NFPA 10
Portable Fire Extinguisher
Standards
Made by M. Areeb Aftab
SCOPE
The presentation covers the standards for the
selection, installation, inspection, maintenance,
recharging and testing of portable fire extinguishers.
Selection
of Fire Extinguisher
Types of Fires
On the basis of different fires, different
chemicals are required for extinguishing job.
Types of Fires
Class A: Ordinary combustibles
such as wood, cloth, and paper
Suitable Fire Extinguisher
Class A: Ordinary combustibles
Effective Extinguishers are Dry
chemicals, Water and CO2
extinguisher.
Types of Fires
Class B: Flammable liquids
such as gasoline, oil, and oil-
based paint
Suitable Fire Extinguisher
Class B: Flammable liquids
Effective Extinguishers are Dry
chemicals, and CO2 extinguisher.
Types of Fires
Class C: Energized electrical equipment,
including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit
breakers, machinery and appliances
Types of Fires
Class C: Energized Electrical equipment
Effective Extinguishers are Dry
chemicals, and CO2 extinguisher.
Dry chemicals may damage the
equipment permanently.
Types of Fires
Class D: Combustible metals,
Such as Magnesium or Aluminium
Types of Fires
Class D: Combustible metals,
Effective Extinguishers are Dry
chemicals and Water.
Types of Fires
Class K: KITCHEN FIRE,
Such as oven fire, pan fire
Types of Fires
Class K: KITCHEN FIRE
Effective Extinguishers are Dry
chemicals and Water.
Types of Fire
Extinguisher
Agents
Types of Fire Extinguisher Agents
Carbon Di Oxide Extinguisher
• Colorless, odorless gas for Class B & C fires
Chemical Extinguisher
• Dry Chemical (Usually NaHCO3, KHCO3 and NH4H2PO4)
• Wet Chemical (Aqueous solution of foam forming salts)
Clean Agents
• Electrically non conductive extinguishant that does not
leave residue
Selection of Fire Extinguishers
For selection of Fire Extinguisher, following questions
should be answered:
1) Type of fire most likely to occur.
2) Size of fire most likely to occur.
3) Hazards in the area most likely to occur.
4) Energized electrical equipment in the area.
5) Ambient temperature conditions.
Installation
of Fire Extinguisher
Properties of Fire Extinguisher
• Extinguisher should have a minimum discharge
rate of 1 lb/sec be it of larger capacity or smaller
capacity.
• Its overall weight should not exceed 18.14 Kg
unless it is mounted on a trolley.
Placement of Fire Extinguisher
• Extinguishers should be placed in a way that the
top should not be more than 5 ft above the floor.
• In no case must the clearance between
extinguisher and the floor be less than 4 in.
• The operating instructions must always face
outwards.
•Extinguisher cabinet should not be locked.
Placement of Fire Extinguisher
•Extinguisher should have a maximum travel
distance of 75 ft for Class A and C, 50 ft for Class B
and D, and 30 ft for Class K fires.
Minimum Number Of Fire
Extinguishers
•The minimum number of fire extinguishers is
calculated by the formula:
Inspection,
Maintenance and
Recharging
Inspection of Fire Extinguisher
•F.E should be inspected either manually or by
means of electronic monitoring device at intervals
not exceeding 31 days.
•Subjected to surrounding conditions, shorter
intervals can also be used.
Inspection of Fire Extinguisher
F.E should be visually inspected where
• There is high frequency of fire in the past.
• Severe Hazards are present.
• Exposure of High temperatures and corrosive
atmosphere.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Any and all deficiencies found in inspection should
be corrected as soon as possible.
Inspection Record
An inspection record of at least 12 months should be
maintained to demonstrate safe working
environment conditions.
Recharging of Fire Extinguisher
All rechargeable F.E should be recharged after any
use or when need is indicated.
Before recharging, F.E should be inspected internally
for any corrosion or contamination.
Thank You
