Section 71B(7) in Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963
(7)(i)In factories having more than 100 square metres floor area and where fire may occur due to combustible materials other than inflammable liquids, electrical equipment and ignitable metals, soda acid or equivalent type of portable extinguishers at the rate of one for every 500 squ. metres of area spaced at not more than 30 metres apart subject to a minimum of one extinguisher shall be provided in addition one fire buckets required under sub-rule (1).(ii)In factories where fires may occur due to inflammable liquids or grease or paint, the extinguishers to be provided at the scale laid down in clause (a) shall consist of foam carbon tetrachloride, dry powder, carbon dioxide, chlorobrome methane or other equivalent type, as appropriate. In case of inflammable liquids soluble in water, the extinguishers shall be alcohol type foam.)(iii)In factories where fires may occur due to electrical equipment, the extinguisher to be provided at the scale laid in clause (i) shall consist of carbon dioxide, dry powder, carbon tetrachloride or equivalent types.(iv)In factories where fires may occur due to magnesium, aluminium or zinc dust or shavings or other ignitable metals, the use of liquids, carbon dioxide and foam type extinguishers shall be prohibited and an ample supply of clean, fine dry sand, stone dust or other inter material shall be kept ready for segregating such fires.(v)Every type of portable fire extinguisher shall be kept mounted in a position approved by the Inspector:Provided that where the Chief Inspector is of the opinion that other adequate fire-fighting apparatus or permanent automatic fire-fighting installations approved by any recognised Fire Association or Fire Insurance Company are provided in the factory building or room, he may issue a certificate in writing (which he may at his discretion revoke) specifying the extent to which the above requirements are relaxed in respect of that building or room.
