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Free toolbox talk: jobsite fire prevention and extinguishers
A one-page fire prevention talk for the start of heater season. Extinguisher ratings and spacing from OSHA 1926.150, PASS, fuel storage, keeping scrap away from heaters and hot work, the meeting point, three questions for the crew and a sign-in block. Read it here or print this page.
Fire Prevention and Extinguishers
Why it matters. Jobsites have fuels, solvents, scrap and hot work, often before sprinklers work. A small fire can spread quickly in an open frame.
Key points
- Provide a fire extinguisher rated at least 2A for each 3,000 sq ft of building area, with no more than 100 ft of travel to one (1926.150(c)(1)(i)).
- Have an extinguisher rated at least 10B within 50 ft of where more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids, or 5 lb of flammable gas, are used (1926.150(c)(1)(vi)).
- Know PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze, Sweep. Only fight small, early fires, with a clear exit behind you.
- Store fuel in approved containers away from ignition sources, and keep containers closed.
- Keep combustible scrap picked up, especially near heaters and hot work.
- Know the alarm and where to meet after an evacuation.
Ask the crew
- Where are the extinguishers on this site, and when were they last checked?
- Walk through PASS out loud.
- Where do we meet if we have to evacuate?
Reference: 29 CFR 1926.150 | osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.150
Sign-in
Date ______ · Job site ______ · Talk leader ______
| # | Printed name | Signature | Company / trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 |
The printable PDF has 12 sign-in lines.
How to run it
- Hold it next to an actual extinguisher on site, and have someone read the rating label and the last inspection tag out loud.
- Walk the crew to each temporary heater and fuel storage spot, and clear any scrap, cardboard or rags nearby while you are there.
- Have one person talk through PASS with the extinguisher in hand (pin left in), and point out the exit they would keep behind them.
- Ask the three questions, confirm the meeting point, then have everyone sign and file the page with your safety records.
A training aid that supplements your safety program. Not a substitute for required training, a written safety program, a site-specific hazard assessment, or a competent or qualified person where OSHA requires one. OSHA references are federal (29 CFR 1926 and related parts), checked October 2026; state-plan states may have stricter rules. Not legal advice.
Want a talk for every week of the year?
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