Final answer:
Portable fire extinguishers should be placed within 50 feet of potential fire hazards, especially flammable liquids, and being aware of their location can reduce uncertainty and danger in emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portable fire extinguishers must be strategically placed to ensure that in case of a fire, a responder does not need to travel more than 50 feet to access the extinguisher. This is especially important when considering fires that involve flammable liquids, as a fluorinated solution found in some fire extinguishers can efficiently spread across and extinguish fires of organic liquids. Knowing the location of safety equipment is crucial, and this includes fire extinguishers as well as other items like eyewash stations. In a laboratory or a workplace, acknowledging the uncertainty of a serious fire hazard and being prepared for the potential for extreme physical danger is of paramount importance.