Portable Fire Extinguisher Requirement

[bhsrnd]

We have a computer room which is protected by an FM-200 fire suppression system, EPO system and sprinklers. When this building was built in 1996/7 there were no fire extinguishers installed in this computer room.

I have looked though NFPA-1 (2003), OSHA 1910 and local codes but cannot find anything that specifically says a computer room is exempt from portable extinguishers simply because it has protection by a fire suppression system and/or sprinklers.

Does anyone know anything different? We haven't been cited for this by the local or State agencies nor has our insurance inspector said anything.

 

[DavidCR]

Most clean agent control systems include a pre-alarm to allow personnel to control a starting fire, giving you the chance to control the situation without discharging the costly FM200, so fire extinguishers are important. It should be stated in a local code, maybe not indicated as a specific requirement for computer rooms, but a requirement depending of the type of occupancy it is (bussiness, office).

You could also check the NFPA 101 or NFPA 75 to see if it contains clues for your case.