Fire Extinguisher Regulations

Fire extinguisher regulations vary from place to place, but are a very important part of fire safety. Observing regulations is vital, both legally, and in terms of protecting the people around you. If you do not know what safety measures you are legally required to take and how you are legally required to take them, you should research your local government's regulations. However, the following is an overview of common fire extinguisher regulations and a few valuable fire safety tips.

Precautions

Fire regulations generally include fire prevention methods designed to either stop fires before they start or provide means to put out a fire so that if a fire does start, it does minimal damage. To start off, all areas  should be inspected regularly. Fire exits need to be practical and accessible and not be near fire hazards such as dangerous wiring or flammable materials.

More active precautions include requiring a fire alarm and fire detectors. Safety regulations normally require a sufficient number of exits, each being clearly marked and easy to find in an emergency. Some regulations may require special lighting so vision is not obscured during a fire. Check and test all fire safety equipment regularly to make sure it is working.

Fire Extinguishers

For obvious reasons, many safety regulations deal with fire extinguishers. In addition to regulations and certifications for quality and type of fire extinguishers, there are regulations dealing with their placement, maintenance, availability and use. Fire extinguishers are rated for their capability of dealing with the types of fires they may encounter. For example, a fire extinguisher placed in a kitchen, which may be used on grease fires, should not be a water extinguisher. Extinguishers that are used in areas with hazardous chemicals or flammable metals should will have entirely different requirements.

Fire extinguishers should be labeled clearly, both at their location and on a map and should be easily accessible. You should have enough extinguishers to make them available to people who, in an emergency, may be trapped by a fire. They should also be spread throughout your home so no area is without one. In addition, extinguishers should always be placed near exits to keep exits clear of flames temporarily while evacuation of a burning building is taking place. Replace all fire extinguishers that are used or damaged immediately.

General Safety

Although many fire extinguishers may not have home applications, there are many lessons you can take from them that translate well to home use. All homes should have an alarm and early detection system, fire sprinklers--if appropriate and well-located, accessible fire extinguishers. Keeping fire extinguishers near exits for emergency situations is a good idea for all homes.