1910.163: Fixed Water Spray and Foam Systems
This section covers fixed extinguishing systems that use water or foam installed to meet an OSHA standard, but not automatic sprinklers. Employers must make sure these systems are designed to at least control fire in the protected area, and that water spray drainage is directed away from work areas with no emergency exit through the drainage path.
Key takeaways
- 1910.163 is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.163, "Fixed extinguishing systems, water spray and foam", is an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart L). It has 4 numbered paragraphs. 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
Show the full text of 1910.163 (4 paragraphs)
(a) Scope and application. This section applies to all fixed extinguishing systems, using water or foam solution as the extinguishing agent, installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. These systems shall also comply with § 1910.160. This section does not apply to automatic sprinkler systems which are covered under § 1910.159.
(b) Specific requirements. 1 citations
(1) The employer shall assure that foam and water spray systems are designed to be effective in at least controlling fire in the protected area or on protected equipment. 1 citations
(2) The employer shall assure that drainage of water spray systems is directed away from areas where employees are working and that no emergency egress is permitted through the drainage path.
[45 FR 60712, Sept. 12, 1980]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.163, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.163.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this cover automatic sprinkler systems?
No, those are covered under 1910.159.
How effective must these systems be?
Designed to be effective in at least controlling fire in the protected area or on protected equipment.
Where must spray drainage go?
Away from areas where employees are working, and no emergency egress is permitted through the drainage path.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.163 (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 2026-10-19
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.