The Ontario Fire Code determines the quantity and type of fire extinguishers your building needs, and they base their requirements on the type of building you have. Derived from the International Fire Code and the California Fire Code, the Ontario Fire Code added a few amendments to come up with its own code for the city of Ontario. The Ontario Fire Marshal uses it to regulate the quantity and placement of portable fire extinguishers in commercial buildings.
While the Fire Marshal had to approve your fire safety protection systems before a certificate of occupancy could be issued, building uses and functions change over time. Those changes can often result in new requirements for the type, location, and quantity of your fire extinguishers. If you’re looking for expert and personalized advice, All Protect Systems, Inc. has been helping Ontario area businesses with their fire extinguisher needs since 1996.
Type of Building
The Ontario Fire Marshal determines the quantity and placement of your fire extinguishers based on several factors dictated by The Ontario Fire Code. The code specifies fire extinguisher requirements based on a building’s hazard classification level. The code breaks building hazard levels into the following categories:
Light (Low) Hazard. For buildings that house a low amount of Class A combustible material, the hazard level is considered low. Low hazard buildings can be offices, classrooms, assembly halls, or churches as long as the majority of their contents are either non-combustible or arranged so a fire isn’t likely to spread. However, small amounts of Class B flammables, such as printing materials for copy machines, are permitted as long as they are properly stored.
Fire extinguishers should be installed every 75 feet.
Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Moderate hazard buildings have greater amounts of Class A combustible material and Class B flammables than light hazard ones. The types of occupancies in this classification include classrooms, offices, allied storage, light manufacturing parking garages, auto showrooms, and warehouses These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops, or warehouses housing Class I or II commodities.
Fire extinguishers should be installed every 75 feet.
Extra (High) Hazard. Occupancies that store or use considerably more Class A combustibles and Class B flammables in production. These buildings engage in activities like auto repair, aircraft and boat servicing, manufacturing, flammable liquid handling, and warehousing or storage of Class I and II commodities.
Fire extinguishers should be installed every 50 feet.
Distance From Hazards
The Ontario Fire Code also requires that fire extinguishers be located near fire hazards. Fire hazards are also divided into different categories.
Class A Hazards. Common solid combustible materials such as cloth paper, wood, and certain plastics should have a fire extinguisher within 75 feet.
Class B Hazards. Combustible and flammable liquids like lacquers, oil-based paint, gasoline, and alcohol should have a fire extinguisher within 50 feet.
Class C Hazards. Electrical components or energized equipment that can combust should have a fire extinguisher within either Class A or B hazard distance.
Class D Hazards. Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, plutonium, lithium, and potassium should have a fire extinguisher within 75 feet.
Commercial Kitchens. When frying with vegetable oils or fats, fire extinguishers should be within 30 feet.
The quantity of fire extinguishers your building needs depends not only on the classification of your building but also on the particular hazards present within your facility, and it can be a daunting task to evaluate all of these considerations on your own. If you prefer to delegate your fire safety issues to professionals, the expert technicians at All Protect Systems can help you with fire alarms, emergency/exit lighting, inspections, gas detection, fire safety plans, and fire hoses. They’re waiting for your call!