An "A-B-C" fire extinguisher can be used on all types of fires. Other types of extinguishers work only on certain types of fires. Check the chart below to see extinguishers that work on various types of fires.

Departments must assign an individual to inspect monthly the extinguishers in or adjacent to the department's facilities. Recommended personnel include:

• Labs and shops: Area Safety Coordinators
• Administrative areas: Department Safety Coordinators

Use the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist to perform a monthly inspection of your department's extinguisher(s).

All extinguishers need to be serviced and tested every 6 years and also when:

• The fire extinguisher has been used
• The pin has been pulled
• The gauge is not in the green (or proper pressure area)

Extinguishers must be inspected by a licensed fire extinguisher maintenance contractor once a year in the intervening 5 years.

If you notice that an extinguisher needs service or is missing, contact:

• On campus:
  • See How to Request Building Services
  • At UCSD Medical Center-Hillcrest:
    Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (619) 543-6454
  • At UCSD Medical Center-Thornton:
    Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (858) 657-6400

  To request additional extinguishers, contact EH&S Fire & Life Safety, (858) 822-5706 or 534-3531.

  Fire extinguisher training is available to all employees.

  • If you work with hazardous materials or high-risk fire processes, contact EH&S Fire & Life Safety, (858) 822-7515, for training.
  • If you work in a low-risk fire environment, you can learn about using fire extinguishers by:
  • Borrowing the "Using Portable Fire Extinguishers" video from the EH&S safety training manager, (858) 822-5974
  • Reading How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

  If you are a UCSD employee and have questions about fire safety, contact EH&S Fire & Life Safety, (858) 822-7515.