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Scope and Importance
IS 2190:2024 applies to all portable fire extinguishers across industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential environments. The standard covers:
- Criteria for selecting appropriate types and capacities of extinguishers based on fire risks
- Installation locations and mounting heights for accessibility and visibility
- Routine and periodic inspection, testing, and servicing protocols
- Record-keeping and operational readiness verification
Selection Criteria
- Hazard Identification:
The foremost step involves identifying the nature of fire risks present—classified by fire types (A, B, C, D, and K)—and environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, humidity, and presence of corrosive agents. - Extinguisher Type & Capacity:
IS 2190:2024 recommends specific extinguisher agents (water, foam, dry chemical, CO₂, wet chemical, etc.) corresponding to fire classifications. The size or capacity of the extinguisher must be adequate to cover the potential fire load, typically ranging from 2 kg to 9 kg for portable units. - Occupancy and Accessibility:
Placement strategies are defined based on the building type, occupant density, and fire spread potential. Extinguishers must be mounted in locations that are easily accessible within a maximum travel distance of 15 to 30 meters, ensuring rapid response.
Installation Guidelines
- Mounting Height and Position:
Extinguishers should be mounted on brackets or stands at heights between 0.9 meters and 1.5 meters from the floor to the handle, optimizing ease of retrieval. - Signage and Visibility:
Clear signage conforming to IS 2379 is mandatory, highlighting extinguisher locations, and ensuring they are free from obstructions. - Environmental Protection:
Units installed in harsh environments (outdoor, industrial fumes, extreme temperatures) require protective enclosures or corrosion-resistant models.
Maintenance Protocols
- Routine Inspection:
Monthly visual inspections check pressure gauge readings, seals, tamper indicators, and physical conditions such as corrosion, dents, or leakage. - Functional Testing:
Annual checks involve verifying mechanical parts, pressure testing (hydrostatic where applicable), and refilling or replacement of extinguishing agents if expired or depleted. - Cleaning and Servicing:
Nozzle and valve cleaning, seal replacement, and hose inspection ensure unobstructed agent discharge and mechanical reliability. - Record Keeping:
Detailed logs of inspections, maintenance, servicing, and refilling activities are essential for regulatory compliance and safety audits.
Operational Readiness and Training
- User Training:
Regular drills and training sessions are recommended for occupants and fire wardens to familiarize them with extinguisher operation, selection based on fire type, and emergency protocols. - Readiness Verification:
The standard mandates documented confirmation of extinguisher readiness, ensuring devices are always available and functional.
Conclusion
IS 2190:2024 delivers a structured framework for selecting the correct portable fire extinguisher suited to specific hazards and maintaining them in a fully operational state. This ensures the efficacy of extinguishers as crucial firefighting tools, significantly enhancing fire safety preparedness across diverse environments.
