Requirements & regulations:

Fire Extinguishers

Training Requirements

• Fire extinguisher training for all NMSU employees is required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29CFR Part 1910.157) and under the 1994 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Codes (part 101).

Training provided 

• Extinguisher training is provided weekly by NMSU Fire Protection Section (see the Safety Classes for hands-on fire extinguisher training).

• For more information see the web links to A Quick Guide to Fire Safety or to Frequently Asked Fire Safety Questions. 

Extinguisher use & recharge

• Discharged (broken seal or loss of pressure), damaged, and missing fire extinguishers should be reported immediately to the PPD Work Order Desk (646-7114). 

• The Fire Protection Section of PPD is responsible for recharging, hydrostatic testing, selection, and distribution of  fire extinguishers.

Tampering with Fire Extinguisher or Alarms

• The act of tampering with or disabling a fire extinguisher, alarm, or any fire safety equipment is a violation of the NFPA Life Safety Code and punishable by up to $500 fine and up to 1 year in jail.        

Extinguisher location & mounts

• OSHA and NFPA standards require that fire extinguishers be mounted in a designated location, typically with the top of the handle 40 inches above the floor. The standards require that extinguishers are available when needed and that employees are not subjected to injury hazards when they try to obtain an extinguisher.