Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) will expect at least 36-inches clearance in front of the extinguisher as long as it is still visible. They “borrow” this 36-inch clearance measurement from NFPA 70-2011, Article 110.26 for electrical control panels.
Clearance at Fire Alarm Pull Stations
Do not obstruct access to and visual contact with the fire alarm pull station. There must be a minimum of 36 inches of clearance, in a semi circle shape, from the pull station.
A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
If the fire is small and not spreading, quickly get your extinguisher. Start with your back to the exit, making sure the fire does not block your escape route. Stand 6 -8 feet away from the fire.
If the weight of the extinguisher is less than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.5m above ground level when installed. If the fire extinguisher is more than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.0m above ground level.
Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) will expect at least 36-inches clearance in front of the extinguisher as long as it is still visible. They “borrow” this 36-inch clearance measurement from NFPA 70-2011, Article 110.26 for electrical control panels.
Those with gross weights of no more than 40 pounds (lbs.) should be mounted with their carrying handles no higher than 5 feet from the floor. Larger fire extinguishers (over 40 lbs. gross weight) need to be mounted at lower heights, with their carrying handles no more than 3-1/2 feet from the floor.
1.1 of NFPA 10. ► To determine the minimum number of extinguish- ers needed, divide the total floor area by the maxi- mum floor area to be protected per extinguisher. ► Travel distance to the extinguisher can't be more than 75 ft (22.9 m).
All fire extinguishers must be fixed in a permanent position and it depends on the particular extinguisher, what the best storage option is. Ones with contents of 3 kg or 3 litres and above should be wall-mounted so that the handles are one metre from the floor. This also includes the common 2kg CO2 extinguisher.
Place all extinguishers where they're easy to see and reach. Every fire extinguisher must be placed in a visible and easy-to-reach location with the label facing out. They should be installed along hallways, in meeting rooms, near exit doors, and in other common locations.
Pull: Pull the safety pin located at the top of the fire extinguisher. Aim: Aim the nozzle at the fire's base rather than its top. Squeeze: Squeeze the lever gently to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to sufficiently cover the fire and prevent it from spreading.
[29 CFR 1910.157(d)(1)] Distribute portable extinguishers for use on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet (22.9 meters) or less. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(2)]
Extinguishers weighing 40 pounds or less: The top no higher than 5 feet and the bottom no lower than 4 inches from the floor. Extinguishers weighing more than 40 pounds: The top no higher than 3 1/2 feet and the bottom no lower than 4 inches from the floor.
Ceilings of exit routes must be at least 7 feet, 6 inches high. An exit access must be at least 28 inches wide at all points. Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access.
Extinguishers also need to be installed in places where they're visible, but if an obstruction is unavoidable then there needs to be a sign provided to indicate the extinguisher's location. Extinguishers need to be installed at least 4 inches off the ground up to a maximum of 5ft.
An extinguisher with the bottom at 27 inches or less off the floor can be detected with a cane. Installing the extinguisher hanger so that the bottom of the extinguisher is 27 inches or less from the finished floor is ADA compliant.
In terms of mounting height, the correct height depends on the weight of the extinguisher. At 4kg, extinguishers should be fitted so the carrying handle is 1m from the ground. At under 4kg, extinguishers should be mounted with the carrying handle 1.5m from the ground.
NFPA 10 requires that fire extinguishers be serviced annually by a certified technician, which includes a thorough inspection, and, if needed, maintenance, testing, and recharging.
Fire extinguishers are also often located near fire alarm call points so that someone can raise the alarm and then pick up an extinguisher. Extinguishers should be sited so that it is not necessary to travel more than 30 metres to reach one. So, therefore, extinguishers can be 60 metres apart.
The details in regard to the maintenance are given in IS 2190 : 1992 'Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable first aid fire extinguishers (third revision)'. This standard was first published in 1962 and revised in 1972, 1976 and 1985.
Traditional steel fire extinguishers can be left outside if they are in a weatherproof cabinet or box. P50 Service-Free Fire Extinguishers can be left outside without extra protection from the weather. This is because they are completely weatherproof and do not corrode.
It must be securely mounted within the vehicle, so it does not roll, slide or become jostled with the vehicle's movement. Every fire extinguisher carried in a commercial vehicle must have its Underwriters' Laboratories safety rating clearly marked on its exterior.