How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need For My Business?

commercial fire extinguisher in Ohio

Opening a business is a big step. Along with the exciting parts like choosing a location or designing your space, there are also important safety requirements to consider. Fire safety is one of them.

Making sure your business is protected and up to code starts with having the right number of fire extinguishers. But how many do you actually need? What are the fire extinguisher requirements for businesses? And where should they go? If you’re a first-time business owner in Ohio, here’s what you need to know.

Is Every Company in Ohio Required to Have a Fire Extinguisher?

In most cases, yes. Nearly every business in Ohio is required to have portable fire extinguishers on-site. While there are some exceptions, the general rule is that if your business has people inside, you need at least one fire extinguisher. This includes small offices, retail shops, and other low-occupancy spaces.

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need For My Business

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some of the biggest factors that determine how many extinguishers your business needs:

Business Size

Larger buildings usually require more extinguishers, especially if the space is divided by walls, equipment, or different rooms. According to NFPA guidelines, there should be an extinguisher within 75 feet of travel distance in most cases.

Industry & Hazard Level

Larger buildings usually require more extinguishers, especially if the space is divided by walls, equipment, or different rooms. According to NFPA guidelines, there should be an extinguisher within 75 feet of travel distance in most cases.

Occupancy Type

Spaces that see a lot of people coming and going, like restaurants, childcare centers, and storefronts, are held to higher safety standards than low-traffic areas like warehouses or private offices.

Do Fire Extinguishers Require Regular Inspections and Maintenance?

Yes, commercial fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance are required and essential to maintaining the safety of your business. Once you have the correct extinguishers in place, they need to be inspected and maintained regularly to stay in working order and compliant with regulations.

Monthly Visual Checks

Each month, make sure to check the following:

  • No extinguishers are missing or damaged
  • Every unit is clearly visible and accessible
  • The pressure gauge is in the green
  • The tamper seal is intact and unbroken

Annual Inspections

Once a year, a certified technician should inspect and service all extinguishers. They will check that each unit meets the manufacturer’s specifications and is ready for use in an emergency.

Periodic Inspections

Some additional maintenance is only required every few years:

  • Internal exams should be done every 3, 5, or 6 years, depending on the type of extinguisher. During this process, worn parts are replaced as needed.
  • Hydrostatic testing is required every 5 or 12 years, depending on the extinguisher. These tests are done off-site, and temporary extinguishers are provided while yours are being serviced.

When Should You Recharge Your Fire Extinguishers?

You should recharge your extinguishers:

  • After any use, even a partial discharge
  • If the pressure gauge is outside the green zone
  • If the tamper seal is missing or broken

When Should You Replace Your Fire Extinguishers?

A technician will let you know when a fire extinguisher should be replaced. This usually happens when a unit is damaged, outdated, or cannot be serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Placed?

Proper placement is just as important as having the correct number. Incorrect placement can lead to safety issues or even fines during an inspection. Here are a few general rules based on NFPA standards:

  • Extinguishers must be visible and easy to access
  • They should be mounted securely or placed in approved cabinets
  • The distance between units depends on the hazard classification of the space
  • Areas like kitchens, garages, mechanical rooms, and electrical panels often require specialized extinguishers, such as Class K or CO₂ types

Ready to Get Your Business Fire-Safe?

As a business owner, you are responsible for making sure you meet fire safety regulations for your area, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you need help choosing and purchasing the right extinguishers, determining how many you need, or keeping up with inspections, Fire Safety Services is here to help.

At Fire Safety Services, we offer complete commercial fire extinguisher sales and service to help keep your business safe and compliant. We’ll assess your space, recommend the right type and number of extinguishers, and handle the installation for you. Our team also takes care of monthly checks, annual inspections, recharging, and long-term maintenance like hydrostatic testing. Whether you’re opening a new business or keeping your current setup up to code, we’re here to make fire safety simple and reliable. Contact us today to talk to our expert team to make sure your business is protected from day one.