Fire Extinguisher Placement Requirements

Fire Extinguisher Placement Requirements: Getting NFPA 10 Fire Extinguisher Placement Right for Safety, Compliance, and Efficiency

Opening scenario: A day in the life of a facilities manager

Picture this: A mid-sized manufacturing plant with a dozen work cells, constant movement, and a corridor network that doubles as a shipping lane. You’re the facilities manager responsible for more than just roofs and HVAC—you oversee life safety systems that protect people, property, and production lines. During a quarterly safety audit, a reviewer flags a handful of issues with portable fire extinguishers: one extinguisher is mounted higher than recommended for typical staff heights, several stations exceed the maximum travel distance for Class A materials, and a few extinguishers sit behind equipment or storage racks, blocked from immediate access. A couple of extinguishers are near exits but not clearly marked, while others lack the required signage. The auditor asks you to provide documented proof of NFPA 10 fire extinguisher placement compliance, including the exact travel distances and mounting heights used throughout the facility.

You realize that these seemingly small misplacements can have outsized consequences: slower response times, higher fire risk during the critical first minutes of a fire, increased chances of extinguishers being blocked or damaged, and escalating insurance and regulatory concerns. The temporary embarrassment of noncompliance quickly gives way to a serious question: How do you bring your extinguisher placement into full alignment with NFPA 10, OSHA guidelines, and real-world facility realities? And more importantly, how do you design a system that stays compliant as equipment moves, floor plans change, and operations scale?

If you’ve ever faced a similar scenario, you’re not alone. Fire extinguisher placement is a quintessential element of facility safety that sits at the intersection of code compliance, practical accessibility, and emergency readiness. The goal is simple on the surface: ensure people can reach a portable extinguisher quickly, from any point in the space, without creating new hazards or clutter. The reality, however, is nuanced. The NFPA 10 standard for portable extinguishers, together with OSHA’s 1910.157 requirements, creates a framework of distance, height, spacing, and placement criteria that must be interpreted for each unique space. The difference between a compliant layout and a noncompliant layout is measured in seconds, in accessible reach during a panic, and in the harbor of risk you’re willing to accept.

This article dives into the placement requirements you need to know, why they matter, and how to implement a durable, auditable program that keeps you in full compliance. We’ll translate the technical requirements into actionable steps, offer practical guidance for different environments, provide checklists and tables you can reuse on the floor, and show how a trusted partner like 48Fire Protection can help you design, implement, and maintain a compliant extinguisher program. We’ll also cite authoritative sources so you can verify the rules and understand their rationale.

Table of contents

• The core rules at a glance: travel distance, mounting height, and access
• Understanding travel distance by extinguisher class
• Mounting height guidelines and clearance requirements
• The practical impact of placement on evacuations and fire response
• How to assess your facility: a methodical, auditable approach
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• A step-by-step implementation plan
• Industry-specific considerations (commercial, industrial, kitchens, healthcare, labs)
• Maintenance, inspection, and recordkeeping
• A quick-start checklist for facilities managers
• How 48Fire Protection can help
• Conclusion: turning compliance into a safety advantage
• References

The core rules at a glance: travel distance, mounting height, and access

Two core elements define NFPA 10 fire extinguisher placement: travel distance and mounting height. The idea is straightforward: you want a portable extinguisher within easy reach from any point where a fire could start while ensuring the extinguisher is accessible and operable when needed.

• Travel distance: This is the maximum distance a person must travel to reach the nearest extinguisher. OSHA’s portable fire extinguishers standard (1910.157) specifies travel distance limits for common classes:
• Class A (ordinary combustibles): 75 feet or less
• Class B (flammable liquids): 50 feet or less
• Class D (flammable metals): 75 feet or less
• Class K (cooking oils/fats): 30 feet or less

These numbers appear in OSHA’s 1910.157 standard and are summarized in OSHA’s eTools resource as well. For a quick reference, see the OSHA travel distance guidelines here: [OSHA 1910.157 – Portable fire extinguishers](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157?utm_source=openai).

• Mounting height and clearance: The extinguisher must be mounted so it can be reached easily by the typical user, with a recommended top height generally around 5 feet or lower for lighter units and somewhat lower for heavier units, while maintaining a small clearance from the wall for accessibility and visibility. OSHA’s portable extinguishers placement guidance on eTools specifies top heights in the range of roughly 3.5–5 feet depending on the unit’s weight and a minimum clearance of about 4 inches from the wall to facilitate easy removal. For more detail, see: [OSHA eTool – Portable Extinguishers: Placement](https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/emergency-standards/portable-extinguishers/placement?utm_source=openai).

