Book updated Jun 2026.
US states generally follow a combination of NFPA standards and OSHA regulations for portable fire extinguishers. The foundational code for selection, installation, and maintenance is NFPA 10, while where and when they are required is dictated by the NFPA Life Safety Code and local fire codes.The primary codes and standards enforced across jurisdictions include:
NFPA 10: The Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. It dictates the types of extinguishers needed for different hazards, travel distances (e.g., 75 feet for Class A hazards), and guidelines for regular inspection, maintenance, and testing.
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code: Widely adopted by state and local governments to specify exactly where extinguishers are required based on building occupancy (e.g., assembly, educational, healthcare).
OSHA 1910.157: The standard governing portable fire extinguishers for workplace environments, outlining specific employer responsibilities, accessibility rules, and employee training.
International Fire Code (IFC): Many states adopt this model code, which integrates NFPA 10 guidelines and sets local enforcement protocols.
In the City of Seattle, fire extinguisher laws and requirements depend on whether the property is residential or commercial, as mandated by the Seattle Fire Code. And it is the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division that administers fire extinguisher license exam. FEX-1 is the exam that covers all activities relating to portable fire extinguishers, including those listed in type FEX-2, FEX-3 and FEX-4.
This book provides practice questions with explanations on these codes, standards, rules and guidelines.
