Section 906 — PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:

1. In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3.1, R-4 and S occupancies. Exceptions:

2. In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1A:10-B:C.

3. In Group E occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each classroom is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.

4. In storage areas of Group S occupancies where forklift, powered industrial truck or powered cart operators are the primary occupants, fixed extinguishers, as specified in NFPA 10, shall not be required where in accordance with all of the following: 3.1. Use of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be approved by the fire code official. 3.2. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a 10-pound, 40A:80B:C extinguisher affixed to the vehicle using a mounting bracket approved by the extinguisher manufacturer or the fire code official for vehicular use. 3.3. Not less than two spare extinguishers of equal or greater rating shall be available on-site to replace a discharged extinguisher. 3.4. Vehicle operators shall be trained in the proper operation, use and inspection of extinguishers. 3.5. Inspections of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be performed daily.

5. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) distance of travel from commercial cooking equipment and from domestic cooking equipment in Group I-1; I-2, Condition 1; and R-2 college dormitory occupancies.

6. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.

7. On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3 occupancies, in accordance with Section 3306.6.

8. Where required by the sections indicated in Table 906.1.

9. Special-hazard areas, including but not limited to laboratories, computer rooms and generator rooms, where required by the fire code official.

7. Large and small family day-care homes shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 2-A:10-B:C rating. 8. Where required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1. 9. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) of domestic cooking equipment located in a Group I-2.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.29(a) through (d)] Portable Fire Extinguishing Equipment.

(a) General. Portable fire extinguishers conforming to the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3, shall be installed and maintained in accordance with guides established therein.

(b) Special Coverage. Additional Class A, B and C units of adequate extinguishing potential shall be provided for any other hazard, as determined by the enforcing agency.

(c) Group A Occupancies.

(1) One additional Class 2-A unit shall be provided in Group A Occupancies as follows:

(A) On each side of the stage or platform.

Exception: Platforms 1000 square feet or less in area need have only one such extinguishing unit.

(B) On each side of every fly gallery.

(C) In basements beneath the stage or platform.

(D) In every hallway or passageway leading to a dressing room.

(E) In every property room, carpenter shop or similar workroom.

(2) Not less than one 10-B:C unit (not less than 4-B:C for existing extinguishers in existing occupancies) shall be provided:

(A) For each motor and fan room.

(B) Adjacent to each switchboard on the stage or platform.

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(C) For each motion picture machine in projection rooms.

Exception: One 20-B:C unit (not less than 8-B:C for existing extinguishers in existing occupancies) in each projection room may be accepted as providing substantially equal protection.

(3) The enforcing agency may allow modifications or deviations relative to the number and location of portable fire extinguishers as required by this section provided such authority finds that the basic intent of this section and the ease of accessibility to extin- guishers is otherwise achieved.

(d) Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 Occupancies. In Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies, a continuously attached garden hose, equipped with a water flow control nozzle, may be provided in lieu of one or more required fire extinguishers when acceptable to the enforcing agency. The location and length of such hose shall be as designated or approved by the enforcing agency.

NOTE: It is recommended that, wherever possible, portable fire extinguishers be located adjacent to manual fire alarm sending stations.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565(a)] Selection of Fire Extinguishers.

(a) The selection of extinguishers for a given situation shall be determined by the authority having jurisdiction in accordance with adopted codes or ordinances. The character of the fires anticipated, the construction and occupancy of the individual property, the vehicle or hazard to be protected, ambient-temperature conditions and other factors shall be considered. The number, size, place- ment and limitations of use of extinguishers required shall be determined by using California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Sections 567 through 573.

Exception: Portable fire extinguishers are not required at normally unmanned Group U occupancy buildings or structures where a portable fire extinguisher suitable to the hazard of the location is provided on the vehicle of visiting personnel.

TABLE 906.1—ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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TABLE 906.1—ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS—continued

Portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with this section and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.

Exceptions:

1. The distance of travel to reach an extinguisher shall not apply to the spectator seating portions of Group A-5 occupancies.
2. Thirty-day inspections shall not be required for portable fire extinguishers that are supervised by a listed and approved electronic monitoring device, provided that all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. Electronic monitoring shall confirm that extinguishers are properly positioned, properly charged and unobstructed.

2.2. Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal. 2.3. The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment. 2.4. Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every 3 years when extinguisher maintenance is performed. 2.5. A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to verify that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3. 3. In Group I-3, and in mental health areas of Group I-2, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.1(a) through (c)] Classification of Hazards.

