How many fire extinguishers will you have to install in your building?

Unlike installing a smoke detector, having a fire extinguisher in your home is not a legal requirement. This rule applies only to private individuals. It must be recognized that each municipality has different regulations regarding fire safety. But in the majority of cases, buildings and professional establishments must be equipped with fire equipment, including fire extinguishers.

What does the law say?

Referring to the French Labour Code in its article R. 4227-29, company premises must be equipped with fire extinguishers. In addition, this device provides a precision as to the quantity of fire equipment that you must install in your company building. Thus, the law provides for one 6-litre extinguisher for a space of 200 m². In this context, if you have a 1000 m² warehouse, you must install at least 5 extinguishers. Apart from this, you must install one fire extinguisher on each level of the establishment.

It is also important to install an extinguishing device adapted to the characteristics of your activity. Before acquiring fire equipment, you must therefore evaluate the risks to which your building is exposed. Indeed, if your activity presents electrical risks, you cannot install water or foam extinguishers. These extinguishing agents are not suitable for fires generated by electrical equipment and installations. Instead, you must rely on multi-purpose dry powder extinguishers.

Good to know: every 6 months, staff within the company must be trained to prepare them for a possible fire. Among other things, this training will enable your employees to learn how to use an extinguisher and to become familiar with the fire equipment.

What are the rules regarding the location of the fire extinguisher?

 To secure your business from fire hazards, you must also follow the rules regarding the location of the fire extinguisher.

In this sense, you must install the fire extinguisher at a maximum distance of 1.20 m from the floor. When used in an emergency, this fire equipment must be easily accessible. In addition to the rule on the minimum number of extinguishers you must install in your establishment, you must comply with the distance between two extinguishers. Thus, the distance between two extinguishers must not exceed 30 m.

However, the law remains very demanding with regard to companies whose premises or activities present specific risks. In this case, they must install a fire extinguisher every 5 metres.

Some notes to consider

Depending on the characteristics of your company's activity, you can opt for a designer fire extinguisher. It has a dual function. On the one hand, it can be used to fight an incipient fire, and on the other hand, it optimises the interior decoration of your premises. Design extinguishers are available in various sizes and models.

However, to ensure its effectiveness, prefer design fire extinguishers that truly comply with the standards and regulations in force. It is important that the fire equipment is easily identifiable. You must, moreover, report the presence of fire extinguishers in your establishment.