Fire protection requirements

The employer is responsible for developing a fire protection program and must provide required firefighting equipment without delay as fire hazards occur. See 1926.150(a)(1).

• The program must cover all phases of construction and demolition work.
• If a new fire hazard appears, the employer must promptly add the necessary equipment.
• This is an employer duty, not optional or deferred to other parties.

OSHA requires that access to all available firefighting equipment be maintained at all times so workers can reach it when needed. See 1926.150(a)(2).

• Keep pathways clear and unobstructed.
• Do not block or lock cabinets containing extinguishers or hoses unless alternative immediate access is provided.

Employer-provided firefighting equipment must be placed in conspicuous locations so it is easy to find in an emergency. See 1926.150(a)(3).

• Use signage or markings if necessary.
• Keep equipment visible and not hidden behind stored materials or equipment.

Firefighting equipment must be periodically inspected and maintained in operating condition, and defective equipment must be replaced immediately. See 1926.150(a)(4).

• "Periodically" means according to manufacturer recommendations or applicable standards (e.g., NFPA).
• Keep inspection records and remove defective units from service until replaced.

An employer must provide a trained and equipped firefighting organization (fire brigade) when the project conditions warrant it to assure adequate protection of life. See 1926.150(a)(5).

• Consider a fire brigade for large projects, high-hazard operations, or limited local fire-service access.
• The employer must train and equip the brigade to meet the site's needs.

A temporary or permanent water supply of sufficient volume, duration, and pressure must be made available as soon as combustible materials accumulate. See 1926.150(b)(1).

• Do not wait until completion of work; provide water as soon as combustible materials are present.
• Ensure the supply supports the firefighting equipment you intend to use.

Where underground water mains are to be provided, they must be installed, completed, and made available for use as soon as practicable. See 1926.150(b)(2).

• Coordinate installation schedules so hydrants and mains are usable when needed for firefighting.

A fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A is required for each 3,000 square feet (or major fraction) and travel distance to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 100 feet. See 1926.150(c)(1)(i).

• Calculate extinguisher count by total protected area divided by 3,000 sq ft.
• Ensure placement keeps maximum travel distance within 100 feet from all points.

You may substitute one 55-gallon open drum of water with two fire pails or a ½-inch garden-type hose (≤100 ft, ≥5 gpm, 30 ft range) for a 2A-rated extinguisher if the hose meets the flow and range requirements. See 1926.150(c)(1)(ii) and 1926.150(c)(1)(iii).

• Garden hoses must be on racks or reels and be capable of discharging at least 5 gallons per minute.
• Ensure the substituted equipment can actually reach and fight a likely fire in the area.

At least one 2A-rated extinguisher must be provided on each floor and at least one extinguisher must be located adjacent to stairways in multistory buildings. See 1926.150(c)(1)(iv).

• Place extinguishers near exit routes and stairways to support quick access during evacuation.

Extinguishers and water drums that are subject to freezing must be protected from freezing. See 1926.150(c)(1)(v).

• Use insulated or heated cabinets, anti-freeze agents where appropriate, or relocate equipment to protected areas.

A 10B-rated extinguisher must be provided within 50 feet of any location where more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used. See 1926.150(c)(1)(vi).

• This requirement does not apply to integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
• Plan extinguisher placement around work areas where liquids/gases are stored or handled.

No—carbon tetrachloride and other toxic vaporizing liquid fire extinguishers are prohibited. See 1926.150(c)(1)(vii).

• Use approved, non-toxic extinguishing agents listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with NFPA No. 10A-1970 and must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to meet the standard. See 1926.150(c)(1)(viii) and 1926.150(c)(1)(ix).

• Keep inspection and maintenance records as practical.
• Use only listed/approved extinguishers to comply with the rule.

Table F-1 in the standard may be used as a guide for selecting the appropriate portable fire extinguishers. See 1926.150(c)(1)(x).

• Table F-1 lists extinguisher types and ratings recommended for different classes of fires and occupancies.
• Use the table as a starting point and confirm with local fire codes and manufacturer guidance.

A 1½-inch hose, 100 feet or less, with a nozzle discharging at least 25 gallons per minute may substitute for a fire extinguisher rated up to 2A if the hose can reach all points in the area. See 1926.150(c)(2)(i).

• Confirm hose reach and flow before relying on it as the primary extinguisher substitute.

If fire hose connections are not compatible with local firefighting equipment, the contractor must provide adapters or equivalent fittings to permit connections. See 1926.150(c)(2)(ii).

• Verify compatibility with the local fire department early and supply adapters or couplings as needed.

During demolition involving combustible materials, charged hose lines supplied by hydrants, water tank trucks with pumps, or equivalent must be made available. See 1926.150(c)(2)(iii).

• Keep hose lines charged and ready during active demolition where fire risk exists.

When a facility under construction includes automatic sprinkler protection, the sprinkler system installation must closely follow construction and be placed in service as soon as applicable laws permit after completion of each story. See 1926.150(d)(1)(i).

• Coordinate sprinkler installation with construction sequencing so protection is available quickly.

During demolition or alterations, existing automatic sprinkler installations must be retained in service as long as reasonable. See 1926.150(d)(1)(ii).

• Plan demolition to minimize disabling sprinkler protection and restore systems quickly after necessary modifications.

Only properly authorized persons may operate sprinkler control valves, and sprinkler control valves must be checked daily at the close of work to ensure protection is in service. See 1926.150(d).

• Modify systems for work quickly so automatic protection returns to service promptly.
• Keep a log or record of daily valve checks when practicable.

Where standpipes are required or exist in structures being altered, they must be brought up and maintained so they are always ready for fire protection, including Siamese fire department connections conspicuously marked at street level and at least one standard hose outlet at each floor. See 1926.150(d)(2).

• Ensure exterior Siamese connections are clearly identified for fire departments.

Employers must establish an alarm system (telephone, siren, etc.) to alert employees and the local fire department and conspicuously post the alarm code and reporting instructions at phones and employee entrances. See 1926.150(e)(1) and 1926.150(e)(2).

• Post clear, simple instructions describing who to call and what information to give.
• Test alarm systems and update postings if codes or numbers change.

Fire walls and exit stairways required for the completed building must be given construction priority to serve as fire cutoffs. See 1926.150(f)(1).

• Build these elements early so they provide compartmentation and safe egress during construction.

Portable extinguisher maintenance must follow Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA No. 10A-1970, as required in the OSHA standard. See 1926.150(c)(1)(viii).

• Follow NFPA maintenance schedules for monthly visual inspections and annual servicing.

Yes—fire extinguishers used to meet the requirements must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. See 1926.150(c)(1)(ix).

• Using listed equipment provides assurance of rated performance and compliance with the standard.

No—the requirement for a 10B-rated extinguisher within 50 feet does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles. See 1926.150(c)(1)(vi).

• Other fuel-handling or storage situations on-site still require compliance with the 10B proximity rule.

Contractors should verify compatibility with local fire department fittings and provide adapters or equivalent fittings on-site to permit connections if they are not compatible. See 1926.150(c)(2)(ii).

• Contact the local fire department during planning to confirm coupling types and required adapters.