In addition to OSHA’s summaries and the general NFPA 10 standard, NFPA 10 itself lays out detailed requirements for placement and distance that inspectors will look for during audits. A widely cited interpretation of NFPA 10’s distance guidance notes similar maximum travel distances and highlights mounting height considerations. See a detailed discussion here: [NFPA 10 Fire Extinguisher Distance: Critical Placement for Optimal Safety and Compliance](https://www.119firecontrol.com/nfpa-10-fire-extinguisher-distance.html). Note that while OSHA translates the practical travel distance into enforceable requirements, NFPA 10 provides the standard language that many jurisdictions adopt or reference in their local fire prevention codes.

Citations:

• [OSHA 1910.157 – Portable fire extinguishers](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157?utm_source=openai)
• [OSHA eTool: Portable Extinguishers – Placement](https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/emergency-standards/portable-extinguishers/placement?utm_source=openai)
• [NFPA 10 Fire Extinguisher Distance: Critical Placement for Optimal Safety and Compliance](https://www.119firecontrol.com/nfpa-10-fire-extinguisher-distance.html)
• [NFPA official: Portable Fire Extinguishers (NFPA 10) – Detail page](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=10)

Understanding travel distance by extinguisher class

The core travel distance concept is about equal access across your facility, but the precise distances you apply depend on the hazards present in each area. NFPA 10 recognizes that different hazard classes demand different extinguishing capabilities, and that affects placement densities. In practice, most facilities map coverage by primary hazard type, then validate with field checks to ensure that every potential ignition source sits within reach of an extinguisher of an appropriate class.

• Class A areas (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, textiles): The 75-foot maximum distance ensures staff can quickly initiate containment before a fire grows out of hand.
• Class B areas (flammable liquids like solvents, fuels): More frequent placement is common because vapors can travel quickly, and extinguishing larger volumes of liquid fires requires prompt action. Distances often fall between 30 and 50 feet depending on occupancy density and layout, with the OSHA standard listing 50 feet as a general maximum.
• Class D areas (special metals like magnesium, titanium): Similar to Class A in some layouts, but the specific hazard requires attention to storage and access, ensuring extinguishers are reachable without having to maneuver around metal shavings, dust, or equipment.
• Class K areas (commercial kitchens): Kitchens demand frequent extinguisher coverage due to cooking media and oils; many kitchens implement 30-foot maximums, with additional considerations for wall placement and readily accessible compartments for fire suppression systems in some cases.

The practical takeaway: treat travel distance as a living metric. In busy facilities, plan for the most utilized routes and the most common ignition sources, then validate with field checks.

Mounting height guidelines and clearance

Mounting height isn’t just about the extinguisher being “low enough to reach.” It’s about ensuring the average user can grasp, lift, and operate the extinguisher in a rapid, efficient manner, even under duress. Occupational safety guidance and NFPA 10 practice both lean toward height ranges that minimize reach strain while enabling safe removal from the bracket.

• Top height guidance: For many common extinguisher weights (5 lb, 10 lb, 20 lb; “lighter” vs “heavier” units), a top mounting height around 3.5–5 feet is typical. Heavier units may require a lower mounting height to ensure the user can safely lift and aim the extinguisher without awkward posture.
• Wall clearance: A minimum clearance of about 4 inches from the wall is typically recommended to keep the extinguisher label readable, provide space for grasping the handle, and avoid bracket interference with other wall-mounted devices. This clearance also helps prevent doors or panels from inadvertently hitting the extinguisher.
• Weight and access considerations: Heavier extinguishers challenge users in an emergency. For workplaces with mixed-age or physically diverse populations (e.g., warehouses with shift workers, older facility staff, or contractors), you might choose lower mounting points for heavier units or place lighter units at higher but still reachable heights.

