Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter.
Construction documents for proposed fire apparatus access, location of fire lanes, security gates across fire apparatus access roads and construction documents and hydraulic calculations for fire hydrant systems shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to construction.
Where fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire protection are required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except where approved alternative methods of protection are provided. Temporary street signs shall be installed at each street intersection where construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles in accordance with Section 505.2.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.
Approved fire apparatus roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. The use of section and half-section public streets in meeting the apparatus access requirements of this section for commercial buildings exceeding 500 total occupant load shall be approved by the fire chief. Where fire apparatus roads and pedestrian walkways are specifically approved to intermingle, a minimum of 5 feet (1524 mm) of pedestrian walkway shall be added on both sides of the fire apparatus road.
Exceptions:
- The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
- The building, except for a Group H and/or high-pile storage occupancy, is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3. Where the building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with minimum requirements, the fire apparatus roads shall extend to within 250 feet (76,420 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building.
- Where the building is protected with an approved upgraded automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the minimum requirements for the upgraded sprinkler system design, the fire apparatus roads shall extend to within 350 feet (106 680 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building. For the purposes of this section, an upgraded sprinkler system shall be in accordance with the following table:
Minimum Code-Required System Upgraded System for 350 feet from fire apparatus lanes NFPA 13D NFPA 13R NFPA 13R NFPA 13, Light Hazard NFPA 13, Light Hazard NFPA 13, Ordinary Hazard Group 1, with quick-response sprinklers NFPA 13, Ordinary Hazard Group 1 NFPA 13, Ordinary Hazard Group 2 NFPA 13, Ordinary Hazard Group 2 NFPA 13, Extra Hazard Group 1 NFPA 13, Extra Hazard Group 1 NFPA 13, Extra Hazard Group 2 NFPA 13, Extra Hazard Group 2 As approved by the fire code official - Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided
- There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies or single-family dwellings built under the IRC
- For buildings constructed in accordance with high-rise provisions, fire access along two adjoining sides of the building shall be permitted.
- Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities
The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.
Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8.
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet (7315
mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved access gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an
unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).
Where parallel parking is permitted on both sides of the fire apparatus access road, the minimum clear width of the fire apparatus road shall be shall be 36 feet (10 972 mm), measuring 37 feet (11 277 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for L curbs, 38 feet (11 852 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for R curbs, and 39 feet (11 887 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curbs for roll curbs.
For commercial developments where parallel parking is permitted only on one side of the apparatus road, the minimum clear width of the fire apparatus road shall be 30 feet (9144 mm), measuring 31 feet (9448 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for L curbs, 32 feet (9752 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for R curbs, or 33 feet (10 058 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for roll curbs. Parallel parking on one side only for the purpose of narrowing the roadway width is not permitted for fire apparatus roads serving one- and two-family dwellings. Fire lane markings, provided in accordance with Section 503.3, shall be provided on the side of the road where parallel parking is prohibited.
For commercial developments where parallel parking is prohibited on both sides of a fire apparatus road, the minimum clear width of the fire apparatus road shall be 24 feet (7315 mm), measuring 25 feet (7620 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for L curbs, 26 feet (7924 mm) from back-of-curb to back-of-curb for R curbs, or 27 feet (8229 mm) from back-of—curb to back-of-curb for roll curbs. The prohibition of parallel parking on both sides for the purpose of narrowing the roadway width is not permitted for fire apparatus roads serving one- and two-family dwellings. Fire lane markings, provided in accordance with Section 503.3, shall be provided on both sides of the road where parallel parking is prohibited.
Where fire apparatus access roads pass though parking lots consisting of marked perpendicular and angled parking spaces, such fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum clear width of 24 feet (7315 mm), as measured from the edges of the marked parking spaces.
For Group R, Division 3 structures and for structures constructed in accordance with the IRC, roads serving a maximum of 6 residences and having a maximum length of 150 feet, as measured from the intersection to the back of curb at the end of the stub street, may front onto a stub street with a minimum width of 25 feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb, provided that all residences fronting on the stub street are provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system and that on-street parking on the stub street is prohibited.
The fire code official shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.
Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of
fire apparatus, with a minimum vehicle load of 33,000 pounds per axle, and shall be surfaced and paved so as to
provide all-weather driving capabilities.
Exception:
Temporary access roads serving only buildings under construction shall not be required to be
paved.
The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be no less than 28 feet
inside turning radius and 52 feet outside turning radius.
Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.
Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges where required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces that are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained where required by the fire code official.
The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 12 percent.
The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads
shall have a maximum grade change of 6 percent for 25 feet (7.6 m) before or after the grade change.
