Subpart F - Fire Protection and Prevention

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for fire protection.

Fire brigade means an organized group of employees that are knowledgeable, trained, and skilled in the safe evacuation of employees during emergency situations and in assisting in fire fighting operations.

Special Requirements: Fire protection program, personal protective equipment (fire-fighting equipment), inspect, fire brigade, train, approved, applicable laws, authorized person, checks, markings, alarm system, alerts, alarm codes posted, reporting instructions, references other standards

1926.150(a)(1) - The employer shall be responsible for the development of a fire protection program to be followed throughout all phases of the construction and demolition work, and he shall provide for the firefighting equipment as specified in this subpart. As fire hazards occur, there shall be no delay in providing the necessary equipment.

1926.150(a)(2) - Access to all available firefighting equipment shall be maintained at all times.

1926.150(a)(3) - All firefighting equipment, provided by the employer, shall be conspicuously located.

1926.150(a)(4) - All firefighting equipment shall be periodically inspected and maintained in operating condition. Defective equipment shall be immediately replaced.

1926.150(a)(5) - As warranted by the project, the employer shall provide a trained and equipped firefighting organization (Fire Brigade) to assure adequate protection to life.

1926.150(c)(1)(viii) - Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA No. 10A-1970.

1926.150(c)(1)(ix) - Fire extinguishers (Table F-1 Fire Extinguishers Data) which have been listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, shall be used to meet the requirements of this subpart.

1926.150(d)(1)(i) - If the facility being constructed includes the installation of automatic sprinkler protection, the installation shall closely follow the construction and be placed in service as soon as applicable laws permit following completion of each story.

1926.150(d)(1)(ii) - During demolition or alterations, existing automatic sprinkler installations shall be retained in service as long as reasonable. The operation of sprinkler control valves shall be permitted only by properly authorized persons. Modification of sprinkler systems to permit alterations or additional demolition should be expedited so that the automatic protection may be returned to service as quickly as possible. Sprinkler control valves shall be checked daily at close of work to ascertain that the protection is in service.

1926.150(d)(2) - Standpipes. In all structures in which standpipes are required, or where standpipes exist in structures being altered, they shall be brought up as soon as applicable laws permit, and shall be maintained as construction progresses in such a manner that they are always ready for fire protection use. The standpipes shall be provided with Siamese fire department connections on the outside of the structure, at the street level, which shall be conspicuously marked. There shall be at least one standard hose outlet at each floor.

1926.150(e)(1) - An alarm system, e.g., telephone system, siren, etc., shall be established by the employer whereby employees on the site and the local fire department can be alerted for an emergency.

1926.150(e)(2) - The alarm code and reporting instructions shall be conspicuously posted at phones and at employee entrances.

Scope: This standard provides fire protection and prevention requirements.

Special Requirements: Posted, procedure, references other standards

1926.151(a)(1) - Electrical wiring and equipment for light, heat, or power purposes shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of subpart K  - electrical, of this part. 

1926.151(a)(3) - Smoking shall be prohibited at or in the vicinity of operations which constitute a fire hazard, and shall be conspicuously posted: "No Smoking or Open Flame."

1926.151(c)(3) - The entire storage site shall be kept free from accumulation of unnecessary combustible materials. Weeds and grass shall be kept down and a regular procedure provided for the periodic cleanup of the entire area.

Scope: This standard provides requirements pertaining to flammable liquids.

Special Requirements: Approved containers, approved storage cabinet, labels, test specifications, posted signs, identifiable switches, testing, design, flow tests, certified, inspections, nameplate, references other standards

1926.152(a)(1) - Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of 5 gallons or less, except that this shall not apply to those flammable liquid materials which are highly viscid (extremely hard to pour), which may be used and handled in original shipping containers. For quantities of one gallon or less, the original container may be used, for storage, use and handling of flammable liquids.

Indoor Storage of Flammable Liquids

1926.152(b)(1) - No more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids shall be stored in a room outside of an approved storage cabinet. For storage of liquefied petroleum gas, see 1926.153 - Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas).

1926.152(b)(2) - Quantities of flammable liquid in excess of 25 gallons shall be stored in an acceptable or approved cabinet meeting the following requirements: [Reference paragraph (b)(2)(i) – (iii)].

