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Do Fire Extinguishers Need To Be Mounted?
What do you first think about when you think about a fire breakout? Most likely a fire extinguisher. This is because they are very effective in fire safety. They put out flames before they can hurt people or damage property.
But do these fire extinguishers need to be mounted on the wall? This question is asked by many curious people.
In this article, we will answer the most asked question: “Do fire extinguishers need to be mounted?” We will also discuss fire safety regulations, different types of mounting brackets, and the advantages of mounted fire extinguishers. Let’s dig in!
Understanding the Basics of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers as we are all aware are one of the many methods we can use to fight fires. They are transportable equipment and might contain fire-extinguishing products such as carbon dioxide.
It is utilized in fire fighting services whenever there is a fire outbreak. There are also many types and sizes of extinguishers and they are categorized based on the classes of fire they can put out. It is useful to know what these parts are able to do in order to provide a lot of assistance during emergencies.
Do Fire Extinguishers Need to Be Mounted?
Of course, fire extinguishers must be mounted. This way, they are easy to access and visible when required. Fire extinguishers beyond the size of 3 kg or 3 liters should be mounted.
Thus, their handles are at least a meter higher than the ground level.
Consequently, small extinguishers should also be mounted for the same reason as large extinguishers. If you are using a building with entire glass walls, you can get a mounting stand. They help prevent extinguishers from getting lost, damaged or knocked down.
Regulatory Requirements for Mounting Fire Extinguishers
OSHA Standards
Following OSHA standards, there is a rule that extinguishers must be accessible in any workplace. Now, according to the OSHA requirements, fire extinguishers have to be mounted at a specific distance from employees.
It also asserts that there should only be a distance of four meters between the floor and the mount. This measurement depends on the amount of weight of the extinguisher. It may be as small as five kilograms or as big as thirty.
NFPA Guidelines
The NFPA 10 standard contains specifications for the proper installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers; according to the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines, the extinguisher should be visible. It prescribes heights for ease of access during an emergency situation.
- Mounting Height: These extinguishers must be installed 5 feet above the ground in case of 40-pound weight, for cases that weigh more than that the distance decreases. It should be 3 inches or less, especially for the heavier units.
- Visibility and Accessibility: Fire extinguishers must also be located in easy to reach places and have clear instructions on where they are placed.
- Clearance: This means that there has to be a clear space around the extinguisher. It should not be less than 4 inches to allow for ease of access and operation of the extinguisher.
Types of Wall Fixing Brackets for Mounting Fire Extinguishers
- J-Bracket: A J-bracket is a mounting bracket commonly used for 3-kilo or 3-liter fire extinguishers. It has a ‘J’ shape and is designed to fit on the wall and keep the extinguisher in place. At the back of the holder, there is a design where the holder is welded into the wall.
- Lug Bracket: A lug bracket has a specifically designed lug and hook to fix the fire extinguisher at the required position. Such a bracket has a clamping feature that guarantees that the extinguisher will not drop off inadvertently. In terms of weight, it can support up to 2-5kgs.
- Transport Bracket: Transport brackets are designed to hold fire extinguishers securely during transportation. They are commonly used in vehicles or on movable equipment. Because of this, the extinguisher remains stable and easily accessible.
How to Properly Mount a Fire Extinguisher?
Choose the Right Location
It is, therefore, important to ensure that the right location is chosen to mount a fire extinguisher. It should be installed and fixed in areas that can be easily seen and accessed, for instance, near exit doors, stairs, or corridors.
These should be placed at eye level or lower; when mounted on a wall, they should not be more than halfway up. It should also be noted that they should not be more than 75m from the employees’ place of work.
Decide What Brackets to Use
Choosing the appropriate mounting bracket depends on the type of fire extinguisher and its intended location. Make sure to mount these brackets to the wall in a secure way. This bracket should be fit and not wobbly or loose.
Select the Right Placement
The extinguisher must be placed at the right places. There are rules as to where it has to be positioned. The NFPA has recommended that it should be mounted no more than 5 ft above the ground. This one applies to units that do not exceed forty pounds in weight.
For extinguishers weighing more than forty pounds, the code dictates that they should be 3. 5 feet. The bottom of the extinguisher should in any case touch the ground. And last but not least, it should be at least 4 inches above the floor.
Ensure Regular Inspections and Maintenance
People should also inspect the fire extinguisher periodically to ensure it is in good condition for use. They should look at the pressure indicator and search for scratches on the surface or signs of corrosion. Lastly, confirm whether the fire extinguisher has been recharged or refilled. Damaged extinguishers should be replaced or serviced when necessary.
Importance and Benefits of Mounted Fire Extinguishers
- Accessibility and Visibility
Mounted fire extinguishers are easily accessible and visible, allowing for quick response during an emergency. Proper mounting ensures that the extinguisher is always in its designated place and ready for use. - Preventing Damage and Misplacement
Fire extinguishers are installed on brackets to avoid being knocked sideways, tripped over, hidden, or knocked off their stands. An unmounted extinguisher can also be easily relocated or even hidden under other items. - Enhanced Safety
Proper installation of fire extinguishers adds to general safety. Since people using the premises will easily notice them and more to the point, will be functional when the need arises. - Compliance with Regulations
Tending to the extinguisher means that a company meets the desired OSHA requirement and the NFPA code. Failure to conform to these regulations makes the organization deal with legal repercussions
Conclusion
These fire extinguishing cans must be secured to the wall so that in times of desperation, one can easily access them effortlessly. This enables efficient use of resources without any time wastage. Mounted extinguishers are easily noticed and not damaged or run over often.
These measures help people act quickly to prevent and fight fire outbreaks, minimizing loss of life and property. Wall-mounted extinguishers provide a certain measure of security. This makes people confident that the equipment is at hand and can be used immediately. A simple safety practice every once in a while will go a long way!
