Picture This: Fire Extinguisher Faux Pas

Look at all the obstructions in the way of this fire extinguisher—crossed rebars, safety tape, mounted cables and an open trench. All that’s missing are alligators in the moat!

Clearly this is a violation of the OSHA Portable Fire Extinguishers standard which requires employers to locate fire extinguishers so that they’re “readily accessible to employees without subjecting them to possible injury” (Section 1910.157(c)(1)).

The Moral: Workers shouldn’t have to negotiate an obstacle course to get to fire extinguishers. Mount extinguishers in a location that’s easy to reach and keep access unobstructed at all times.