What are the fire extinguisher location requirements?

Each extinguisher shall be located in conspicuous, readily accessible location. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends that a surrounding clearance of a minimum of 1000mm be maintained around each extinguisher.

Q. Where should you aim a fire extinguisher when fighting a fire?

P.A.S.S. the Fire Extinguisher

Table of Contents

Q. Where should you aim a fire extinguisher when fighting a fire?
Q. Where should you spray a fire extinguisher?
Q. What to do with fire extinguisher after using it?
Q. How do I clean up fire extinguisher powder?
Q. Is there any danger in dropping a fire extinguisher?
Q. How do you know if a fire extinguisher is out of date?
Q. How often do fire extinguishers need to be recertified?
Q. How long will a 10lb fire extinguisher last for?

Aim: Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze: Squeeze the lever you just pulled the pin out of. Remember to squeeze it slowly and evenly, so it is as effective as possible.
Swipe: Swipe from side to side to cover all areas the fire may have spread to.

Q. Where should you spray a fire extinguisher?

AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Be prepared! It will come out with force.

Q. What to do with fire extinguisher after using it?

Fire extinguishers need to be recharged immediately after each use. Even if the extinguishing agent inside was not completely discharged, the extinguisher still needs to be serviced in order to make sure it’s ready for its next use.

Q. How do I clean up fire extinguisher powder?

Cleaning Fire Extinguisher Residue from a Dry Chemical Extinguisher

Vacuum or sweep up as much of the excess residue as possible.
Mix together a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% warm water then spray the area to break up the leftover silicone.

Q. Is there any danger in dropping a fire extinguisher?

Damage from dropping can damage the integrity of the extinguisher, so it is very important that you keep the dropped fire extinguisher in a safe and isolated area. Dropping the extinguisher can also result in the pickup tube breaking, which would render the equipment useless.

Q. How do you know if a fire extinguisher is out of date?

Check for an expiration date. Look for a paper tag on the fire extinguisher showing a record of maintenance. It may not connote an expiration date, but if the oldest date on the tag was more than 10 years ago, your extinguisher’s days are likely numbered—it may already have lost its ability to fight flames.

Q. How often do fire extinguishers need to be recertified?

Typically, pressurized water, carbon dioxide, and wet chemical extinguishers need to be hydrostatically tested every 5 years. Dry chemical extinguishers need to be tested every 12 years. A complete chart of test intervals for various types of equipment can be found here.