1926.150(c)(1)(i): Fire Extinguisher Spacing in Buildings
Construction employers must provide a fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point in the protected area to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 100 feet.
Key takeaways
- 1926.150(c)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart F).
- OSHA cited it 128 times in the last 3 years, in 128 inspections, with $69,590 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IN (29), NC (28), VA (18).
- Related part: 1926.150(c) Portable firefighting equipment (369 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.150(c)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.150 Fire protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart F). 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
(i) A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet. 128 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.150.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 35 |
Top states: IN (29), NC (28), VA (18), DE (11), AL (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CORRALES CONTRACTORS, LLC | DOVER, DE | $8,297 |
| TOLL SOUTH RENO LLC | RENO, NV | $7,035 |
| HOPKINS & WAYSON, INC. | NEW CASTLE, DE | $6,084 |
| M&N ADVANCED IMPROVEMENTS LLC | DOVER, DE | $4,839 |
| JKFC BUILDERS, INC. | REHOBOTH BEACH, DE | $4,256 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.150(c)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.150(c)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.150(c) Portable firefighting equipment 369 citations
- 1926.150(c)(1) Fire extinguishers and small hose lines 369 citations
- 1926.150(c)(1)(viii) 119 citations
- 1926.150(c)(1)(iv) 82 citations
- 1926.150(c)(1)(vi) 40 citations
- 1926.150(c)(1)(ix)
- 1926.150(c)(1)(x)
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 many fire extinguishers are needed in a building under construction?
One rated not less than 2A for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area, or major fraction thereof.
How far can I be from a fire extinguisher?
Travel distance to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 100 feet.
What rating must the extinguisher have?
Not less than 2A.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.150 (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.