having a fire extinguisher is mandatory

Fire extinguishers: are they mandatory or recommended?

Fire extinguishers were developed to combat uncontrolled fires. Any type of fire that gets out of control is dangerous and should be extinguished, preferably with the use of an extinguisher. The need for an extinguisher can vary, being recommended for homes and cars and mandatory for commercial establishments. Regardless of the legal obligation, it is always sensible to have them, as fire is extremely destructive and can be fatal if not controlled.

Fire is one of humanity's oldest enemies, and controlling a fire can be very difficult. However, it is possible to combat it. The duration of the fire will determine the extent of the damage, so it is crucial to have a good fire suppression system. Extinguishers play a vital role in fighting fire, helping to save lives and property.

Should I have a fire extinguisher at home or in my business?

  • At Home: For a residence, it is highly recommended to own a fire extinguisher. Spray-type extinguishers, such as Extpray, are easy to handle and ideal for home use.

  • In Businesses: For a business, it is mandatory to have fire extinguishers. All commercial establishments must include a safety plan that includes extinguishers, with a minimum of one 6 kg dry powder extinguisher and one 2 kg CO2 extinguisher for the electrical panel.

Regulations

In businesses, it is mandatory to comply with Decree-Law no. 220/2008 of 12 November, which establishes the Legal Regime for Fire Safety in Buildings. The maintenance of extinguishers must follow Portuguese regulation NP4413.

Placement and location of extinguishers

Extinguishers should be placed so that the maximum distance between them does not exceed 15 metres. For example, for a 100m² room, it is common to have two 6 kg dry powder or 6 kg foam extinguishers, in addition to a 2 kg CO2 extinguisher for the electrical panel.

Do I need to take a course to use fire extinguishers?

It is not mandatory to take a course to use fire extinguishers, although it may be required in businesses as part of Occupational Risk Protection. Courses are available for those interested in learning more about fire fighting.

Fire prevention

Prevention is always the best strategy. It is essential to have the best tools and knowledge to put out a fire, whether at home or at work. This can save lives and protect your property.