NFPA Fire Extinguisher Classes
Class L Extinguishers: in the U.S., a new "Class L" fire extinguisher is being marketed to for Lithium-Ion (LI) fires. However, the NFPA has not adopted Class L designation in NFPA 10 and they are not recognized by OSHA for combating LI fires. They are also not listed/approved by recognized U.S. testing labs like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Class L Fire Extinguishers
Recommendation: Do Not Buy
Some state fire marshals have issued warnings that such unlisted "Class L" extinguishers are not permitted under state fire codes, as they lack independent verification of performance.
Employers in the U.S. should follow OSHA 1910.157 — select and distribute portable extinguishers based on anticipated fire classes and hazards. For lithium-ion risks (common in manufacturing, warehouses, EV facilities), conduct a hazard assessment and consider specialized suppression systems (e.g., per NFPA 855 for energy storage systems) rather than relying solely on portable units.
Recommendations Alternatives
The NFPA, fire departments, and manufacturers recommend the following partial list of solutions for controlling LI fires:
Handling Small and Larger Fires
- Small fires: For small fires (e.g., phone, laptop, single e-bike battery): Use a specialized Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) or F-500 EA® Encapsulator Agent if available; otherwise, water (from a hose if safe) is often best for cooling.
- Larger fires: GET OUT FAST! For larger fires (e.g., EV pack, workplace, or storage fires), prioritize evacuation, call local emergency number (911, etc.), and let professionals handle it with massive water application—portable extinguishers may only buy time or control spread.
- Always prioritize safety: Lithium fires produce toxic/flammable gases, reignite easily, and can explode. No extinguisher guarantees full extinguishment of a runaway battery pack.
Reporting and Recordkeeping
Yes. OSHA reporting requirements for lithium-ion battery-related injuries (e.g., burns, explosions, fires, or chemical exposures in the workplace) follow the standard rules under 29 CFR Part 1904 (Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses). There are no unique rules exclusively for lithium-ion incidents—treat them like any other work-related injury or illness.
Recent OSHA clarification (January 20, 2026 Letter of Interpretation): Injuries from personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (e.g., in e-cigarettes carried in a pocket causing fire/burns) are generally recordable if they happen at work during assigned hours. The fire/event in the workplace is the precipitating cause, making it work-related regardless of the battery being personal property.
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5-5. What is the current status of "Class L" fire extinguishers in NFPA 10 and OSHA regulations in the U.S.?
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