How should fire extinguishers be positioned in a building?

Fire extinguishers should be positioned in a building to ensure that they are both easily accessible and visible to occupants in the event of a fire emergency, which relates to the first component. This helps ensure that individuals can quickly locate and retrieve an extinguisher when needed, maximizing their chance of effectively combating small fires before they escalate.

Additionally, fire extinguishers must be installed within a specified distance from potential fire hazards. This requirement is designed to ensure that individuals can reach an extinguisher quickly when a fire breaks out, depending on the type of hazard and the rating of the extinguisher. For instance, certain standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) dictate that extinguishers must be placed no more than 75 feet from a Class A hazard, which includes common combustibles.

The combination of being easily accessible, visible, and strategically located within a specific distance from hazards constitutes a comprehensive fire safety strategy. Both of these factors—visibility/accessibility and proximity to potential hazards—are essential for maintaining a safe environment and preparing occupants to respond efficiently to fire emergencies.