Portable fire extinguishers are an important first line of defense against small fires. For maximum protection, be sure to select and maintain equipment using the provisions in NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. This document covers equipment distribution, placement, maintenance, operation, and inspection--as well as testing and recharging.

Look to the 2007 NFPA 10 for current provisions that impact safety:

• In lieu of 30-day monthly inspections, electronic monitoring is now permitted for most applications, and expanded material covers the topic in full.
• For the first time, NFPA 10 requires certification for technicians servicing extinguishers. Annex material provides details about acceptable certification programs.
• New list of obsolete extinguishers. Be sure to check the up-to-date list and remove problem equipment from service.

Trust the industry's most widely accepted requirements in NFPA 10--the Standard used by OSHA to develop its workplace training regulations.

Servicers, facility managers and owners, and technicians can depend on the 2007 edition to make sure extinguishers are up to the job. 63pp.