1910.159(c)(10): Sprinkler Spacing and Clearance
Employers must space sprinklers to give the maximum protection area per sprinkler, with as little interference as possible from building members or contents, and suitable sensitivity to fire hazards. There must be at least 18 inches of vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below.
Key takeaways
- 1910.159(c)(10) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 55 times in the last 3 years, in 55 inspections, with $44,126 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (10), OR (8), NV (8).
- 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)(10) ("Sprinkler spacing") 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
(10) Sprinkler spacing. The employer shall assure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum protection area per sprinkler, a minimum of interference to the discharge pattern by building or structural members or building contents and suitable sensitivity to possible fire hazards. The minimum vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below shall be 18 inches (45.7 cm). 55 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.159.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: NC (10), OR (8), NV (8), NY (6), PR (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MURDOCH'S RANCH & HOME SUPPLY | CHEYENNE, WY | $8,649 |
| HOBBY LOBBY STORES, INC. | QUEENSBURY, NY | $7,093 |
| AVAMERE AT RIO RANCHO | RIO RANCHO, NM | $6,953 |
| SPFM LP | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $4,000 |
| JORNIK MANUFACTURING ACQUISITION, INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $3,227 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.159(c)(10), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.159(c) General requirements 71 citations
- 1910.159(c)(2) Maintenance 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
How much clearance is needed below sprinklers?
A minimum vertical clearance of 18 inches between sprinklers and material below.
Can stored materials block sprinklers?
Sprinklers must be spaced for minimum interference from building members or building contents, and the 18-inch clearance must be kept.
Who is responsible for sprinkler spacing?
The employer.
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.