Illustrative table: mounting height recommendations by extinguisher weight

Extinguisher weight (typical)	Suggested top mounting height	Rationale
2–5 lb (light)	Up to about 5 ft	Easy grab and lift, quick discharge, small adult reach range
5–10 lb	3.5–4.5 ft	Balance reach and weight, minimizes drag in urgent use
15–20 lb	3–4 ft	Reduces lifting strain, ensures immediate accessibility
>20 lb	3–3.5 ft	Minimizes height burden, reduces risk of dropping the extinguisher

Notes:

• The exact top height may differ based on the extinguisher model and the observed reach of typical employees in the space.
• Always consider signage that identifies extinguisher locations at a glance, with color contrast, arrows, and pictograms to aid visibility.

Practical implications of placement on evacuations and fire response

• Response time: The difference of a few feet in reach can translate into seconds in an emergency. A mislocated extinguisher increases the time needed to locate and retrieve, potentially allowing a small fire to escalate to a larger one.
• Visibility and accessibility: Extinguishers that blend into the wall or are obscured by equipment create hesitation for staff during emergencies. Clear signage, proper lighting, and unobstructed access paths matter just as much as the distance rule.
• Blockages and maintenance risk: Extinguishers placed behind storage, in narrow corridors, or next to heavy machinery suffer more frequent access issues and accidental damage. Regular space planning and maintenance checks reduce these risks.
• Training alignment: If occupants are trained to look for extinguishers in predictable spots, inconsistent placement reduces recall and practice effectiveness. A standardized approach improves muscle memory when stress is high.

The practical approach: treat placement as part of the hazard analysis and emergency preparedness program. Use a floor plan with zones and extinguisher classes mapped to typical fire scenarios, then cross-check actual placement against the plan during regular audits.

The practical process of assessment: a methodical, auditable approach

To move from concept to a verifiable, auditable program, start with a disciplined assessment. Below is a structured approach you can implement, ideally with a documented baseline and a plan for ongoing compliance.

Step 1: Inventory and classify extinguishers

• Make a list of every extinguisher: location, model, weight, rating (A, B, C, D, K), and mounting method (wall, cabinet, cart).
• Note any extinguishers currently out of service, expired inspections, or missing maintenance tags.

Step 2: Map hazard zones and travel distances

• Create zone maps that capture high-risk areas (kitchens, chemical storage, fulsome machinery, electrical rooms) and assign the appropriate extinguisher class to each zone.
• Verify travel distances in each zone match NFPA 10 guidelines and OSHA 1910.157 limits for the class of extinguisher present.

Step 3: Assess mounting heights and clearance

• Check top mounting heights and ensure they align with the weight and reach of the intended user pool.
• Confirm a minimum 4-inch clearance from wall and that brackets and signs are free of obstruction.

Step 4: Physical verification and field checks

• Walk every route from a typical occupant perspective (standing, walking, and in some cases carrying a load) to confirm extinguishers are visible, accessible, and not blocked.
• Perform a “reach test” to confirm typical workers can access and operate the extinguisher without obstruction.

Step 5: Documentation and labeling

• Create or update floor plan maps showing extinguisher locations, class coverage, distances, and mounting heights.
• Ensure each extinguisher has a visible tag with last inspection date, next inspection due date, and maintenance notes.

Step 6: Promote ongoing compliance

• Establish a routine inspection schedule and assign responsibility for updates to the plan as layouts change (renovations, new equipment, reconfigurations).
• Provide ongoing staff training on extinguisher use and placement awareness, including how to report obstructions or misplaced units.

How to assess your facility: a practical audit checklist

• [ ] All extinguishers have visible mounting and are not obstructed by equipment, pallets, or furniture.
• [ ] Travel distances from any point to the nearest extinguisher do not exceed the maximums for the extinguisher class present (A: 75 ft, B: 50 ft, D: 75 ft, K: 30 ft).
• [ ] Extinguisher mounting height falls within recommended ranges for unit weight, and there is at least 4 inches of clearance from the wall.
• [ ] Signage and visibility are adequate: bright color, legible labels, and unobstructed signage.
• [ ] Documentation exists for last inspection dates and next due dates, with a schedule for annual professional maintenance.
• [ ] If multiple classes of extinguishers are used, their placement ensures appropriate coverage across all zones.
• [ ] A map or digital record shows extinguisher locations, travel distance metrics, and clearance pathways.
• [ ] Staff have documented training in how to locate and operate extinguishers, and drills or practice scenarios exist.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Pitfall: Assuming “more extinguishers” automatically improves safety
• Reality: Excess extinguishers that are not properly located can create confusion and obscure access routes. The aim is appropriate coverage with clear access, not uncoordinated proliferation.
• Pitfall: Placing extinguishers where they are blocked by equipment or doors
• Reality: Blocked access can render an extinguisher effectively unusable in an emergency. Always keep routes unobstructed and ensure doors do not swing into the extinguisher.
• Pitfall: Ignoring the differences between extinguisher classes and their optimal placement
• Reality: A high concentration of Class B extinguishers in a kitchen may be appropriate, but you still need to ensure they are reachable without crossing obstacles or navigating narrow corridors.
• Pitfall: Inconsistent mounting heights across the facility
• Reality: If different zones mount extinguishers at inconsistent heights, occupants may experience confusion during emergencies. Strive for consistent placement within each zone.
• Pitfall: Relying on color alone for visibility
• Reality: Color helps visibility but must be complemented by clear labeling, signage, and lighting to ensure accessibility in all lighting conditions.