1926.152(b)(4)(i) - Inside storage rooms shall be constructed to meet the required fire-resistive rating for their use. Such construction shall comply with the test specifications set forth in Standard Methods of Fire Test of Building Construction and Material, NFPA 251-1969.

1926.152(b)(4)(ii) - Where an automatic extinguishing system is provided, the system shall be designed and installed in an approved manner. Openings to other rooms or buildings shall be provided with noncombustible liquid-tight raised sills or ramps at least 4 inches in height, or the floor in the storage area shall be at least 4 inches below the surrounding floor. Openings shall be provided with approved self-closing fire doors. The room shall be liquid-tight where the walls join the floor. A permissible alternate to the sill or ramp is an open-grated trench, inside of the room, which drains to a safe location. Where other portions of the building or other buildings are exposed, windows shall be protected as set forth in the Standard for Fire Doors and Windows, NFPA No. 80-1970, for Class E or F openings. Wood of at least 1-inch nominal thickness may be used for shelving, racks, dunnage, scuffboards, floor overlay, and similar installations.

1926.152(b)(4)(v) - Electrical wiring and equipment located in inside storage rooms shall be approved for Class I, Division 1, Hazardous Locations. For definition of Class I, Division 1, Hazardous Locations, see 1926.449 - definitions applicable to this subpart.

Storage Outside Buildings

1926.152(c)(6) - Portable tanks, not exceeding 660 gallons, shall be provided with emergency venting and other devices, as required by chapters III and IV of NFPA 30-1969, The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

1926.152(c)(7) - Portable tanks, in excess of 660 gallons, shall have emergency venting and other devices, as required by chapters II and III of The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30-1969.

Fire Control for Flammable Liquid Storage

1926.152(d)(3) - When sprinklers are provided, they shall be installed in accordance with the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13-1969.

Service and Refueling Areas

1926.152(g)(1) - Flammable liquids shall be stored in approved closed containers, in tanks located underground, or in aboveground portable tanks.

1926.152(g)(2) - The tank trucks shall comply with the requirements covered in the Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, NFPA No. 385-1966.

1926.152(g)(6) - Clearly identified and easily accessible switch(es) shall be provided at a location remote from dispensing devices to shut off the power to all dispensing devices in the event of an emergency.

1926.152(g)(9) - Conspicuous and legible signs prohibiting smoking shall be posted.

Atmospheric Tanks

1926.152(i)(1)(iii)(A) - Atmospheric tanks shall be built in accordance with acceptable good standards of design. Atmospheric tanks may be built in accordance with: [Reference paragraph (i)(1)(iii)(A)(1) – (3)].

Low Pressure Tanks

1926.152(i)(1)(iv)(B) - Low-pressure tanks shall be built in accordance with acceptable standards of design. Low-pressure tanks may be built in accordance with: [Reference paragraph (i)(1)(iv)(B)(1) – (2)].

Pressure Vessels

1926.152(i)(1)(v)(B) - Pressure vessels shall be built in accordance with the Code for Unfired Pressure Vessels, Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code 1968.

Normal Venting for Aboveground Tanks

1926.152(i)(2)(iv)(B) - Normal vents shall be sized either in accordance with:

1926.152(i)(2)(iv)(B)(1) - The American Petroleum Institute Standard 2000 (1968), Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks.

Emergency Relief Venting for Fire Exposure for Aboveground Tanks

1926.152(i)(2)(v)(I) - The flow capacity of tank venting devices 12 inches (30.48 cm) and smaller in nominal pipe size shall be determined by actual test of each type and size of vent. These flow tests may be conducted by the manufacturer if certified by a qualified impartial observer, or may be conducted by an outside agency. The flow capacity of tank venting devices larger than 12 inches (30.48 cm) nominal pipe size, including manhole covers with long bolts or equivalent, may be calculated provided that the opening pressure is actually measured, the rating pressure and corresponding free orifice area are stated, the word "calculated" appears on the nameplate, and the computation is based on a flow coefficient of 0.5 applied to the rated orifice area.

Supports, Foundations, and Anchorage for All Tank Locations

1926.152(i)(5)(vi)(V) - Inspections. The Assistant Secretary or his designated representative shall make periodic inspections of all plants where the storage of flammable liquids is such as to require compliance with the foregoing requirements, in order to assure the following: [Reference paragraph (i)(5)(vi)(V)(1) – (3)].

