There is no single number for every building. The right number depends on the size of each floor, what is inside, and how far people have to walk to reach one. But there is a simple way to work it out.
Short answer: put at least one extinguisher on every floor, near the stairs or exit. Then add more so that nobody has to walk more than about 23 metres (75 feet) to reach one. Add extra CO2 units next to electrical panels, and foam units where fuel is stored.
Step 1: Start with the walking distance
The international standard NFPA 10 uses walking distance. For ordinary fires (paper, wood, cloth), a person should not have to walk more than about 23 metres to reach an extinguisher. For fuel and oil areas, the distance is shorter, usually 10 to 15 metres, depending on the size of the extinguisher.
Walk the floor with a measuring tape or a plan. Start from the furthest corner and mark where the nearest extinguisher would be. Walls, racks and machines make the path longer than a straight line.
Step 2: Add units for special risks
- Electrical panels and generators: one CO2 extinguisher next to each main panel room and generator.
- Server and control rooms: one CO2 extinguisher at the door.
- Fuel, paint and chemical stores: one foam extinguisher at the entrance.
- Kitchens: a fire blanket and a suitable kitchen extinguisher.
- Boiler rooms: ABC or foam, depending on the fuel.
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Step 3: Check the size
A bigger extinguisher covers a bigger area and lasts longer. For general floors in offices and factories, 4 kg to 6 kg ABC units are common. Homes and cars use 1 kg to 2 kg. Warehouses and high-risk areas may need 9 kg units or wheeled units. If you are not sure, read which extinguisher type you need.
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Where and how to hang them
- Near exits and stairs, so people move towards safety while getting one.
- On the wall on a proper bracket or in a fire equipment box, not on the floor behind boxes.
- Under NFPA 10, the top of an extinguisher up to 18 kg should be no higher than about 1.5 metres from the floor, and the bottom at least 10 cm above the floor.
- With a clear sign above it, so it can be seen from across the room.
A quick example
A 5,000 square foot garment floor with one electrical panel room might need four ABC units spread along the walking routes, plus one CO2 unit at the panel room. A fabric store room next to it might need one more ABC unit at its door. This is only an example. Your final number depends on the layout.
What the Fire Service asks for
For a fire licence or inspection, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence will check the number, type and condition of your extinguishers. Their inspector has the final say. Our guide on the fire licence explains what else they check.
Common questions
How many fire extinguishers does a flat need?
One 1 kg or 2 kg ABC unit near the kitchen is the minimum. A larger flat or duplex should have one on each floor.
How many extinguishers for a small shop or office?
At least one ABC unit near the door, and one CO2 unit if you have a server, UPS room or a big electrical board.
Do fire extinguishers expire?
They need regular checking and refilling, and the cylinder needs a pressure test after some years. See how often to service fire extinguishers.
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