How many serviceable fire extinguishers must be available for immediate use at any location where explosives are being handled?

• A. Five
• B. Two
• C. One
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

Having two serviceable fire extinguishers available where explosives are handled ensures a quick initial response and a backup in case one extinguisher is already in use or becomes unusable. In high-risk environments, you want seamless access to extinguishing capability without having to leave the work area to fetch another, so a second extinguisher nearby provides continuous protection as you begin suppression or evacuation. The extinguishers must be in working order (not expired or blocked) and of a type appropriate for potential fires in that area, so you can act immediately and effectively. Using only one extinguisher creates a single point of failure and delays response, while more than two is not required by this rule for standard explosive handling locations.