1. Business Type and Building Size:
Common Violation: Underestimating the Number of Extinguishers Required
The number of fire extinguishers needed varies depending on the type of business and the size of the building. For example, a large warehouse might require multiple extinguishers of different sizes, such as a 10-pound Class A extinguisher for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, and a 20-pound Class B extinguisher for flammable liquids. A common violation occurs when businesses, especially those with large or multi-story buildings, install too few extinguishers, leaving parts of the building under-protected.
2. Fire Extinguisher Classes and Sizes:
Common Violation: Using the Wrong Type or Size of Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers come in different classes, each designed for specific types of fires:
Class A: For ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth) – often found in offices and retail spaces.
Class B: For flammable liquids (grease, gasoline, oil) – essential for areas like kitchens and garages.
Class C: For electrical fires – crucial in any environment with extensive electronic equipment.
Class K: Specifically for kitchen fires involving cooking oils – mandatory for commercial kitchens.
The size of the extinguisher is also important. Smaller extinguishers (e.g., 2.5 pounds) might be sufficient for a small office, but larger areas or high-risk zones might need 10- to 20-pound extinguishers. A common violation is having the wrong class or size for the specific risks present. For instance, using a small Class A extinguisher in a commercial kitchen where a Class K is required can lead to serious safety issues and FDNY fines.
3. Coverage Area:
Common Violation: Insufficient Coverage in Larger or Compartmentalized Spaces
FDNY regulations require that fire extinguishers be accessible within a certain distance from any point in the building, typically within 75 feet in standard commercial settings. This means larger or multi-compartment spaces may need multiple extinguishers of varying sizes and classes. A common violation occurs when businesses fail to account for the size and layout of their premises, leading to some areas being inadequately covered or requiring a walk that’s too long to reach an extinguisher.
4. Mounting and Placement:
Common Violation: Improper Mounting, Obstructed Access, and Incorrect Sizes
Fire extinguishers must be mounted at specific heights and in visible, easily accessible locations. The FDNY mandates that extinguishers be placed where they can be quickly reached during an emergency, which often means different sizes for different locations (e.g., a smaller extinguisher for tight spaces, a larger one for open areas). Violations frequently occur when extinguishers are mounted incorrectly, too high or too low, or placed behind obstacles. Another issue is choosing extinguishers that are too large for easy handling in small spaces, making them ineffective when needed most.

Why Master Fire Prevention?
At Master Fire Prevention, we understand that fire safety is not one-size-fits-all. Our team will assess your business’s specific needs, ensuring you have the correct number, class, and size of fire extinguishers in the right locations. We help you avoid common violations by providing expert installation, regular maintenance, and compliance with FDNY regulations.

Don’t leave your business vulnerable to fines or fire hazards. Contact Master Fire Prevention today to ensure your fire extinguishers are correctly sized, classified, and placed to protect your business effectively. In Brooklyn we serve Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Bushwick, Greenpoint, Prospect Heights, Gowanus, Red Hook, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Boerum Hill, Flatbush and Sheepshead Bay