About fire extinguishers: where and how to install one?
About fire extinguishers: where and how to install one?
Choosing a suitable fire extinguisher is only one part of fire safety. It is just as important that the extinguisher is correctly installed, visible and quickly accessible.
A fire extinguisher is of little use if it is hidden behind a cabinet, blocked by furniture or placed somewhere where it cannot be reached in the event of a fire.
The extinguisher must be easily accessible
A fire extinguisher must be located where it can be used quickly. As a general principle, it should be installed near the entrance to a room or in a place where the risk of fire is most likely.
There must be free access to the extinguisher, and it must not obstruct movement on an evacuation route. The extinguisher or the fire safety sign indicating its location must be visible.
Wall installation
If the fire extinguisher is installed on a wall, it must not prevent the door from opening fully. The bottom of the extinguisher must also not be higher than 1.5 metres from the floor or ground.
This helps ensure that the extinguisher can be reached quickly when needed.
Outdoor conditions
If the fire extinguisher is located outdoors or in an environment where it may be affected by weather, direct sunlight, moisture or other damaging factors, it must be protected.
Outdoors, the extinguisher may be placed under a canopy or in an easily opened weatherproof cabinet. If the extinguisher is inside a cabinet or otherwise hidden from view, a fire safety sign must indicate its location.
In a vehicle
In a vehicle, or in another place where it is not possible to keep the extinguisher in a vertical position, it may be stored horizontally or at an angle, provided that the extinguisher’s instructions do not prohibit this.
The important point is that the extinguisher must be secured, accessible and ready for use.
Check whether the extinguisher can actually be found
A good question is not only “Do we have a fire extinguisher?”, but also:
is the extinguisher visible?
can it be accessed easily?
is it in the right location?
are the operating instructions readable?
is the extinguisher marked?
has it been inspected and is it in working order?
If you cannot answer these questions with confidence, it is worth reviewing the extinguisher’s location and upkeep.
Tondi Tulekaitse helps with choosing, installing, inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers.