How many extinguishers per m2?
The French Labor Code sets out the requirements for the presence of fire extinguishers in establishments. It is mandatory to have at least one 6-liter portable water-spray extinguisher for every 200 m2 of floor space, with a minimum of one per level. Depending on the activity carried out on the premises, it is mandatory to fit fire extinguishers of a number and type appropriate to the risks. (e.g. electrical hazards).
Some establishments, such as industrial plants, are not obliged to install more extinguishers, but are strongly advised to have one per 150 m2, as the risk of fire is higher.
To determine their installation zone, the establishment must be divided into zones, in 200 m2 increments. The installed extinguisher must be accessible and visible. There must be extinguishers for general protection, supplementary protection and special activities.
Fire extinguishers for general protection
Depending on the type of activity (industrial / tertiary), the general protection of a zone differs:
Industrial sector :
- 1 9-litre water fire extinguisher or
- 1 9 kg dry powder extinguisher or
- 3 fire extinguishers 5 kg CO2
Tertiary sector :
- 1 6-litre water fire extinguisher or
- 1 6 kg dry powder extinguisher or
- 2 fire extinguishers 5 kg CO2
These extinguishers must comply with the CE standard, which must be visible on the cylinder. As they are pressurized equipment, they must meet the requirements of European Parliament Directive 97/23/EC on this type of equipment, which aims to "guarantee the protection, health and safety of persons and, where appropriate, domestic animals or property".
Fire extinguishers for additional protection
Some installations, such as machinery, transformers, boiler rooms and switchboards, represent a localized hazard and require additional protection:
Overhead storage of flammable liquids (in L) and gases (in kg) indoors
- Quantity less than 100 L / kg: No equipment required
- Quantity between 100 and 500 L / kg: 1 x 9 kg ABC or BC powder extinguisher
- Quantity between 500 and 3,000 L / kg: 2 x 9 kg ABC or BC powder extinguishers
- Quantity exceeding 3,000 L / kg: 2 x 9 kg powder extinguishers + 1 x 50 kg powder extinguisher on ABC or BC wheels
Overhead storage over 3 metres from 400 m².
- 1 ABC or BC 50 kg powder extinguisher, wheeled
- 1 45 L water extinguisher, wheeled
Areas dedicated to painting activities (for all surfaces > 25 m²)
- 1 50kg wheeled ABC or BC powder extinguisher or
- 1 CO2 fire extinguisher of at least 20kg or
- 1 water fire extinguisher + 45-litre additive on wheels
Fire extinguishers to protect specific activities
Outdoor storage of flammable liquids and/or gases above ground or in pits
This applies in particular to liquids classified as particularly flammable, first and second category, as well as low flammability liquids.
- Quantity in liters or kg less than or equal to 500: no equipment required
- Quantity between 500 and 2,500: 1 x 9kg ABC or BC powder extinguisher
- Quantity between 2,500 and 5,000: 2 x 9kg ABC or BC powder extinguishers
- Quantity over 5,000: 2 x 9kg powder extinguishers and 1 x 50kg ABC or BC powder extinguisher
For low-flammability and 2nd category liquids, wheeled extinguishers are only mandatory for quantities of 50,000 liters or more. A shovel, bucket and sandbox are also recommended.
Fuel dispensing stations
It is compulsory to install an ABC powder extinguisher for each site with between 1 and 3 volumetric pumps.
Miscellaneous outdoor storage
All permanent outdoor storage areas within a 10-meter radius of premises equipped with mobile extinguishers must be equipped with either :
- one 9-litre or 9-kg fire extinguisher per 200 m² portion,
- a 45-litre water-spray extinguisher with additive
- a 50 kg wheeled ABC powder extinguisher for a 1000 m² portion.
Cold rooms and warehouses
There must be one fire extinguisher every 200m2. Additional fire extinguishers are not required for overhead storage. Fire extinguishers must be installed outside cold stores.
