Had a question posed to me from the State of Ohio on the "requirement" of fire extinguishers on forklifts. Nothing at the Federal level dictates the need, nor at the Consultation or OH WC Bureau. However, after some digging, we found a statute obscurely referenced by a Township Fire Department from the Ohio Administrative Code 1301:7-7-34 Flammable and combustible liquids.

(d) 3406.6.4 Portable fire extinguisher. Tank vehicles shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher complying with paragraph (F)(906) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code and having a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.

I would argue the definition of Tank Vehicles though.

There is nothing about fire extinguishers in 1910.178 for general industry and I have not seen a letter of interpretation on it either. We have a neat program from JJ Keller that shows all the states with variations on the forklift standard and gives the detail on them with web site links, I use it frequently when going to states such as MI, CA and several others that have unique requirements. I see you are from OH, who do you work for, just curious, it is always good to know other trainers in the same state. We are looking for a trainer in Toledo and Cleveland - any ideas of good people. My email is [email address removed]

budcoh:

Machines/vehicles used in logging operations do require fire extinguishers per OSHA and MIOSHA regulations and most likely all other state plan logging legislation.

OSHA Logging Operations - 1910.266

1910.266(d)(4) "Fire extinguishers." The employer shall provide and maintain portable fire extinguishers on each machine and vehicle in accordance with the requirements of subpart L of Part 1910.
_____

MIOSHA, General Industry, Part 51, Logging
R 408.15118. Fire prevention.

Rule 5118(3) An approved fire extinguisher, as prescribed in the general industry safety standards commission standard, Part 8. Portable Fire Extinguishers, being R 408.10801 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code, shall be provided and maintained where mobile equipment is operated and on each vehicle.

Budcoh:

To obtain the information from OSHA:

Google: OSHA.GOV

Click on Site Index: C

Scroll the C listings and click on Consultation Services.

On the Consultation Services page click on Find Your State's Consultation Office.

On the OSHA Consultation Directory page, click on each desired state individually. The state can then be directly e-mailed.

The following states/territories have approved State OSHA Plans:

* Alaska
* Arizona
* California
* Connecticut
* Hawaii
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Kentucky
* Maryland
* Michigan
* Minnesota
* Nevada
* New Jersey
* New Mexico
* New York
* North Carolina
* Oregon
* Puerto Rico
* South Carolina
* Tennessee
* Utah
* Vermont
* Virgin Islands
* Virginia
* Washington
* Wyoming

NOTE: The Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Virgin Islands plans cover public sector (State & local government) employment only.
_____

I would first contact your Ohio OSHA Consultation Office to see if they can provide you with a consolidated e-mail listing for OSHA Consultation Offices to save you the time and effort and allow you to group e-mail.

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Division of Safety and Hygiene
OSHA On-Site Consultation
13430 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
Toll Free: 1-800-282-1425
614-644-3133 FAX

For direct link e-mail, use the OSHA Consultation Directory page for Ohio on OSHA.gov.
____

State plan states do not have to adopt all federal OSHA regulations as written. In most cases, they can write their own standards in lieu of the federal standard. The State standard normally does not have to be identical or all inclusive provided it is considered at least as effective as the federal standard in achieving a level of safety or health for the particular subject in question. (See OSH ACT, 1970, Sec 18 - State Jurisdiction and State Plans).

Most state plan states adopt the federal OSHA regulations as written. The states most notorious for making changes are California, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington. Hawaii periodically makes limited changes. In dealing with State OSHA plans, never assume that the federal OSHA standard applies.
_____

In addition to the General Industry Standards, be advised there are also Agriculture Standards, Construction Standards, and Maritime Standards (Longshoring, Marine Terminals, Shipyard Repair). Some states do not regulate maritime leaving the task to federal OSHA. Ensure your request for information covers all applicable state standards otherwise the response may only cover General Industry requirements.
_____

Michigan (MIOSHA) does not have any requirement for fire extinguishers on forklifts in the Agriculture, Construction, or General Industry Safety Standards. Michigan does not regulate Maritime.

Michigan (MIOSHA) did not adopt the OSHA 1910.178 requirements for General Industry use. It maintains its own unique General Industry powered industrial truck regulations. To download a copy Google: MIOSHA STANDARDS and click for General Industry Safety Standards, Part 21, Powered Industrial Trucks.

If a forklift or other powered industrial truck is equipped with a fire extinguisher in Michigan, MIOSHA portable fire extinguisher standards require that the fire extinguisher be secured to the truck; that the fire extinguisher be fully charged, operational, and in good physical condition; that the fire extinguisher be visually inspected monthly; that a tag/sticker be attached showing the latest recharge or service date; that a thorough fire extinguisher inspection be conducted once a year; that the fire extinguisher hydrostatic pressure testing date be current; that a replacement fire extinguisher be provided for a fire extinguisher removed for service.