Portable extinguishers are classified according to their capacity for handling specific types of fires. Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible, properly maintained, regularly inspected and promptly refilled after use.

Class "A" Extinguishers
For fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper and textiles where a quenching, cooling effect is required.

Class "B" Extinguishers
For flammable liquid and gas fires, such as oil, gasoline, paint and grease where oxygen exclusion or flame interruption is essential.

Class "C" Extinguishers
For fires involving electrical wiring and equipment where the non-conductivity of the extinguishing agent is essential. This type of extinguisher should be present wherever functional testing and system energizing takes place.

The number, size, and type of fire extinguishers required on your premises depend on several factors, including the size and layout of the building, the occupancy type, and the specific fire hazards present.

Under the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) and NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers), here are the general guidelines:

    Number & Placement:

Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and located along normal paths of travel.

Typically, extinguishers must be placed so that no one has to travel more than 23 metres (75 feet) to reach one.

Additional extinguishers may be required in areas with higher fire risks (e.g., kitchens, mechanical rooms, workshops).

    Size & Type:

The type of extinguisher depends on the potential fire hazards:

            Class A (Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth): Minimum 2A rated extinguisher.

            Class B (Flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, grease): Minimum 5B or 10B rating, depending on hazard size.

            Class C (Electrical equipment fires): A Class C-rated extinguisher is required in areas with electrical hazards.

            Class K (Commercial cooking, grease fires): Required in commercial kitchens (wet chemical extinguisher).

Minimum size is typically 5 lb for most commercial settings, but larger extinguishers may be needed for high-hazard areas.

    Maintenance & Inspection:

Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by the owner/occupant and undergo a professional annual inspection by a certified technician.

Hydrostatic testing and servicing must be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and NFPA 10 requirements.

For a precise assessment based on your specific building and occupancy type, we recommend consulting a licensed professional like an architect or engineer.

Certify and inspect extinguishers annually by a certified technician. 

They must be kept operable and fully charged

Located so they are easily seen and accessible at all times (with exceptions)

Portable extinguishers shall be rated and identified in conformance with CAN/ULC-S508, “Standard for the Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers

Portable extinguishers shall be provided to protect every building, each hazardous occupancy inside the building and each hazardous process or operation located outside.

Any further questions on extinguishers see the Ontario Fire Code for more details