A fire extinguisher is often the first line of defense against a fiery blaze that has broken out in your business. One person can put out the fire in its beginning stages with easy access to a portable fire extinguisher. A fast response allows you to control a fire before the fire sprinkler systems engage and potentially damage the carpet or furniture.
All businesses should have a fire extinguisher in Kenilworth. This fire extinguisher should be readily accessible. Here is what you need to know about properly mounting a fire extinguisher in your business.
Where to Mount a Fire Extinguisher in New Jersey
You can mount a fire extinguisher on any surface durable enough to support it. This includes an office or workshop with metal surfaces. However, there are several critical points to consider when deciding where to place it.
Those points include:
- Knowing where the heat or fuel source or combustible material is located
- Keeping it near eye level for easy visibility
- Placing it close to an entryway
- Keeping it near the oven or stove in a kitchen
- Having one on every floor of your building, including each office
One of the most crucial factors is mounting a suitable fire extinguisher for the potential type of fires your building may experience. Your safety device should never be placed under a desk or table, behind a door, or too far away from potential fire sources.
Consider the Weight of Your Fire Extinguisher
The weight of your fire extinguisher influences your decision on where to mount it. A 40-pound device, for example, cannot be placed more than 3 1/2 feet from the ground. The bottom must be a minimum of four inches off the ground.
On the other hand, a fire extinguisher weighing less than 40 pounds cannot be higher than five feet from the ground. Its bottom must be a minimum of four inches off the ground.
Correctly Hanging a Fire Extinguisher
After determining the best location, you can mount a fire extinguisher in multiple ways. However, the label should always be facing out, regardless of your mounting method.
Brackets and Hangers
Many fire extinguishers come with their own wall hangers or brackets. Each bracket fits a specific size and type of device. You may need to purchase a set of screws before it can be installed.
Cabinets
You can purchase a cabinet to store your fire extinguisher. While they are a more significant investment than using brackets and hangers, cabinets enclose the fire extinguisher with a lock, key, and glass panel. This panel must be broken to access the device.
An advantage of the cabinet is that it provides a layer of protection against theft or vandalism. When the glass breaks, an alarm alerts your building’s occupants of an emergency.
Clearly Designate the Location of a Fire Extinguisher
Placing fire extinguisher safety signs helps individuals quickly locate it during an emergency. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) requires signage to be placed close to the extinguisher’s location. It must be visible from a standard path of travel.
Most local building codes will follow the recommendations or requirements of the NFPA standards. You can use the traditional fire extinguisher sign with an arrow or consider another option using decals placed on the floor.
You must place these signs in locations to help individuals quickly identify how to get to the fire extinguisher. If your building has any machinery, shelving, or other obstacles, these signs must be placed where they will remain visible.
Ensure Your Building’s Safety With Reliable Fire Protection
After installing the fire extinguisher, it’s important to schedule a routine fire extinguisher inspection in NJ. These assessments ensure your device remains up to code and is fully charged when needed.
An experienced fire protection company, like ABC Fire & Safety, can help you determine the best location for your fire extinguisher and handle regular inspections. We have proudly served Union County and the tri-state area for over 35 years. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
