Codes & Standards
Accessibility
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act, adopted in 1990, was a historic commitment to enabling persons with disabilities to live as full and equal members of society.
57 million Americans - almost 18% of our population - live with some type of disability. Disabilities can affect mobility (20.9 million people), hearing (11.3 million), vision (7.3 million) or cognitive abilities (15.1 million).
For generations, persons with disabilities were ignored or ostracized. Fortunately, values and attitudes in our society have evolved in significant and positive ways. Our society is now committed to providing every disabled person with the opportunity to lead an active and fulfilling life in which his or her full potential can be realized.
The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 represented the fullest expression of this commitment. The ADA is intended to make it possible for persons with disabilities to live as full and equal citizens of our society.
The ADA mandated major changes in the way that facilities of all types are designed, constructed and operated. Facilities are now built to accommodate the needs of persons who are sensory deprived, blind, confined to a wheelchair or otherwise disabled.
The ADA is divided into five titles. Title II applies to programs and activities of state and local government entities. Title III applies to private entities that are considered to be places of public accommodation. Therefore, the changes in building design brought about by the ADA apply to government buildings and buildings where the general public has access such as schools, hotels, apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, and many more.
The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.This includes jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public.The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation and state and local government services.
The enforcement of the requirements of the ADA is accomplished in two ways. First, as a civil rights statute, persons subject to discrimination on the basis of a disability have a right to pursue legal recourse. Recourse can range from filing a complaint with an appropriate agency (such as the U.S. Department of Justice) to initiating legal action.
Second, most building codes and standards require that facilities constructed or substantially altered after 1992 adhere to the requirements of the ADA. Therefore, the ability to obtain a building permit may depend on compliance with the ADA.
2010 Accessibility Standards
Under the authority of the ADA, the U.S. government developed the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (“2010 Standards”). The 2010 Standards define how government buildings and public facilities must be designed and built to provide accessibility to disabled persons. The 2010 Standards define where fire extinguishers must be placed and how they must be mounted to assure accessibility.
Protruding Objects in Circulation Paths
The 2010 Standards define a “circulation path” as an “exterior or interior way of passage provided for pedestrian travel.” (2010 Standards, Section 106.5) Protruding objects on circulation paths must comply with Section 307 requiring that,
Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches and not more than 80 inches above the finished floor or ground shall protrude 4 inches maximum horizontally into the circulation path.” (Insert image of actual standard here)
Therefore, if a fire extinguisher is installed in a circulation path – which it almost always is - the projection from the wall must be 4” or less. Oval low-profile fire extinguishers are the only 10 lb. fire extinguishers that meet this requirement.
Reach and Height
Fire extinguishers must be mounted in compliance with the requirements for maximum reach and height in the 2010 Standards. These requires that:
Forward Reach
When reaching forward for a fire extinguisher, the user should not have to reach higher than 48” or lower than 15” above the finished floor. (2010 Standards, Section 308.2)
Side Reach
When reaching to the side for the fire extinguisher, the user should not have to reach higher than 48” or lower than 15” above the finished floor. (2010 Standards, Section 308.3)
Accessible Routes
Under the 2010 Standards, all accessible spaces and elements within a building must be connected to a facility entrance by an “accessible route.” (2010 Standards Section 206.2.4) Chapter 4 of the Standards provides requirements for accessible routes. An accessible route generally must have a clear width of at least 36”. (2010 Standards Section 403.5.1)
The clear width of the route is measured at its narrowest point, taking into account all protrusions from the walls along the route.
The projection of a conventional fire extinguisher is 5-6”. This dimension must be added to the width of the route to comply with the 2010 Standards. Oval low-profile fire extinguishers project 3 – 4”, thus reducing the overall width of the route and saving valuable floor space.
