Location and Accessibility Requirements

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! Yesterday, we covered the Fire Triangle and extinguisher types. Today, we're focusing on a critical but often overlooked safety measure: Extinguisher Location and Accessibility. A perfectly maintained extinguisher is useless if you can't find it or reach it quickly.

Location Requirements: Where They Must Be

Fire extinguishers must be positioned strategically across the job site to minimize the distance a worker has to travel in an emergency.

• For Construction: A suitable extinguisher must be located within 75 feet of the all workers.

• High-Hazard Areas: In areas with a high potential for fire (like welding stations, flammable storage rooms, or cutting areas).

• Multi-Story Buildings: Extinguishers are required on every floor of a multi-story building. They must be placed near normal paths of travel and, ideally, near emergency exits so you can fight the fire with an escape route behind you.

• Hot Work Zones: If you are performing hot work (welding, cutting), an extinguisher rated for the fire class you might create (usually ABC) must be immediately accessible within the hot work area.

Accessibility and Marking

Even a properly located extinguisher can be useless if it's blocked or hard to find.

• Conspicuous Marking: Extinguishers must be conspicuously marked and visible. Use bright signs or clearly painted areas to ensure they can be located even in low light or smoky conditions.

• Mounting Height: For easy, quick access, the top of the extinguisher must be mounted no higher than 5 feet from the floor. This prevents workers from straining or losing time trying to lift it down.

• Clear Path: Never allow tools, materials, or debris to block or obscure access to an extinguisher. This is a common violation and severely compromises emergency response time.

Knowing the location and ensuring the path is clear is part of your daily hazard assessment.

Tomorrow, we'll cover the simple, yet vital, monthly inspection process for maintaining readiness.

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-The Safety Man