Fire apparatus access roads including elevated portions shall be designed
with a ground bearing capacity not less than 75 psi (500 kPa) over the ground contact area.
Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked where required to prohibit parking and other
obstructions. Marking shall consist of painting the curb, or the side of the street, where no curb is present, with a
suitable coat of industrial red enamel along the entire length of road where parking is prohibited. Each section of curb that is painted red shall also be marked by signage stating "NO PARKING FIRE LANE" (Type A sign). Signs are
to be installed no higher than 10 feet or less than 6 feet from the surface of the roadway. Signs shall be located at
each end of painted curb, and additionally in between so that the maximum separation between signs is 100 feet,
as measured along the centerline of the fire apparatus access road.
In lieu of providing multiple signs, where a minimum of one sign is provided at every entrance stating "ON-STREET
PARKING IN MARKED FIRE LANES PROHIBITED" (Type B sign), fire lanes may be marked by painting the words "NO
PARKING FIRE LANE", over the face of the red-painted curbs (Type C sign). The words on the curbs shall be painted
in white letters not less than 4 inches in height with a brush stroke of not less than 3/4 inch. The maximum
separation between markings shall be 50 feet, as measured along the centerline of the fire apparatus access lane.
Where required by the fire code official signs shall be in accordance with the following:
- Type A: Minimum dimension of 18 inches (457mm) high by 12 inches (305 mm) wide. Red letters on a reflective white background with 3/8 inch red trim around entire outer edge of sign. Lettering shall be:
TYPE A SIGN
-
Type B: Minimum dimension of 24 inches (610 mm) wide by 18 inches (457 mm) high. Red letters on reflective white background with 3/8 inch red trim strip around the entire outer edge of sign. Lettering on sign shall be:"ON_STREET PARKING IN MARKED FIRE LANES PROHIBITED"
TYPE B SIGN
-
Type C: Minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) wide by 4 inches (101 mm) high. White letters on red enamel background. Lettering on curb shall be:"NO PARKING FIRE LANE"
TYPE C SIGN
Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Sections 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.
Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official.
Exceptions:
- Speed humps are allowed on private fire apparatus access roads serving commercial and industrial buildings when approved by the fire code official. The location(s), the number permitted, and the design of the speed hump(s) shall meet the approval of the fire code official.
- Rumble strips are allowed on any private fire apparatus access road serving residential, commercial and industrial buildings when approved by the fire code official. A rumble strip must be no higher than 3/4 inches at the highest elevation above the roadway, and a maximum of eight feet in length, as measured along the direction of vehicle travel.
The fire code official is authorized to require the removal from any private property of any existing traffic management or calming device, including speed bumps, that do not meet the applicable criteria, and has been determined by the fire code official to unnecessarily hinder emergency apparatus response.
Bollards obstructing fire apparatus access roads shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire chief.
The fire code official is authorized to require the removal from private property any existing bollards that do not comply with this section and has been determined by the fire chief to unnecessarily hinder emergency apparatus response.
Exception:
Automated bollards approved by the fire chief. The location(s), the number permitted, and the activation method shall meet the approval of the fire chief. An operational test shall be conducted prior to placing the system into operation using Fire Department apparatus.
The fire code official is authorized to require the removal from private property any existing bollards that do not comply with this section and has been determined by the fire chief to unnecessarily hinder emergency apparatus response.
The fire code official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other accessways, not including public streets, alleys or highways. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.
Where required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other accessways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official.
Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.
The installation of access gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the
fire code official. Where access gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation.
The access gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. The minimum clear
opening width shall be 20 feet.
A Fire Prevention Bureau installation permit is required to install a gate that obstructs a fire apparatus access road. A separate permit is required for each gated entrance.
Fire apparatus access roads that are secured by gates shall comply with the specifications of the
Fire Prevention Bureau.
Electronically controlled gates shall be provided with an approved vehicle detector/receiver system in accordance with the rules and regulations specified by the Fire Prevention Bureau. Access gates shall be maintained operational at all times. When electronically controlled gates are out of service, they shall be secured in the open position until repairs are complete. Repairs shall be in accordance with original specifications.
Exception: When approved by the fire code official, electronically controlled gates that are manned on a 24-hour basis.
When required by the fire code official, the installing contractor or the owner of the property shall provide the Fire Department transmitter(s) or approved alternative without cost to the Fire Department.
The fire code official may provide transmitter(s), at no cost to the Fire Department, to local law enforcement agencies and/or an ambulance service for use in emergencies.
All existing facilities with gates installed across access roads shall comply with Fire Department guidelines. Non-complying gates shall be secured in the open position in a manner approved by the Fire Department.
