Fire Security Within Buildings: What You Need to Know about Portable Fire Extinguishers
Protect your building with properly chosen fire extinguishers! Guard-X Protection incendie explains their importance, installation best practices, and essential safety tips in Greater Montreal.
Are you the owner of a house, an apartment building, a hotel, a commercial space, or a repair shop? To protect your loved ones, employees, clients, and property, you absolutely need reliable portable fire extinguishers.
In this article, the experts at Guard-X, a fire safety company based in Montreal, share the essential information you need to know about this first-response tool.
Are Portable Fire Extinguishers Mandatory?
Yes. Regulations require that businesses, commercial premises, residential buildings, and other public spaces be equipped with portable fire extinguishers.
They are essential to:
- Control a small fire before it spreads
- Limit flame propagation
- Ensure a safe evacuation
How to Choose the Right Portable Extinguishers
Extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire they can put out:
- Class A: Solid materials (paper, wood, fabric)
- Class B: Flammable liquids or gases
- Class C: Electrical equipment
- Class D: Combustible metals
- Class K: Cooking oils and grease (ideal for commercial kitchens)
Choose your extinguishers according to the specific risks in your building.
How Many Extinguishers Do You Need?
The number depends on the building’s size and layout. A simple rule of thumb:
- No occupant should have to walk more than 75 feet (22 meters) to reach an extinguisher
- Example: a 165-foot corridor (50 m) should have at least two extinguishers
- Each floor must have at least one extinguisher
Where Should Extinguishers Be Installed?
They must be:
- Near emergency exits
- Easily accessible and clearly visible
- Out of children's reach
- Mounted between 4 inches and 5 feet (10 cm to 1.5 m) from the floor
- Installed with usage instructions clearly displayed
When Should You Replace or Recharge Extinguishers?
- Disposable extinguishers: Replace every 6 years
- Rechargeable extinguishers:
- Recharge every 6 years, even if unused
- Recharge after any use, even partial
Need help choosing the right extinguisher or improving your building’s fire safety?