For an ordinary hazard occupancy facility of 3000 sq ft, how many 2-A rated extinguishers are needed?

For an ordinary hazard occupancy facility, the NFPA 10 standard provides specific guidance on the placement and quantity of portable fire extinguishers based on the floor area of the space. The requirement is established based on the amount of floor space protected per unit of extinguisher rating.

A 2-A rated extinguisher has a classification that indicates it is effective against ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper, with 2-A implying it provides the equivalent protection of two gallons of water. According to NFPA 10 guidelines, one 2-A rated extinguisher can cover up to 3,000 square feet in an ordinary hazard occupancy.

Given a facility area of 3,000 square feet, the requirement is for one 2-A rated extinguisher. However, it is recommended to have two extinguishers to ensure immediate access from various points in the space, further enhancing safety. Therefore, the determination of needing two 2-A rated extinguishers arises from the guidelines that favor accessibility and redundancy.

This recommendation is particularly important in larger spaces, where distance from an extinguisher to a potential fire source might become a concern. So, while technically one is permissible for the area, two extinguishers are advisable to ensure