(a) Light (Low) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustible materials, including furnishings, decorations and contents, is of minor quantity. These shall include buildings or rooms occupied as offices, classrooms, churches, assembly halls, etc. This classification anticipates that the majority of the contents are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread rapidly. Small amounts of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines, art departments, etc., are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.

(b) Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than expected under Light (Low) Hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, research operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of Light (Low) Hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or Class II commodities.

s B flammables are present in_ greater amounts than expected under Light (Low) Hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, research operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of Light (Low) Hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or Class II commodities.

(c) Extra (High) Hazard. Locations where the total amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present, in storage, production use, and/or finished product over and above those expected and classed as Ordinary (Moderate) Hazards. These occupan- cies could consist of woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing, individual product display showrooms, product convention center displays, storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping, coating, including flammable liquid handling. Also, included in warehousing of, or in-process storage of other Class I and Class II commodities.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.2(a) through (e)] Selection by Hazard.

(a) Extinguishers shall be selected for the specific class or classes of hazards to be protected in accordance with the following subdivi- sions (b), (c), (d) and (e).

(b) Extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards shall be selected from the following: Water-type, halogenated agent types, multipur- pose dry chemical and wet chemical type.

(c) Extinguishers for protection of Class B hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, haloge- nated agent types and water-type and water chemical extinguishers rated for Class B hazards.

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(d) Extinguishers for protection of Class C hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, haloge- nated agent types and water mist types rated for Class C. Carbon dioxide extinguishers equipped with metal horns are not considered safe for use on fires in energized electrical equipment and, therefore, are not classified for use on Class C hazards.

(e) Extinguishers and extinguishing agents for the protection of Class D hazards shall be of types approved for use on the specific combustible metal hazard.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §566(a) through (f)] Application for Specific Hazards.

(a) Class B Fire Extinguishers for Pressurized Flammable Liquids and Pressurized Gas Fires. Fires of this nature are considered to be a special hazard. Class B fire extinguishers containing agents other than dry chemical are relatively ineffective on this type of hazard due to stream and agent characteristics. Selection of extinguishers for this type of hazard shall be made on the basis of recommenda- tions by manufacturers of this specialized equipment. The system used to rate extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids in depth) is not applicable to these types of hazards. It has been determined that special nozzle design and rates of agent application are required to cope with such hazards. Caution: It is undesirable to attempt to extinguish this type of fire unless there is reasonable assurance that the source of fuel can be promptly shut off.

(b) Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking appliances that use combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) shall be listed and labeled Class K fires.

(c) Three-dimensional Class B Fires. A three-dimensional Class B fire involves Class B materials in motion such as pouring, running or dripping flammable liquids and generally includes vertical as well as one or more horizontal surfaces. Fires of this nature are consid- ered to be a special hazard. Selection of extinguishers for this type of hazard shall be made on the basis of recommendations by manufacturers of this specialized equipment. The system used to rate extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids in depth) is not directly applicable to this type of hazard.

(d) Water Soluble Flammable Liquid Fires (Polar Solvents). Extinguishers used for the protection of water soluble flammable liquids, such as alcohols, acetones, esters, ketones, etc., shall be selected in accordance with Section 565.2. AFFF-type and FFFP-type fire extinguishers shall not be used for the protection of water soluble flammable liquids, such as alcohols, acetone, esters, ketones, etc., unless specifically referenced on the extinguisher nameplate.

(e) Electronic Equipment Fires. Extinguishers for the protection of delicate electronic equipment shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide type or a halogenated agent type, or a distilled water mist type with a minimum Class A:C Rating.

(f) In patient care areas and sleeping rooms of health care facilities, fire extinguishers, including the agents and expelling means, should be selected and utilized that would not be detrimental to patients and are appropriate for the type of fire expected, such as distilled water mist type fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A:C rating.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.8] Installation Temperatures.

Water-type (water, AFFF, FFFP) extinguishers shall not be installed in areas where temperatures are outside the range of 40°F to 120°F (4°C to 49°C). Other types shall not be installed in areas where temperatures are outside the range of -40°F to 120°F (-40°C to 49°C). Fire extinguishers shall not be exposed to temperatures outside of the range shown on the fire extinguisher label.

Exceptions: 1. Where fire extinguishers are installed in locations subject to temperatures outside these ranges, they shall be of a type approved and listed for the temperature to which they are exposed, or they shall be placed in an enclosure capable of main- taining the stipulated temperature range. 2. Fire extinguishers containing plain water only can be protected to temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) by the addition of an antifreeze stipulated on the extinguisher nameplate. Calcium chloride solutions shall not be used in stainless steel fire extinguishers. 3. Some fire extinguishers are approved or listed for use at temperatures as low as -65°F (-54°C).

