Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) Scope and Application.
(1) The requirements of this section apply to
all automatic sprinkler systems.
(2) For automatic sprinkler systems used to
meet Title 8 requirements and installed prior to the effective date of this
standard, compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or
the National Board of Fire Underwriters (NBFU) standard in effect at the time
of the system's installation will be acceptable as compliance with this
Section.
(3) When sprinklers are
provided, they shall be installed in an approved manner.
NOTE: For information on proper sprinkler system
installation, consult the California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations,
Title 24, Section 903.3"Installation Requirements" for Automatic Sprinkler
Systems and/or your local jurisdiction fire
department.
(b)
Exemptions.
(1) Automatic sprinkler systems
installed in workplace, but not required by Title 8, are exempt from the
requirements of this Section.
(c) General Requirements.
(1) Design.
(A) All automatic sprinkler designs used to
comply with this standard shall provide the necessary discharge patterns,
densities, and water flow characteristics for complete coverage in a particular
workplace or zoned subdivision of the workplace.
(B) The employer shall assure that only
approved equipment and devices are used in the design and installation of
automatic sprinkler systems used to comply with this
standard.
(2)
Maintenance.
(A) The employer shall properly
maintain an automatic sprinkler system installed to comply with this Section.
The employer shall assure that a main drain flow test is performed on each
system annually. The inspector's test valve shall be opened at least every two
years to assure that the sprinkler system operates
properly.
(3) Acceptance
Tests. The employer shall conduct proper acceptance tests on sprinkler systems
installed for employee protection after July 1, 1981, and record the dates of
such tests. Proper acceptance tests include the following:
(A) Flushing of underground
connections;
(B) Hydrostatic tests
of piping in system;
(C) Air tests
in dry-pipe systems;
(D) Dry-pipe
valve operation; and
(E) Test of
drainage facilities.
(4)
Water Supplies. The employer shall assure that every automatic sprinkler system
is provided with at least one automatic water supply capable of providing
design water flow for at least 30 minutes. An auxiliary water supply or
equivalent protection shall be provided when the automatic water supply is out
of service, except for systems of 20 or fewer sprinklers.
(5) Hose Connections for Fire Fighting Use.
The employer may attach hose connections for fire fighting use to wet pipe
sprinkler systems provided that the water supply satisfies the combined design
demand for sprinklers and standpipes.
(6) Protection of Piping. The employer shall
assure that automatic sprinkler system piping is protected against freezing and
exterior surface corrosion.
(7)
Drainage. The employer shall assure that all dry sprinkler pipes and fittings
are installed so that the system may be totally drained.
(8) Sprinklers.
(A) The employer shall assure that only
approved sprinklers are used on systems.
(B) The employer may not use older style
sprinklers to replace standard sprinklers without a complete engineering review
of the altered part of the system.
(C) The employer shall assure that sprinklers
are protected from mechanical damage.
(9) Sprinkler Alarms. On all sprinkler
systems having more than twenty (20) sprinklers, the employer shall assure that
a local waterflow alarm is provided which sounds an audible signal on the
premises upon water flow through the system equal to the flow from a single
sprinkler.
(10) Sprinkler Spacing.
The employer shall assure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum
protection area per sprinkler, a minimum of interference to the discharge
pattern by building or structural members or building contents and suitable
sensitivity to possible fire hazards. The minimum vertical clearance between
sprinklers and material below shall be 18 inches (45.7cm).
(11) Hydraulically Designed Systems. The
employer shall assure that hydraulically designed automatic sprinkler systems
or portions thereof are identified and that the location, number of sprinklers
in the hydraulically designed section, and the basis of the design is
indicated. Central records may be used in lieu of signs at sprinkler valves
provided the records are available for inspection and copying by the
Division.
1.
Repealer of Article 159 (Sections 6170 and 6171) and new Article 159 (Section
6170) filed 9-8-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 37).
For prior history, see Registers 81, No. 4 and 76, No. 29).
2.
Editorial correction of subsection (a)(3) filed 11-9-81; effective thirtieth
day thereafter (Register 81, No. 45).
3. Editorial correction of
subsection (c) filed 6-30-82 (Register 82, No. 27).
4. Change
without regulatory effect deleting Title 24 reference (Register 87, No.
49).
5. Amendment of subsection (a)(3), including new NOTE,
amendment of subsection (c)(2)(A) and amendment of statutory authority NOTE
filed 7-23-2013; operative 10-1-2013 (Register 2013, No.
30).
Note: Authority cited: Section
142.3, Labor
Code. Reference: Section
142.3, Labor
Code.
