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Fire Detection Systems

Automatic fire detection systems, when combined with other elements of an emergency response and evacuation plan, can significantly reduce property damage, personal injuries, and loss of life from fire in the workplace. Their main function is to quickly identify a developing fire and alert building occupants and emergency response personnel before extensive damage occurs. Automatic fire detection systems do this by using electronic sensors to detect the smoke, heat, or flames from a fire and providing an early warning.

Print a Checklist
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If your workplace uses a fire detection system that was designed and installed to meet the fire protection requirements of a specific OSHA standard, it must also comply with the "Fire Detection Systems" standard 29 CFR 1910.164.

This section will help you achieve the maximum benefit from your fire detection system by addressing the following issues: Also, see the Fire Detection Systems Checklist [66 KB PDF, 1 page].

Does the "Fire Detection Systems" standard apply to me?
If an OSHA standard specifically states that you must install a fire protection system, then you are required to follow this standard.

For example, if you install an automatic fire detection system to satisfy the alarm and signaling requirement of the "Fixed Extinguishing Systems" standard 29 CFR 1910.160, then you are also required to comply with the "Fire Detection Systems" standard 29 CFR 1910.164. But if you install a system only for insurance purposes and not to satisfy any OSHA regulation, you do not need to comply with this standard. However, employers not required to comply may find that the standard offers guidance that may permit them to more effectively protect employees and property in the event of a fire.


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How do fire detectors work?
Fire detectors work by sensing one or more products of fire. The three most common detectors are: Smoke, heat and flames, the products of a fire, are shown in a waste basket fire. - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.
Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors detect the visible or invisible smoke particles from combustion. The two main types are ionization detectors and photoelectric detectors.
Ionization Detectors

The ionization detector contains a small radioactive source that is used to charge the air inside a small chamber. The charged air allows a small current to cross through the chamber and complete an electrical circuit. 		No Smoke - The ionization detector contains a small radioactive source that is used to charge the air inside a small chamber. - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.
When smoke enters the chamber, it shields the radiation, which stops the current and triggers an alarm.

These detectors respond quickly to very small smoke particles (even those invisible to the naked eye) from flaming or very hot fires, but may respond very slowly to the dense smoke associated with smoldering or low-temperature fires.

Smoke - When smoke enters the chamber, it shields the radiation, which stops the currentand triggers an alarm. - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.
Photoelectric Detectors

In a photoelectric smoke detector, a light source and light sensor are arranged so that the rays from the light source do not hit the light sensor. When smoke particles enter the light path, some of the light is scattered and redirected onto the sensor, causing the detector to activate an alarm. These detectors react quickly to visible smoke particles from smoldering fires, but are less sensitive to the smaller particles associated with flaming or very hot fires.

Photoelectric Detector - When smoke particles enter the light path, some of the light is scattered and redirected onto the sensor, causing the detector to activate an alarm. Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.
Heat detector - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.Heat Detectors

Heat detectors are normally used in dirty environments or where dense smoke is produced. Heat detectors may be less sensitive, but are more appropriate than a smoke detector in these environments. The most common heat detectors either react to a broad temperature change or a predetermined fixed temperature.
Heat detectors use a set of temperature-sensitive resistors called thermistors that decrease in resistance as the temperature rises. One thermistor is sealed and protected from the surrounding temperature while the other is exposed. A sharp increase in temperature reduces the resistance in the exposed thermistor, which allows a large current to activate the detector's alarm.
Two thermistors, one sealed and one exposed, are shown inside a heat detector. Arrows indicate the voltage out and the alarm voltage as 9V. A sharp increase in temperature reduces the resistance in the exposed thermistor which allows a large current to activate the alarm. - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.
Flame detector - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.Flame Detectors

Flame detectors are line-of-sight devices that look for specific types of light (infrared, visible, ultraviolet) emitted by flames during combustion. When the detector recognizes this light from a fire, it sends a signal to activate an alarm.

 
Installation and restoration
Smoke detector label enlarged in front of smoke detection device. - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.Assure that all devices and equipment constructed and installed to comply with this standard are approved for the purpose for which they are intended.[29 CFR 1910.164(b)(1)].

Detector selection

Fire detectors should be selected based on the burning characteristics of the materials present and the nature of location they will be used to protect.

Smoke detectors

Ionization or photoelectric smoke detectors are designed to identify a fire during its smoldering or early flame stages and will meet the needs of most areas containing primarily wood, paper, fabric, and plastic materials. During combustion, these materials produce a mixture of smoke types with detectable levels of both large and small smoke particles. Smoke detectors are suitable for:
  • Indoor areas with low ceilings such as offices, closets, and restrooms.
  • Areas that are relatively clean with minimal amounts of dust and dirt.
  • Areas that contain solid fuels like wood, paper, fabric, and plastic materials.

Note: Some locations are unsuitable for smoke detectors due to the potential for unwanted alarms -- work areas, kitchens, stairs, shafts, high air flow locations, areas that are dusty or dirty, as well as outdoor areas.

Heat detectors

Heat detectors are ideal for areas where flammable gasses and liquids are handled or any area where a fire will quickly cause a large change in the surrounding temperature. Heat detectors are also suitable for:

  • Dirty, dusty or smoky environments.
  • Indoor areas without winds or drafts that can prevent heat from reaching the detector.
  • Manufacturing areas where large quantities of vapors, gases, or fumes may be present.
  • Areas where particles of combustion are normally present, such as in kitchens, furnace rooms, utility rooms, and garages or where ovens, burners or vehicle exhaust gases are present.