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.1] Frequency of Inspection.

Fire extinguishers shall be manually inspected when initially placed in service. Thereafter, extinguishers shall be manually inspected at least monthly by the building owner, occupant or his/her authorized agent, or electronically monitored. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require, as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.2] Inspection Procedures.

(a) In addition to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.1, fire extinguishers shall be manually inspected in accordance with this section if they are located where any of the following conditions exist:

(1) High frequency of fires in the past.

(2) Extra (high) hazard areas.

(3) Location that makes fire extinguishers susceptible to mechanical or physical damage.

(4) Exposure to abnormal temperatures or corrosive atmospheres.

(b) Manual inspection of extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:

(1) Located in designated place.

(2) No obstruction to access or visibility.

(3) Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward.

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(4) Safety seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing.

(5) Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.

(6) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position.

(7) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting.

(8) For wheeled units, the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose and nozzle shall also be checked.

(9) For nonrechargeable extinguishers using push-to-test pressure indicators, test the indicator.

(c) Electronic monitoring shall include monitoring of the following items:

(1) Located in the designated place.

(2) No obstruction to access or visibility.

(3) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.1] Operating Conditions.

Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition, and kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.3] Corrective Action.

When an inspection of any extinguisher reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in Title 19, Division 1, Sections 574.2(b)(c), immediate corrective action shall be taken.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.4] Nonrechargeable Extinguishers.

When an inspection of any nonrechargeable fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (9) of Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.2(b), it shall be discharged and removed from service.

Exception: Nonrechargeable extinguishers containing a halon agent shall be removed from service, not discharged, and returned to the manufacturer or local fire extinguisher distributor having the capability of recovering the halon agent.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §575.10] Out of Service.

Fire extinguishers removed from service for maintenance or recharge shall be replaced by fire extinguishers suitable for the type of hazard protected and shall be of at least equal rating.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §591.5] Replacement Extinguishers.

Portable fire extinguishers shall not be removed from the premises for hydrostatic testing or any other purpose, without first replacing the extinguisher with a unit rated for the hazard being protected. The customer’s original unit shall be returned within 60 calendar days.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §596.7(a) and (b)] Removal of Tag.

(a) No person shall remove any tag, collar or label required by Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 9 from a portable fire extinguisher except when service is performed.

(b) No person shall deface, modify or alter any tag collar or label required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chap- ter 3, Article 9 to be attached to any portable fire extinguisher.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §574.5(a) through (c)] Inspection Record Keeping.

(a) The fire extinguisher owner shall maintain records of all fire extinguishers inspected, including those extinguishers that were found to require corrective actions. Records shall be maintained until next required maintenance.

(b) At least monthly, the date the manual inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection shall be recorded on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, or an inspection checklist maintained on file, or an electronic system (e.g., bar coding) that provides a permanent record.

(c) Fire extinguishers being inspected via electronic monitoring, whereby the extinguisher causes a signal at a control unit when a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 574.2(c) occurs, shall provide record keeping in the form of an electronic event log at the control panel.

906.2.1 Certification of service personnel for portable fire extinguishers. Service personnel providing or conducting maintenance on portable fire extinguishers shall possess a valid certificate in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.

The size and distribution of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Sections 906.3.1 through 906.3.4.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567(a) through (k)] Distribution of Fire Extinguishers.

(a) The minimum number of fire extinguishers needed to protect a property shall be determined as outlined in this section. Additional extinguishers may be installed to provide more suitable protection.

(b) Fire extinguishers shall be provided for the protection of both the building structure and the occupancy hazards contained therein.

(c) Required building protection shall be provided by fire extinguishers suitable for Class A fires.

(d) Occupancy hazard protection shall be provided by fire extinguishers suitable for such Class A, B, C, D or K fire potentials as may be present.

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(e) Extinguishers provided for building protection may be considered also for the protection of occupancies having a Class A fire potential.

(f) Buildings having an occupancy hazard subject to Class B and/or Class C fires shall have a standard complement of Class A fire extinguishers for building protection, plus additional Class B and/or Class C extinguishers. Where fire extinguishers have more than one letter classification (such as 2-A:20-B:C), they may be considered to satisfy the requirements of each letter class. When using multi-purpose extinguishers for the protection of Class B hazards, the maximum travel distances described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 must be observed.

(g) Rooms or areas shall be classified generally as light (low) hazard, ordinary (moderate) hazard or extra (high) hazard. Limited areas of greater or lesser hazard shall be protected as required.