Accessible Means of Egress
The 2010 Standards also that buildings have an “accessible means of egress”, meaning a “continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any point in a building or facility that provides an accessible route to an area of refuge, a horizontal exit or a public way.” (2010 Standards, Section 106.5)
Any wall projection is taken into account in determining whether a route is unobstructed. Use of an Oval low-profile fire extinguisher can reduce the overall width of the route, thus saving valuable space.
Is a Fire Extinguisher "ADA Compliant"?
Oval low-profile fire extinguishers facilitate compliance with requirements for accessibility under the 2010 Standards. However, the 2010 Standards also include requirements for how equipment and other building elements are operated in order to be accessible to disabled persons. Fire extinguishers – whether made by Oval or anyone else - by their nature do not comply with these requirements. They therefore cannot be considered to be “ADA compliant” in and of themself.
Under the 2010 Standards, operable parts of equipment must (i) be operable with one hand, (ii) not require grasping or turning of the hand, and (iii) require no more than 5 pounds of force to actuate. (2010 Standards, Section 309.4) Fire extinguishers by their nature cannot meet these requirements since:
- To use a fire extinguisher, it must be pulled off a wall bracket or removed from a cabinet. Due to the weight of the extinguisher, this may require use of two hands.
- To activate a fire extinguisher, the user must remove the locking pin and squeeze the handle. This also requires two hands.
- The act of squeezing the handle requires grasping.
- Squeezing the handle requires more than 5 pounds of force.
Therefore, an Oval fire extinguisher can facilitate making a building accessible as required by the ADA. However, it is not in and of itself, “ADA compliant.”
International Building Code/Standard A117.1
International Building Code
The International Building Code (IBC), developed by the International Code Council, is a comprehensive model code for building design and construction. It is in use on a state-wide or local basis in all 50 states.
The IBC requires that “buildings and facilities shall be designed and constructed to be accessible in accordance with this code and ANSI/ICC A117.1” (IBC 2003, Section 1101.2) A117.1 is the “Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities” and is an approved American National Standard. Therefore, in jurisdictions that have adopted the IBC, compliance with A117.1 is mandatory.
The International Code Council (ICC) is an association engaged in developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient buildings and structures. In performing this work, the ICC has developed and published fifteen model codes (the I-Codes), covering entire buildings, building systems (mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, etc.), building performance (energy conservation) and other subjects.
In addition to developing model codes, the ICC develops standards that work in conjunction with its model codes. One such standard is ANSI/ICC A117.1 “Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.” This standard has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The A117.1 standard was originally developed and adopted by ANSI in 1961. It thus pre-dates both the American with Disabilities Act and the accessibility guidelines issued pursuant to the ADA.
In 1987, the predecessor organization to the ICC assumed responsibility for the standard, with the goal of making it compatible with the International Building Code. The 1998 edition of the standard accomplished this goal. Thus, the standard becomes an enforceable set of regulations when adopted in conjunction with the adoption of the IBC. The current version of A117.1 is the 2017 edition.
The ability to obtain a construction permit under the IBC depends on whether the project as designed complies with all of the accessibility requirements in the standard. This places a significant responsibility on building architects and designers to resolve the challenges of how to install fire extinguishers in facilities while maintaining accessibility.
ANSI/ICC Standard A117.1
Standard A117.1 aligns with the 2010 Standards under the ADA. As it relates to fire extinguishers, all of the accessibility requirements of A117.1 are the same as the 2010 Standards described above. These requirements therefore have the force of law in jurisdictions where the IBC is in effect.
Any wall projection is taken into account in determining whether a route is unobstructed. Use of an Oval low-profile fire extinguisher can reduce the overall width of the route, thus saving valuable space.
Life Safety
Life Safety Code
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops codes and standards relating to fire safety, prevention and protection. One of the most important and far-reaching NFPA standards is NFPA Standard 101, known as the Life Safety Code (LSC).
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global non-profit organization working to eliminate death, injury, property damage and economic loss due to fire and related hazards. Founded in 1896, the NFPA works to save lives and reduce loss through research, training, education and advocacy.
