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29 CFR 1910.159: Automatic sprinkler systems

Subpart L—Fire Protection

281citations since 2015
268employers cited
44%serious, willful or repeat
$0median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1910.159 281 times since 2015, against 268 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $302,462 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1910.159(c)(10) · 223 citations

(10) Sprinkler spacing. The employer shall assure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum protection area per sprinkler, a minimum of interference to the discharge pattern by building or structural members or building contents and suitable sensitivity to possible fire hazards. The minimum vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below shall be 18 inches (45.7 cm).

1910.159(c)(2) · 45 citations

(2) Maintenance. The employer shall properly maintain an automatic sprinkler system installed to comply with this section. The employer shall assure that a main drain flow test is performed on each system annually. The inspector's test valve shall be opened at least every two years to assure that the sprinkler system operates properly.

1910.159(c)(1)(i) · 4 citations

(c) General requirements—(1) Design. (i) All automatic sprinkler designs used to comply with this standard shall provide the necessary discharge patterns, densities, and water flow characteristics for complete coverage in a particular workplace or zoned subdivision of the workplace.

1910.159(c)(8)(iii) · 4 citations

(iii) The employer shall assure that sprinklers are protected from mechanical damage.

1910.159(a)(2) · 1 citations

(2) For automatic sprinkler systems used to meet OSHA requirements and installed prior to the effective date of this standard, compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or the National Board of Fire Underwriters (NBFU) standard in effect at the time of the system's installation will be acceptable as compliance with this section.

1910.159(c)(4) · 1 citations

(4) Water supplies. The employer shall assure that every automatic sprinkler system is provided with at least one automatic water supply capable of providing design water flow for at least 30 minutes. An auxiliary water supply or equivalent protection shall be provided when the automatic water supply is out of service, except for systems of 20 or fewer sprinklers.

1910.159(c)(5) · 1 citations

(5) Hose connections for fire fighting use. The employer may attach hose connections for fire fighting use to wet pipe sprinkler systems provided that the water supply satisfies the combined design demand for sprinklers and standpipes.

1910.159(c)(6) · 1 citations

(6) Protection of piping. The employer shall assure that automatic sprinkler system piping is protected against freezing and exterior surface corrosion.

Industries cited most

  • Public Administration 52
  • Retail Trade 47
  • Manufacturing 40
  • Health Care and Social Assistance 32
  • Accommodation and Food Services 32
  • Transportation and Warehousing 20

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Recently cited employers