Optional equipment…
The French are subject to certain obligations in terms of protection against fire. Indeed, all accommodation, whether an apartment or a house, must be equipped with certain fire-fighting equipment. This is the case of the smoke detector, made compulsory in all apartments and houses by the law of March 9, 2010. All housing had to be equipped with it by March 8, 2015 at the latest.
Other essential equipment for fighting fires, fire extinguishers are mandatory:
- In establishments open to the public (ERP), such as concert halls, museums, schools, hotels, restaurants and even businesses.
- In the enterprises. This equipment is required by the Labor Code to ensure the safety of employees and visitors. It is therefore an obligation for employers.
- In buildings over 28 meters in height if they include premises used for purposes other than housing.
- In buildings over 50 meters high if they include housing. In this case, fire extinguishers of a certain capacity will be placed in the stairwell, the boiler room, the elevator machine room, if the building is equipped with one, and the parking lot, if it exists. These fire extinguishers are clearly visible, thanks to their bright red color, and possible signs, which can indicate their presence. If the building is less than 50 meters high, the co-ownership is not required to install a fire extinguisher in the stairwell. If it still decides to install it, the decision must be approved by a double majority vote.
On the other hand, individuals are not required to have a fire extinguisher installed in their home. No regulations require them to do so.
It is possible, however, that the home insurance contract requires the presence of a fire extinguisher in homes equipped with a fireplace or wood stove, where the risk of fire is greater. In the absence of such equipment, the individual victim of a fire would not be compensated.
If it is not obligatory, a fire extinguisher for apartment can nevertheless find its place among people who wish it.
…But highly recommended
Very useful material
If nothing requires individuals to equip themselves with this equipment, the presence of one or more fire extinguishers in their home is highly recommended. Indeed :
- A fire extinguisher is used to smother an emerging fire. In fact, this equipment will not put out an already declared fire, which is indicated by flames too powerful to be fought by this means. On the other hand, the fire extinguisher is very effective in fighting an outbreak of fire.
- It avoids the worst if it is installed in strategic locations. To fight an emerging fire with a good chance of success, you must have several fire extinguishers. The best is to install one at the entrance to the accommodation, and to place another not far from the bedrooms. In fact, many people are surprised in their sleep by the start of a fire. These devices also have their place in the garage and in the kitchen, where, particularly because of meal preparation, a fire can break out more easily than elsewhere.
For these fire extinguishers to be really useful to you, you must place them in easily accessible places. Also make sure they are not too heavy for you. Finally, you should seek advice from the user, who will show you how to use these devices.
What types of fire extinguishers should I use?
To defeat home fires, it is not necessary to equip yourself with overly sophisticated equipment. You can use :
- Powder extinguishers. As their name suggests, they contain a chemical powder, which smothers the fire by depriving the flames of oxygen or which manages to cool the heat source. These extinguishers are effective against the majority of common fires, whether the flames attack wood, cotton, plastic or even gas. So many disasters that can occur in a house. Only metal fires are resistant to this type of extinguisher. On the other hand, the powder used is quite messy. Powder extinguishers have an average lifespan of between 5 and 15 years.
- Foam extinguishers. Mixed with water, the foam thickens when it comes out of the extinguisher. By covering the flames, it smothers the fire and prevents oxygen from feeding the flames. This type of fire extinguisher can be used for between 10 and 20 years, depending on the model.
To ensure that fire extinguishers are always in working order, have them maintained and checked regularly by professionals.