Extinguisher Ratings

A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, must be provided for each 3,000 square feet of building area (a 55-gallon open drum or a y2-inch water hose may be substituted for this extinguisher [see 1926.150 (c)(1) for details]). 

Afire extinguisher, rated not less than lOB, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than five gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or five pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. 

Fire hose and connections, (i) One hundred feet, or less, of lV2-inch hose, with a nozzle capable of discharging water at 25 gallons or more per minute, may be substituted for a fire extinguisher rated not more than 2A in the designated area provided that the hose line can reach all points in the area. 

Portable fire extinguishing equipment, suitable for the fire hazard involved, shall be provided at convenient, conspicuously accessible locations in the yard area. Portable fire extinguishers, rated not less than 2A, shall be... 

Type of hazard Basic minimum extinguisher rating Maximum travel distance to extinguishers, ft (m)... 

Extinguisher rating for fire levels and areas to be protected (see Table 16.2). 

Table 16.2 Fire extinguisher ratings required for various hazards...

Class B fire extinguisher ratings identify how many square feet the extinguisher can handle. As an example a 5-BC rated unit should be able to handle a five square-foot area. 

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