Fire Extinguisher Laws and Regulations You Must Follow in India

Fire safety is a critical component of building design and workplace safety in India. Unfortunately, fire incidents remain a serious threat across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. To mitigate these risks, the Indian government has established clear laws and regulations governing the installation, maintenance, and use of fire extinguishers.

Whether you’re a business owner, facility manager, or homeowner, understanding the fire safety norms in India is essential. Failure to comply can not only endanger lives and property but also lead to penalties and legal action. In this blog, we’ll break down the key fire extinguisher laws and regulations you need to follow in India.

Why Fire Safety Regulations Matter

Every year, thousands of fire accidents in India result in fatalities, injuries, and massive property loss. In many cases, fires spread rapidly due to the absence of proper firefighting equipment or because existing equipment was not maintained properly.

Indian law mandates the use of fire extinguishers in nearly all public and private buildings, especially those where the risk of fire is high. These regulations are enforced by national and local fire departments, as well as safety audit agencies.

Key Regulatory Bodies and Standards

Before diving into specific requirements, it’s important to understand the primary authorities and standards that govern fire safety in India:

1. National Building Code of India (NBC)

Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the NBC lays down the minimum fire safety norms for buildings, including requirements for fire extinguishers.

2. Factories Act, 1948

This act requires factories to take proper precautions against fire, including installing fire extinguishers and training workers in their use.

3. The Fire Services Act (State-specific)

Each state in India has its own Fire Services Act or Rules, which define responsibilities related to fire prevention, including periodic fire safety audits and approvals.

4. IS Codes

The IS 2190:2010 is the Indian Standard that specifically addresses the selection, installation, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. It provides comprehensive guidelines on inspection intervals, types of extinguishers, placement, and usage.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements by Building Type

1. Residential Buildings

• High-rise apartments (above 15 meters in height) must be equipped with fire extinguishers on every floor.
• The NBC recommends that every flat should ideally have at least one portable extinguisher.

2. Commercial Buildings

• Offices, retail shops, and public buildings must have fire extinguishers installed at accessible locations.
• Fire extinguishers must be compatible with the fire risks present—e.g., Class A extinguishers for paper and wood, Class B for flammable liquids, etc.

3. Industrial Facilities

• Factories and warehouses must comply with the Factories Act and NBC norms.
• ABC-type multipurpose extinguishers are generally required.
• For industries dealing with flammable metals or chemicals, specialized extinguishers like Class D or foam-based units must be installed.

4. Educational Institutions

• Schools, colleges, and coaching centers are required to have operational extinguishers, especially near labs, kitchens, and electrical panels.
• Annual fire drills and staff training in extinguisher use are mandatory.

5. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

• Fire extinguishers must be placed near patient areas, operation theatres, and equipment rooms.
• CO₂ extinguishers are recommended for areas with electronic equipment.

Installation and Maintenance Guidelines

Proper placement and upkeep of fire extinguishers are as important as owning them. Here’s what Indian law mandates:

Installation:

• Extinguishers must be wall-mounted or placed on stands at a height of 1 to 1.5 meters.
• Each extinguisher should be within 15 meters of travel distance from any point.
• Signage must be placed to indicate the location of extinguishers.

Maintenance:

• As per IS 2190, fire extinguishers must be serviced at least once a year by authorized professionals.
• Pressure gauges should be checked monthly.
• Refilling must be done after every use or if pressure drops below recommended levels.

Fire Safety Training and Drills

In addition to installing extinguishers, Indian law emphasizes training and preparedness:

• Fire drills should be conducted at least once every six months.
• Employees and residents must be trained in the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
• Fire wardens should be appointed in workplaces to guide evacuation procedures and use firefighting equipment effectively.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with fire safety regulations in India can lead to:

• Fines imposed by fire departments or municipal corporations.
• Cancellation of licenses for businesses and public facilities.
• Legal action under the Indian Penal Code in case of fatalities or injuries due to negligence.

In worst-case scenarios, insurance claims can be denied if proper fire safety equipment, like extinguishers, was not installed or maintained.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant and Safe with Speciality Geochem

Fire extinguishers are not just safety tools—they’re legal requirements. Whether you’re setting up a new office, managing a housing society, running a factory, or operating a school, adhering to India’s fire safety laws is essential.

Speciality Geochem is here to help you stay compliant and protected. As a reliable manufacturer and supplier of all types of fire extinguishers & AFS fire balls, we offer:

• ISI-certified ABC, CO₂, foam, water, and Class D extinguishers.
• Expert guidance on extinguisher selection based on fire risk.
• Annual maintenance contracts and compliance support.

Don’t wait for a fire to strike — be prepared.
Contact Speciality Geochem today to ensure your premises meet all Indian fire safety regulations.