To be blunt, the 2021 IFC does NOT require fire extinguishers on PITs (e.g., forklifts). The revision to the 2021 IFC merely gives storage (S) occupancies a NEW option for providing fire extinguishers. The new option is that when the S occupancy can meet certain requirements (as shown and explained below) they can put fire extinguishers on their PITs rather than the traditional approach of mounting extinguishers throughout the structure.
The 2021 IFC now allows for an “S” occupancy (storage) to choose to put fire extinguishers on their PITs rather than…
NOTE: if you’re not a member of SAFTENG, you can find this information for free at https://codes.iccsafe.org
having fixed/mounted fire extinguishers throughout the location. This is ONLY allowed when the location meets ALL of item #3 (e.g., items 3.1 – 3.5). Keep in mind that the S occupancy MUST ALSO be such that the PIT drivers are the PRIMARY OCCUPANTS (as is such in most cold storage warehouses) of the structure.
Keep in mind that almost all companies will have BOTH fixed FE’s throughout the structure AND have a 10-pound, 40A:80B:C on each PIT as they try to balance OSHA compliance with AHJ compliance with Insurance Company desires.
Also, this exception would NOT apply to the office areas of the structure – it applies ONLY to those areas where the PIT drivers are the PRIMARY OCCUPANTS of the structure.
But here is the 2021 code language… The yellow highlights are new to the 2021 IFC
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SECTION 906 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
906.1 Where required.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:
1. In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4, and S occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. 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 1-A:10-B:C.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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