🧯 FIRE SAFETY MATERIALS GUIDE
For Shops, Restaurants, Bars and Snack Bars
(According to legislation and best practices in Portugal)
🏪 RETAIL SHOPS
✅ MANDATORY MATERIALS:
Extinguishers
+ 1x ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher – 6kg
+ 1x CO₂ Extinguisher – 2kg (near the electrical panel)
How to Install:
Fix with the handle 1.20 meters from the floor.
Installation is super easy! Just use the wall bracket that comes with the extinguisher. Drill 2 to 3 holes and you're done!
If the store has more than 200 m², add 1 ABC extinguisher (6kg) for each additional fraction of 200 m².
Safety Signage
Mandatory signs:
+ Emergency exit
+ Extinguisher sign
+ No smoking (very important!)
+ Priority Service
+ Electrical Panel
+ Emergency Plan (in A3 format, displayed near the entrance)
How to Install:
The no smoking and priority service signs do not need to be 2.10 meters from the floor like the others. They must be clearly visible as soon as the customer enters the establishment, to ensure that everyone sees this important information.
Important:
The no smoking sign carries a high fine if it is not visible at the entrance!
Emergency Lighting
Required in exits, corridors and risk areas.
First Aid Kit
Compliance with Ordinance No. 1456-A/95.
Visible and easily accessible location.
Fire Blanket (Recommended)
Especially in areas with electrical risk or flammable materials.
🍽️ RESTAURANTS, BARS AND SNACK BARS
✅ MANDATORY AND RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Fire extinguishers
+ 1x ABC Fire Extinguisher – 6kg
+ 1x CO₂ Fire Extinguisher – 2kg (next to the electrical panel)
+ 1x ABF Fire Extinguisher - 2L (kitchen area)
How to Install
Installation is the same as for commercial stores: simply fix it with the handle 1.20 meters from the floor.
If the establishment has more than 200 m², add 1 ABC fire extinguisher (6kg) for each additional 200 m² fraction.
Fire Detection System
Smoke or heat detectors.
Manual alarm (emergency button).
Extraction system with automatic cut-off (when required by firefighters, for industrial kitchens or those with high thermal load).
Safety Signage
-
Mandatory signs:
+ Emergency exit
+ Location of fire extinguishers, alarms, first aid
+ Priority Service
+ Electrical Panel
+ Emergency Plan (in A3 format, next to the entrance)
How to Install
Safety signage should be placed with double-sided tape 2.10 meters from the floor.
However, don't forget the smoking and priority service signage — these need to be visible as soon as the customer enters the establishment, and not necessarily 2.10 meters from the floor. Smoking signage is fundamental, as the fine for not having it is high!
Emergency Lighting
Applied in technical areas, corridors and exits.
Reinforced First Aid Kit + Signage
With essential material: bandages, compresses, disinfectant, scissors, etc.
🔁 MAINTENANCE & BEST PRACTICES
Fire extinguishers
Check the validity and condition of fire extinguishers annually. They must have a verification seal.
Emergency Lighting
Perform regular tests to ensure it works correctly.
First Aid Kit
Check validity and replenish material when necessary.
Fire Extinguishers and Signage
Ensure they are well-fixed, accessible and at the correct heights.
The Team
Everyone should know how to use fire extinguishers and follow the evacuation plan.
📌 FINAL NOTES
Installation height of fire extinguishers
The handle must always be 1.20 meters from the floor.
Safety signage
It should be placed 2.10 meters from the floor, using double-sided tape.
Fire extinguishers
Add 1 ABC fire extinguisher (6kg) for every additional 200 m².
Emergency Plan
In A3 format, always visible, next to the entrance.
Priority Service Sign
Mandatory.
Electrical Panel Sign
Mandatory.
No Smoking Sign
VERY important! Don't forget this signage, as the fine for not having it is high!
🧯 Complete Fire Safety Guide for Local Accommodation (AL)
If you manage Local Accommodation in Portugal, ensuring fire safety is essential. This practical guide explains how to correctly install fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency signage, complying with current legislation and protecting your guests.
🔥 Installation of Fire Extinguishers in Local Accommodation
What is the correct height to install a fire extinguisher?
The top of the extinguisher handle should be up to 1.20 meters from the floor.
The base of the extinguisher should be at least 10 cm from the floor.
The extinguisher must be fixed to the wall, on an appropriate support, never directly on the floor.
Where to place the fire extinguisher in local accommodation?
It should be installed near the exit door, in the kitchen, or in common corridors.
It must always be in a visible, unobstructed, and signposted location.
Mandatory maintenance
An annual inspection by a certified technician is mandatory.
Monthly visual checks of the extinguisher's condition (pressure, accessibility, validity) should be performed.
🧪 Installation of Fire Blanket in Local Accommodation
What is the ideal height for a fire blanket?
The handle should be between 1.30 m and 1.50 m from the floor.
The base of the packaging should be between 1.10 m and 1.30 m from the floor.
The blanket must be hung on the wall, visible and accessible.
Where to place the fire blanket?
In the kitchen, about 1 to 2 meters from the stove, but never directly above it.
It must be easily accessible in case of oil or grease fires.
🚨 Safety Signage: Heights and Rules
Types of recommended or mandatory signage
Fire extinguisher sign
Fire blanket sign
Emergency exit
Evacuation route
Sign prohibiting the use of the elevator in case of fire
Height of signage placement
Between 1.80 m and 2.20 m from the floor.
They should always be placed above the equipment they identify.
Signage must be photoluminescent (glow in the dark), according to standard NP 4386.
📄 Final Tips for Fire Safety Compliance in AL
Do not obstruct fire extinguishers or signs with furniture, curtains, or decoration.
Have an emergency plan posted with useful contacts (such as 112).
Ensure all equipment is within its validity period and functional.
Whenever possible, promote basic training on extinguisher use and evacuation.
✅ Conclusion
Correctly installing a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in your local accommodation is not just a legal requirement – it is a commitment to the safety of your guests. Follow official recommendations, keep equipment accessible and well-signposted, and be prepared to act in an emergency.
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