Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 9 - Fire Protection Systems
Section 906 - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Subsection 906.3 - Size and distribution

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 906.3

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

The size and distribution of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Sections 906.3.1 through 906.3.4. [F]

TABLE 906.3(1) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR CLASS A FIRE HAZARDS [F]

LIGHT
(Low)
HAZARD OCCUPANCY 		ORDINARY (Moderate)
HAZARD OCCUPANCY 		EXTRA
(High)
HAZARD OCCUPANCY
Minimum Rated Single Extinguisher 2-A c 2-A 4-A a
Maximum Floor Area Per Unit of A 3,000 square feet 1,500 square feet 1,000 square feet
Maximum Floor Area for Extinguisherb 11,250
square feet 		11,250 square feet 11,250 square feet
Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguisher 75 feet 75 feet 75 feet

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929m2, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. Two 21/2-gallon water-type extinguishers shall be deemed the equivalent of one 4-A rated extinguisher.
b. Annex E.3.3 of NFPA 10 provides more details concerning application of the maximum floor area criteria.

c. Two water-type extinguishers each with a 1-A rating shall be deemed the equivalent of one 2-A rated extinguisher for Light (Low) Hazard Occupancies.

TABLE 906.3(2) FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS WITH DEPTHS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.25 INCH [F]

TYPE OF HAZARD BASIC MINIMUM EXTINGUISHER RATING MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCE
TO EXTINGUISHERS (feet)
Light (Low) 5-B
10-B 		30
50
Ordinary (Moderate) 10-B
20-B 		30
50
Extra (High) 40-B
80-B 		30
50

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Note: For requirements on water-soluble flammable liquids and alternative sizing criteria, see Section 5.5 of NFPA 10.

906.3.1 Class A fire hazards. The minimum sizes and distribution of portable fire extinguishers for occupancies that involve primarily Class A fire hazards shall comply with Table 906.3(1). [F]

906.3.2 Class B fire hazards. Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with depths less than or equal to 0.25-inch (6.35 mm) shall be selected and placed in accordance with Table 906.3(2). [F]

Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving flammable or combustible liquids with a depth of greater than 0.25-inch (6.35 mm) shall be selected and placed in accordance with NFPA 10.

906.3.3 Class C fire hazards. Portable fire extinguishers for Class C fire hazards shall be selected and placed on the basis of the anticipated Class A or B hazard. [F]

906.3.4 Class D fire hazards. Portable fire extinguishers for occupancies involving combustible metals shall be selected and placed in accordance with NFPA 10. [F]

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