SECTION 6.2 – PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
SECTION 6.2 PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
Subsection 6.2.1. General
6.2.1.1. Listed portable extinguishers shall be installed when replacing or adding new extinguishers.
Maintenance
6.2.1.2. Portable extinguishers shall be kept operable and fully charged.
Location
6.2.1.3. (1) Portable extinguishers shall be located so that they are easily seen and shall be accessible at all times, except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3).
(2) A lockable, break-front glazed cabinet may be used for security purposes to store portable extinguishers and where portable extinguishers are located in a fire hose cabinet, an approved lockable, scored glass break-front cabinet may be used.
(3) In a detention occupancy, portable extinguishers are permitted to be located in secure areas, or in lockable cabinets provided
(a) identical keys for all cabinets are located at all supervisory or security stations, or
(b) electrical remote release devices that are designed to open upon power failure are provided for the cabinets.
6.2.1.4. Portable extinguishers shall be located in or adjacent to corridors or aisles that provide access to exits.
Signs
6.2.1.5. The location of portable extinguishers shall be prominently indicated by signs or markings in large floor areas and in locations where visual obstructions cannot be avoided.
Proximity to fire hazards
6.2.1.6. Portable extinguishers in proximity to a fire hazard shall be located so as to be accessible without exposing the operator to undue risk.
Corrosive atmosphere
6.2.1.7. Portable extinguishers that are subject to corrosion shall not be installed in a corrosive environment unless they are provided with appropriate corrosion protection.
Temperature range requirements
6.2.1.8. (1) Where a portable extinguisher is to be located in an area subject to temperatures outside the range 4°C to 49°C, it shall be
(a) placed in an enclosure where the temperature is maintained within this range, or
(b) of a type labelled for the temperatures to which it will be exposed.
Mounting brackets
6.2.1.9. When portable extinguishers are located on vehicles or in areas where they are subject to jarring or vibration, brackets designed to accommodate these effects shall be used.
Subsection 6.2.2. Classification
Rating of portable extinguishers
6.2.2.1. Portable extinguishers shall be rated and identified in conformance with CAN/ULC-S508, “Standard for the Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers”.
Subsection 6.2.3. Selection Requirements
Multiple ratings
6.2.3.1. Where portable extinguishers have been tested and are rated as being acceptable for fighting more than one class of fire, each class of fire for which they are acceptable shall be designated on each extinguisher.
Subsection 6.2.4. Installation Requirements
Where portable extinguishers required
6.2.4.1. Portable extinguishers shall be provided to protect every building, each hazardous occupancy inside the building and each hazardous process or operation located outside.
Distance above floor
6.2.4.2. Portable extinguishers with a gross weight greater than 18 kg shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 1.1 m above the floor when the extinguisher is not equipped with wheels.
6.2.4.3. Portable extinguishers having a gross weight of 18 kg or less shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 1.5 m above the floor.
Operating instructions
6.2.4.4. The operating instructions of portable extinguishers shall face outward when the extinguishers are located in cabinets, in wall recesses or on shelves.
Subsection 6.2.5. Grading of Hazards
Light hazard occupancy
6.2.5.1. Where the quantity of combustible material present is such that fires of small size may be expected, such as in offices, schoolrooms, churches, assembly halls and telephone exchanges, the occupancy shall be graded as light hazard.
Ordinary hazard occupancy
6.2.5.2. Where the quantity of combustible material present is such that fires of moderate size may be expected, such as in mercantile occupancies, display rooms, auto showrooms, parking garages, light manufacturing, warehouses not classified as extra hazard and school shop areas, the occupancy shall be graded as ordinary hazard.
Extra hazard occupancy
6.2.5.3. Where the quantity of combustible material present is such that fires of severe magnitude may be expected, such as in woodworking, auto repair, aircraft servicing, mercantile storage areas, warehouses with high-piled combustibles and processes incorporating flammable liquids or combustible liquids, the occupancy shall be graded as extra hazard.
Subsection 6.2.6. Distribution
6.2.6.1. (1) Portable extinguishers required in Article 6.2.4.1. shall be located in conformance with this Subsection.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), in an unoccupied warehouse equipped with a fixed fire protection system, provision shall be made for portable extinguishers to be available for use by responding personnel.
(3) The location and number of portable extinguishers required under Sentence (2) shall be approved.
Building protection
6.2.6.2. Portable extinguishers that are provided to protect a building shall be suitable for fighting Class A fires and be available for use at all times.
Occupancy protection
6.2.6.3. Portable extinguishers that are provided to protect a hazardous occupancy shall be those required in this Section for fighting Class A fires, Class B fires, Class C fires, Class D fires or Class K fires.
Extinguishers for Class A fires
6.2.6.4. Except as required in Article 6.2.6.5., portable extinguishers for Class A fires shall be provided in conformance with Table 6.2.6.A.
6.2.6.5. Where a floor area is less than that shown in Table 6.2.6.A., one portable extinguisher not less than the minimum size permitted shall be provided.
TABLE 6.2.6.A.
Forming Part of Article 6.2.6.4.
| Basic Minimum Extinguisher Rating for Area Specified | Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguisher, m | Maximum Area to be Protected per Extinguisher for Class A Fires, m2 | ||
| Light Hazard Occupancy | Ordinary Hazard Occupancy | Extra Hazard Occupancy | ||
| 2A | 25 | 600 | 300 | Not Acceptable |
| 3A | 25 | 900 | 400 | 300 |
| 4A | 25 | 1100 | 600 | 400 |
| 6A | 25 | 1100 | 900 | 600 |
| 10A | 25 | 1100 | 1100 | 900 |
| 20A | 25 | 1100 | 1100 | 1100 |
| 40A | 25 | 1100 | 1100 | 1100 |
Hose stations in lieu of extinguishers
6.2.6.6. Up to one half of the number of portable extinguishers required in Table 6.2.6.A. may be replaced by hose stations.
