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Requirements

NFPA Requirements

The National Fire Protection Association sets the standards for fire safety. Businesses and public facilities are required to follow these standards. The process is subjective not objective and it is always up to the local fire marshal to determine whether you meet the code. Below is some general information, but check with you local code as there may be additional requirements.

NFPA standard 1-6.6 - states that "Fire Extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view." Exceptions: In large rooms and in certain locations where visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the location. So in warehouses or large businesses where equipment or building structures cannot be moved to give clear visibility to the fire extinguisher the only way to be in compliance would be to add signage.

NFPA standard 1-6.9 - states that "Fire Extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to physical damage, (e.g., from impact, vibration, the environment) shall be adequately protected." Fire extinguisher cabinets are the safest and most convenient way to protect a fire extinguisher.

NFPA standard 1-6.12 - states that "Fire Extinguishers mounted in cabinets or wall recesses shall be placed so that the fire extinguisher operating instructions face outward. The locations of such fire extinguishers shall be marked conspicuously. (See 1-6.6)" Fire Extinguishers put into a cabinet must be marked properly. There are several options - you can use decals on the outside of the cabinets along with signage to show your employees and the public where the fire extinguisher is located.