Brief answer: Fire extinguishers should be placed in visible, clearly marked and easily accessible locations. They should be positioned near escape routes, exits, corridors or areas where they can be reached quickly and safely in the event of a fire.
According to Law no. 08/L-261 on Fire Protection, Article 18 paragraph 2, fire extinguishing equipment, tools and installations must be in proper working condition, specially marked and easily accessible for use. This means that a fire extinguisher should not only be present in the building, but also positioned so that it can be used immediately when needed.
In practice, fire extinguishers should be placed:
- in visible locations, where they can be easily noticed by people inside the building;
- near escape routes, corridors and exits, so that the person responding always has a safe way out;
- close to risk areas, but not so close to the hazard that they become inaccessible during a fire;
- in clearly marked locations, so they can be found quickly even by people unfamiliar with the building;
- at a suitable height and position for use, so they can be taken quickly without obstruction;
- on each required floor or fire sector, according to the fire risk, area and fire load.
Portable fire extinguishers are usually mounted on a wall bracket at a height of approximately 1.5 m from the floor, so they remain visible and accessible for use. Where wall mounting is not practical, such as in open areas, corridors, halls, commercial spaces or display areas, extinguishers may be placed on a floor-type stand for fire extinguishers.
If fire extinguishers are placed outside the building or in areas exposed to rain, moisture, dust, sunlight, low temperatures or other external influences, they should be protected with special plastic boxes, protective cabinets or dedicated covers. This helps preserve the functional condition of the extinguisher, label readability, corrosion protection and safe access in an emergency.
Fire extinguishers should not be placed where they can be blocked or become inaccessible. This means that goods, furniture, equipment, boxes, working materials, doors opening onto the extinguisher or other obstacles should not be placed in front of them.
Incorrect placement can make a fire extinguisher ineffective during an emergency. For example, if an extinguisher is placed behind a shelf, inside a locked room, behind stored goods or too close to the area where a fire may start, the person responding may not be able to use it in time.
When placing fire extinguishers, the following should be considered:
- the type and use of the building;
- the area and layout of the premises;
- the number of floors and escape routes;
- the possible fire classes;
- the location of electrical equipment, kitchens, storage areas or special risk zones;
- access for staff and visitors during an emergency;
- the need for clear signage and monthly inspection;
- environmental conditions, especially when extinguishers are placed outside the building.
Administrative Instruction (MIA) no. 17/2017 links the number and type of fire extinguishers to the fire class, the area of the fire sector and the specific fire load. Therefore, extinguishers should not be placed randomly, but according to the actual fire risk of the building and the relevant technical requirements.
In a typical building, extinguishers are usually placed in corridors, near exits, at the entrance to specific fire sectors, near technical areas and in spaces where a higher fire risk exists. In kitchens, server rooms, warehouses, workshops or industrial premises, the type and placement of the extinguisher should be adapted to the specific risk.
For more information about selecting and placing fire protection equipment, see our fire protection services or read our article about fire classification.
English
Shqip