---
kind: "section"
citation: "29 C.F.R. § 1910.163"
title: "29"
number: "1910.163"
heading: "Fixed extinguishing systems, water spray and foam."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/29/1910.163"
---

# §1910.163. Fixed extinguishing systems, water spray and foam.

- (a) **Scope and application.** This section applies to all fixed extinguishing systems, using water or foam solution as the extinguishing agent, installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. These systems shall also comply with [§ 1910.160](/cfr/29/1910.160.md). This section does not apply to automatic sprinkler systems which are covered under [§ 1910.159](/cfr/29/1910.159.md).
- (b) **Specific requirements.**
  - (1) The employer shall assure that foam and water spray systems are designed to be effective in at least controlling fire in the protected area or on protected equipment.
  - (2) The employer shall assure that drainage of water spray systems is directed away from areas where employees are working and that no emergency egress is permitted through the drainage path.

## Notes

### Amendments

[45 FR 60712, Sept. 12, 1980]

### Authority

Authority: Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, and 657); Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 65008), or 5-2007 (72 FR 31160), as applicable, and 29 CFR part 1911.

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 941; 29 U.S.C. 653, 655, 657; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754); 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 65008), 5-2007 (72 FR 31160), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), 08-2020 (85 FR 58393), or 07-2025 (90 FR 27878); 29 CFR part 1911; and 5 U.S.C. 553, as applicable.

### Source

Source: 39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, unless otherwise noted.

### Source

Source: 39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 40 FR 23072, May 28, 1975.

### Amendments

[45 FR 60712, Sept. 12, 1980]