Implementation plan: from plan to practice

A well-executed implementation plan turns theory into daily practice. Here’s a practical, phased approach you can adapt to your facility.

Phase 1 — Planning and baseline assessment

• Gather all current extinguisher records, installation drawings, and maintenance logs.
• Identify high-risk zones and potential travel-route bottlenecks.
• Confirm the applicable standards for your jurisdiction (NFPA 10, OSHA 1910.157, and local fire codes).

Phase 2 — Mapping and design

• Produce a floor plan overlay that shows extinguisher locations and coverage by class.
• Determine mounting heights for each extinguisher based on weight and typical user reach.
• Plan for clear evacuation routes to ensure access to extinguishers without obstructions.

Phase 3 — Procurement and relocation

• If you need more extinguishers or new mounting hardware, issue purchase orders and schedule installation.
• Relocate extinguishers that fail to meet coverage or height requirements.

Phase 4 — Verification and training

• Conduct a field verification walk to ensure all mapped placements align with the plan.
• Train staff on extinguisher location identification, operation basics, and reporting of obstructions or damage.
• Document the training and update floor plans accordingly.

Phase 5 — Documentation and ongoing care

• Create a maintenance schedule and establish responsibilities for routine checks.
• Maintain a digital or physical archive of placement plans, inspection records, and signer-off notes for audits.

Industry-specific considerations: tailoring placement to environment

Commercial offices

• Often feature a mix of open space, conference rooms, and service corridors. Ensure travel distances reflect typical occupancy areas and that extinguishers are accessible from workstations and high-traffic paths.

Industrial facilities and manufacturing

• Higher risk of ignition sources, machinery-generated heat, and complex floor layouts. Spatial planning should emphasize frequent check points on the factory floor, near hazard zones, and in maintenance bays, with shorter travel distances where hazards are most acute.

Kitchens and food preparation

• Class K extinguishers are common in commercial kitchens and require placement within reach of cooking appliances and fryers. Ensure extinguisher locations do not place staff across hot zones or behind heavy equipment.

Healthcare facilities

• Compliance is critical, with additional considerations for patient safety and staff mobility. Extinguisher locations should minimize crossing patient-care zones and be accessible to staff moving quickly through corridors.

Educational facilities

• Large campus layouts require well-distributed extinguishers and clear signage. Correct placement supports rapid response and reduces the risk of delays during evacuation.

Retail and mixed-use spaces

• High occupancy areas require front-of-house extinguishers near customer traffic while maintaining service area access for staff. Travel distances should account for frequent crowd movement.

Maintenance, inspection, and recordkeeping

Maintenance is not a “set it and forget it” task. NFPA 10 requires periodic inspection, maintenance, and testing to keep extinguishers functional and legally compliant.

• Monthly visual inspections: Check for unobstructed access, secure mounting, intact seals and labels, and no obvious physical damage. Update tags with the date of inspection.
• Annual professional inspection: A qualified technician should perform a thorough check, recharge or replace if necessary, and confirm proper placement and accessibility.
• Recharge and discharge checks: If an extinguisher has been used, it must be recharged or replaced. A discharge check and hydrostatic test as required by the extinguisher type should be scheduled.
• Documentation: Maintain a record of all inspections, maintenance, relocations, and upgrades. Ensure that the floor plans reflect the most current placement information.

