, or a 1/2-inch garden-type hose line not more than 100 feet long, equipped with a nozzle, able to discharge at least 5 gallons per minute with a hose stream range of at least 30 feet horizontally, mounted on racks or reels placed so at least one hose stream can reach all points in the area.
Extinguishers and water drums that could freeze are protected from freezing.
Carbon tetrachloride and other toxic vaporizing liquid extinguishers are prohibited.
Raising the alarm and keeping protection in service
The site alarm
The employer establishes an alarm system, such as a telephone system or siren, that alerts employees on the site and the local fire department. The alarm code and reporting instructions are posted conspicuously at phones and at employee entrances. Read them on your first day.
Sprinklers
During demolition or alterations, existing automatic sprinklers stay in service as long as reasonable.
Only properly authorized persons may operate sprinkler control valves.
Sprinkler control valves are checked daily at close of work to make sure the protection is in service.
Standpipes and fire cutoffs
In all structures where standpipes are required, or where standpipes exist in structures being altered, they are brought up as soon as applicable laws permit and kept always ready for fire protection use as construction progresses.
In alterations or demolition, fire cutoffs stay in place until operations necessitate their removal.
Smoking is prohibited at or near operations that are a fire hazard, and the area is conspicuously posted "No Smoking or Open Flame."
Engine-powered equipment
Generators, compressors and other engine-powered equipment are placed so the exhausts are well away from combustible materials. When exhaust is piped outside the building, keep at least 6 inches between the piping and combustible material.
Temporary buildings
No temporary building (site trailer, shed) may be put where it adversely affects any means of exit.
A temporary building located other than inside another building, and not used for the storage, handling, or use of flammable or combustible liquids, flammable gases, explosives, or blasting agents, or similar hazardous occupancies, is placed not less than 10 feet from another building or structure. Groups of temporary buildings not exceeding 2,000 square feet in aggregate count as a single temporary building.
Pile combustible materials so the piles are stable, and in no case higher than 20 feet.
Driveways between and around combustible piles are at least 15 feet wide and kept clear of rubbish, equipment and other materials.
No combustible material is stored outdoors within 10 feet of a building or structure.
Indoors
Storage must not block or adversely affect means of exit.
Keep at least 36 inches between the top of stored material and the sprinkler deflectors.
Keep 24 inches clear around the path of travel of fire doors, unless a barricade is provided. Do not store material within 36 inches of a fire door opening.
Use only approved containers and portable tanks to store and handle flammable liquids.
For 5 gallons or less, use approved safety cans or DOT-approved containers. Exceptions: highly viscid (extremely hard to pour) liquids may stay in their original shipping containers, and one gallon or less may stay in the original container.
Do not store flammable liquids in exits, stairways, or areas normally used for the safe passage of people.
No more than 25 gallons may be stored in a room outside an approved storage cabinet.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.150, 1926.151 and 1926.152(a)(1), (a)(2) and (b)(1). It is not an OSHA card or license, and it does not by itself meet the training requirements of 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) and (b)(5). Sections 1926.150, 1926.151 and 1926.152 have no worker training paragraph of their own. Your employer must still instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment, and instruct employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials in the safe handling and use of these materials and make them aware of the specific requirements contained in subparts D, F, and other applicable subparts of Part 1926.
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.