What is the minimum requirement for portable fire extinguishers in hot work areas?

The minimum requirement for portable fire extinguishers in hot work areas is based on the specific hazards associated with those environments, particularly when welding or cutting activities are taking place. A fire extinguisher with a rating of 2-A:20-B:C is designed to handle various types of fires that may be encountered in such situations: class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, cloth, and paper), class B fires (flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil), and class C fires (electrical fires).

Having a fire extinguisher rated at 2-A:20-B:C ensures that workers are adequately equipped to respond to potential fire hazards created by hot work operations. This rating provides a higher level of fire-fighting capability than lower-rated extinguishers, which is critical in areas where sparks, heat, and open flames might be present and pose a significant fire risk.

In contrast, the other options do not meet the minimum fire safety requirements established for hot work environments. For instance, a fire extinguisher with a 1-A:10-B:C rating may provide some protection but does not offer the same level of coverage for more significant fire risks, particularly in terms of the volume of combustible materials that could be involved. While two