How many fire extinguishers do I need in my building?

The number and the type of fire extinguishers you need in your building or restaurant depends on two main factors—the hazard level and square footage of the building. Building codes and OSHA standards use these factors when determining the fire protection requirements of a building. Furthermore, the NFPA determines the types of fire extinguishers needed for each building, and is responsible for ensuring their proper use and maintenance with inspections each month.

Light Fire Hazard: fire extinguishers no further than 75 feet apart

If your building does not contain a lot of combustible materials, it’s considered “light hazard.” These types of buildings, such as offices, classrooms, churches, hotels, etc., have a lower fire risk. In these light hazard areas, the maximum distance to travel for a fire extinguisher should be no further than 75 feet.

Ordinary Fire Hazard I: fire extinguishers every 75 feet

Buildings are said to be “ordinary hazard” if they present a slight, but not negligible, fire hazard. In these locations, such as fabric stores, there are usually a small amount of flammable liquids. Therefore, fire extinguishers need to be placed every 75 feet.

Ordinary Fire Hazard II: fire extinguishers 30 – 50 feet apart

These locations, such as a parking garages and hardware stores, house more flammable materials in closer proximity than Ordinary Fire Hazard I buildings, but are not yet considered extra hazard. Depending on the location, the fire extinguishers should be place either 30 feet or 50 feet from each other.

Extra Fire Hazard: fire extinguishers 30 – 50 feet apart

In extra hazard occupancies, there is more of a hazard than what is considered “ordinary.”As a result, these locations may need larger extinguishers and should be either 30 feet or 50 feet from each other, depending on location.

Commercial Kitchens: fire extinguishers every 30 feet

Because commercial kitchens house things like fats and cooking oils, with a large amount of heat due to cooking equipment and open flames, there should be a fire extinguisher accessible every 30 feet.

In order to make sure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher and the correct number of fire extinguishers in your commercial building or restaurant, always have a fire protection company come out to inspect the building. If you want to buy fire extinguishers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, call Confires today!