NFPA Standard for Portable Extinguishers is NFPA what?

• A. NFPA 3
• B. NFPA 20
• C. NFPA 40
• D. NFPA 10

Answer: (D)

Knowing which NFPA standard covers portable extinguishers is essential for proper fire protection planning. Portable extinguishers are addressed by NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. This standard lays out what types of extinguishers are appropriate for different fire hazards, where they should be placed and how they must be mounted and labeled, and how they should be inspected and maintained. It specifies routine maintenance practices, including monthly visual checks and annual service by a competent person, and it sets expectations for testing to ensure the cylinders remain sound. It also covers training so occupants know how to select and operate the extinguisher effectively in an emergency. The other NFPA numbers point to different topics—NFPA 3 relates to fire protection system practices, NFPA 20 deals with the installation of fire pumps, and NFPA 40 addresses the storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids—so they aren’t the standard governing portable extinguishers.