Rules for provision of Fire Extinguishers in Apartment Buildings

To enable the Managing Committee to fulfill its obligation under the Maharashtra Fire Act 2007.

Fire Extinguisher is the most common fire fighting equipment. It is handy, economical, easy to use and very effective against small fires.

For Residential Buildings, especially High-rises, they are very critical to extinguish fires in the incipient stages. This can avoid lot of damage caused, as the fire can spread very rapidly in High-rises.

IS-2190: 2010, ANNEX B Clause B-2.1 states the following for all Residential buildings:

“ABC 5 kg/6 kg fire extinguisher, for every 200 m² of floor area or part thereof with minimum of two extinguishers per floor of the building. The extinguishers should be so located as to be available within 15 m radius.”

The inspection of all extinguisher should be carried out at least once a month, by trained personnel, to ensure that these are in their proper working condition, as per Clause 11.12 of IS-2190: 2010.

It is also mandatory to refill these Fire Extinguishers after every use – even if partly used – or every 3 years, whichever is earlier. (As per ANNEX D of IS-2190: 2010)

All residents should get themselves trained in the operation of Fire Extinguishers by attending the fire drills held in their societies.

As per the Maharashtra Fire Act 2009, it is the responsibility of the Managing Committee to ensure that all the fire safety norms with respect to the fire extinguishers are followed.