Among the NFPA’s principal activities is the creation and updating of consensus codes and standards relating to fire safety, prevention and protection. There are currently over 300 NFPA codes and standards in use.
The earliest version of NFPA Standard 101 was published in 1927 as the “Building Exits Code.” As the name suggests, its focus was assuring that buildings have adequate means of exiting in case of fire. Standard 101 has evolved greatly over the past 90 years and is now known as the “Life Safety Code.”
Currently in its 2018 edition, the Life Safety Code (LSC) guides the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings to “minimize the danger to life from the effects of fire, including smoke, heat and toxic gases created during fire.” (NFPA 101, Sections 1.1.2 and 1.2).
Currently in the 2018 edition, the LSC deals with what happens in a building after a fire starts. While aspects of the LSC will dictate how buildings are designed and constructed, it is not a comprehensive building code. Rather, it is intended to address how buildings should be designed, built and operated to minimize the threat to life in the event that a fire occurs.
The LSC is an occupancy-based code. That is, the specific requirements of the Code are based on the type of building under consideration. For any particular building, the requirements of the LSC will depend the size of the building, its use and a wide variety of other factors.
Since the LSC is intended to address how the safety of building occupants is protected in the event of a fire, it focuses largely on the movement of people. If a fire occurs, the occupants of the building must be able to move from an area where they are in danger to an area where they are safe. A safe area may be outside the building or within the building but separated from the fire by moving to a separate fire compartment, separate smoke compartment or an area of rescue.
It is important to note that the focus in health care facilities is somewhat different. Since occupants of health care facilities might be unable to move or be endangered by a move, the emphasis in these facilities is on protecting occupants in place.
Note: The discussion of NFPA 101 below is introductory only. Building designers should refer to the complete LSC to verify the specific requirements for the building being designed. All references are to the 2018 version of the Code.
Life Safety Code and Accessibility
A significant portion of the LSC deals with how to facilitate the movement of people through and out of a building in the event of a fire. There are extensive provisions regarding what is a means of egress, how it is designed and constructed, and how to keep it free of obstructions.
These requirements are similar to, but not always the same as, the requirements for accessibility by disabled persons. However, the LSC “substantially agrees” with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and ICC/ANSI A117.1 American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. (NFPA 101, Section 7.2.12) While there are some areas where the intersection of the LSC and the ADA is ambiguous, the intent of the LSC is clear.
What is a Means of Egress?
The goal of the LSC is to assure that there is a path of travel that every person can use from every location in a building to either get outside of the building or to a place of safety inside the building. (NFPA 101, Section 7.1.2.2(16) Accordingly, there must be at least two “means of egress” for every “building or structure, section, and area where size, occupancy and arrangement endanger occupants attempting to use a single means of egress that is blocked by fire or smoke.” (NFPA 101, Section 4.5.3.1)
A “means of egress” is a ”continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building to a public way” (NFPA 101, Section 3.3.178).
Access to an Exit
The portion of a means of egress that leads to an exit. This can include the rooms and building spaces that people occupy, as well as aisles, corridors, unenclosed stairs and other means of reaching an exit. (NFPA 101, Sections 3.3.87 and 7.1.2.2(10))
Exit Itself
The portion of the means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of the building by construction, location or equipment to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. An exit can be an exterior door, stairway, corridor, pathway, ramp or other similar structure. (NFPA 101, Sections 3.3.86 and 7.1.2.2(9))
Discharge from the Exit
The portion of a means of egress between the exit and a public way such as a street or alley. (NFPA 101, Section 3.3.88)
Accessible Means of Egress
If a means of egress might be used by a person with impaired mobility (such as a wheelchair user), the means of egress must be “accessible to the extent necessary to ensure reasonable safety for occupants having impaired mobility.” (NFPA 101, Section 4.5.3.2) An “accessible” means of egress provides an “accessible route” to a safe area. (NFPA 101, Section 7.1.2.2(2))
An “accessible route” is a route that complies with ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. (NFPA 101, Sections 3.3.3) This is reinforced again later in the Code:
7.5.4
Accessible Means of Egress
7.5.4.1
Areas accessible to people with severe mobility impairment (i.e. not able to use stairs), other than in existing buildings, shall have not less than two accessible means of egress, unless otherwise provided.
