General Information
Competent Authorities.... What Is It?
In NFPA documents, the term “authority having jurisdiction” is used in a broad sense since not all authorities having jurisdiction and approving bodies have the same responsibilities.
Where public safety is of primary importance, the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state (provincial or territorial in Canada), local or regional agency, or a responsible person such as a fire chief, fire marshal, fire prevention director, department of labour or health, building inspector, electrical inspector, or any other person or entity with authority status.
For insurance purposes, the inspection department, underwriting department or other representative of an insurance company may be the appropriate authority. In many cases, the owner or his/her delegate assumes the role of the appropriate authority. In the case of government facilities, the department head or director may be recognized as the authority having jurisdiction.
Fire Extinguishers Classes And Frequently Asked Questions
Class of Extinguishers
- Water Extinguisher: A
- Distilled Water Extinguisher: A, C
- Dry Chemical Extinguisher: ABC or BC
- Foam Extinguisher: B, C
- CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguisher: B, C
- Dry sand, metal and other extinguishers: D
- Liquid chemical fire extinguisher for kitchen: K
Frequently asked questions:
- How to choose it? What size? What class?
- How many do I need?
- How to install it, at what height and where ?
- Does my extinguisher have to be visible and accessible ?
- How do I maintain it?
- How do I use it ?
- How to dispose of it ?
- What is a hydrostatic test?
We are always available to answer your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Our estimate is free!
- The mechanical components
- The extinguishing agents
- Propellants
What do we check during a fire extinguisher refill?
Once a month, the ABC extinguisher must be tipped and shaken to prevent the chemical powder it contains from becoming compacted. As soon as a fire extinguisher has been used, even partially, it must be recharged. If you find that a fire extinguisher is damaged, or that the pressure gauge is too high or too low, or that the pin is missing, have it checked by us or other specialized firms.
Pressurized water A
- Inspection: 1 year
- Refill: 5 years
- Hydrostatic test: 5 years
Chemical Powder ABC
- Inspection: 1 year
- Refill: 6 years
- Hydrostatic test: 12 years
CO2 - Carbon dioxide
- Inspection: 1 year
- Recharge: 5 years
- Hydrostatic test: 5 years
Fire Extinguishers Ratings
Class A
In each business the class A must be present.
In each medium risk area the minimum rating must be 2A. In each high risk area the minimum rating must be 4A.
In each medium risk area, one fire extinguisher is required for every 1500 sq. ft. In each high risk area, one fire extinguisher is required for every 1000 sq. ft.
At no time shall the distance to a Class A extinguisher exceed 75 feet.
Class B
In each medium hazard area, the minimum rating shall be 10B.
In each high hazard area, the minimum rating shall be 40B.
In each medium hazard area, one 10B minimum rating fire extinguisher is required for every 30 feet. In each medium hazard area, one 20B fire extinguisher is required for every 50 feet.
In each high risk area, one 40B fire extinguisher is required for every 30 feet. In each high risk area, one 80B fire extinguisher is required for every 50 feet.
In each high risk area, one 80B fire extinguisher is required for every 50 feet.
In Case Of Fire...What To Do?
- Activate the alarm system.
- Leave the building immediately.
- Notify the fire department.
If you hear the alarm system :
- Leave all personal belongings.
- Touch the door before opening it. If it is hot, there are likely flames or gases on the other side; if this is the case, do not open the door.
- If the door is not hot, open it slowly to make sure there is no danger on the other side.
- Move quickly to the nearest exit if there is no danger. If there is smoke, move by crawling. Always be prepared to turn back if access to the exit is blocked by smoke or flames.
- Never take the elevator.
If you must stay in your home because of a greater danger outside:
- Call your fire department to report your presence in the building (always keep the fire department number handy).
- Block any gaps around the door with wet towels or sheets to prevent smoke from entering your home.
- Breathe through a wet cloth if there is smoke.
- Open a window, but be prepared to close it quickly if smoke gets inside.
- Go out on the balcony if you think the smoke and flames won’t reach you, or stand in front of a window to be spotted.
