[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 29, Volume 5]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 29CFR1910.160]
[Page 503-505]
TITLE 29--LABOR
CHAPTER XVII--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT
OF LABOR
PART 1910_OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--Table of Contents
Subpart L_Fire Protection
Sec. 1910.160 Fixed extinguishing systems, general.
(a) Scope and application. (1) This section applies to all fixed
extinguishing systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard
except for automatic sprinkler systems which are covered by Sec.
1910.159.
(2) This section also applies to fixed systems not installed to meet
a particular OSHA standard, but which, by means of their operation, may
expose employees to possible injury, death, or adverse health
consequences caused by the extinguishing agent. Such systems are only
subject to the requirements of paragraphs (b)(4) through (b)(7) and (c)
of this section.
(3) Systems otherwise covered in paragraph (a)(2) of this section
which are installed in areas with no employee exposure are exempted from
the requirements of this section.
(b) General requirements. (1) Fixed extinguishing system components
and
[[Page 504]]
agents shall be designed and approved for use on the specific fire
hazards they are expected to control or extinguish.
(2) If for any reason a fixed extinguishing system becomes
inoperable, the employer shall notify employees and take the necessary
temporary precautions to assure their safety until the system is
restored to operating order. Any defects or impairments shall be
properly corrected by trained personnel.
(3) The employer shall provide a distinctive alarm or signaling
system which complies with Sec. 1910.165 and is capable of being
perceived above ambient noise or light levels, on all extinguishing
systems in those portions of the workplace covered by the extinguishing
system to indicate when the extinguishing system is discharging.
Discharge alarms are not required on systems where discharge is
immediately recognizable.
(4) The employer shall provide effective safeguards to warn
employees against entry into discharge areas where the atmosphere
remains hazardous to employee safety or health.
(5) The employer shall post hazard warning or caution signs at the
entrance to, and inside of, areas protected by fixed extinguishing
systems which use agents in concentrations known to be hazardous to
employee safety and health.
(6) The employer shall assure that fixed systems are inspected
annually by a person knowledgeable in the design and function of the
system to assure that the system is maintained in good operating
condition.
(7) The employer shall assure that the weight and pressure of
refillable containers is checked at least semi-annually. If the
container shows a loss in net content or weight of more than 5 percent,
or a loss in pressure of more than 10 percent, it shall be subjected to
maintenance.
(8) The employer shall assure that factory charged nonrefillable
containers which have no means of pressure indication are weighed at
least semi-annually. If a container shows a loss in net weight or more
than 5 percent it shall be replaced.
(9) The employer shall assure that inspection and maintenance dates
are recorded on the container, on a tag attached to the container, or in
a central location. A record of the last semi-annual check shall be
maintained until the container is checked again or for the life of the
container, whichever is less.
(10) The employer shall train employees designated to inspect,
maintain, operate, or repair fixed extinguishing systems and annually
review their training to keep them up-to-date in the functions they are
to perform.
(11) The employer shall not use chlorobromomethane or carbon
tetrachloride as an extinguishing agent where employees may be exposed.
(12) The employer shall assure that systems installed in the
presence of corrosive atmospheres are constructed of non-corrosive
material or otherwise protected against corrosion.
(13) Automatic detection equipment shall be approved, installed and
maintained in accordance with Sec. 1910.164.
(14) The employer shall assure that all systems designed for and
installed in areas with climatic extremes shall operate effectively at
the expected extreme temperatures.
(15) The employer shall assure that at least one manual station is
provided for discharge activation of each fixed extinguishing system.
(16) The employer shall assure that manual operating devices are
identified as to the hazard against which they will provide protection.
(17) The employer shall provide and assure the use of the personal
protective equipment needed for immediate rescue of employees trapped in
hazardous atmospheres created by an agent discharge.
(c) Total flooding systems with potential health and safety hazards
to employees. (1) The employer shall provide an emergency action plan in
accordance with Sec. 1910.38 for each area within a workplace that is
protected by a total flooding system which provides agent concentrations
exceeding the maximum safe levels set forth in paragraphs (b)(5) and
(b)(6) of Sec. 1910.162.
(2) Systems installed in areas where employees cannot enter during
or after the system's operation are exempt from the requirements of
paragraph (c) of this section.
[[Page 505]]
(3) On all total flooding systems the employer shall provide a pre-
discharge employee alarm which complies with Sec. 1910.165, and is
capable of being perceived above ambient light or noise levels before
the system discharges, which will give employees time to safely exit
from the discharge area prior to system discharge.
(4) The employer shall provide automatic actuation of total flooding
systems by means of an approved fire detection device installed and
interconnected with a pre-discharge employee alarm system to give
employees time to safely exit from the discharge area prior to system
discharge.
[45 FR 60711, Sept. 12, 1980]
