While homes are not required to have a fire extinguisher, all other building types are. The specific requirements vary from one building to another, based on a number of factors:
- The building’s size
- The type of building it is (apartment, restaurant, etc.)
- The type of fire hazards expected in that building
These factors dictate how many extinguishers are required, where they should be placed, what type they should be, and more.
Generally, a fire extinguisher should be in a visible, easily accessible location. It needs to be labeled and unobstructed, so that it can be reached in the event of an emergency. You can find more detailed information on the OSHA and NFPA websites. For home use, experts recommend having one fire extinguisher per floor (as well as one in the kitchen).