A key practical point: ensure your documentation is accessible to your safety team and local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). When reviews happen, having a clean, up-to-date placement plan with dates and responsible parties helps you demonstrate compliance and readiness.

A quick-start checklist for facilities managers

• [ ] Verify travel distances for each extinguisher class and confirm alignment with OSHA 1910.157 limits.
• [ ] Confirm top mounting heights (3.5–5 ft typical) and at least 4 inches clearance from the wall.
• [ ] Check for unobstructed visibility and unobstructed access along major routes.
• [ ] Update floor plans to reflect current placements and provide a cross-reference to the class of extinguisher.
• [ ] Establish a monthly inspection routine and assign responsibilities.
• [ ] Schedule annual professional checks and ensure recharging and maintenance are up to date.
• [ ] Train staff on extinguisher operation and the importance of placement compliance.
• [ ] Prepare for audits with an organized set of documents and floor plan overlays.

A practical reference table: quick distances and mounting guidance (condensed)

Condition	Travel distance target	Mounting height guidance (typical)	Notes
Class A areas	75 ft max	3.5–5 ft top height depending on weight	Common in offices, storage, classrooms
Class B areas	50 ft max	3.5–4.5 ft top height	Kitchens or paint shops often require closer spacing
Class D areas	75 ft max	3–4 ft	Industrial metals; ensure clearance around hazards
Class K areas	30 ft max	3–4 ft	Commercial kitchens; special considerations for oils

• This table is a practical simplification for planning and should be validated against the exact NFPA 10 edition your jurisdiction applies.
• Always reference the exact local codes and authority guidance when finalizing placements.

Response to the common question: do NFPA 10 and OSHA rules conflict?

No, not in a strict sense. NFPA 10 provides the standard for portable extinguishers’ placement and coverage, while OSHA 1910.157 establishes enforceable requirements for travel distances and general usage. In practice, many jurisdictions adopt NFPA 10 as the basis for their fire code enforcement or reference NFPA 10 in administrative provisions, making it essential to align both sources in your planning and audits. The alignment is deliberate: efficient evacuation and rapid extinguisher access reduce the severity of fires and improve safety outcomes.

Expert insights: applying theory to real-world layouts

Block quote: Industry expert perspective
“Effective extinguisher placement is less about hammering a single rule and more about ensuring people can reach a real extinguisher quickly, in the context of how they actually move through a space. It’s about mapping risk, testing access paths, and documenting decisions so that audits become routine proof rather than a stressful sprint.” — Fire protection industry veteran

This perspective underscores a practical truth: your plan must withstand the dynamics of a real building. People don’t move in straight lines, equipment is relocated, and doors are sometimes blocked in ways that require rethinking initial placements. A dynamic approach—ongoing assessments, regular updates to floor plans, and a robust recordkeeping system—helps you maintain compliance while keeping your facility safe and efficient.

The regulatory landscape: NFPA 10 vs OSHA and local codes

• NFPA 10: The primary standard, covering selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance of portable extinguishers. It establishes placement criteria that aim to ensure rapid access and effective use.
• OSHA 1910.157: Sets travel distance limits by extinguisher class and establishes general requirements for placement, visibility, mounting, and maintenance to support worker safety.
• Local fire codes: Often adopt NFPA 10 and OSHA guidelines or integrate them into jurisdiction-specific amendments. Always verify with the local AHJ to confirm the adopted edition and any deviations or additional requirements.

The bottom line: maintain a placement strategy that is demonstrably aligned with NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157, documented in floor plans, and supported by ongoing maintenance and training.

One more source for further reading

• NFPA’s official code pages and guidance on portable extinguishers can provide the most current standard language and official commentary. See: [NFPA official: Portable Fire Extinguishers (NFPA 10) – Detail page](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=10)

48Fire Protection services: Expert help to achieve and sustain NFPA 10 compliance

Near the end of the article, let’s ground the discussion in practical options you can deploy. As a leading fire protection services provider, 48Fire Protection offers a suite of services designed to help you plan, install, validate, and maintain compliant extinguisher placement across your facilities.