(h) On each floor level, the area protected and the travel distances shall be based on fire extinguishers installed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Tables 2 and 3.

(i) Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.

Exception: In large rooms, and in certain locations where visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be proved to indicate the fire extinguisher’s location.

(j) Fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located along normal paths of travel where they will be readily accessible and immedi- ately available in the event of a fire.

(k) Where wheeled extinguishers are installed, aisles and doorways through which such extinguishers are to be moved shall have a clear and unobstructed width not less than one foot wider than the overall width of the extinguisher.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §568(a) through (e)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class A Hazards.

(a) Minimum sizes of fire extinguishers for the listed grades of hazards shall be provided on the basis of California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2, except as modified by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568(d). Extinguishers shall be located so that the maximum travel distances shall not exceed those specified in California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2, except as modified by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568(d).

(b) Certain smaller fire extinguishers which are charged with a multipurpose dry chemical or halogenated agent are rated on Class B and Class C fires, but having insufficient effectiveness to earn the minimum 1-A rating even though they have value in extinguishing smaller Class A fires. They shall not be used to meet the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2.

TITLE 19, DIVISION 1, SECTION 568, TABLE 2

(c) Extinguishers as specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 may be replaced by uniformly spaced 1 [1] / 2 inch (3.810 cm) hose stations for use by the occupants of the building. When hose stations are so provided, they shall conform to Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Chapter 9. The location of hose stations and the placement of fire extin- guishers shall be in such a manner that the hose stations do not replace more than every other extinguisher.

(d) Where the floor area of a building is less than that specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2, at least one extinguisher of the minimum size recommended shall be provided.

(e) The protection requirements may be fulfilled with extinguishers of a higher rating provided the travel distance from anywhere in the building to such larger extinguishers shall not exceed 75 feet (22.7 m), as shown in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 568, Table 2 above.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §569(a) through (c)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Fires Other than for Fires in Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth.

(a) Minimum sizes of fire extinguishers for the listed grades of hazard shall be provided on the basis of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3. Extinguishers shall be located so that the maximum travel distances from anywhere in the building shall not exceed those specified in the table used.

Exception: Extinguishers of lesser rating, desired for small specific hazards within the general hazard area, may be used, but shall not be considered as fulfilling any part of the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.

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TITLE 19, DIVISION 1, SECTION 569, TABLE 3

(b) Two or more extinguishers of lower rating shall not be used to fulfill the protection requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.

(c) The protection requirements may be fulfilled with extinguishers of high ratings, provided the travel distance to such larger extinguish- ers shall not exceed 50 feet (15.25 m), as shown in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §570(a) through (e)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Fires in Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth.

(a) Portable fire extinguishers shall not be installed as the sole protection for flammable liquid hazards of appreciable depth [greater than [1] / 4 inch (0.64 cm)] where the surface area exceeds 10 square feet (0.93 m2).

Exception: Where personnel who are trained in extinguishing fires in the protected hazards are available on the premises, the maximum surface area shall not exceed 20 square feet. (1.86 m2).

(b) For flammable liquid hazards of appreciable depth, a Class B fire extinguisher shall be provided on the basis of at least two numer- ical units of Class B extinguishing potential per square feet (0.0929 m2) of flammable liquid surface of the largest hazard area. For fires involving cooking grease or water-soluble flammable liquids, see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 566(b) and 566(d).

Exception: AFFF- or FFFP-type extinguishers may be provided on the basis of a 1B rating of protection per square foot of hazard.

(c) Two or more extinguishers of lower ratings shall not be used in lieu of the extinguisher required for the largest hazard area.

Exception: Up to three AFFF or FFFP extinguishers may be used to fulfill the requirements provided the sum of the Class B ratings meets or exceeds the value required for the largest hazard area.

(d) Travel distances for portable extinguishers shall not exceed 50 feet (15.25 m) as shown in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 569, Table 3.

(e) Scattered or widely separated hazards shall be individually protected. An extinguisher in the proximity of a hazard shall be care- fully located to be accessible in the presence of a fire without undue danger to the operator.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §571(a)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class C Hazards.

(a) Fire extinguishers with Class C ratings shall be required where energized electrical equipment can be encountered which would require a nonconducting extinguishing medium. This requirement includes situations where fire either directly involves or surrounds electrical equipment. Since the fire itself is a Class A or Class B hazard, the fire extinguishers shall be sized and located on the basis of the anticipated Class A or Class B hazard.

Note: Electrical equipment should be de-energized as soon as possible to prevent reigniting.