Flame detectors

Flame detectors are best for protecting:

  • Areas with high ceilings and open-spaces, such as warehouses and auditoriums.
  • Outdoor or semi-enclosed areas, where winds or draughts can prevent smoke from reaching a heat or smoke detector.
  • Areas where rapidly developing flaming fires can occur, such as petrochemical production, fuel storage areas, paint shops, and solvent areas.
  • Environments that are unsuitable for other types of detectors.

Protection of fire detectors

Fire detector wire mounting diagram - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.Detectors that are installed outdoors and need to be shielded from the weather to work properly or may be exposed to corrosive environments must be protected from corrosion. Provide a canopy, hood, or other suitable protection (such as a non-corrosive coating) for detection equipment, requiring protection from the weather [29 CFR 1910.164(d)(1)]. In order to keep detection equipment operable, they must be located away from or out of contact with materials or equipment which may cause physical damage or be protected by a cage or metal guard. Locate or otherwise protect detection equipment, so that it is protected from mechanical or physical impact that may render it inoperable [29 CFR 1910.164(d)(2)].

All detectors must be securely mounted to a solid surface, such as screwed to a junction box with a mounting plate or other appropriate method that prevents them from putting pressure or stress on attached wires or tubing. Assure that detectors are supported independently of their attachment to wires or tubing [29 CFR 1910.164(d)(3)].

Number, location and spacing of detecting devices

The number, spacing, and location of detectors must be based on design data obtained from:

  • Field experience or testing,
  • Engineering surveys,
  • The manufacturer's recommendations, or
  • A recognized testing laboratory listing.

[29 CFR 1910.164(f)]

General guidelines for placing fire detectors:

  • Put at least one detector in each room, storage area, and hallway. You may need more than one detector per room for those that exceed the manufacturer's spacing requirements. For example, if your detector is rated for 30 feet, install detectors so they are evenly spaced with no more then 30 feet between detectors.
     
  • Place the detector as close to the center of the ceiling as possible when only one detector is required in a room or space.

  • Put at least one detector in each closet, elevator and dumbwaiter shaft, stairwell, and other enclosed spaces.

  • Place a detector at the top of each flight of stairs.

  • Place the detectors in the path of the air flow toward the return air duct when air supply or return ducts are present in a room or space.

  • Place all smoke detectors at least three feet from ceiling fans.
Floor plan diagram showing fire detector placement (indicated by 17 red dots) including four corner offices, a workshop, two central hallways, a stairwell, a closet, and two restrooms. - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.


Maintenance and testing
Over time, dust, dirt, and other foreign material can build up inside a detector’s sensing elements, resulting in reduced sensitivity, which can limit the amount of warning time given during a fire. Dirty or dusty detectors can also result in unwanted alarms that can desensitize occupants to the alarm system or produce more serious behavior (such as disconnecting the system altogether).

To avoid malfunctions and unwanted alarms and to make sure your fire detection system will perform as expected in the event of a fire, you are required to:
  • Operate and maintain your system in a working condition, making sure it is always turned on, except during repairs or maintenance [29 CFR 1910.164(c)(1)].

  • Test and adjust fire detectors and fire detection systems often to ensure that they operate correctly and maintain reliability [29 CFR 1910.164(c)(2)]. Detectors found to be unreliable and/or with reduced sensitivity must be replaced or cleaned and recalibrated.

  • Assure that pneumatic and hydraulic operated detection systems installed after January 1, 1981, are equipped with supervised systems [29 CFR 1910.164(c)(3)].

  • Have a qualified person service, maintain and test all fire detection systems, including cleaning and necessary sensitivity adjustments [29 CFR 1910.164(c)(4)].

  • Have fire detectors cleaned of dust, dirt or other particulates at periodic intervals to assure their proper operation [29 CFR 1910.164(c)(5)].


All fire detection equipment must be returned to normal operation as soon as possible after being tested, used, or accidentally activated [29 CFR 1910.164(b)(2)].

Note: You are also required to have spare detection devices and components readily available in the workplace or from a local supplier to ensure prompt restoration of the system.



Specific applications or uses
Fire Suppression System - A diagram of a partial fire suppression system with alarm, nozzle, fire detector, control box, piping and compressed gas cylinders with extinguishing agent shown - Copyright WARNING: Not all materials on this Web site were created by the federal government. Some content — including both images and text — may be the copyrighted property of others and used by the DOL under a license. Such content generally is accompanied by a copyright notice. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the owner's of such material prior to making use of it. You may contact the DOL for details on specific content, but we cannot guarantee the copyright status of such items. Please consult the U.S.Copyright Office at the Library of Congress — http://www.copyright.gov — to search for copyrighted materials.The following applies to fire detection systems used for specific applications:
  • When a fire detection system is installed for the purpose of activating a fire extinguishing or suppression system, it must be designed to respond in time to control or extinguish the potential fire [29 CFR 1910.164(e)(1)].

  • When a fire detection system is installed as an employee evacuation alarm, it must be designed and installed to provide a warning for emergency action and safe escape of employees [29 CFR 1910.164(e)(2)].

  • Do not delay alarms or devices actuated by fire detectors for more than 30 seconds, unless the delay is necessary for the safety of employees. For example, if a fire suppression system uses a compressed gas that will flood an occupied area, it will be necessary to give employees time to escape. If such a delay is necessary, it must be addressed in an emergency action plan meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38 [29 CFR 1910.164(e)(3)].

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