Fire Extinguisher Usage and Placement

Where are Fire Extinguishers Required?

While it is not a requirement to have fire extinguishers in one or two-family residences, it is required to have them in the following occupancies:

• All businesses
• Ambulant health care
• Apartment buildings
• Daycare facilities
• Detention and Correctional structures
• Educational facilities
• Facilities where people gather
• Health care facilities
• Hotels and Dorms
• Industrial buildings
• Lodging/Rooming facilities
• Merchant facilities
• Residential/Care residential facilities
• Special structures with occupancy
• Storage facilities

Proper Location and Visibility for Extinguishers

While fire extinguishers should never take the place of exiting a building in the event of a fire, their proper location is vital for easy access and the ability to assist in controlling a fire. Extinguishers should always be placed in a visible and accessible location. Placing extinguishers in high-traffic areas and using signage and arrows are effective ways to ensure they are visible and accessible to all building occupants in the case of a fire emergency.

HRSS offers commercial fire extinguisher services to ensure your extinguishers are ready to provide the first line of defense in the case of a fire.

Placement of Extinguishers

HRSS fire alarm design technicians possess in-depth knowledge of all code regulations for the proper placement of fire extinguishers in commercial buildings. Requirements for the placement of extinguishers that weigh less than 40 lbs. include:

• The top of the fire extinguisher should not be over 5 ft off the ground
• The bottom of the fire extinguisher must be a minimum of 4 in. from the ground

Requirements for the placement of extinguishers weighing more than 40 lbs. include:

• The top should not be over 3.5 ft off the ground
• The bottom must be a minimum of 4 in. from the ground

Types of Fires and Extinguishers

There are five distinct types of fires that can occur, and which extinguisher you have as part of your commercial fire safety system must match that type of fire to be effective. HRSS is an expert at determining the best type of fire extinguishers and placement to meet your business type and operations, along with providing comprehensive commercial fire alarm and life safety system needs.

There are different requirements for the location of extinguishers based on what type of fire the extinguisher can put out. Extinguishers have labels with symbols and letters to represent their class. The NFPA offers additional information in this Fire Extinguisher Placement Guide.

Class A:

• Use:
  • Locations with the presence of ordinary combustibles
  • Fires that involve articles like cloth, paper, and wood
• Location:
  • Distance to a fire extinguisher cannot be over 75 feet

Class B:

• Use:
  • Places where a potential flammable liquid fire could occur
  • Flammable liquids like oil, paints, solvents, and gasoline
• Location:
  • Distance traveled to an extinguisher cannot be over 30 -50 feet

Class C:

• Use:
  • Locations that have energized electrical equipment present
  • Fires involving any energized electrical equipment
• Location:
  • Only extinguishers rated as Class A or B can be rated as Class C
  • If a Class A or Class B extinguisher is measured and does not conduct electricity, it can be rated as Class C

Class D:

• Use:
  • For combustible metal fires, such as sodium and magnesium
• Location:
• Cannot be placed further than 75 feet away from potential hazard

Class K:

• Use:
  • For environments with a risk of combustible cooking equipment
  • Commercial buildings that use oil in cooking equipment
• Location:
  • Should not be placed further than 30 feet from potential hazard

Fire extinguisher safety and placement are vital components of the overall effectiveness of your commercial fire safety system.

Fire Extinguisher Service in Illinois

HRSS offers comprehensive commercial fire alarm and life safety system services, including fire extinguisher type and placement and fire extinguisher inspections. Working with a leader in commercial fire safety will give you peace of mind in having a comprehensive and integrated commercial fire alarm and life safety system that will protect your property and occupants.

High Rise Security Systems is a leader in commercial fire alarm and life safety systems offering UL-listed products and complete commercial fire safety services, including licensed fire extinguisher inspections. HRSS’s fire safety experts help you meet and exceed your fire safety goals with innovative solutions geared specifically towards your needs to protect your property and save lives. Contact HRSS today to ensure that your building is code compliant and protected by a licensed commercial fire extinguisher service provider.