Fire extinguisher requirements as set forth in this section apply to the selection, installation and mounting, and maintenance of fire-extinguishing equipment for one and two-family dwellings (single family homes and duplexes) and in living units within multi-family structures (apartment buildings) per divisions (C) and (D). The requirements of this section shall supersede the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1, Chapter 13 Fire Protection Systems, § 13.6.1.2 where required. Fire extinguisher requirements as set forth in this section shall also supersede Iowa Administrative Code, and if any conflict exists between the adopted codes/standards and this section, the more restrictive requirement applies. Fire-extinguishing equipment is intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size. The equipment is needed even though the dwelling or living unit is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, fire or smoke alarm systems, or both; single-station smoke detectors; or other fixed fire suppression or detection system. Depending upon the conditions existing in each living unit, additional extinguishers or extinguishers of larger capacity might be advisable. (NFPA 10)
(A) One and two-family dwellings. It shall be required that one and two-family dwellings (single family homes and duplexes) shall have the following:
(1) A minimum 2-A:10-B:C rated fire extinguisher shall be installed in each unit (for every 6,000 square feet of floor space, or one 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher per dwelling marketed for rent). (NFPA 10)
(2) Travel distances between additional fire extinguishers shall not exceed 75 feet. (NFPA 10)
(3) A minimum 2-A:10-B:C rated fire extinguisher shall be installed in an attached garage that is under or connected to the dwelling by a common wall. (NFPA 10)
(B) Multi-family structures. It shall be required that living units within multi-family structures marketed for rent (apartment buildings with three or more units) shall have the following:
(1) A minimum 2-A:10-B:C rated fire extinguisher shall be installed and maintained by a certified technician on each level of a living unit (for every 6,000 square feet of floor space). (NFPA 10)
(2) Travel distances between additional fire extinguishers shall not exceed 75 feet. A four-unit apartment building with a common area leading to the individual apartments would be allowed to have one 2-A:10-B:C rated fire extinguisher installed in the common area, serving the four individual apartments, as long as the floor space does not exceed 6,000 square feet and the travel distance does not exceed 75 feet from the individual apartments to the fire extinguisher. (NFPA 10)
(3) A minimum 2-A:10-B:C rated fire extinguisher shall be installed in an attached garage that is under or connected to the dwelling by a common wall. (NFPA 10)
(C) Installation. Installation of fire extinguishers shall be as follows:
(1) Fire extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and shall be kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used. (NFPA 10)
(2) Fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located out in the open, where they are readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire. (NFPA 10)
(3) Fire extinguishers shall be located along normal paths of egress travel, including near room exits from areas. (NFPA 10)
(4) Fire extinguishers shall be mounted securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher, or in a bracket incorporating releasing straps or bands supplied by the extinguisher manufacturer, or installed in approved cabinets or wall recesses. (NFPA 10)
(5) Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18.14 kilograms) shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than five feet (1.53 meters) above the floor. Fire extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 40 pounds (18.14 kilograms, except wheeled types) shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 3 1/2 feet (1.07 meters) above the floor. (NFPA 10)
(6) Fire extinguishers shall be installed so that the operating instructions face outward. (NFPA 10)
(D) Maintenance. Maintenance of fire extinguishers shall be as follows:
(1) Replaceable-type fire extinguishers shall have an annual external visual examination conducted to verify that the extinguisher is in its designated place and unobstructed, the pressure gauge indicates a full charge, to detect obvious damage, corrosion, or nozzle blockage, if any seals or tampering indicators are broken, missing, or in need of replacing, to verify that the operating instructions are present, legible, and facing forward, and to determine if replacement of the extinguisher is due.
(a) When an annual external examination of a replaceable-type fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency, immediate corrective action shall be required.
(b) A replaceable-type fire extinguisher shall be removed from service after use or as a result of a deficiency, and shall be immediately replaced with a fire extinguisher of at least equal rating. (NFPA 10)
(2) Rechargeable fire extinguishers shall be inspected, maintained, and serviced annually by a certified technician.
(a) Each rechargeable-type fire extinguisher shall have a tag or label securely attached that indicates that maintenance was performed. The tag or label, at a minimum, shall identify the month and year that the maintenance was performed, the person performing the work, and the name of the agency performing the work.
(b) When the annual servicing of a rechargeable-type fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency, immediate corrective action shall be required.
(c) A rechargeable-type fire extinguisher shall be recharged after any use, or when the need is indicated as a result of servicing.
(d) A rechargeable-type fire extinguisher removed from service after use or as a result of a deficiency shall be immediately replaced with a fire extinguisher of at least equal rating. (NFPA 10)
(Ord. 2724, passed 4-11-2023)