California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 4 - Construction Safety Orders
Article 36 - Fire Protection and Prevention
Section 1922 - Portable Fire Fighting Equipment

(1) A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the floor area, or fraction thereof. Where the floor area is less than 3,000 square feet at least one extinguisher shall be provided. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet.

One 55-gallon open container of water with two fire pails may be substituted for a fire extinguisher having a 2A rating.

A 3/4 -inch diameter garden-type hose line, not to exceed 75 feet in length and equipped with an adjustable nozzle, may be substituted for a 2A-rated fire extinguisher, provided it is connected to a reliable water pressure system capable of discharging a minimum, continuous flow of 5 gallons per minute with a minimum hose stream range of 30 feet horizontally. The garden-type hose lines shall be mounted on conventional racks or reels. The number and location of hose racks or reels shall be such that at least one hose stream can be applied to all points in the floor area.

At least one fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A, shall be provided on each floor. In multi-story buildings, at least one fire extinguisher shall be located adjacent to the stairway at each floor level.

EXCEPTION: Single family residential dwellings other than apartments, lodging houses, hotels or dormitories provided that there is at least one fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A, or the equivalent, available at the job site during working hours.

(2) Extinguishers and water containers subject to freezing shall be protected from freezing.

(3) A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the job site. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.

(4) Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected monthly, or at more frequent intervals, and serviced at least annually by a person licensed or registered by the State Fire Marshal as required by the Health and Safety Code, Division 12, Part 2, Chapter 1.5, Articles 2, 3, and 6.

NOTE: Inspection is a "quick check" that an extinguisher is available and will operate. It is intended to give reasonable assurance that the extinguisher is fully charged and operable. This is done by seeing that it is in its designated place, that it has not been actuated or tampered with, and that there is no obvious or physical damage or condition to prevent operation.

NOTE: Service as defined in the State Fire Marshal's regulations pertains to the act of charging, recharging, inspecting, repairing, and hydrostatic testing of any portable fire extinguisher.

(5) The selection of extinguishers for a given situation will depend upon the character of the fires anticipated, the construction and occupancy of the individual property, the vehicle or hazard to be protected, ambient temperature conditions, and other factors. The number of extinguishers required shall be determined by reference to Section 6151 of the General Industry Safety Orders. Portable fire extinguishers shall be limited to those listed or bearing labels of the Underwriters' Laboratory or laboratories approved by the State Fire Marshal. (See Table A-2-1, NFPA 10-1984)

(1) Up to 100 feet of 1 1/2 -inch hose, with a nozzle capable of discharging a continuous flow of water at 25 gallons or more per minute may be substituted for a fire extinguisher rated not more than 2A in the designated area provided that the hose line can reach all points in the floor area.

(2) If fire hose connections are not compatible with local fire fighting equipment, the contractor shall provide adapters, or equivalent, to permit connections.

NOTE: For demolition in construction, see Section 1737, "Fire Prevention."