Fire Extinguisher Signs
Q: Can you tell me when a sign saying "Fire Extinguisher Inside" is required? I cannot seem to find the guidelines for installing this sign. For instance, if there are extinguishers in the classrooms and in the corridors, do we need a sign at each classroom door saying there is one inside?
A: NFPA 10-2010 says fire extinguishers need to be located so the maximum travel distance to reach a fire extinguisher is as follows:
Class A extinguisher: 75 feet (6.2.1.1)
Class B extinguisher: 30 feet or 50 feet, depending on the rating of the extinguisher and the level of hazard it is supposed to extinguish (6.3.1.1)
Class C extinguisher: Class C fires start with electrical current, but the materials that burns is either a Class A or Class B. Follow the requirements for Class A or Class B for the material that the extinguisher serves (6.4.3).
Class K extinguisher: 30 feet (6.6.2)
If the extinguishers that are located in the corridor meet these maximum travel distances, then there is no need to mark the rooms on the corridor side that contain extinguishers. However, if the travel distances between extinguishers located in the corridor exceed the maximum travel distance, then you need to mark the rooms that contain extinguishers if the travel distances meet the maximum requirements. The door to these rooms cannot be locked, and according to section 6.1.3.3.2, extinguishers located in large rooms and in certain locations where visual obstructions cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the extinguisher location. The Annex section A.6.1.3.3.2 says acceptable means of identifying the fire extinguisher locations include arrows, lights, signs, or coding of the wall or column.
