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Signs for Fire Extinguishers

  • Thread starter Thread starter mia
  • Start date Start date
M

mia

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Hi Code Forum!

I have a question about fire extinguisher signs for a church here in Michigan. If the extinguisher is mounted on the wall does it still need to have signage? I've seen the language in MIOSHA that if it is in a cabinet it needs to have a sign directing occupants to the location. What about if it's just hanging; not blocked or obstructed, at the proper height?

Thanks, Mia
 
The standard for installation is NFPA 10. At section 6.1.3 we find "..where visual obstructions cannot be avoided, means shall be provided to identify the extinguisher location".

Mostly if they aren't obstructed they are considered to be visible and OK. Some cabinets have signage and identification on them, and need to be evaluated to see if they are appropriate for the location.
 
I do believe only in cabinets

IFC 1105.7.1 Cabinets. Cabinets and enclosed compartments

used to house portable fire extinguishers shall be clearly

marked with the words FIRE EXTINGUISHER in letters at

least 2 inches high. Cabinets and compartments

shall be readily accessible at all times.
 
OSHA

An employer must:

Provide portable fire extinguishers and mount, locate, and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees ....29 CFR 1910.157
 
mia said:
Hi Code Forum!I have a question about fire extinguisher signs for a church here in Michigan. If the extinguisher is mounted on the wall does it still need to have signage? I've seen the language in MIOSHA that if it is in a cabinet it needs to have a sign directing occupants to the location. What about if it's just hanging; not blocked or obstructed, at the proper height?

Thanks, Mia
Click to expand...
If the fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall at the proper height as per NFPA 10, not blocked or obstructed then you would not require any signage to indicate the location of the extinguisher.
 
MIA,

Technically speaking...if the church is large enough to de defined as a place of public assemblage; the state Bureau of Fire Services is the regulatory agency and their NFPA 101 based rules would use NFPA 10 and therefore (not obstructed) not signed.
 
Thanks FM Burns.

The church recently had an inspection (not from the FM) and were lead to believe the requirement for extinguishers had recently changed-thank you for clarifying.

Mia
 
Hi CDA,

Sorry for the delay-I had to find out from my coworker. I guess it is an inspector that solely works for the diocese and inspects churches.

Thanks, Mia
 
By the way, At the present time, raised and braille characters or other special ADA signage are not required for fire protection cabinets. In addition, the controls, handles, and other operating mechanisms for fire protection cabinet doors presently are not required by ADA Accessibility Guidelines for hardware.
 
Coug Dad said:
We see very few wall mounted fire extinguishers any more because they would violate the ADA 4" protrusion rules.
Click to expand...
That why there are recessed and semi-recessed cabinets
 
ADA 4" protrusion rule- is this for existing equipment or for new installs?
 
ADA applies to new and existing fire extinguishers and other obstacles, but not in churches or private clubs. ANSI A117.1 would have a similar restriction which would apply to new work. I'm not sure what MIOSHA (in the original post) would apply to.
 
mia said:
ADA 4" protrusion rule- is this for existing equipment or for new installs?
Click to expand...
As posted above all. But it only is in POT's. If it is in a location where people "do not walk" or on an alcove, or if something is below it that will give cane users a warning, it can project further than 4".
 
Paul Sweet said:
ANSI A117.1 would have a similar restriction which would apply to new work. .
Click to expand...
ANSI A117.1

307.2 Protrusion Limits. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the floor shall protrude 4 inches (100 mm) maximum horizontally into the circulation path.

EXCEPTION: Handrails shall be permitted to protrude 41/2 inches (115 mm) maximum.
 
Thank you for the code citation with the information Mark. Have a nice weekend-going to be beautiful in Michigan
 
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