Testing

1926.152(i)(7)(i) - General. All tanks, whether shop built or field erected, shall be strength tested before they are placed in service in accordance with the applicable paragraphs of the code under which they were built. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stamp, American Petroleum Institute (API) monogram, or the label of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., on a tank shall be evidence of compliance with this strength test. Tanks not marked in accordance with the above codes shall be strength tested before they are placed in service in accordance with good engineering principles and reference shall be made to the sections on testing in the codes listed in paragraphs (i)(1)(iii)(A), (iv)(B), or (v)(B) of this section.

1926.152(i)(7)(iii) - Tightness. In addition to the strength test called for in paragraphs (i)(7)(i) and (ii) of this section, all tanks and connections shall be tested for tightness. Except for underground tanks, this tightness test shall be made at operating pressure with air, inert gas, or water prior to placing the tank in service. In the case of field-erected tanks the strength test may be considered to be the test for tank tightness. Underground tanks and piping, before being covered, enclosed, or placed in use, shall be tested for tightness hydrostatically, or with air pressure at not less than 3 pounds per square inch (20.68 kPa) and not more than 5 pounds per square inch (34.47 kPa).

Piping, Valves, and Fittings

1926.152(j)(1)(i) - Design. The design (including selection of materials) fabrication, assembly, test, and inspection of piping systems containing flammable liquids shall be suitable for the expected working pressures and structural stresses. Conformity with the applicable provisions of Pressure Piping, ANSI B31 series and the provisions of this paragraph, shall be considered prima facie evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions. [Reference paragraph (j)(1) – (7)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for liquefied petroleum gas (LP-Gas).

Special Requirements: Specifications, approved type, tests, classified, listing, marked, references other standards

1926.153(a)(1) - Each system shall have containers, valves, connectors, manifold valve assemblies, and regulators of an approved type.

1926.153(a)(2) - All cylinders shall meet the Department of Transportation specification identification requirements published in 49 CFR part 178, Shipping Container Specifications.

Requirements for Appliances

1926.153(f)(1) - LP-Gas consuming appliances shall be approved types.

1926.153(f)(2) - Any appliance that was originally manufactured for operation with a gaseous fuel other than LP-Gas, and is in good condition, may be used with LP-Gas only after it is properly converted, adapted, and tested for performance with LP-Gas before the appliance is placed in use. 

Containers and Equipment Used Inside of Buildings or Structures

1926.153(h)(7) - Hose shall be designed for a working pressure of at least 250 p.s.i.g. Design, construction, and performance of hose, and hose connections shall have their suitability determined by listing by a nationally recognized testing agency. The hose length shall be as short as practicable. Hoses shall be long enough to permit compliance with spacing provisions of paragraphs (h)(1) through (13) of this section, without kinking or straining, or causing hose to be so close to a burner as to be damaged by heat. 

1926.153(l) - Fire protection. Storage locations shall be provided with at least one approved portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-B:C. 

Systems Utilizing Containers Other Than DOT Containers 

1926.153(m)(2) - Design pressure and classification of storage containers. Storage containers shall be designed and classified in accordance with Table F-31. 

1926.153(m)(3) - Containers with foundations attached (portable or semiportable b containers with suitable steel "runners" or "skids" and popularly known in the industry as "skid tanks") shall be designed, installed, and used in accordance with these rules subject to the following provisions: [Reference paragraph (m)(3)(i) - (vi)]. 

1926.153(n) - When LP-Gas and one or more other gases are stored or used in the same area, the containers shall be marked to identify their content. Marking shall be in compliance with American National Standard Z48.1-1954, "Method of Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers To Identify the Material Contained."

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for temporary heating devices.

Special Requirements: Approval, listed, markings, designed, approved

1926.154(b)(2) - Temporary heating devices, which are listed for installation with lesser clearances than specified in Table F-4, may be installed in accordance with their approval.

1926.154(c) - Stability. Heaters, when in use, shall be set horizontally level, unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer's markings. 

1926.154(e)(4) - Heaters specifically designed and approved for use with separate supply tanks may be directly connected for gravity feed, or an automatic pump, from a supply tank.