Page 3 - FT SAFETY DURABLES

CONSENSUS STANDARDS, REQUIREMENTS, CODES AND LAWS

The placement of fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher cabinets is driven by a group of consensus
standards, requirements, codes and laws. Ultimately, where, how many, and what type, will be
determined by the authority having jurisdiction for that location. The authority could be as diverse
as the City Building Inspector or the Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics.

The requirements that establish placement practice are ultimately found in local fire prevention
codes at one end of the spectrum or Federal Law at the other end.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER SIZE AND PLACEMENT CRITERIA (PER NFPA 10)

For Class A Hazards
Criteria Light Ordinary Extra
Occupancy Occupancy Occupancy
Minimum Rated Single Extinguisher 2-A 2-A 4-A
Maximum Floor Area per Unit of A 3,000 sq. ft. 1,500 sq. ft 1,000 sq. ft.
Maximum Floor Area for Extinguisher 11,250 sq. ft. 11,250 sq. ft. 11,350 sq. ft.
Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguisher 75 ft. 75 ft. 75 ft.

For Class B Hazards
Type Of Hazard Maximum Ext’g Maximum Travel
Rating Distance To Ext’g
Light (Low) 5-B 30 ft. SAFETY DURABLES
10-B 50 t
Ordinary (Moderate) 10-B 30 ft.
20-B 50 ft.
Extra (High) 40-B 30 ft.
80-B 50 ft

FOR CLASS C HAZARDS
Class C ratings are required where energized electrical
equipment is encountered. Since fire itself is a Class A or
B hazard, the extinguishers are sized and located on the
basis of the Class A or B hazard.

INSTALLATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Portable fire extinguishers shall be securely installed on
the hangers or in the bracket supplied or placed in cabinets
or wall recesses. Wheeled-type extinguishers shall be in a
designated location. Extinguishers having a gross weight
not exceeding 40 Lbs. shall be installed so that the top
of the extinguisher is not more than 5’ above the floor.
Extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 40 Lbs.
shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not
more than 3’-6” above the floor.

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