A7.5.4.1
An accessible means of egress should comply with the accessible route requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
ICC/ANSI A117.1 limits projections from walls to 4”. Oval low-profile fire extinguishers are therefore very advantageous in achieving NFPA 101 compliance.
The means of egress must lead to an exterior exit from the building or to a safe place within the building. In multi-story buildings, this generally means that the accessible route will lead to an area of refuge. (NFPA 101, Section 7.2.12)
It should be noted that, under the terms of the LSC, health care facilities are exempt from the accessible means of egress requirements described above. This is an area of ambiguity in the LSC. This exemption is based upon the level of life safety provided by the protect-in-place strategy described in Chapter 18 of the LSC. (NFPA 101, Section 7.2.12.1)
Notwithstanding this exemption in the LSC, healthcare facilities are by their nature subject to the accessibility requirements of the ADA. As more fully described below, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a rule explicitly stating this. Therefore, we believe that health care facilities remain subject to the 4” limit on projections from a wall.
Accessible Routes
Under the 2010 Standards, all accessible spaces and elements within a building must be connected to a facility entrance by an “accessible route.” (2010 Standards Section 206.2.4) Chapter 4 of the Standards provides requirements for accessible routes. An accessible route generally must have a clear width of at least 36”. (2010 Standards Section 403.5.1)
The clear width of the route is measured at its narrowest point, taking into account all protrusions from the walls along the route.
The projection of a conventional fire extinguisher is 5-6”. This dimension must be added to the width of the route to comply with the 2010 Standards. Oval low-profile fire extinguishers project 3 – 4”, thus reducing the overall width of the route and saving valuable floor space.
Minimum Width of Means of Egress
A means of egress generally must be at least 36” wide, though this varies based on building type. (NFPA 101, Section 7.3.4.1) The minimum width for educational occupancies is 6 feet, for new health care occupancies it is 8 feet, and for hotels, apartment buildings and business occupancies it is generally 44”.
Minimum width is measured “in the clear at the narrowest point of the egress component.” (NFPA 101, Section 7.3.2) The minimum width is the “clear, net, usable, unobstructed width.” Except in health care facilities, the only permitted projections into the means of egress are handrails projecting no more than 4 ½” at a height of 38” or lower. No other projections – including fire extinguishers - are allowed.
Based on this, the depth of all projections from the wall must be added to the required minimum width of the means of egress to arrive at the actual width that to be provided. Oval low-profile fire extinguishers have a reduced wall projection, thus reducing the overall width of the means of egress. This saves valuable floor space and reduces construction costs significantly.
Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense and a critical part of protecting life and property against fire. To assist in selecting the right fire extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed Standard 10 “Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.” This standard establishes requirements for the number, size, placement, inspection, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers.
The provisions of NFPA 10 that are most relevant to Oval fire extinguishers relate to the placement and mounting of fire extinguishers. For an explanation of some of other key provisions of NFPA 10, follow the links below:
Factors for selection of fire extinguishers
Per NFPA 10, the selection of fire extinguishers is based upon the following factors:
- The class or type of fire most likely to occur.
- The size of fire most likely to occur.
- The construction and occupancy of the facility in which the extinguisher will be installed including, in particular, the hazards likely to be encountered.
- Whether there will be energized electrical equipment in the area where a fire may occur.
- The ambient temperature of the area in which the fire extinguisher is located.
- Any additional factors that might be considered relevant.
Classes of Fire
The first step in selecting a fire extinguisher is identifying the class or type of fire that it is intended to protect against. NFPA 10 classifies fires into major types. Each class is identified by a unique symbol. The classifications and symbols are:
Class A
Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.
