Document Citation: 8 CCR 6183

Header:
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
TITLE 8. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
DIVISION 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 4. DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
SUBCHAPTER 7. GENERAL INDUSTRY SAFETY ORDERS
GROUP 27. FIRE PROTECTION
ARTICLE 164. F

Date:
08/31/2009

Document:
§ 6183. Fire Detection Systems

(a) Scope and Application. This Section applies to all automatic fire detection systems.

(b) Installation and Restoration.

(1) All devices and equipment shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with this Section and applicable parts of NFPA 721978 series and shall be approved for the purpose for which they are intended.

(2) The employer shall restore all fire detection systems and components to normal operating condition as promptly as possible after each test or alarm.

(c) Maintenance and Testing.

(1) The employer shall maintain all systems in an operable condition except during repairs or maintenance.

(2) Fire detectors and fire detection systems shall be tested and adjusted as often as needed to maintain proper reliability and operating condition except that factory calibrated detectors need not be adjusted after installation.

(3) Pneumatic and hydraulic operated detection systems installed after July 1, 1981, shall be equipped with supervised systems.

(4) Servicing, maintenance and testing of fire detection systems, including cleaning and necessary sensitivity adjustments shall be performed by a trained person knowledgeable in the operations and functions of the systems.

(5) Fire detectors shall be cleaned as necessary to assure proper operation.

(d) Protection of Fire Detectors.

(1) Fire detection equipment installed outdoors or in the presence of corrosive atmospheres shall be protected from corrosion. The employer shall provide a canopy, hood, or other suitable protection for detection equipment requiring protection from the weather.

(2) The employer shall locate or otherwise protect detection equipment so that it is protected from mechanical or physical impact which might render it inoperable.

(3) The employer shall assure that detectors are supported independently of their attachment to wires or tubing.

(e) Response Time.

(1) The employer shall assure that fire detection systems installed for the purpose of actuating fire extinguishment or suppression systems shall be designed to operate in time to control or extinguish a fire.

(2) Fire detection systems installed for the purpose of employee alarm and evacuation shall be designed and installed to provide a warning for emergency action and safe escape of employees.

(3) The employer shall not delay alarms or devices initiated by fire detector actuation for more than 30 seconds unless such delay is necessary for the immediate safety of employees. When such delay is necessary, it shall be addressed in an emergency action plan meeting the requirements of Section 3220.

(f) Number, Location and Spacing of Detecting Devices.

(1) The number, spacing and location of fire detectors shall be based upon design data obtained from field experience, or tests, engineering surveys, the manufacturer's recommendations, or a recognized testing laboratory listing.