Extinguishers for Class B fires
6.2.6.7. Except as required by Article 6.2.6.9., portable extinguishers for Class B fires shall be provided as required in Table 6.2.6.B.
6.2.6.8. (1) Where up to three portable extinguishers rated for Class B fires are used to satisfy the extinguisher rating specified in Table 6.2.6.B., the sum of the basic extinguisher ratings shall satisfy the requirements in Table 6.2.6.B.
(2) No more than three portable extinguishers shall be used to satisfy the requirements of Table 6.2.6.B.
TABLE 6.2.6.B.
Forming Part of Article 6.2.6.7.
| Grade of Hazard | Basic Minimum Extinguisher Rating per Unit | Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguishers, m |
| Light | 5B | 9 |
| 10B | 15 | |
| Ordinary | 10B | 9 |
| 20B | 15 | |
| Extra | 20B | 9 |
| 40B | 15 |
Extinguishers for flammable and combustible liquids
6.2.6.9. (1) Portable extinguishers for Class B fires shall be provided for flammable liquid and combustible liquid hazards when flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored in open containers to a depth greater than 6 mm.
(2) The portable extinguishers shall provide at least one numerical unit of extinguishing potential for Class B fires per 0.1 m2 of surface area of the largest open container within the area, but in no case shall the extinguisher rating be less than that required by Table 6.2.6.B.
(3) The distance travelled to reach a portable extinguisher required by Sentence (1) shall not exceed 15 m.
6.2.6.10. (1) Where up to three foam-type portable extinguishers rated for Class B fires are used to satisfy the requirements of Article 6.2.6.9., the sum of the basic extinguisher ratings shall satisfy the requirements in Table 6.2.6.B.
(2) No more than three portable extinguishers shall be used to satisfy the requirements of Table 6.2.6.B.
Supplementary protection
6.2.6.11. Portable extinguishers shall supplement fixed fire protection in Part 5 in accordance with Article 6.2.6.9. where a flammable liquid or combustible liquid is stored in an open container and where the liquid surface area exceeds 0.4 m2.
Extinguishers for commercial cooking equipment
6.2.6.12. (1) Portable extinguishers suitable for Class K fires shall be provided to protect cooking operations.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to cooking operations protected by wet chemical or dry chemical extinguishers not listed for Class K fires that met the requirements of this Code on December 31, 2014, as it read on that day, unless the extinguishers
(a) become due for an internal examination or hydrostatic test under Subsection 6.2.7.,
(b) require recharging due to use, or
(c) become damaged.
Extinguishers for Class C fires
6.2.6.13. Portable extinguishers suitable for Class C fires shall be provided in or near service rooms containing electrical equipment.
Distribution
6.2.6.14. Distribution of portable extinguishers for Class C fires shall conform to the applicable provisions for the distribution of extinguishers for Class A fires or Class B fires in the vicinity of the electrical equipment.
6.2.6.15. Reference shall be made to Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 for requirements of portable extinguishers for flammable liquids and combustible liquids, hazardous materials, processes and operations.
Extinguishers for combustible metal fires
6.2.6.16. (1) For fires involving combustible metals, extinguishers or extinguishing agents with Class D fire ratings suitable for the combustible metal shall be provided.
(2) Extinguishing equipment shall be located not more than 25 m from the Class D fire hazard.
Subsection 6.2.7. Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
6.2.7.1. (1) Maintenance and testing of portable extinguishers shall be in conformance with NFPA 10, “Portable Fire Extinguishers”.
(2) Portable extinguishers that are inspected in conformance with NFPA 10, “Portable Fire Extinguishers”, are deemed to satisfy the inspection requirements of this Subsection.
Examination
6.2.7.2. Portable extinguishers shall be inspected monthly.
Defective extinguishers
6.2.7.3. Portable extinguishers having defects shall be repaired and, if necessary, recharged to ensure the extinguishers will operate effectively and safely.
Tags
6.2.7.4. (1) Each portable extinguisher shall have a tag securely attached to it showing the maintenance or recharge date, the servicing agency and the signature of the person who performed the service.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply where other approved records are maintained that show the maintenance or recharge date, the servicing agency and the signature of the person who performed the service.
Maintenance records
6.2.7.5. A permanent record containing the maintenance date, the examiner’s name and a description of any maintenance work or hydrostatic testing carried out shall be prepared and maintained for each portable extinguisher.
Maintenance after use
6.2.7.6. Portable extinguishers shall be replaced or recharged after use in conformance with instructions given on the extinguisher nameplate.
6.2.7.7. Extinguisher shells, cartridges or cylinders that show leakage or permanent distortion in excess of specified limits or that rupture shall be removed from service.
6.2.7.8. Hydrostatic pressure tests shall be conducted at the original test pressure as stated on the nameplate.
Test labels
6.2.7.9. (1) Where a portable extinguisher is tested, a label shall be fixed to the extinguisher after testing that indicates the month and year the hydrostatic pressure test was performed, the test pressure used and the name of the person or agency performing the test.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply where a permanent record of the test is kept and is available to the fire department.