Is this correct? A fire extinguisher weighing less than 40 pounds (18.14Kg), like the extinguishers found in your home or in an admin office space, should be hung so that the top handle grip is not more than or between 3.5 to 5 ft (Average height 4.25 ft) 1.067m and 1.524m (Average height 1.2955m) above the ground, but no lower than four inches (10.16cm) above the floor. So the smaller fire extinguisher of say 40 pounds (20Kg) should be mounted no MORE than 1.2955m (4.25 ft) above floor level Larger extinguishers, those weighing more than 40 pounds (18.14Kg) or more not normally found in a home setting very often, except in a workshop maybe and most likely in factories, plants and other facilities where there is a greater risk of major fire outbreak. To make them more accessible by not making the user have to lift them down from too high off a mounting bracket the top handle grip of these heavyweights should be mounted no MORE than 3.5 feet in height (1.067m) from the floor. No fire extinguisher should ever be mounted LESS than four inches (10.16cm) above the floor,or MORE than 1.5m above floor height. The preference on the position of the top handle grip height in most cases for the larger and heavier fire extinguishers should be adjacent too or in line with the average person’s hands when they are standing up with their hands at rest at their sides. This is on average is between 70 to 80 cm (2.297 ft to 2.625 ft) average 2.461 ft (75cm) or 1 m above the floor or ground level would be acceptable. The average height for each sex within a population varies significantly, with men being (on average) taller than women. Average height of Men 1.748 m (5 ft 9 in) Average height of Women 1.634 m (5 ft 4 in). Average height of both sexes combined is approximately 1.691 (5.548 ft) Right. Now go hang the fire extinguishers or adjust the height of those fire extinguishers that have already been hung, in most cases way too high? This makes me MAD as I see it quite often in factories, businesses and shopping malls etc. How is the petite lady or young girl, Oh! And some young boys or men? (Especially those with the waist band of their pants hanging around their knees), Going to lift it up in order to get it OFF the bracket and down from where it is already above or almost above their own height and all of this in the HEAT of the moment or in a state of panic and a stage of mayhem. Where on earth will they get the strength? Now if you hang the lighter fire extinguishers (less than 20 Kg) so that the top handle is accessible at a height of 1.2955m (4.252 ft) above the ground you will be within the required height and will be compliant. And if you hang the heavier fire extinguishers (more than 20 Kg) so that the top handle is accessible at a height of .75 cm (2.461 ft) above the ground you will be within the required height and will be compliant. But you could go to 3.5 ft (1.067m) maximum in height. Please remember to place sufficient visible signage at the correct height and level and in highly visible areas as required by international law, and ensure the correct category or class of fire extinguisher. PS. How many of you have a small fire extinguisher in your HOME or KITCHEN and GARAGE or WORKSHOP? I ask this with tears in my eyes.
Is this correct? Yes, if you live in the USA. There is no standard in SA. But the average rule is 1,2m handle height. Take into consideration the location. If in a call centre, with more females, the height should be reduced to 1 meter. A good rule of thumb is hip-height. It is the easiest level to left and carry in one movement. A small 2kg CO2 extinguisher weighs 7,2kg when full or 5,2 kg when empty. Try to lift that off the bracket from a height of 1,2 meter standing 500mm away from the wall. The correct lifting procedure also needs to explained. It is a two hand operation, even if you do have a gym membership. Ideally you should lift the FE off the bracket by pushing it up holding the bottom and then letting it drop to a comfortable carrying height using your other hand to guide the drop, holding it by the handle. Once again you need to look at staff compliment and who you put on the fire teams. If it there are more females, then rather install two 4.5kg FE's than a 9kg DCP - its heavy as an ox. But, the way I see it, if the signs are hanging, it is numbered and a check sheet is ticked off monthly and serviced annually, the insurance will cover the fire damage.
