An easy-to-follow breakdown of requirements for fire extinguisher distances. Info about extinguisher classifications, why distance matters, and more.
Time matters. Especially in critical situations. A few seconds can be the difference between life and death. Those precious moments can be the tipping point that either results in safety or serious loss of life or property.
When it comes to fire safety, the placement of fire extinguishers can be the thing that makes all the difference. Therefore, regulations have been established to ensure that extinguishers are put within a reasonable distance to obtain when needed. In this article we will detail the fire extinguisher distance requirements, that way you can verify that your extinguishers are compliant and ready for use!
NFPA/OSHA Regulations for Fire Extinguishers
Within the United States, the two most authoritative figures on fire safety are the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA). These two organizations help to provide guidelines for the installation, inspection, testing and maintenance of all fire-related equipment, including fire extinguishers.
Their respective safety standards on this topic include:
Both of these regulations provide technicians with the necessary information to properly care for portable fire extinguishers. They include information such as the various extinguisher classifications, requirements for their installation, recharging, and all steps for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM).
These two resources are written for inspectors, managers, and safety professionals alike. Familiarity with them can help you in performing your duties and maintaining a safe environment.
The “Maximum Travel Distance To Extinguisher” Rule
During fire emergencies, every second counts. The longer it takes for a person to find and retrieve a fire extinguisher during an emergency, the higher the chances that there will be serious damage to the property or severe injuries.
Because of this, NFPA 10 sets forth a “maximum travel distance to extinguisher” for each type of fire extinguisher. Essentially, this term means that at any point in the building you shouldn’t have to travel farther than the maximum distance to reach a fire extinguisher (OSHA 1910.157 also contains this information, but with slightly different wording).
The purpose of this requirement is to place fire extinguishers in positions where they can reasonably be obtained and used.
Fire Extinguisher Distances By Classification
The established fire extinguisher distances are as follows:
- For Class A and D the max travel distance is 75 ft (22.8m).
- For Class B the max travel distance is 50ft (15.2m). Sometimes 30 ft, depending on the extinguisher rating.
- For Class K the max travel distance is 30ft (9.1m).
- For Class C, it is never just a C rating. This means the max travel distance is dependent on if it is rated for Class A or B and should follow the associated requirements.
**It is important to note that the travel distance should be calculated based on a path that someone could actually take. The distance shouldn’t be measured through walls or other obstructions.
Why Fire Extinguisher Distance Matters
Where you place your fire extinguishers matters not just for safety reasons but for compliance and financial reasons as well. As mentioned previously, the NFPA and OSHA have made clear the max travel distances for the various portable fire extinguisher classifications. Non-compliance with their established standards can result in serious consequences.
Fines for Non-compliance: The NFPA doesn’t actually have power to enforce their regulations, but OSHA does. Violating OSHA standards can result in fines that range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the infraction. Compliance with these organizations along with local fire codes and insurance requirements help organizations reduce their legal liabilities and promote safe practices.
Fire Suppression Effectiveness: Not only does fire extinguisher distance matter for compliance but it also matters for effectiveness. Fire extinguishers that are distant or obstructed can result in delayed response times and allow a small fire to grow into a major hazard.
Maximizing Safety: Since fires can grow so rapidly, response times are significant. The established fire extinguisher distances are optimal for each kind of extinguisher to control their type of fire. The distances help balance having enough extinguishers to maximize safety while not overcrowding the buildings with them.
Using Software to Manage Fire Extinguishers
Managing fire extinguishers can be a tall task, particularly if your organization has them in high volume. However, fire extinguisher management software is a tool that can really make a difference. Our software solution, InspectNTrack is specifically designed to help with running a fire safety program, inspecting fire equipment, and logging data.
Not only can it help with performing inspections on fire extinguishers, but it can also track your inventory, their locations, and help with scheduling upcoming maintenance. It truly can revolutionize the way you approach fire safety. Want to learn more? Schedule a demo and talk with one of our specialists.
Conclusion
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) have worked together to provide regulations around portable fire extinguishers. Their safety standards, NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157, detail how to best install and maintain fire extinguishers, including values for how far someone should have to travel to obtain a fire extinguisher during an emergency. This is known as the “maximum travel distance to extinguisher” rule. By understanding and following the established fire extinguisher distances for each classification, you can ensure that your extinguisher placement is compliant, effective, and maximizing safety.
