1910.159(c)(2): Sprinkler System Maintenance and Testing
Employers must properly maintain automatic sprinkler systems installed to comply with this section, perform a main drain flow test on each system annually, and open the inspector's test valve at least every two years to make sure the system operates properly.
Key takeaways
- 1910.159(c)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $12,225 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CA (3), TX (2), PR (2).
- Related part: 1910.159(c) General requirements (71 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.159(c)(2) ("Maintenance") is one requirement inside 1910.159 Automatic sprinkler systems, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart L). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Maintenance. 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. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.159.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: CA (3), TX (2), PR (2), FL (1), HI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HALE PRODUCTS, INC. | OCALA, FL | $4,766 |
| MAYAGUEZ RESORT & CASINO INC. | MAYAGUEZ, PR | $4,500 |
| ALEXANDER GREY CUSTOM CABINETS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $2,765 |
| AMERICAN RICE GROWERS ANAHUAC DIVISION | RAYWOOD, TX | $194 |
| BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION | RIVERSIDE, CA | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.159(c)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.159(c)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.159(c) General requirements 71 citations
- 1910.159(c)(10) Sprinkler spacing 55 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How often is a main drain flow test required?
Annually on each system.
How often must the inspector's test valve be opened?
At least every two years.
Who must maintain the sprinkler system?
The employer must properly maintain it.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.159 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-23
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.