For outdoor storage areas of flammable liquids, what is the required extinguisher rating and distance from the storage area?

• A. 20-B units, within 10 feet of the storage area
• B. Not less than 25 feet and not more than 75 feet from the storage area
• C. 10-B units, within 5 feet
• D. 40-B units, within 30 feet

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how to place extinguishers so they’re accessible to fight a fire in outdoor flammable-liquid storage without being too close to or too far from the hazard. For fires involving flammable liquids (Class B hazards), you want a extinguisher that’s rated for that type of fire (typically 20-B or higher) and you want travel distance to the extinguisher from the hazard to be comfortable and practical. The practical rule found in standards is that the farthest point of the storage area should be within reach of an extinguisher that is not placed too close to the storage itself—specifically, not less than about 25 feet and not more than about 75 feet away. This spacing helps ensure quick access in case of a spill or flare-up while keeping the extinguisher out of the immediate heat and splash zone of the hazard.

The other options either place the extinguisher too near the storage area or too far away, or propose a rating that doesn’t match a flammable-liquid hazard, which would reduce effectiveness.