• Compliance audits and gap analysis
• We conduct thorough walkthroughs and review current extinguisher placement relative to NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157. We identify gaps, document them, and develop remediation plans with prioritized action items.
• Placement planning and design
• Our team maps out extinguisher coverage by class and hazard, produces floor plan overlays, and recommends precise mounting heights with practical justification. We provide accurate distance calculations and signage recommendations for each zone.
• Installation, relocation, and mounting
• We install new extinguishers or relocate existing units to achieve optimal coverage, ensure top-height alignment with weight, and rework mounting hardware to maintain consistent installation quality across facilities.
• Signage, labeling, and visibility improvements
• We ensure extinguishers and signage stand out in all lighting conditions, with color-contrast labeling and accessible signage that meets NFPA and OSHA expectations.
• Documentation and training
• We create an auditable record system including inspection tags, floor plans, and maintenance logs. We also deliver training for staff on extinguisher use, placement awareness, and reporting of obstructions or damage.
• Ongoing maintenance and re-inspections
• Our team coordinates monthly inspections and annual professional inspections, tracks recharges and hydrostatic tests, and ensures continued compliance with NFPA 10 and OSHA standards.

A practical outline of how 48Fire Protection operates in this space

• Step 1: Baseline review of all extinguishers and placement
• Step 2: Hazard mapping and class-specific coverage planning
• Step 3: On-site installation and relocation (as needed)
• Step 4: Documentation package creation (plans, tags, schedules)
• Step 5: Staff training and emergency procedure alignment
• Step 6: Ongoing inspection scheduling and compliance management
• Step 7: Periodic audits to maintain alignment with NFPA standards and regulatory updates

Conclusion: turning compliance into a safety advantage

NFPA 10 fire extinguisher placement is not just a regulatory checkbox; it’s a fundamental component of your facility’s safety culture. Proper travel distances, thoughtful mounting heights, and unobstructed access translate into real-world benefits: faster responses, clearer evacuation paths, and a reduction in fire-related losses. The rules—backed by OSHA’s enforcement framework and NFPA standards—provide a clear, objective framework for moving from “risk of noncompliance” to “safety-on-point.”

By applying a systematic approach—assessing current placement, mapping coverage by hazard, verifying mounting heights, and maintaining thorough documentation—you create a sustainable program that adapts to changing needs. The ultimate payoff is not merely meeting a code requirement; it’s ensuring that people can act swiftly and confidently when every second counts.

If you’re ready to elevate your extinguisher placement program and ensure ongoing NFPA 10 compliance, 48Fire Protection is ready to partner with you. We bring industry expertise, a proven process, and hands-on experience implementing and maintaining high-visibility, accessible extinguisher coverage across diverse facilities. Our services are designed to reduce risk, improve response times, and simplify compliance for facility managers and safety teams alike.

[Contact 48Fire Protection](/contact-us)

References and further reading (for deeper study)

• OSHA 1910.157 – Portable fire extinguishers. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157
• Travel distance requirements specify Class A: 75 feet or less; Class B: 50 feet or less; Class D: 75 feet or less; Class K: 30 feet. ([osha.gov](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157?utm_source=openai))
• OSHA eTool: Evacuation Plans and Procedures – Emergency Standards – Portable Fire Extinguishers – Extinguisher Placement and Spacing. https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/emergency-standards/portable-extinguishers/placement
• OSHA summarizes NFPA 10 placement: max travel distances (A: 75 ft, B: 50 ft, D: 75 ft, K: 30 ft) plus mounting guidelines (top height 3.5–5 ft depending on weight; 4 in clearance). ([osha.gov](https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/emergency-standards/portable-extinguishers/placement?utm_source=openai))
• NFPA 10 Fire Extinguisher Distance: Critical Placement for Optimal Safety and Compliance. https://www.119firecontrol.com/nfpa-10-fire-extinguisher-distance.html
• NFPA 10 (2022) sets maximum travel distances: Class A 75 ft; Class B 30–50 ft; Class K 30 ft; Class D 75 ft, with mounting height limits of 5 ft for lighter units and 3.5 ft for heavier units. ([119firecontrol.com](https://www.119firecontrol.com/nfpa-10-fire-extinguisher-distance.html))
• NFPA: Portable Fire Extinguishers (NFPA 10) – Detail page. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=10

Endnotes

• The numbers and guidance in this article reflect widely cited interpretations and summaries of NFPA 10 and OSHA guidance. Always verify with your local AHJ and the latest edition of NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157 for your jurisdiction, as interpretations or amendments may apply to your facility.

[Contact 48Fire Protection](/contact-us)