Class B
Fires involving flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum grease, tars, oils, oil based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases.
Class C
Fires that involve energized electrical equipment.
Class D
Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium and titanium.
Class K
Fires involving combustible cooking media such as vegetable oils, animal oils and fats.
(NFPA 10, Section 5.2)
Protection for buildings is provided by Class A fire extinguishers. Protection for specific occupancies is proved by fire extinguishers appropriate for the class of fire that might occur. (NFPA 10, Section 5.4.2)
Oval fire extinguishers are suitable for use only on Class A, B and C fires. They should not be used on Class D and Class K fires.
Size of Fire/Classification of Hazards
The size of the fire likely to be encountered is related to the nature and extent of the hazards found in the building. NFPA 10 defines three levels of occupancy hazard:
Light Hazard Occupancy
These are locations where the total amount and combustibility of Class A combustible materials (wood, cloth, paper, etc.) and Class B flammables (flammable liquids, combustible liquids, etc.) are low. The total amount of combustibles includes all furnishings, decorations and contents. The total amount of flammables is less than 1 gallon. The anticipated fire has a low level of heat release.
Examples of occupancies that might be light hazard are:
- buildings or rooms occupied as offices
- classrooms
- churches
- assembly halls
- guest room areas of hotels and motels
Ordinary Hazard Occupancy
These are locations where the total amount and combustibility of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are moderate and more than expected in light hazard occupancies. The total amount of flammables is between 1 and 5 gallons. The anticipated fire has a moderate rate of heat release.
Examples of possible ordinary or moderate hazard occupancies are:
- dining areas
- mercantile shops and allied storage
- light manufacturing
- research operations
- auto showrooms
- parking garages
- workshops
Extra Hazard Occupancy
These are locations where the total amount and combustibility of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are high. These occupancies include hazards associated with the storage, production or packaging of Class A combustibles. The total quantity of Class B flammables is more than 5 gallons. These areas have the potential for fires that develop rapidly and have a high rates of heat release.
Examples of occupancies that might be extra or high hazard are:
- woodworking
- vehicle repair
- aircraft and boat servicing
- cooking areas
- individual product display showrooms
- product convention center displays
- storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping and coating, including flammable liquid handling
(NFPA 10, Section 5.4)
Fire Extinguisher Ratings
All fire extinguishers are tested to verify their effectiveness in extinguishing a fire. In addition, Class A and Class B fires are both tested and numerically rated based upon their extinguishing capabilities. The numerical rating is a measure of the extinguishing potential of the fire extinguisher. The rating is assigned based on comparative fire tests performed on the extinguisher. The higher the numerical rating, the more effective the fire extinguisher will be in putting out a fire.
As discussed below, the numerical rating of Class A and Class B fire extinguishers is an important factor in determining how many fire extinguishers are required for complete coverage of an area or building.
Oval models 10H-ABC and 10J-ABC fire extinguishers are rated 4A:80B:C.
Number of Fire Extinguishers
Once the class of fire and occupancy hazard have been identified, the next task is to determine how many fire extinguishers are required to protect any given area or building. This determination is fairly complicated and technical. The information provided below is intended as an introduction and summary only. It focuses only on the type (A/B/C) and rating of Oval fire extinguishers. For a comprehensive explanation of the rules for distribution of fire extinguishers, please refer to NFPA 10, Annex E.
Important: Before installing fire extinguishers, consult with a fire protection specialist for a comprehensive analysis and determination of how many fire extinguishers are required, the type that are required and how and where they should be located and installed.
