Fire detection and employee alarm systems.

Standard Number: 1910.160; 1910.160(b)(3); 1910.160(b)(13); 1910.161; 1910.161(b)(3); 1910.37; 1910.37(e); 1910.38; 1910.38(d)

August 7, 1981

Lee Palmer, C.S.P
Manager, Field Safety Services
Wausau Insurance Companies
1040 Woodcock Road
Box 20534
Orlando, Florida 32814

Dear Mr. Palmer:

This is in response to your letter to our Tampa Area Office concerning fire detection and employee alarm systems, 29 CFR 1910.164 and 29 CFR 1910.165.

A fire detection system, as defined in 1910.164, is installed only if it is required by a particular OSHA standard, for example, 29 CFR 1910.160(b)(13).

Relative to 29 CFR 1910.165, this also applies only to those employee alarm systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard, such as 29 CFR [1910.37(e)], [1910.38(d)], 1910.160(b)(3) and 1910.161(b)(3).

If we may be of further assistance, please call or write.

Sincerely,

Bruce Hillenbrand
Deputy Director,
Federal Compliance and State Programs

[Corrected 2/4/2004]