Talk to your local fire inspector and or your insurance company as to what they require.Very true and a good reminder. I’d recommend asking your local OSHA field office.If a fire extinguisher is mounted on a pole how far should a protection post be placed.Kathleen, I’d advise asking your regulator that. Consider placing it so it can be seen well from up close, at a distance, and from different angles. The BC Fire Code (BCFC) is a provincial regulation containing technical requirements for the construction, use or demolition of buildings and facilities and the design, construction and use of specific elements of facilities related to certain fire hazards, and protection measures for the current or intended use of buildings.The Province of BC is now offering the BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes online at no charge. 6.1.3.9.1 Fire extinguishers shall be installed so that the fire extinguisher’s operating instructions face outward. (2) The fire extinguisher is of the correct type for a fire that can occur. The BC Fire Code (BCFC) is a provincial regulation containing technical requirements for the construction, use or demolition of buildings and facilities and the design, construction and use of specific elements of facilities related to certain fire hazards, and protection measures for the current or intended use of buildings. A fire extinguisher weighing less than 40 pounds, like the extinguishers found in your home, should be hung so that the top is not more than five feet above the ground, but no lower than four inches above the floor, according to the National Fire Protection Association's Standard for portable fire extinguishers, NFPA-10.
Can you still ask that inspector?How close can something be placed in front of a fire extinguisher?A good question and I’ll start by saying I don’t know the exact answer. 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.Locations where flammable liquids are present and used in large quantities.
Are you in Canada?I was told during a government safety inspection in Northern Nevada that a fire extinguisher has to be a certain distance from and an exit door. British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B Section 3.2. And make sure there’s nothing that obstructs a person’s view of the extinguisher and/or the sign (such as a pile of boxes, machinery, or an open door).In addition to this article, you may find the following articles related to fire safety and fire extinguishers helpful:We hope this answered some of your questions about fire extinguisher placement, signage, and mounting requirements. Larger fire extinguishers need to be mounted at lower heights with the carrying handle about 3 feet from the floor.And finally, let’s turn our attention to OSHA’s fire extinguisher signage requirements.The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.Notice there’s nothing specific about signage. more info. This legislation establishes the function of the OFC, and includes provisions for: 1. appointments of Local Assistants to the Fire Commissioner 2. fire safety and prevention requirements 3. inspection of fire hazards 4. the Order and Appeal process 5.
For heavier extinguishers, that maximum height drops to 3 1/2 feet. But I do think one of those two can tell you something more accurate than I can. Building Fire Safety 3.2.1. I’d recommend contacting your local OSHA office and/or consulting the NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers: You bet. Portable fire extinguishers for Class D hazards are required in those combustible metal working areas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, or similarly sized products are generated at least once every two weeks.”– see The placement of extinguishers for Class K fires isn’t directly covered the 1910 OSHA regulation, but is addressed in an OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool (on the 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. In a fire, we want nothing to interfere with the ability to access and use a fire extinguisher, so you should keep things well away from the extinguisher.