LOSS PREVENTION SAFETY TOPICS
LOSS PREVENTION SAFETY TOPICS
fire extinguisher selection and distribution
Fire Extinguisher Selection and Distribution
There are several different types and sizes of fire extinguishers (hereinafter
referred to as extinguishers) available. Selection of the wrong type of
extinguisher may result in ineffective fire control or expose the user to other
hazards. This handout provides general guidance on selecting and distributing
extinguishers.
Determining Hazard Class
There are five primary classifications of fires identified within NFPA 10,
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, published by the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA). The first step in selecting an appropriate
extinguisher is to determine the likely type of fire hazards that are present.
Fire hazards are divided into five classes:
1. Class A fires are fires occurring in ordinary combustible materials, such as
wood, paper, and plastic.
2. Class B fires are fires occurring in flammable and combustible liquids and
flammable gasses.
3. Class C fires are fires occurring in energized electrical equipment, such as
panel boxes, motors, and fans.
4. Class D fires are fi =res occurring involving combustible metals, such as
potassium and magnesium.
5. Class K fires are fires that involve cooking greases and fats.
Selecting the Extinguisher Type
Once the fire hazard(s) has been identified, an extinguisher, which is suitable for
the class(es), can be selected. If there may be more than one fire hazard present
in a particular area, it is important to select an extinguisher that can control
all of the hazards present, if possible. When this is not possible, care should be
taken to avoid selecting a fire extinguisher that specifically cannot be used on a
hazard that is present.
Manufacturers provide the rating (i.e., the class of fire for which an extinguisher
is suitable) for an extinguisher on a product label that is affixed to the
extinguisher (e.g., an extinguisher that is rated BC would be suitable for Class
B and Class C fires). When selecting an extinguisher, some important factors to
consider include:
Extinguishers intended for certain types of hazards may not be effective
against fires of a different hazard class. For example, extinguishers rated BC
will not be able to control a class A fire.
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Selection of the wrong type
of extinguisher may result in
ineffective fire control or expose
the user to other hazards.
LOSS PREVENTION SAFETY TOPICS
fire extinguisher selection and distribution
Extinguishers intended for certain types of hazards may increase the fire
severity when used against a fire of a different hazard class. For example,
use of a water-based, Class A extinguisher on a Class B fire may cause the
petroleum fire to be spread out on top of the water.
Extinguishers intended for certain types of hazards may expose users to
personnel hazards when used against fires of a different hazard class. For
example, use of a water-based Class A extinguisher on a Class C electrical
fire creates a risk of shock or electrocution because of the conductivity of
the water.
Extinguishers rated for multiple fire hazards may have different levels of
effectiveness for each hazard. For example, while ABC fire extinguishers are
highly effective on Class B and C fires, they have limited effectiveness on
Class A fires.
Class D extinguishers are designed to control fires involving specific metals
or metal groups. An extinguisher that may be highly effective in one type of
metal fire may be ineffective or actually dangerous on another type of fire.
As such, the selection of Class D extinguishers requires a close attention to
the types of metals present.
Class K extinguishers are used to control kitchen fire exposures. While
other classes of extinguishers may proved some fire control, Class K
extinguishers are designed to control fires in grease and fats, which
typically are difficult to control using conventional ABC extinguishers).
Sizing the Extinguisher
The final step is to select an appropriately sized extinguisher. Different rating
methods are used for different hazard classes. Considerations for selecting the
proper size extinguisher include:
Extinguisher weight and the ability of the occupants to carry it.
The size of the anticipated fire hazard.
Special requirements for a target hazard or as required by fire protection
codes.
Extinguisher ratings typically are presented using a series of numbers and
letters, such as 2A10BC. This rating system is designed to provide the user with
information relating to the classification of fire (i.e., A, B, or C) the extinguisher
is suitable for and its relative effectiveness (e.g., a number).
Class A
The number ratings for a Class A extinguisher compares the effectiveness of the
extinguisher to that of 1 gal (3.8 L) of water on a small pile of wood. For example,
a 2A extinguisher can extinguish twice as much fire as a 1A extinguisher, which
is equal to that of 1 gal (3.8 L) of water.
Class B
The number ratings for Class B extinguishers are based on actual fire testing.
The number(s) represents the square footage of an ignited flammable liquid
fire that the extinguisher can be excepted to safely control, when used by a
trained person (e.g., 2BC means the extinguisher can control 2 ft2 (0.2 m2) of a
flammable liquid fire).
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LOSS PREVENTION SAFETY TOPICS
fire extinguisher selection and distribution
Class C, D, and K
Class C, D, and K extinguishers do not have numeric ratings.
Distribution of Fire Extinguishers
While code requirements may vary from State to State, and within individual
communities, NFPA 10 does provide requirements for the mounting and
distribution of extinguishers. Some of the more common requirements include:
Extinguishers should be located along normal travel paths, including exit
paths, and be visible, readily accessible, and immediately available.
Extinguishers 40 lb (18 kg) or less in weight should be mounted so that the
top of the extinguisher is no more than 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor.
Extinguishers in excess of 40 lb (18 kg) in weight should be mounted so that
the top of the extinguisher is no more than 3 ft (1.0 m) above the floor.
The maximum travel distance to an extinguisher protecting Class A or
Class D hazards should not exceed 75 ft (22.8 m).
The maximum travel distance to an extinguisher protecting Class B
hazards should not exceed 50 ft (15.4 m). NFPA 10 does provide for shorter
travel distances under special circumstances.
The maximum travel distance to an extinguisher protecting Class C
hazards should not be greater than the distance for the appropriate
hazard class (i.e., A or B) that would be present if the equipment was not
energized. The maximum travel distance to an extinguisher protecting
Class K hazards should not be greater than 30 ft (9.4 m).
The loss prevention information and advice presented in this brochure are intended only to advise our insureds and their managers
of a variety of methods and strategies based on generally accepted safe practices, for controlling potentially loss producing
situations commonly occurring in business premises and/or operations. They are not intended to warrant that all potential hazards
or conditions have been evaluated or can be controlled. They are not intended as an offer to write insurance coverage for such
conditions or exposures, or to simply that Great American Insurance Company will write such coverage. The liability of Great
American Insurance Company is limited to the specific terms, limits and conditions of the insurance policies issued.
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