NFPA 10: Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 10 is the standard fire codes use for portable fire extinguishers: which kind to buy, how many, where to hang them and how to keep them working. OSHA has its own extinguisher rules, and fire inspectors usually look to NFPA 10 for the details. This page is a plain-language overview, not a replacement for the standard.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Facility Managers
Where NFPA 10 fits
- NFPA 10 is a voluntary consensus standard written by the National Fire Protection Association. It becomes enforceable when a fire code, a building code or an inspector adopts it.
- OSHA sets its own minimums for workplaces (1910.157 for general industry and 1926.150 for construction). Many employers meet both by following NFPA 10.
- The local fire marshal may require more. Ask your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
See Fire Extinguishers at Work.
Choosing the right type
NFPA 10 matches extinguishers to the class of fire and the hazard level of the area:
- Class A: ordinary combustibles like wood and paper
- Class B: flammable and combustible liquids and gases
- Class C: energized electrical equipment
- Class D: combustible metals (special agents)
- Class K: cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens
Areas are rated light, ordinary or extra hazard, which affects the minimum size (rating) of the extinguisher and how far you may be from one. A bigger rating number means more fire-fighting capacity. See Flammable Liquids.
Placement
- Extinguishers must be visible, easy to reach and not blocked, usually along normal exit paths.
- The standard sets maximum travel distances to the nearest extinguisher, which depend on the class and hazard level. Distances are commonly 75 feet for Class A, and shorter for Class B hazards. Check the current edition and your local rules.
- It also sets mounting heights: for heavier extinguishers the top is generally no higher than 3.5 feet, and for lighter ones no higher than 5 feet, with clearance above the floor. Follow the current table.
- Use signs or markings so extinguishers can be found, and mount them on hangers or in cabinets.
Inspection and maintenance
| How often | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monthly | A quick visual inspection: in its place, not blocked, gauge in the operating range, seal and pin in place, no damage. Record it (often on a tag). |
| Annually | A thorough check by a trained, qualified person, with a new tag showing the date |
| Every 6 years (stored-pressure dry chemical) | Empty and internal maintenance |
| Every 5 or 12 years, depending on type | Hydrostatic pressure test of the cylinder |
| After any use | Recharge or replace |
Extinguishers that are damaged, corroded or fail inspection must be taken out of service and replaced. Never use a loaner or hang one that has been discharged. See Extinguisher Inspections.
Training
People expected to use extinguishers should be trained. OSHA requires training when employees are expected to fight fires (and an annual review for those employees). Remember: fight only small fires, with the alarm sounded and a clear exit behind you. See Emergency Action Plans.
Checklist for a site
- Right type and size for each hazard in the area
- Within the travel distance, mounted at the correct height
- Visible and unblocked; signs where needed
- Monthly check recorded; annual service tag current
- People trained, and a plan for what to do if a fire starts
Note: Standards are updated every few years, and details differ by edition and local adoption. Check the edition your jurisdiction uses.
Standards & references
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