General information about Fire Extinguishers

In Portugal, the legislation regulating the obligation to have fire extinguishers in buildings is detailed mainly in the "Fire Safety Regulations in Buildings" (RSIE), approved by Decree-Law No. 220/2008, of November 12, and updated by Decree-Law No. 224/2015, of October 9.

Mandatory use of fire extinguishers

1. Buildings and Enclosures :

   • All buildings, including homes, commercial, industrial and service establishments, must have adequate and sufficient numbers of fire extinguishers, depending on the risk and the area to be protected.

2. Risk Classification :

   • Buildings are classified into different risk categories (low, moderate, high and very high), and the quantity and type of extinguishers required vary according to this classification.

3. Type of Fire Extinguishers :

   • Fire extinguishers must be appropriate for the type of fire that may occur at the site. There are fire classes (A, B, C, D and F) that determine the type of fire extinguisher that is appropriate (water, foam, dry chemical, CO2, etc.).

4. Location and Signage :

   • Fire extinguishers must be placed in a visible and easily accessible location, never more than 15 to 30 meters away from any point in the building. They must be clearly marked.

Maintenance and Inspection

1. Regular Maintenance :

   • It is mandatory to carry out periodic inspections (at least once a year) to check the condition and functionality of the extinguishers.

2. Maintenance Records :

   • All maintenance services must be recorded and documented for control and inspection purposes.

Responsibilities

1. Owners and Managers :

   • Building owners or managers are responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers are present, maintained and inspected. They must also ensure that building occupants are aware of their location and use.

2. Supervision :

   • Compliance with these rules is monitored by the competent authorities, who may apply sanctions in the event of non-compliance.

Training

1. Education and Training :
   • It is recommended (and in some cases mandatory) that building occupants be trained on how to use fire extinguishers and the measures to be taken in the event of a fire.

These laws aim to ensure the safety of building occupants and minimize risks and damage in the event of a fire. For specific details and updates, it is advisable to consult the legislation directly or seek specialist advice.