Portable Fire Extinguisher Selection and Placement
What You Need to Know
Every commercial building in Australia needs portable fire extinguishers. AS 2444 (the Australian Standard for fire extinguisher selection and location) sets the rules. The type you pick depends on what could burn. Place them wrong, and they are useless in a fire.
The Rules
- Pick the extinguisher type based on the fire class in each area. Class A for paper and wood. Class B for flammable liquids. Class E for electrical. Class F for cooking oils. (AS 2444-2001, Section 2)
- The maximum travel distance to a Class A extinguisher is 15 metres in areas without sprinklers (AS 2444-2001, Section 4)
- Mount extinguishers with the base at least 100 mm off the floor and the top of the handle no higher than 1200 mm (AS 2444-2001, Section 3)
- Place a red-and-white identification sign at 2000 mm above floor level, directly above each extinguisher (AS 2444-2001, Section 3)
- Keep at least 1000 mm clear space around every extinguisher (Fire and Rescue NSW guidance on AS 2444)
- Kitchens need a wet chemical extinguisher and a fire blanket, placed 2 to 20 metres from cooking equipment (AS 2444-2001, Cl 4.4.4)
- Electrical switchboards need a 5 kg CO2 extinguisher within 2 to 20 metres (AS 2444-2001, Cl 4.4.2)
What This Means in Practice
For a standard office floor, the main risk is Class A (paper, cardboard, furniture) and Class E (electrical equipment). An ABE dry chemical powder extinguisher covers both. At a maximum travel distance of 15 metres, a 600 m² open-plan office typically needs three to four extinguishers spread along exit routes.
Where a commercial kitchen sits on the same floor, it needs its own wet chemical extinguisher for Class F cooking oil fires. A standard ABE unit will not work on deep fryer fires. The wet chemical must sit between 2 and 20 metres from the cooking equipment, close enough to reach quickly but far enough that the user is not standing in the fire.
Switchboards rated above 100 amps need a dedicated CO2 extinguisher within 2 to 20 metres. CO2 does not leave residue on electrical gear, which matters for servers, switchboards, and data rooms. Size it at 5 kg minimum with a hose and horn.
Key Design Decisions
Extinguisher Type by Area
Match the extinguisher to the hazard. ABE powder covers most general areas (Class A, B, and E). Use CO2 near electrical switchboards and server rooms. Use wet chemical in kitchens. Do not rely on one type across the whole building.
Travel Distance vs. Coverage
AS 2444 sets a 15 metre maximum for Class A risks without sprinklers. In a sprinklered building, you can space them further apart. Plan extinguisher locations on the floor plan early, along exit paths and near high-risk areas.
Mounting Method: Bracket vs. Cabinet
Wall brackets are the cheapest option. Cabinets protect the extinguisher from damage and theft in public areas, car parks, and loading docks. Both must meet the 100 mm to 1200 mm height range.
Maintenance Regime
AS 1851 requires six-monthly visual inspections, annual servicing, and a five-year pressure test and overhaul. Only accredited technicians can sign off. Plan for ongoing costs from day one.
Who Needs to Know What
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References
- AS 2444-2001 (R2021), Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets — Selection and location
- National Construction Code 2022, Volume One, Part E1 — Fire fighting equipment (E1D14)
- AS 1851-2012, Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
- Fire and Rescue NSW, Fact Sheet No. 43 - Portable Fire Extinguisher Tips for Business