Houston Fire Department LSB Standard No. 01

Houston Fire Department Life Safety Bureau (LSB) Standard No. 01

• This standard outlines the installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
• Effective date is 01/01/2024
• Supersedes LSB Standard No. 01, Rev. 06, 11/02/2021
• Standards are established in accordance with the City of Houston Fire Code
• Subject to administrative sections covering alternative materials, modifications, and the Board of Appeals

Section 1.1 - General

• Scope: Covers listed portable fire extinguishers required for various occupancies and locations.
• Purpose: To guide persons involved in selecting, purchasing, installing, approving, and maintaining portable fire extinguishing equipment.

Section 1.2 - Definitions

• Class A: Fires in ordinary combustible materials (wood, cloth, paper, etc.)
• Class B: Fires in flammable liquids, oils, greases
• Class C: Fires involving energized electrical equipment
• Class D: Fires in combustible metals (e.g., magnesium, titanium)
• Type "K": Fires in cooking media (grease, fats, oils) in commercial cooking appliances
• Listed portable fire extinguishing equipment: Equipment listed by a recognized listing agency (e.g., UL, FM Global)
• Garden-style apartment: Apartments three stories or less in height where egress doors directly lead to the exterior of the building

Section 1.3 - General Requirements

• Annual maintenance: All extinguishers require annual inspection, testing, servicing, and maintenance by a licensed fire protection company.
• Operable condition: Extinguishers must be in full working order and stored in their designated locations when not in use
• Conspicuous location: Extinguishers should be readily accessible in case of fire, preferably along normal travel paths, including exits.
• Locked cabinets: Cabinets holding extinguishers should not be locked, except in cases of malicious use, or in specific occupancy groups
• Obstructions: Extinguishers should be clear and unobstructed from view. Signs can be used to indicate extinguisher locations in needed cases.
• Installation: Extinguishers are installed on hangers, cabinets or shelves- wheeled type are exceptions.
• Physical damage: Extinguishers in areas prone to damage must have protection
• Mounting: Extinguishers weighing under 40 pounds should not be more than 5 feet from the floor; heavier extinguishers no more than 3.5 feet.
• Marking: Placement of extinguishers should make operating instructions facing outward

Section 1.4 – Size and Placement of Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Minimum rating and placement: One 2-A, 10-B:C extinguisher should be provided for every 6,000 sq ft of floor area
• Maximum travel distance: Extinguishers should be reachable within 75 feet or 50 feet, or 30 feet depending on the size of the extinguisher, in an unobstructed path from each point in the building.
• Substituting extinguishers: Existing 22-gallon water extinguishers may replace some Class 2-A rated extinguishers, In locations requiring water penetration, only 2-A, 10-B:C extinguishers
• Occupancy Group requirements: Different occupancy groups (Assemblies, Businesses, Educational, Hazardous, Factories, Institutional, Mercantile, Residential, Storage) have different minimum requirements for the number of extinguishers and their ratings

Section 1.5 - General Area Requirements

• Various requirements for specific areas like deep-fat frying, parade floats, asphalt kettles, industrial trucks, battery charging, airports, and aircraft.

This quiz covers the Houston Fire Department's Life Safety Bureau Standard No. 01, effective from January 1, 2024. It outlines the essential requirements for the installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers across various occupancies. Familiarize yourself with the classifications of fires and the standards necessary for proper fire safety equipment.