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Quizzes > General Knowledge & Mixed

OSHA portable fire extinguisher quiz: check your workplace know-how

Quick, free fire extinguisher training quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Patricia Lopez-RamirezUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Other
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting the OSHA Extinguisher Challenge quiz for vocational and high school learners.

This OSHA portable fire extinguisher quiz helps you choose the right extinguisher, use PASS steps, and follow key workplace rules in real scenarios. For next steps, review fire extinguisher maintenance steps, and round out safety basics with an osha ppe quiz and an osha hazard communication quiz.

Easy
What does PASS stand for when using a portable fire extinguisher?
Push, Alert, Squeeze, Swipe
Pull, Activate, Spray, Sweep
Press, Alarm, Stand, Spray
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. This helps ensure that the extinguisher is used correctly and effectively during a fire emergency.
Which type of portable fire extinguisher is best suited for electrical fires?
CO2 extinguisher
Water extinguisher
Wet chemical extinguisher
Dry chemical extinguisher (ABC)
CO2 extinguishers are non-conductive and leave no residue, which makes them ideal for tackling electrical fires. Using water-based extinguishers on electrical fires poses a serious risk of electric shock.
What is the first step when operating a portable fire extinguisher?
Sweep the nozzle
Pull the pin
Aim at the flame
Squeeze the handle
The first critical step is to pull the pin, which breaks the tamper seal and readies the extinguisher for operation. This step is essential to ensure that the device can be activated during an emergency.
How often should portable fire extinguishers be visually inspected, according to OSHA guidelines?
Monthly
Annually
Daily
Weekly
OSHA guidelines recommend that portable fire extinguishers be inspected on a monthly basis. Regular visual inspections help ensure that the extinguisher is in good working condition and ready for use.
What is the primary objective of using a portable fire extinguisher during a fire emergency?
To minimize property damage
To control or extinguish the fire before it spreads
To alert others to the danger
To eliminate all hazards in the area
The main goal in using a fire extinguisher is to control or extinguish the fire quickly so that it does not spread further. This proactive approach can help prevent injury and minimize damage.
Medium
Which class of fires involves flammable liquids, and what type of extinguisher is most effective for them?
Class C fires; CO2 extinguishers
Class D fires; powder extinguishers
Class A fires; water extinguishers
Class B fires; foam or dry chemical extinguishers
Flammable liquids are classified as Class B fires, and they are best controlled using foam or dry chemical extinguishers. These agents are effective at smothering the flames without spreading the liquid fuel.
According to OSHA requirements, who should be responsible for the routine inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers in the workplace?
The local fire department
Any employee regardless of training
A contractor during annual checks
A designated trained safety personnel
OSHA requires that routine inspections and maintenance be carried out by personnel who have received appropriate fire safety training. Designating trained safety personnel helps ensure that all fire extinguishers are properly maintained and ready for emergency use.
What is the minimum frequency for a visual inspection of portable fire extinguishers as required by OSHA?
Monthly
Weekly
Every two years
Every six months
OSHA mandates that portable fire extinguishers undergo a visual inspection at least once a month. This frequent check helps to confirm the equipment's readiness and reliability in case of an emergency.
When inspecting a portable fire extinguisher, which component is crucial for determining its readiness?
The weight of the extinguisher
The length of the hose
The color of the casing
The pressure gauge needle
The pressure gauge needle is a key indicator of whether a fire extinguisher is still charged and ready for use. A needle in the green zone generally confirms that the extinguisher is operational.
If a portable fire extinguisher is found to be damaged during an inspection, what should be the immediate action?
Tag it out of service and report it
Continue using it until the next scheduled inspection
Replace it with an uninspected unit
Attempt to repair it yourself
When an extinguisher is found to be damaged, it should be immediately tagged out of service and reported to the appropriate safety authority. This ensures that a malfunctioning extinguisher is not used during an emergency.
Which type of extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and greases in a kitchen environment?
Class K extinguisher
Class B extinguisher
Class C extinguisher
Class A extinguisher
Class K extinguishers are specifically formulated for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and greases. They contain agents that rapidly cool and suppress these types of fires, reducing the risk of re-ignition.
When using a portable fire extinguisher near electrical equipment, which precaution is the most important?
Using a water-based extinguisher
Spraying the extinguisher from a distance of over 20 feet
Disabling the electrical equipment first
Using an extinguisher rated for electrical fires, such as CO2 or dry chemical
The key precaution when dealing with electrical fires is to use an extinguisher that is safe for electrical equipment. CO2 and certain dry chemical extinguishers are rated for such fires, reducing the risk of electric shock.
During which situations does OSHA require that employees receive fire extinguisher training?
For all employees who may be required to use the extinguishers
Only when changes occur in the workplace
Only during the initial hiring process
Only after a fire incident
OSHA requires that any employee who might need to operate a fire extinguisher receives proper training. This ensures that all potential responders are knowledgeable about safe and effective extinguisher use.
What critical maintenance practice ensures that a portable fire extinguisher remains reliable for use?
Regular visual inspections and gauge checks
Only servicing it after it has been used
Cleaning the exterior only when it becomes dirty
Replacing the extinguisher regardless of condition
Conducting regular visual inspections and checking the pressure gauge are essential maintenance practices. They help ensure that the extinguisher is functional and ready for use during an emergency.
When following the PASS technique, what is the recommended distance to stand from the fire while using a portable fire extinguisher?
At least 15 feet away
Approximately 6 to 8 feet away
Immediately adjacent to the fire
Within arm's reach of the flames
Standing approximately 6 to 8 feet away allows for effective use of the extinguisher while maintaining personal safety. This distance is recommended to optimize the use of the PASS technique.
Hard
What are common indicators that a portable fire extinguisher may be out of service?
Proper placement on the wall
A completely intact and shiny exterior
A gauge needle positioned in the green zone
Visible corrosion, a damaged nozzle, or a gauge reading outside the operable range
Visible corrosion, damaged components, or a gauge reading that is not within the recommended range are clear signs that the extinguisher may be out of service. These indicators should prompt immediate maintenance or replacement to ensure safety.
In a multi-hazard workplace, how should the selection and placement of portable fire extinguishers be determined?
By relying solely on employee judgment during emergencies
By placing extinguishers in corridors only
By installing one standard extinguisher for the entire facility
By conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to match extinguisher types with specific hazards
A comprehensive risk assessment helps identify different hazards present in the workplace. Based on this assessment, extinguishers should be selected and strategically placed to effectively address the specific fire risks.
After a portable fire extinguisher has been used during an incident, what steps should be followed in accordance with OSHA protocols?
Recharge or replace the extinguisher and record the incident
Return it to its place without any checks
Discard it immediately without notifying anyone
Keep using it until a new extinguisher is available
OSHA protocols require that any extinguisher used during an incident be promptly inspected. It should be recharged or replaced as needed and the incident must be properly documented to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
How do periodic training sessions and fire drills contribute to effective fire extinguisher use under OSHA standards?
They ensure only trained supervisors can respond to a fire
They eliminate the need for regular equipment inspections
They enhance employee proficiency and build confidence in using fire extinguishers properly
They serve as a substitute for having a fire response plan
Periodic training and fire drills allow employees to practice and refine their skills with fire extinguishers. This ongoing education increases proficiency and confidence, which are crucial for an effective response during an emergency.
In situations where there are simultaneous hazards, such as a fire near critical equipment, what is a key consideration when using a portable fire extinguisher?
Immediately disable all safety systems to reduce interference
Attempt to extinguish the fire at any cost, even if it endangers personal safety
Evaluate both the risk to personnel and potential equipment damage, then select an appropriately rated extinguisher
Focus solely on protecting the equipment while ignoring personal safety
In complex scenarios with simultaneous hazards, it is crucial to balance the risk to personnel and the need to protect vital equipment. Proper evaluation helps determine the most suitable extinguisher and approach, ensuring safety and compliance with OSHA standards.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand key OSHA regulations related to fire extinguisher use.
  2. Analyze various emergency scenarios to select the appropriate fire extinguishing method.
  3. Apply proper procedures for safely operating portable fire extinguishers under different conditions.
  4. Evaluate compliance with workplace safety standards in simulated environments.
  5. Synthesize best practices to enhance overall readiness for certification exams and safety tests.

