“Protection only works if it works — readiness is the real safety standard.”

The day after Diwali is the perfect time to take a breath—and sanity-check your fire readiness. Fire safety is one of those things that tends to fade into the background until it’s tested. But in India, where festive lights, electrical loads, and workplace hazards often combine, post-Diwali is a great reminder that fire preparedness saves lives and property.

If you could only pick one piece of fire equipment for most Indian workplaces and homes, it would be the ABC fire extinguisher — a versatile, dry-chemical portable fire extinguisher that tackles the three most common classes of fire:

• Class A – ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth)
• Class B – flammable liquids (oil, paint, petrol)
• Class C – energized electrical equipment

This guide breaks down 10 practical essentials so your team not only has ABC fire extinguishers, but also knows how to choose, place, use, and maintain them the right way.

1. Know What “ABC” Actually Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

The ABC fire extinguisher is designed for general-purpose use—making it ideal for offices, warehouses, shops, apartments, and schools. It uses a dry chemical agent suitable for Class A, B, and C fires.

However, it’s not universal. For cooking-oil fires (Class K) and reactive-metal fires (Class D), specialized extinguishers are required. ABC agents can worsen those types of fires, so ensure you use the right type for the environment.

Quick tip: Assess your workplace risks—kitchens, laboratories, or manufacturing units may require multiple extinguisher types for full coverage.

2. Understand the Ratings on the Label

Each portable ABC fire extinguisher comes with a performance rating such as “2A:10B:C.”

• The number before “A” indicates how much solid-fuel fire (like paper or wood) it can extinguish.
• The number before “B” shows the coverage area for flammable-liquid fires.
• The “C” simply means it’s safe on energized electrical systems.

Higher ratings = greater capacity, but also more weight. Match extinguisher size to both the risk level and the user’s capability. A 9 kg unit may be powerful, but if it’s too heavy to lift quickly, it’s not effective for most employees.

3. Check the Agent — Monoammonium Phosphate

Most ABC fire extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate as the active agent. This powder works by disrupting the chemical chain reaction in Class B and C fires and forming a thin coating that smothers Class A embers.

It leaves behind a sticky yellowish residue—normal and harmless—but it should be cleaned promptly to prevent corrosion or equipment damage.

Maintenance note: Always use soft brushes or vacuum cleaners for cleanup—avoid water, especially around electrical circuits.

4. Choose the Right Size for the Space and the User

ABC fire extinguishers come in several standard sizes:

• 1–2 kg: Homes, cars, small offices
• 4–6 kg: General workplaces and shops
• 9–10 kg: Industrial zones or high-risk areas

Heavier units provide more agent but can be cumbersome in emergencies. It’s better to have several moderately sized extinguishers placed strategically than one large, heavy unit that no one can lift.

Balance coverage and usability—choose a portable abc fire extinguisher your team can actually handle.

5. Place and Mount Extinguishers Where They Can Be Reached

Correct placement is half the battle. Even the best ABC fire extinguisher is useless if it’s buried behind furniture.

Follow these widely accepted placement rules:

• Keep travel distance ≤ 22.9 m (75 ft) for Class A hazards.
• Keep travel distance ≤ 15.2 m (50 ft) for Class B hazards.
• Mount the top of the extinguisher ≤ 1.5 m above floor if it weighs ≤ 18 kg, or ≤ 1.07 m if heavier.
• Keep the bottom at least 10 cm above floor level.
• Ensure clear visibility—no boxes, plants, or décor blocking access.

Mark extinguisher locations clearly with signage and glow markers for visibility during power cuts.

6. Teach Everyone the PASS Method (and When to Walk Away)

When it’s safe to tackle a small, contained fire—and you have a clear exit behind you—remember the PASS method:
Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep side to side

Practice this until it’s second nature. During training, simulate realistic scenarios so employees build confidence.

But always remember: if smoke builds quickly, if flames reach the ceiling, or if you feel unsure—evacuate immediately. Firefighting is about saving lives, not taking risks.

7. Inspect Monthly, Service Annually, and Keep Records

Routine inspection is key to ensuring your ABC fire extinguisher will perform.

Monthly visual checks:

• Confirm extinguisher is in place, visible, and unobstructed.
• Verify pressure gauge in the green zone.
• Ensure safety pin and tamper seal are intact.
• Check hose/nozzle for blockages.
• For dry powder types, gently rock to prevent caking.

Annual servicing:
Get all units professionally serviced every 12 months by a certified technician. Keep a record of every check—attach inspection tags and maintain logs as part of your asset safety records.

Many organizations now adopt QR-based tagging systems or digital audit trails through safety software—removing the risk of missed inspections.

8. Keep Spares and Train for Post-Use Actions

An ABC fire extinguisher that has been used—even for a few seconds—must be recharged or replaced immediately. Keep at least one spare for every critical area.

Train employees to:

• Report any discharged or damaged unit.
• Tag it “Used—Awaiting Refill.”
• Replace it on the spot.

No zone should ever be left unprotected. Integrate this rule into your fire readiness SOPs—especially after festivals or maintenance shutdowns when fire risks spike.

9. Buy Certified Units — Look for IS 15683 and the ISI Mark

In India, portable fire extinguishers are governed by IS 15683 (Portable Fire Extinguishers – Performance and Construction). Always purchase BIS/ISI-marked products with a valid license in the vendor’s name.

This ensures compliance with national performance and safety standards. Several advisories now mandate BIS-certified extinguishers for government and industrial premises under quality-control regulations.

Checklist for buyers:

• Ask for the ISI mark and certification number.
• Verify manufacturer’s BIS license (easily available online).
• Keep purchase and service records for audits and insurance verification.

A non-certified extinguisher may look cheaper—but it’s not a bargain if it fails during an emergency.

10. Reinforce Readiness with Drills and Data

Having extinguishers is one thing; proving readiness is another. Paper policies can’t stop fires—trained, confident people can.

• Conduct hands-on demonstrations post-festival or after staff turnover.
• Hold quick refresher talks during safety week or induction sessions.
• Use digital checklists to ensure each extinguisher has up-to-date service records.
• Integrate QR or barcode systems to track inspections, refills, and service vendors.

Organizations that combine training with data-driven inspection programs see faster responses and fewer surprises. Over time, this builds a workplace where readiness becomes second nature.

Quick Post-Diwali Checklist

• Confirm every ABC fire extinguisher unit is visible, mounted, tagged, and pressure gauge in the green.
• Re-brief staff on the PASS method; conduct a 10-minute toolbox talk this week.
• Check travel distances and remove new furniture or décor blocking access.
• Add Class K or Class D extinguishers where applicable (kitchens, metalwork).
• Verify last annual service date and schedule if due.

Where OQSHA Fits In

OQSHA brings technology into fire safety maintenance—making it effortless to track, inspect, and prove readiness.

• Asset & PPE Management: Register each ABC fire extinguisher with make, model, size, photo, and service details; generate expiry alerts automatically.
• Inspections & Checklists: Push monthly fire-inspection tasks to supervisors’ mobiles with QR scans, photo uploads, and auto-reminders for missed checks.
• Action Tracker: Convert failed inspection points into assignable corrective actions with deadlines and escalations—no more lost red tags.
• Analytics Dashboard: Identify areas missing inspections, monitor vendor performance, and trend overall fire readiness across sites.

That’s how OQSHA helps you move from having extinguishers to proving they’re ready—every single day.