#10 Fire Extinguisher Placement
The primary function of portable fire extinguishers is to provide an effective means of extinguishing small fires before they can become too large
for the average person with the proper training to extinguish the fire. The use of portable fire extinguishers is highly effective on small fires
when used properly and can avoid large property losses and even loss of life. This equipment is the property owners best chance of saving property
and should be a high priority for all property owners to make sure they are in the proper locations and available for use. You never know when
they will be needed, so they must be well maintained at all times.
Positioning of fire extinguishers in commercial applications is oftentimes overlooked. Our service techs noticed several "hidden" extinguishers
while on their service calls this month, and ABCO wants to take extra precautions in educating our customers on proper placement.
Here are a few hidden extinguishers our service staff uncovered:
Fire Extinguisher blocked by a cabinet Fire Extinguisher blocked by racking Fire Extinguisher blocked by a "wet floor" cone
Proper fire extinguisher placement is critical to allow for easy access in the event of a fire.
Extinguishers mounted on the walls can sometimes become part of the background and forgotten about, leaving the tendency to get blocked
in by shelves, trash cans, desks, carts etc. The area around an extinguisher should have about 3 feet of open area to maintain access.
People forget about extinguishers kept in a storage room, closet, equipment room and outdoor garage areas. Signage should be placed
outside to let personnel and inspectors know that there is an extinguisher inside the room. Access to the room should be kept open and unobstructed.