TABLE 906.3(1)—FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR CLASS A FIRE HAZARDS

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TABLE 906.3(2)—FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR FLAMMABLE OR
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS WITH DEPTHS OF LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.25 INCHa

906.3.1 Class A fire hazards. The minimum sizes and distribution of portable fire extinguishers for occupancies that involve primarily Class A fire hazards shall comply with Table 906.3(1).

906.3.2 Class B fire hazards. Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with depths less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) shall be selected and placed in accordance with Table 906.3(2).

Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with a depth of greater than 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) shall be selected and placed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.

906.3.3 Class C fire hazards. Portable fire extinguishers for Class C fire hazards shall be selected and placed on the basis of the anticipated Class A or B hazard.

906.3.4 Class D fire hazards. Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving combustible metals shall be selected and placed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3.

Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking equipment shall be of an approved type compatible with the automatic fire-extinguishing system agent. Cooking equipment involving solid fuels or vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K-rated portable extinguisher in accordance with Sections 906.1, Item 2, 906.4.1 and 906.4.2 as applicable.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §573(a) through (c)] Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Commercial Cooking Operations.

(a) Fire extinguishers with a Class K rating shall be provided for hazards where there is a potential for fires involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).

(b) Maximum travel distance shall not exceed 30 feet (9.15 m) from the hazard to the extinguishers.

(c) Additional fire extinguishers, required for the control of other classes of fires, shall be provided for commercial cooking areas as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 567.

906.4.1 Portable fire extinguishers for solid fuel cooking appliances. Solid fuel cooking appliances, whether or not under a hood, with fireboxes 5 cubic feet (0.14 m [3] ) or less in volume shall have a minimum 2.5-gallon (9 L) or two 1.5-gallon (6 L) Class K wet-chemical portable fire extinguishers located in accordance with Section 906.1.

906.4.2 Class K portable fire extinguishers for deep fat fryers. Where hazard areas include deep fat fryers, listed Class K portable fire extinguishers shall be provided as follows:

1. For up to four fryers having a maximum cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds (36.3 kg) each: one Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum 1.5-gallon (6 L) capacity.
2. For every additional group of four fryers having a maximum cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds (36.3 kg) each: one additional Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum 1.5-gallon (6 L) capacity shall be provided.
3. For individual fryers exceeding 6 square feet (0.55 m [2] ) in surface area: Class K portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with the extinguisher manufacturer’s recommendations.

Portable fire extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they will have ready access and be immediately available for use. These locations shall be along normal paths of travel, unless the fire code official determines that the hazard posed indicates the need for placement away from normal paths of travel.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.5] Physical Damage Protection.

Extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to physical damage, (e.g., from impact, vibration, the environment) shall be adequately protected.

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.

Hand-held portable fire extinguishers, not housed in cabinets, shall be installed on the hangers or brackets supplied. Hangers or brackets shall be securely anchored to the mounting surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.3] Installation.

Portable fire extinguishers other than wheeled types shall be securely installed on the hanger or in the bracket supplied or placed in cabinets or wall recesses. The hanger or bracket shall be securely and properly anchored to the mounting surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.Wheeled-type fire extinguishers shall be located in a designated location.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.4] Brackets.

Extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to dislodgement shall be installed in brackets specifically designed to cope with this problem.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.6] Mounting.

Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18.14 kg) shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 5 feet (1.53 m) above the floor. Fire extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 40 pounds (18.14 kg) (except wheeled types) shall be so installed that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 3 [1] / 2 feet (1.07 m) above the floor. In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor be less than 4 inches (10.2 cm).

Exceptions:

1. Where portable fire extinguishers subject to malicious use or damage are provided with a means of ready access.
2. In Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas in Group I-2 occupancies, access to portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be locked or to be located in staff locations provided that the staff has keys.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.2] Cabinets.

Cabinets housing extinguishers shall not be locked.

Exception: Where extinguishers are subject to malicious use, locked cabinets may be used provided they include a means of emer- gency access and are approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §567.7] Sealed Cabinets.

Where extinguishers are installed in closed cabinets that are exposed to elevated temperatures, the cabinets shall be provided with screened openings and drains.

The installation of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Sections 906.9.1 through 906.9.3.

906.9.1 Extinguishers weighing 40 pounds or less. Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg) shall be installed so that their tops are not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor.

906.9.2 Extinguishers weighing more than 40 pounds. Hand-held portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg) shall be installed so that their tops are not more than 3.5 feet (1067 mm) above the floor.

906.9.3 Floor clearance. The clearance between the floor and the bottom of installed hand-held portable fire extinguishers shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm).

Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located in a designated location.