OSHA Portable Fire Extinguisher Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the five classes of fires - Fires come in five flavors (A, B, C, D, and K), each requiring a specific strategy and extinguisher. From Class A wood-and-paper fiascos to sizzling cooking oil K-grade infernos, knowing the category helps you pick the perfect extinguisher and stay safe.
  2. Master the PASS technique - Using an extinguisher is as easy as PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. This proven method maximizes your firefighting power and keeps those flames from roaring back.
  3. Identify extinguisher types and uses - Not all extinguishers are created equal! Water, foam, dry chemical, CO₂, and wet chemical each have fire classes they tackle best, so match the tool to the flame for ultimate safety.
  4. Know OSHA requirements - OSHA mandates accessible extinguishers, regular inspections, and hands-on training to keep workplaces hazard-free. Staying compliant isn't just bureaucracy - it's your ticket to a safer environment.
  5. Learn extinguisher limits - Extinguishers aren't magical; they can't tame massive blazes or safely work in thick smoke. Always assess fire size and ensure a clear escape path before diving in.
  6. Inspect and maintain regularly - Monthly gauge checks, damage inspections, and annual professional servicing keep your extinguisher ready for action. Think of it as giving your fire-fighting sidekick a health check-up.
  7. Place extinguishers smartly - Visibility and accessibility are key: mount extinguishers near high-risk zones with clear signage. Quick grab-and-go access can spell the difference between a controlled flicker and a full-blown fire.
  8. Recognize no-go situations - If flames roar too big, smoke gets dense, or your exit is blocked, it's time to evacuate, not engage. Calling emergency services is your safest play when conditions go south.
  9. Get hands-on training - Theory is great, but real confidence comes from practice. Engage in live drills with different extinguisher types to build muscle memory and lightning-fast decision-making.
  10. Stay up-to-date on safety protocols - Fire safety is a moving target: review evacuation plans, join drills, and track new regulations or tech upgrades. Continuous learning turns you from a casual learner into a safety superstar.
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