Class A Fires
The number of fire extinguishers required to protect against a Class A fire is a function of two criteria. Both criteria must be met. These criteria are:
- Travel Distance
The maximum travel distance from a Class A fire extinguisher to a fire is 75 feet. (NFPA 10, Section 6.2.1.2.2) - Coverage Area of the Fire Extinguisher
A Class A fire extinguisher that is rated 4A can be used to cover the following floor areas:
- Light Hazard Occupancy: 11,250 square feet
- Ordinary Hazard Occupancy: 6,000 square feet
- Extra Hazard Occupancy: 4,000 square feet
To understand the operation of these two criteria, consider the following example: A room in an industrial facility must be equipped with adequate fire extinguishers. The room is 100 ft. x 100 ft., for a total area of 10,000 square feet.
If the room is considered to be light (low) hazard occupancy, one (1) 4A fire extinguisher would be sufficient. This is because (i) if the fire extinguisher is placed in the center of the room, no point in the room would be more than 75 feet from the fire extinguisher, and (ii) the total square footage of the room is less than 11,250 square feet, which is the maximum coverage area for a 4A extinguisher.
However, if the room is considered to be ordinary (moderate) hazard, then (2) 4A fire extinguishers would be required. The 75 foot rule is met by having one fire extinguisher. However, the maximum coverage area for a 4A fire extinguisher for ordinary hazard is 6,000 square feet. Two would therefore be required.
Similarly, if the room is considered extra (high) hazard, then three (3) fire extinguishers would be required.
Class B Fires
The calculation of the required number of Class B fire extinguishers for an area or building is different than for Class A extinguishers. Class B fires are divided the following two types:
- Spill Fires
These are fires in which a flammable liquid spills, such as when a storage container tips over or ruptures or vapors from a container ignite.
For spill fires, only the maximum travel distance is considered. There is no maximum coverage area for the extinguisher. The maximum travel distance from an 80B fire extinguisher to the fire is:
- Light Hazard Occupancy: 50 feet
- Ordinary Hazard Occupancy: 50 feet
- Extra Hazard Occupancy: 30 feet
- Fires Involving Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth
Fires involving flammable liquids “of appreciable depth” can occur in industrial plants where there are open tanks containing flammable liquids, such as in coating, finishing or treating processes. “Appreciable depth” is defined as more than ¼”. (NFPA 10, Section 3.3.17) For these types of fires, both the travel distance and the coverage area are considered, as follows:
- Maximum Travel Distance
- The maximum travel distance is 50 feet.
- Maximum Coverage Area
- An 80B fire extinguisher can be used for fires involving up to 20 square feet of flammable liquids. However, fire extinguishers cannot be the sole means of protection if the surface area of the flammable liquids exceeds 10 square feet. If the facility has trained personnel on site for immediate response, then the surface area of the flammable liquids can be up to 20 square feet.
(NFPA 10, Section 6.3.2)
Class C Fires
Class C fires do not have separate requirements for the number and placement of fire extinguishers. Rather, fire extinguishers for Class C hazards are sized located on the basis of the Class A and Class B hazards present in the area. (NFPA 10, Section 6.4.3)
Additional Considerations
Most buildings have Class A fire hazards. However, when assessing the occupancy hazard of a building, there may be a predominant hazard as well as special hazard areas requiring supplemental protection. For example, a hospital or health care facility will typically require Class A fire extinguishers for patient rooms, corridors and offices. However, it will also need Class B fire extinguishers in laboratories and where flammable anesthetics are stored, Class C fire extinguishers in electrical rooms and Class K fire extinguishers in kitchens. (NFPA 10, Annex A.5.4.2)
When calculating the required number of fire extinguishers, each floor of a multi-story building is considered separately.
Under certain circumstances, the required number of Class A fire extinguishers may be reduced by the use of hose stations. (NFPA 10, Section 6.2.1.4)
Placing Fire Extinguishers
To be effective in a fire, fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and available when needed. NFPA 10 requires that fire extinguishers be “conspicuously located…, readily accessible and immediately available.” (NFPA 10, Section 6.1.3.1) Most importantly, NFPA 10 requires that fire extinguishers must be located “along normal paths of travel, including exits from areas.” (NFPA 10, Section 6.1.3.2)
Based on these requirements, fire extinguishers are installed in aisles, corridors, pathways and other means of egress from buildings. These are precisely the areas that, under the ADA 2010 Standards, the IBC and ANSI/ICC Standard A117.1, and the Life Safety Code, must be accessible to persons with disabilities. Therefore, under NFPA 10 and every requirement for accessibility, Oval low-profile fire extinguishers provide the optimal solution for compliance.
