NIOSH Tackles Fire Safety in New Toolbox Talk
Originally Published by: Safety + Health —October 27, 2026
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Washington — Workers can “benefit from awareness of possible fire hazards at the worksite and how to protect themselves,” NIOSH says in a new toolbox talk.
The two-page document features a real-world narrative and safety tips. It also poses a question for both managers and workers: “What will we do at the worksite to prevent fires?”
Among the safety tips: Have at least one fire extinguisher of the right class for each type of fire hazard on your worksite:
- Class A for wood, paper, cardboard, plastic, etc.
- Class B for combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil and kerosene.
- Class C for electrical fires, or combination extinguishers for any Class A, B or C hazards.
- Class D for specific combustible metals.
“Another option is to smother the fire with dry sand,” NIOSH says. “Never put water on a combustible metal fire.”
The agency adds that employers are “required to develop a fire protection program and explain it to their workers. The program should include helping workers identify and correct fire hazards.”