In 2013, we discussed the OSHA and NFPA requirements for "identifying fire extinguishers" in Fire Extinguishers... Did you know they have to be identified?
In that article, we touched on the OSHA and NFPA requirements for how fire extinguisher LOCATION(s) (not the actual fire extinguishers) are to be identified.
But how many of us see this just about everywhere we go:
Do you see the problem?
What is the purpose of placing a sign that says "Fire Extinguisher" with an arrow pointing to it only a few inches above the fire extinguisher?
Do we believe that workers trained to use a fire extinguisher will forget what one looks like? Seriously, a fire extinguisher may be the most recognizable safety device to any adult on this planet.
Take this picture as an example of what 1910.157(c)(1) was trying to remedy...
The same extinguisher is on the wall to the right of the pic. The carts do not block it, but it is NOT visible when you're on the other side of the carts. Had the sign(s) been placed 7' high on the wall, as was spec'ed out by me, then workers would be able to IDENTIFY the nearest fire extinguisher from anywhere within this production area.
As it stood, not one extinguisher was visible, and since this is a new facility, the workers in the room could not point to their nearest extinguisher...
WHICH IS WHY THE SIGNS need to be mounted ABOVE objects that would obscure a direct line of sight to the extinguisher. The ceiling in this room was 16' and the sign could have been posted at least higher than these food carts.
So, let's stop playing lazy games when complying with 1910.157(c)(1) and embrace what it means to really IDENTIFY the locations of our fire extinguishers so that their locations are visible from within the area.
Here is a perfect example of how these labels/signs MUST be applied. I'd like to congratulate Sub-Zero Fire Protection, Inc., on sharing the proper installation of these labels/signs.
Others Sources:
NFPA 10
6.1.3.3.2
In rooms and in locations where visual obstructions cannot be avoided, signs or other means shall be provided to indicate the extinguisher location.
IFC 2021
906.6 Unobstructed and unobscured. Portable fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view. In rooms or areas in which visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the locations of extinguishers.