Mounting Fire Extinguishers
To be effective in a fire, fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and available when needed. NFPA 10 requires that fire extinguishers be “conspicuously located…, readily accessible and immediately available.” (NFPA 10, Section 6.1.3.1) Most importantly, NFPA 10 requires that fire extinguishers must be located “along normal paths of travel, including exits from areas.” (NFPA 10, Section 6.1.3.2)
Mounting Method
Under NFPA 10, fire extinguishers must be mounted:
- On a hanger that is designed for that extinguisher.
- In a bracket that is supplied by the manufacturer or listed and approved for use with that extinguisher.
- In a fire extinguisher cabinet or wall recess.
Mounting Height
Fire extinguishers that weigh less than 40 lbs. (all Oval models) must be mounted so that:
- The top of the fire extinguisher is no more than 60” above the finished floor.
- The top of the fire extinguisher is no more than 60” above the finished floor.
(NFPA 10, Section 6.1.3.8)
Cabinets
If installed in a fire extinguisher cabinet, the cabinet must be installed so that the mounting heights listed above are observed. In addition, the cabinet cannot be locked. The only exception to this rule is if the fire extinguisher might be subject to malicious use, and the cabinet can be accessed in an emergency. (NFPA 10, Section 6.1.3.10)
OSHA Regulation 1910.157
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was enacted to guarantee that all workplaces are healthy and safe for the people employed in them. The law established the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and empowered it to enact and enforce regulations defining what makes a workplace safe.
OSHA has adopted regulation 1910.157 “Portable Fire Extinguishers” (29 CFR 1910.157) establishing requirements for the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers in workplaces.
Providing Fire Extinguishers
In general, employers are required to provide fire extinguishers that are mounted, located and identified so as to be “readily accessible” to employees. (OSHA 1910.157(c)(1))
Notwithstanding this general requirement, an employer does not have to provide fire extinguishers in the workplace at all if:
Class A
fire extinguishers must be located so that an employee does not have to travel more than 75 feet to the fire extinguisher. Unlike NFPA 10, the regulation (i) does not specify the maximum area of coverage for the extinguisher, and (ii) permits the use of standpipes or hose stations in place of fire extinguishers so long as specified requirements are met.
Class B
fire extinguishers must be within 50 feet travel distance from the hazard area. Unlike NFPA 10, there is no distinction between spill fires and fires of appreciable depth, and no special requirements for extra hazard areas.
(29 CFR 1910.157(b)(1))
Type and Location of Fire Extinguishers
As under NFPA 10, OSHA regulations require that fire extinguishers be selected and placed based upon the class of fire that is anticipated and the degree of hazard that is present in the area. Specifically:
- The employer has a written policy that requires the immediate and total evacuation of the workplace if a fire alarm sounds;
- The employer has an emergency action plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38;
- The employer has a fire prevention plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.39; and,
- A specific standard elsewhere in Section 1910 does not require fire extinguishers.
(29 CFR 157(d))
Employee Training
The employer is required to train either all employees or employees designated to use fire fighting equipment in the proper use of fire extinguishers. This training must occur upon initial employment or designation as an authorized user and at least annually thereafter. (29 CFR 1901.157(g))
OSHA regulations have the force of law. OSHA has the right to inspect workplaces for compliance with its regulations. These inspections are often initiated by employee communications with OSHA. Employers can be fined or even closed down for failure to comply with OSHA regulations. Employers must therefore be careful to comply with OSHA 1910.157 as well as NFPA 10.
