BOP Program Statement 1600.16 § 17

a. Flammable/Combustible Liquids. Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored,

handled, and used in accordance with NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

b. Housekeeping. Waste receptacles must be provided in sufficient sizes and quantities to

facilitate the collection of trash.

c. Waste Receptacle Construction. Waste receptacles used for the collection of trash in

inmate housing areas must be constructed of non-combustible or an approved fire-resistant

material.

d. Large Waste Receptacles. All waste receptacles with a capacity exceeding 20 gallons in

inmate housing areas must have a non-combustible or approved fire-resistant lid.

e. Waste Removal. All waste receptacles in inmate housing areas must be emptied at least

daily.

f. Storage (Mechanical and Electric Rooms). Storage in mechanical and/or electrical rooms

is prohibited.

g. Combustible Construction. Wood framing or other combustible construction elements must

not be used in new construction or renovation of inmate housing areas.

h. Interior Finish. Walls and ceilings in inmate housing areas must have a class A interior

finish rating.

i. Mattress Fire Tests. Mattresses must pass the following fire tests:

 16 CFR Part 1632, Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads

 16 CFR Part 1633, Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets

 ASTM E1590, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses

j. Surplus/Used Mattresses. The acquisition of surplus or used mattresses is not permitted.

k. Mattress Modification. Mattresses may not be repaired, modified, or recovered. Damaged

mattresses must be removed from service.

l. Furnishings. Furniture in inmate housing areas must be constructed of non-combustible, fire-resistant, or solid wood materials.

The SA must review purchase requests for furniture, mattresses, waste receptacles, and curtains,

1600.16 6/22/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 24

including shower curtains, to ensure the flammability standards referenced in the NFC and

Bureau policy are being met.

Limited quantities of combustible components such as locker shelves, bulletin boards, or small

tabletops may be used in inmate housing areas with the approval of the SA.

m. Housing Unit Laundry Operations. Energy conservation initiatives have limited the

ability to operate housing unit laundry operations. The preferred method of processing laundry

is the institution central laundry. If the security of the institution necessitates the use of a

housing unit operation (e.g., SHU), the following precautions must be taken. Housing unit

laundries must be:

 Located in a one-hour fire-rated room with a fire-rated self-closing door

 Protected by a sprinkler system

 Cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of lint/dust on equipment

n. Inmate Property. Books, clothing, and other combustible personal property allowed in

inmate housing areas must be stored in closable, non-combustible lockers or a closable, fire-resistant container approved by the SA.