1. Staff training: All employees must be trained in the correct use of fire extinguishers. extinguishersincluding recognition of different types of fire and safe handling of extinguishers.

          Cf. Article R. 4227-39

1. Choosing the right extinguisher :

   The extinguisher, and more specifically the extinguishing agent it contains, must be adapted to the risks located in the vicinity of the device. These risks are divided into several classes:

   A : solids (wood / paper / fabrics...)

   B: liquids or liquefiable solids (alcohol / hydrocarbons / greases / plastics...)

   C: gas (butane / propane...)

   D: metals (iron filings, aluminium/magnesium powder, etc.)

   F: cooking aids (fats and oils from animals and plants)

2. Regular maintenance: Extinguishers must be serviced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and current regulations. This includes visual inspection, pressure testing, and replacement of defective or obsolete parts.

          Cf. Article R. 4227-29

1. Strategic location: Fire extinguishers must be installed in easily accessible and visible locations, in compliance with fire safety standards. They must be clearly marked and located close to emergency exits.

          Cf. Article R. 4227-28

1. Proper use : When using a fire extinguisher, it is important to follow the instructions provided on the unit. This includes checking the wind direction, using the correct spray technique, and maintaining a safe distance from the fire.

         Cf. Article R. 4227-39

1. Priority evacuation: In the event of an out-of-control fire, or if the situation becomes dangerous, it is imperative to evacuate the premises immediately and allow the fire department to intervene.

         Cf. Article R. 4216-2

1. Proximity to emergency exits: The extinguishers must be installed close to emergency exits, to allow easy access in the event of an emergency. They should be placed in such a way as to be visible and accessible (judiciously distributed over 1/200m² or 300m²).

2. Hazardous areas: Fire extinguishers should be installed in areas where there is an increased risk of fire, such as kitchens, catering areas, storage areas for flammable products, workshops, work areas with electrical equipment, etc.

          In addition, where premises present particular fire risks, notably electrical risks, they are equipped with fire extinguishers of a number and type appropriate to the risks.

1. Strategic locations: Fire extinguishers should be installed in strategic locations where they can be quickly located and used in the event of a fire. This can include corridors, lobbies, main entrances, employee assembly points, etc.

          For each extinguisher, it's essential to make sure it's in the right place, and that it's accessible and signposted.

1. Appropriate height : Fire extinguishers must be installed at a height accessible to all users, including wheelchair users and people of short stature. The recommended height for the installation of extinguishers (carrying handle) is 1m20 maximum.

2. Clear signage: Fire extinguishers must be clearly marked with standardized identification signs indicating their location and the type of fire they are designed to fight. This makes it easy for users to locate extinguishers in the event of an emergency, and ensures that the extinguisher occupies its assigned place.

3. Maximum distance: The recommended maximum distance between two extinguishers should not exceed 15 meters, depending on the size and configuration of the building. This ensures adequate coverage in the event of fire. Ratio of one extinguisher / 200m² or 300m² in rare cases.

• Date of manufacture: The extinguisher's date of manufacture is usually indicated on the label or cylinder. The 10-year validity period is calculated from this date.

Except for CO2 appliances (Appendix A, Table A.1, page 12 of NDS61-919): Intervals start from the date of installation of the fire extinguisher, but must not exceed one year after the date of manufacture marked on the body.

• Regular inspections: The extinguishers must be regularly inspected in accordance with current regulations. It is recommended that the user or his representative carry out inspections of portable extinguishers at regular intervals, to ensure that each extinguisher:
  - Is placed in the indicated location;- Is accessible, clearly visible and/or signposted, with instructions for use facing outwards;- Has legible instructions for use;- Is not obviously damaged;- May have the needle of its pressure indicator in the green part;- Has safety seals that are neither broken nor missing.If necessary, the user should take steps to ensure corrective action. Inspection frequency should be at least quarterly and preferably monthly. If circumstances require, more frequent inspections should be carried out.

• Maintenance: In addition to regular inspections, fire extinguishers must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's rules and current standards. This may include pressure testing, replacement of defective parts, and refilling of extinguishing agent if necessary. The competent person must carry out maintenance every year, with a tolerance of plus or minus two months. Maintenance is only carried out in years 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,11. Years 5 and 15 correspond to additional in-depth maintenance, and year 10 to the overhaul which includes maintenance and additional in-depth maintenance.

• Replacement: At the end of the 10-year validity period, the extinguisher must be taken out of service and replaced by a new one. Even if the extinguisher appears to be in good working order, it may no longer offer effective fire protection due to degradation of internal materials and natural wear and tear.

          *CO2 devices valid for 10 years, portable devices for 20 years

• Presence offire extinguishers: Establishments must be equipped with a sufficient number of fire extinguishers, adapted to the risks present on the premises. The presence of fire extinguishers is mandatory in all workplaces and in establishments open to the public (ERP).

• Types of extinguishers: Fire extinguishers must be of the appropriate type for the classes of fire present in the premises. Extinguisher types are defined by European standards (NF EN 3) and are adapted to the different fire classes (A, B, C, D, etc.).

• Location : Fire extinguishers must be strategically located and easily accessible. They should be placed near emergency exits, in fire-risk areas and at regular intervals along corridors and escape routes.

• Signage: Fire extinguishers must be clearly marked with standardized identification signs indicating their location and the type of fire they can fight. Signage must be easily visible and comprehensible to all employees on the premises.

• Inspections and maintenance: As a rule, extinguishers must undergo periodic inspections by qualified personnel to check that they are working properly and comply with current standards. Regular maintenance must also be carried out to ensure that extinguishers remain in good working order.

• Staff training: The necessary steps must be taken to ensure that all employees are properly trained in the correct use of extinguishers, including recognition of different types of fire and safe handling of extinguishers in the event of fire.