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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS |
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DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY MEMORANDUM |
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| TO: ALL
LOCAL ENFORCING AGENCIES |
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| FROM:
LOUIS KILMER, CHIEF – BUREAU OF FIRE CODE ENFORCEMENT |
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| SUBJECT: REQUIREMENTS
FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS |
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| DATE:
NOVEMBER 15, 2005 |
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The
Legislature amended and enacted P.L.1991, c. 92 (C.52:27D-198.1),
requiring that all one- and two-family dwellings at a change
of occupancybe provided with a portable fire extinguisher,
in addition to therequirements for smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors. This provision does not apply to seasonal rental
units. This act was signed into law on April 14, 2005 with
an effective date of November 1, 2005. |
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regulations were recently made available for public comment.
The comment period has ended and the final adoption of the
regulations willappear in the New Jersey Register in the
near future. The Division of FireSafety is advising all
local enforcing agencies to enforce the regulations;using
the guidelines below. |
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| The
requirements for the type and placement of the extinguishers
are as follows: |
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| 1)
At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be installed
in all one- and two-family dwellings (except seasonal rental
units) upon change of occupancy; |
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| 2)
The extinguisher shall be listed, labeled, charged,
and operable; |
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| 3)
The size shall be no smaller than 2A:10B:C, rated for residential
use and weigh no more than 10lbs; |
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| 4)
The hangers or brackets supplied by the manufacturer
must be used; |
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| 5)
The extinguisher must be located within 10 feet of the kitchen; |
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| 6)
The top of the extinguisher must not be more than 5 feet
above the floor; |
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| 7)
The extinguisher must be visible and in a readily accessible
location, free from being blocked by furniture, storage,
or other items; |
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| 8)
The extinguisher must be near a room exit or travel path
that provides an escape route to the exterior; |
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| 9)
The extinguisher must be accompanied by an owner’s manual
or written information regarding the operation, inspection,
and maintenance of the extinguisher; and |
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| 10)
Lastly, the extinguisher must be installed with the
operating instructions clearly visible. |
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| New
fire extinguishers are not required to be serviced and tagged,
as long as the seller or agent can provide proof of purchase
or receipt. |
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| Until
the proposed regulations have been adopted, the statute
should be cited for enforcement purposes. The correct citation
is N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1. |
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| If
you have any questions regarding the implementation of this
act or its specific requirements, please contact our Local
Assistance Unit at 609-633-6112. |
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