In a previous article I posted the Fire Watch requirements found in OSHA, NFPA, and some state Fire Codes; however, the one critical path that is high on our list of findings during audits is the method of extinguishing the fire watch is provided. We have, on many occasions, found fire extinguishers that had not been inspected in months, some were years past due for their annual maintenance/inspection, some were just dead and even once or twice we found the extinguisher to actually be EMPTY. These are easy findings that do not get any push back; however, when we mention the size or type extinguisher may not be suitable for the size of HW job there is usually much debate. We have seen “kitchen extinguishers”, which are nothing more than a pressurized can, being used on jobs with multiple HW tasks taking place. The bottom line, the extinguisher needs to be rated for the level of risks associated with its intended use. I have always suggested nothing less than a 10 pound ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher and a “20 pounder” is even better, but in some cases, such as the OH Fire Code and the International Fire Code, there are some SPECIFIC requirements… (but you will see why I always suggest at least a 10 lb, with hopes they will use a 20 lb’er, ABC to my PSM/RMP clients)
Here is the wording from 1301:7-7-26 Welding and other hot work
(f) 2604.2.6 Fire extinguisher. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with paragraph (F)(906) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be readily accessible within 30 feet (9144 mm) of the location where hot work is performed.
Take note of the MINIMUM RATING rating of 2-A:20-B:C for the fire extinguisher to be used by the fire watch. This translates to:
- The A rating is a water equivalency rating. Each A is equivalent to 1-1/4 gallons of water. 2A = 2.5 gallons of water.
- The B:C rating is equivalent to the amount of square footage that the extinguisher can cover, handled by a PROPER TRAINED individual. 20 B:C = 20 square feet of coverage.
- C indicates it is suitable for use on electrically energized equipment.
A 10 lb ABC extinguisher, the MINIMUM I suggest to clients, will carry a UL rating of 4-A, 60B:C. This will cover 3X’s the square footage. A HW fire-safe area is based on a 35′ radius from the point of HW. This equals ~ 962 square feet for our fire safe HW area. A 10 lb ABC carrying a UL rating of 4-A, 60B:C is meant to cover 60 square feet. Whereas a 20 lb ABC extinguisher will carry a rating of 10A:120B:C, thus it will cover 120 sq. feet. As you can see, we are not trying to cover all 962 square feet, but rather make the point that 962 square feet is not some small space, thus using a “kitchen” or “forklift” extinguisher as your HW Fire Watch extinguisher may be leaving a lot to question.
NOTE: the international fire code states:
3504.2.6 Fire extinguisher. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be readily accessible within 30 feet (9144 mm) of the location where hot work is performed.
Does your HW program and permit specify a minimum size and type?