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1. Is it required to purchase new fire extinguishers before January 1, 2014?

If a dry chemical stored pressure extinguishers has had their 6 year maintenance or a hydro test prior to January 1, 2014 they will be able to remain in-service until the time is up for the next maintenance check.

Background

The Statue 22-1-3 (C) portable fire extinguishers. National Fire Protection Administration standard number 10, including annexes A through K, 2007 edition. The provisions of section 4.4.1 shall be effective only on and after January 1, 2014.

4.4.1 Dry chemical stored pressure extinguishers manufactured prior to October 1984 shall be removed from service at the next 6-year maintenance interval or the next hydrotest interval, whichever comes first.

2. Where should fire extinguishers be placed? At all exit doors, or just front entry?

The use of portable fire extinguishers are most effectively utilized when they are readily available in sufficient number and with adequate extinguishing capacity for use by persons familiar with their operation. In fire emergencies where extinguishers are relied upon, someone usually has to travel from the fire to obtain the device, and then return to the fire before using it. The time required to accomplish this is determined mainly by the travel distance involved in securing the extinguisher and placing it in operation.

Travel distance is the actual distance the user of the extinguisher will need to walk. Consequently, travel distance will be affected by partitions, location of doorways, aisles, piles of stored materials, and other items. For schools the travel distance to a fire extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet unless in a high hazard areas.

In high hazard areas, such as wood or metal shops or chemistry laboratories, the travel distance shall be no more than 50 feet. This information is listed in the National Fire Protection Administration 10 guidelines that cover portable fire extinguishers.

3. Can a (cold fire) liquid agent fire extinguisher be used in Type K extinguishers?

This product is not a UL listed product. It does contain a UL listed component only as UL 2N75 which is a wetting agent. To my knowledge, this product is not specifically tested or listed by Underwriters Laboratories for any specific hazard.

Per National Fire Protection Administration 10, Class K Fires are fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media. Under National Fire Protection Administration 10, 5.3.2.5, Fire extinguishers for the protection of Class K hazards shall be selected from types that are specifically listed and labeled for use on Class K fires.