Fire Extinguisher & Fire Suppression
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PROVISIONS
Jerome Fire Equipment serves the commercial and industrial markets with a complete line of Fire Suppression Equipment and Systems. Give us a call at 800-699-4533. We’ll come out to help keep you in compliance with NYS building code. Our factory trained and certified technicians provide sales, installation and service for:
- Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
- Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems
- Fire Extinguisher Cabinets, Covers & Accessories
- Industrial/Paint Booth Suppression Systems
- Industrial Fire Hose Nozzles & Connections
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Exit & Emergency Lighting
- Signs, Tags & Labels
- Reflective Vests/Safety Apparel, Amber Warning Lights, Highway Cones
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
PLACEMENT AND SPACING
Portable fire extinguishers can be an effective early response to a developing fire, if they are installed and used properly.
If employees use portable fire extinguishers to fight small fires, they must be installed in all areas of the workplace. To ensure each area is protected properly, ask yourself the following questions:
Is the extinguisher readily accessible in the event of a fire?
To avoid putting workers in danger, fire extinguishers should be located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. [29 CFR 1910.157(c)] You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanical/electrical rooms, and near exit doors.
Selection and Placement:
If employees use portable fire extinguishers, they must be selected and positioned based on the potential type and size of fire that can occur. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(1)] The following guidelines will help you identify the number and types of portable fire extinguishers you should have.
Class A Fire Size & Spacing:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that locations such as offices, classrooms, and assembly halls that contain mainly Class A combustible materials have one 2-A extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet. [Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (NFPA 10 (2010), Table 6.2.1.1, Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class A Hazards)].
OSHA requires that all employees have access to an extinguisher within 75 feet travel-distance. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(2)]
NOTE: Uniformly spaced standpipe systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system for emergency use can be used instead of Class A portable fire extinguishers, if they meet the respective requirements of 29 CFR 1910.158 or 29 CFR 1910.159, provide total coverage of the area to be protected, and employees are trained at least annually in their use. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(3)]
Class B Fire Size & Spacing:
Locations that contain Class B flammables, such as workshops, storage areas, research operations, garages, warehouses, or service and manufacturing areas requires that all employees have access to an extinguisher within 50 feet travel-distance. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(4)]
|
Hazard |
Extinguisher |
Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Light (Low) – Small amounts of flammable liquids used for copy machines, art departments, etc., that are stored safely and kept in closed containers. |
5-B |
30′ |
|
10-B |
50′ |
|
| Ordinary (Moderate) – The total amount of flammable liquids are present in greater amounts than expected under low-hazard locations. This can include garages, workshops, or support service areas. |
10-B |
30′ |
|
20-B |
50′ |
|
| Extra (High) – Locations where flammable liquids are present and used in large quantities. This includes areas used for storage, production, woodworking (finishing), vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing, or where painting, dipping, and coating, operations are performed with flammable liquids. |
40-B |
30′ |
|
80-B |
50′ |
(Adapted from Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 10 (2010), Table 6.3.1.1, Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Hazards)
Class C Fire Size & Spacing:
Class C extinguishers are required where energized electrical equipment is used. The extinguisher size and spacing is based on its Class A or B hazard. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(5)]
Class D Fire Size & Spacing:
Locations where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, or similarly sized materials are generated at least once every two weeks must install Class D portable fire extinguishers not more then 75 feet from the hazard. [29 CFR 1910.157(d)(6)]
Class K Fire Size & Spacing:
Locations where potential fire hazards from combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) exist must install Class K extinguishers at a maximum travel distance of 30 feet. [NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. See Section 6.6, Installations for Class K Hazards]
For more information on types of extinguishers, see Extinguisher Basics.
Installation:
To prevent fire extinguishers from being moved or damaged, they should be mounted on brackets or in wall cabinets with the carrying handle placed 3-1/2 to 5 feet above the floor. Larger fire extinguishers need to be mounted at lower heights with the carrying handle about 3 feet from the floor.
Before installing any portable fire extinguisher, check the label to be sure it is approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. [29 CFR 1910.157(c)(2)]
Prohibited Fire Extinguishers:
The following types of portable fire extinguishers are considered dangerous and should not be used:
- Any extinguisher having a shell construction of copper or brass joined by soft solder and/or rivets.
- Any extinguisher that must be turned upside down to rupture a cartridge or to start an uncontrollable pressure generating chemical reaction to expel the agent. [29 CFR 1910.157(c)(5)] This includes:
- Soda acid
- Foam
- Water-cartridge
- Loaded stream cartridge
- Extinguishers that use chlorobromomethane (Halon 1011) or carbon tetrachloride as an extinguishing agent. These agents are toxic and carbon tetrachloride may cause cancer and can produce phosgene gas (used as a chemical weapon during World War I) when used on electrical fires. [29 CFR 1910.157(c)(3)]
Is the extinguisher fully charged and working properly?
Regular maintenance and inspections of your portable fire extinguishers will provide assurance that they will operate effectively and safely if they are needed. [29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)]
Inspect all extinguishers at least once a month. Use the following checklist as a guide.
- Is each extinguisher in its designated place, clearly visible, and not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access during an emergency?
- Is the nameplate with operating instructions legible and facing outward?
- Is the pressure gauge showing that the extinguisher is fully charged (the needle should be in the green zone)?
- Is the pin and tamper seal intact?
- Is the extinguisher in good condition and showing no signs of physical damage, corrosion, or leakage?
- Have all dry powder extinguishers been gently rocked top to bottom to make sure the powder is not packing?
NOTE: If you did not answer yes to all of these questions, have the extinguisher fixed or replaced immediately!
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
With our many years of experience and dedicated resources, Jerome Fire Equipment is well established and broadly committed to care for your fire prevention and fire protection needs.
RESIDENTIAL
- Fire Extinguishers
- Smoke Detectors
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Escape Ladders
- Handlights
- First Aid Kits
How many Smoke Detectors should I have in my home and where should they be installed?
You should install at least one smoke detector on every habitable level of your home, including attics and basements that are tall enough to allow access. It is also recommended to install a smoke detector in the following locations: one inside each bedroom (particularly if bedroom doors are closed while sleeping) and one or more in the main hallway of the sleeping area, one in the garage, one in the furnace room, and also in the vicinity of any additional room in which your family regularly spends time.
How many Fire Extinguishers should I have in my home and where should they be located?
You should have one fire extinguisher for every 600 square feet of living space and at least one per level of your home. It is recommended to have a fire extinguisher in both the kitchen and garage of your home.
Where should I place Carbon Monoxide Detectors in my home?
You should install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every habitable level of you home. A CO detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. A CO detector should be placed in the furnace room at approximately 15 to 20 feet from the furnace.
How do I operate my fire extinguisher in the event of fire?
Perform the PASS method – Pull the safety pin, Aim the extinguisher nozzle at base of fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side.
In addition to these tips, be sure to regularly practice mock fire drills with your family. Have planned escape routes (which may require the need of an Emergency Escape Ladder) and a pre-determined safe meeting place outside the home.
Give us a call at 800-699-4533, or come into our convenient location on Caughdenoy Road in Clay, NY. We’ll help you to make the right decision as to what size fire extinguishers you need and where to place them in your home for the most effective and safe use.
Don’t forget to practice an escape plan with your family, and teach everyone how to properly use all of your residential fire safety equipment.
