Fire Extinguisher Requirements

EXTINGUISHERS AND LIMITS

Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling it until the fire department arrives. 

For businesses, a 2A10BC within 75 travel distance is the minimum requirement. For every additional 4000 square feet, another extinguisher is required.

Extinguishers: Fitting the Fire

Choose your extinguisher carefully. A fire extinguisher should bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory. It should also be labeled as to the

type of fire it is intended to extinguish.

The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire.   Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds. Classes of Fires:

There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through

any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested

for use on a given class of fire.

Class A:    Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Class B:    Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.

Class C:    Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

Class D:   Metal Fires

Class K:   Cooking Media Fires - Commercial Kitchen use.  6 liter minimum

Many household fire extinguishers are multipurpose" A-B-C models, labeled for use on the three most common classes of fire. If you are ever faced with

a Class A fire, and you don't have an extinguisher with an "A" symbol, don't hesitate to use one with the "B:C" symbols. 

WARNING: It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a grease or electrical fire.

Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual and ask your dealer how your extinguisher should be inspected and serviced.

Remember the PASS-word

Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the four-step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once.

Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site.

PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers have other devices that prevent

inadvertent operation.

AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. Some extinguishers

have a button that you press.

SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until

the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

Should You Fight the Fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire:

• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the building.
• Make sure the fire department has been notified.
• Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and that it is not spreading beyond the immediate area.
• Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• Make sure that you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is reckless to fight a fire under any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately and close off the area.

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