1910.164(c)(1): Keep Fire Detection Systems Operable
Employers must maintain all fire detection systems in an operable condition except during repairs or maintenance.
Key takeaways
- 1910.164(c)(1) 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 $27,993 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VI (2), IN (2), MD (1).
- Related part: 1910.164(c) Maintenance and testing (11 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.164(c)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.164 Fire detection 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
(1) The employer shall maintain all systems in an operable condition except during repairs or maintenance. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.164.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: VI (2), IN (2), MD (1), NJ (1), IA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| U. S. POSTAL SERVICE - TRUJILLO ALTO STATION | TRUJILLO ALTO, PR | $16,552 |
| JBM SHERMAN CARMEL, INC. | BENNINGTON, VT | $3,641 |
| AUDUBON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | AUDUBON, NJ | $2,800 |
| U.S. POSTAL SERVICE | CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD | $2,500 |
| MID-STATES MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING, INC. | MILTON, IA | $2,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.164(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.164(c)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.164(c) Maintenance and testing 11 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
When can a fire detection system be out of service?
Only during repairs or maintenance.
Which systems does this cover?
All fire detection systems covered by 1910.164.
Who is responsible?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.164 (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 2026-10-20
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.