When mounting a fire extinguisher cabinet it is important to follow the guidelines set by the ADA and NFPA. These guidelines are set to ensure that buildings adhere to certain safety standards set by these organizations. The NFPA and ADA have created these guidelines for the mounting of fire extinguisher cabinets and extinguishers to provide safety and easy access to fire equipment.Let's take a look at who these organizations are:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that was enacted by the United States Congress in 1990 that helps to stop discrimination against individuals with disabilities. ADA guidelines state that no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of their disability. This is in regard to the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by anyone who owns, leases, or operates a place of public accommodation. The term public accommodations includes most places of lodging such as in its, hotels and motels. It also includes recreation, transportation, education and dining among many other things. Other ADA guidelines state that all new construction and existing facilities must accommodate the previous guidelines.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a United States trade Association that is created to maintain private, copyrighted, standards and codes for the usage and adoption by local governments. Their mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing abdicating consensus codes and standards, research, training and education. They are responsible for over 300 codes and standards that are designed to minimize the risk the risk of fire by establishing the criteria for buildings.

Correct Heights For Mounting Your Fire Extinguisher Cabinet

ADA guidelines specify reach ranges for building occupants who require access to the equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher cabinets.

The mounting heights of portable fire extinguishers are determined by the overall weight of the actual fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers weighing 40 pounds or less must be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is no more than 70 inches above the floor. Fire extinguishers weighing a total of more than 40 pounds must always be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is no more than 42 inches above the floor. In no circumstance shall a fire extinguisher be installed with the bottom of the fire extinguisher less than 4 inches above the floor. Also, when one is determining the installation heights, they should also consider accessibility requirements.

In order to be considered unobstructed, the maximum forward reach to this equipment is the measured distance of 48 inches above the floor. The maximum size range should always be 54 inches. The actual mounting heights for cabinets housing this equipment can be determined by reviewing the exact dimensions of the intended fire extinguisher cabinets and the positioning of the actual fire equipment inside of the cabinets.

Your local inspector is the final word in making sure that your building meets all the final requirements.