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 1923 - Fixed Fire Fighting Equipment

(1) If the facility being constructed includes the installation of automatic sprinkler protection which is proposed to be used in lieu of temporary protection, the installation shall closely follow the construction and be placed in service as soon as applicable laws permit following completion of each story.

(2) 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 qualified 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 to ascertain that the protection is in service.

(3) During the construction of a building and until the permanent fire extinguishing system has been installed and in service, fire protection shall be provided in accordance with these orders.

(1) In all structures in which standpipes are required, or where standpipes exist in structures being altered, they shall, unless replaced by temporary construction protection, 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 and shall be conspicuously marked and accessible. There shall be at least one standard hose outlet at each floor. These installations, when planned as part of the permanent installation, shall meet the applicable requirements of Articles 158 and 159 of the General Industry Safety Orders.

(2) Every building six (6) stories or more in height shall be provided with not less than one operable standpipe. Such standpipes shall be installed when the progress of construction is not more than 50 feet in height above grade. Such standpipes shall be provided with fire department outlet connections at accessible locations adjacent to usable stairs. Such standpipe systems shall be extended as construction progresses to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.

Where permanent fire protection equipment is required by local jurisdiction, it may be used during construction provided it is constructed concurrently and progressively with the structure and is maintained operational and accessible.

(3) Every floor shall be provided with not less than one 2 1/2 -inch valve outlet for fire department use. Where construction height requires installation of a combination standpipe, fire pumps and water connections shall be provided to serve the standpipe.

NOTE: For specific requirements for portions of the fire protection system not contained in these orders, refer to Article 158 of the General Industry Safety Orders or consult with the local fire authorities.

(4) Temporary standpipes may be provided in place of permanent systems if they are designed to furnish a minimum continuous flow of 75 gallons of water per minute at 50 pounds per square inch pressure with a standpipe size of not less than 4 inches. All outlets shall be not less than 2 1/2 inches. Pumping equipment sufficient to provide this pressure and volume shall be available at all times when a combination system is required.

(5) Standpipe systems for buildings under construction, if a part of the permanent system, shall be installed as required for permanent standpipe systems and meet the applicable requirements of Articles 158 and 159 of the General Industry Safety Orders.