Portable Fire Extinguisher (APAR) is a vital component of a building’s fire protection system. However, its presence is insufficient without proper installation. Fire extinguisher installation standard are strictly regulated by the government through various regulations and the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) to ensure their effectiveness in emergency situations. Ignoring these standards not only has the potential to cause significant losses but also can have legal repercussions and void insurance coverage.
Fire Extinguisher Installation Standard Applicable in Indonesia
SNI Guidelines and Government Regulations Regarding Fire Extinguisher Installation Standard
The installation of APAR in Indonesia is regulated by several important regulations. Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Regulation No. 4 of 1980 establishes basic requirements for the location, height, and maintenance of fire extinguishers in the workplace. In addition, several Indonesian National Standards (SNI) serve as primary references:
- SNI 03-3987-1995: Regulates procedures for planning and installing APAR in buildings.
- SNI 03-3988-1995: Related to testing the extinguishing capability and assessing the quality of APAR.
- SNI 19-0180-1987: Explains the technical specifications of APAR cylinders made of low carbon steel.
- MINISTRY OF INDONESIA REGULATION No. 17 of 2024: Requires all APARs circulating in Indonesia to have SNI certification.
Compliance with these regulations is not only mandatory, but also determines whether the APAR can actually perform its function optimally when needed.
Ideal Location and Recommended Mounting Height
APAR must be installed in strategic locations that are easily accessible and visible, such as:
- Near the exit
- Emergency corridors and stairs
- Main lobby
- High risk areas such as the kitchen and engine room
The installation height must also meet the following requirements:
- Top of APAR: maximum 1.2 meters from the floor
- Bottom of APAR: minimum 15 cm from the floor
Additionally, the distance between units must not exceed 15 meters, unless otherwise specified by an OHS expert. All fire extinguisher cylinders must also be red to increase visibility.
Signs and Directions to Fire Extinguisher
Clear marking is part of the standard for installing fire extinguishers. The markings must:
- In the form of an equilateral triangle measuring 35 cm
- It has a red base color with the words “Fire Extinguisher” and a directional arrow.
- Installed at a height of 120–125 cm from the floor, directly above the fire extinguisher
In addition, instructions for use must be available on site and easily understood by everyone in the building.
Risks of Not Complying with Fire Extinguisher Installation Standard
Obstacles to Evacuation and Initial Fire Response
If a fire extinguisher (APAR) is not installed properly, it can be difficult to find or reach during a fire. If it’s too high, hidden, or obstructed, it will slow the initial response, increase the risk of fire spread, and even hinder the evacuation of occupants.
Potential Legal Sanctions and Failed Insurance Claims
Failure to comply with regulations can result in legal sanctions under labor and occupational safety regulations. Furthermore, insurance companies have the right to reject fire claims if they find that the fire extinguisher installation does not comply with official standards, as this is considered a failure to meet minimum protection requirements.
Threats to the Safety of Occupants and Building Assets
A fire extinguisher that is not properly installed can fail to operate when needed. This seriously jeopardizes occupant safety and significantly increases the risk of property damage. Failed initial response can result in significant material losses and even loss of life.
Fire extinguisher installation standards are not merely administrative regulations, but rather an integral part of a building’s safety system. Compliance with SNI regulations and government regulations ensures that fire extinguishers can be used optimally in emergencies. Legal risks, failed insurance claims, and danger to life and property are serious consequences of substandard installation.
To ensure that your APAR installation meets standards and is effective in the long term, you can entrust this work to experienced contractors such as Adiwarna, a fire protection specialist committed to safety and quality in accordance with national regulations.
