SECTION 554.315. Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers must be provided and maintained to comply with the provisions of NFPA 10. This includes type of extinguishers (A, B, or C), location and spacing, mounting heights, monthly inspections by staff, yearly inspections by a licensed agent, any necessary servicing, and hydrostatic testing as recommended by the manufacturer.

(1) Extinguishers in resident corridors must be spaced so that travel distance is not more than 75 feet. The minimum size of extinguishers must be either 2 1/2 gallon for water type or five pound for ABC type.

(2) Extinguishers must be installed on supplied hangers or brackets or be mounted in cabinets approved by HHSC.

(3) Extinguishers must be surface wall-mounted or recessed in cabinets where they are not subject to physical damage or dislodgement.

(4) Extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds must be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than five feet above the floor. Extinguishers with a gross weight greater than 40 pounds must be installed so the top of the extinguisher is not more than 3-1/2 feet above the floor. The clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor must not be less than four inches.

(5) Portable extinguishers provided in hazardous rooms must be located as close as possible to the exit door opening and on the latch (knob) side.

(6) Staff must be appropriately trained in the use of each type of extinguisher in the facility.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.315 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 4408; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871; amended to be effective January 2, 2022, 46 TexReg 9037