What is the maximum surface area in square feet beyond which portable fire extinguishers should not be the only protection against flammable liquids?

The maximum surface area beyond which portable fire extinguishers should not be the sole means of protection against flammable liquids is 10 square feet. This guideline is based on best practices for fire safety, suggesting that when dealing with flammable liquids, the potential for a rapidly escalating fire risk increases with larger surface areas.

Portable fire extinguishers are effective for small and incipient-stage fires; however, as the surface area of flammable materials increases, the likelihood of the fire growing beyond the capacity of a portable extinguisher also increases. For areas exceeding 10 square feet, it is recommended to have more advanced fire suppression systems in place, such as fixed extinguishing systems or sprinklers, which can better manage and control larger fire hazards. This precaution ensures that there is adequate protection against potential fire emergencies in environments where flammable liquids are present.