A fire can break out at any time, which is why commercial establishments require a fire extinguisher. This safety equipment must be readily available for immediate use at all times. While it is highly effective against small fires, this safety product is designed only to control fires in their earliest stages. This means there’s still a risk of fires spreading fast throughout the building.

Increase the chances of keeping everyone safe in your establishment by ensuring fire extinguishers are easy to reach. This article will discuss installing them according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code.

Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Placed?

Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible in the event of a fire. They have multiple ratings that are effective in different locations. 

Fire classifications include Class A, B, C, D, or K. Each of them can be addressed by a specific type of fire extinguisher. Here are the locations where fire extinguishers are to be installed:

• Class A: Offices and other buildings with ordinary combustible materials.
• Class B: Establishments that contain flammable liquids or gasses, such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, workshops, and garages.
• Class C: Properties that use energized electrical equipment.
• Class D: Areas that produce metal powders, shavings, or flakes every 1-2 weeks.
• Class K: Facilities that use combustible cooking oils or fats.

What Is the Required Distance Between Fire Extinguishers?

The placement of fire extinguishers depends on the facility’s location of potential fire hazards in the building, the types of extinguishers used, and the size of the property. Here are the maximum travel distances that employees have to travel farthest from the site of the fire to reach an extinguisher:

• Class A Fire Extinguishers: 75 feet
• Class B Fire Extinguishers: 50 feet
• Class C Fire Extinguishers: Based on the Class A or B hazard
• Class D Fire Extinguishers: Seek expert advice
• Class K Fire Extinguishers: 30 feet

How Should Fire Extinguishers Be Installed?

Facilities that require a fire extinguisher must have their safety equipment mounted to the wall. The carrying handle needs to be placed between 3.5 and five feet from the floor. On the other hand, larger equipment has to be mounted lower. 

Besides being readily accessible, these fire extinguishers have to be visible. It’s also essential that they are secure, so they should be installed not to be easily damaged or moved.

Should Places That Require a Fire Extinguisher Put Signs above the Safety Equipment?

Fire extinguishers need to be easily seen by employees. Since this safety equipment may not be easy to spot from a distance, installing signs or other means of identification above them can help. Their placement depends on the conditions of the facility.

Conclusion

Business owners are already aware that they have to equip their facility with fire extinguishers to ensure the safety of everyone in their building. However, how they should be installed can be confused due to location requirements. Since executing these recommendations and navigating all of the requirements on your own can be challenging, consider working with a fire protection company to ensure your business is safe and fully compliant.

Get in touch with Legacy Fire Services if you need help from a full-service fire protection company. We help business owners that require a fire extinguisher in their facilities by offering consultation, design, installation, service, and inspection of fire extinguishers and fire protection systems. Contact us for a quote!