Exception: Gates securing sensitive facilities operated by a public utility governed by the Nevada Public Service Commission, a State of Nevada charter, or other public franchise, shall not be required to be secured in the open position.
Three sets of plans and specifications for fire apparatus access road gates shall
be submitted for review and approval prior to construction. Included in the submittal shall be the following
information:
- Site plan with north arrow, roadway and gate dimensions
- Location of underground roadway detector loop, and green marker, if applicable
- Manufacturers' specification sheets detailing the voltage, current, radio frequency, power cable and coding for the proposed system, if applicable
- Contractor's statement of compatibility with existing installations
- Detailed vicinity map.
An operational test shall be requested by the installing contractor and shall be
conducted prior to placing the system into operation to establish that the final installation complies with this code,
the specified design, and is functioning properly.
Exterior doors and openings required by this code or the International Building Code shall be maintained readily accessible for emergency access by the fire department. An approved access walkway leading from fire apparatus access roads to exterior openings shall be provided where required by the fire code official.
Exterior doors and their function shall not be eliminated without prior approval. Exterior doors that have been rendered nonfunctional and that retain a functional door exterior appearance shall have a sign affixed to the exterior side of the door with the words THIS DOOR BLOCKED. The sign shall consist of letters having a principal stroke of not less than 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) wide and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high on a contrasting background. Required fire department access doors shall not be obstructed or eliminated. Exit and exit access doors shall comply with Chapter 10. Access doors for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with Section 3206.7.
New buildings four or more stories above grade plane, except those with a roof slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 1011.12. Such stairway shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway continues to the roof. Where roofs are used for roof gardens or for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.
New and existing buildings shall have approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Address identification shall be in compliance with the requirements of the fire code official and the ordinances of the jurisdiction. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the fire code official.
Key boxes provided for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with Section 506.1 and all of the following:
- The key box shall be compatible with an existing rapid entry key box system in use in the jurisdiction and approved by the fire code official.
- The front cover shall be permanently labeled with the words "Fire Department Use Only—Elevator Keys."
- The key box shall be mounted at each elevator bank at the lobby nearest to the lowest level of fire department access.
- The key box shall be mounted 5 feet 6 inches (1676 mm) above the finished floor to the right side of the elevator bank.
- Contents of the key box are limited to fire service elevator keys. Additional elevator access tools, keys and information pertinent to emergency planning or elevator access shall be permitted where authorized by the fire code official.
- In buildings with two or more elevator banks, a single key box shall be permitted to be used where such elevator banks are separated by not more than 30 feet (9144 mm). Additional key boxes shall be provided for each individual elevator or elevator bank separated by more than 30 feet (9144 mm).
Exception: A single key box shall be permitted to be located adjacent to a fire command center or the non-standard fire service elevator key shall be permitted to be secured in a key box used for other purposes and located in accordance with Section 506.1.
The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key where a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The design and installation of both public and private fire
hydrants shall be in accordance with this section, Appendix B, Appendix C, NFPA 24 (for private systems) and the
Uniform Design And Construction Standards for Potable Water Systems (UDACS)(for public systems). Unless
otherwise approved by the fire code official, effluent reuse water is not an approved water supply.
Exception:
Highly treated effluent reuse water that meets or exceeds the State of Nevada Administrative
Code (NAC) "Uncontrolled - Full Body Contact Expected" reuse water criteria is allowed when approved by
the Chief. At a minimum, highly treated effluent reuse water shall meet or exceed a 30-day geometric
means which is less than or equal to 2.2 c.f.u. or m.p.n./100 ml, and Max Daily Number less than or equal
to 23 c.f.u. or m.p.n./100 ml for Total Coliforms. The applicant shall show that access to an adequate
potable water supply or source is not possible to the satisfaction of the Chief. A written "fire suppression
water quality assurance plan" shall be submitted and approved by the Chief prior to construction and/or
use of highly treated effluent reuse water as a source of water supply for fire hydrants and fire sprinkler
systems.
Private fire service mains and appurtenances shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24.
Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.
Fire-flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method.
The fire code official shall be notified prior to the water supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official prior to final approval of the water supply system.
Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet (122 m) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.
Exceptions:
- For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
- For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
Buildings equipped with a fire sprinkler or standpipe system installed in accordance with Section 905 shall have a fire hydrant within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of the fire department connections.
Exception:
The distance shall be permitted to exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) where approved by the fire code official
Fire hydrants shall be required to be located in accordance with Appendix C, as amended.
Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the fire code official. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. Records of tests and required maintenance shall be maintained.
Private fire service mains and water tanks shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25 at the following intervals:
- Private fire hydrants of all types: Inspection annually and after each operation; flow test and maintenance annually.
- Fire service main piping: Inspection of exposed, annually; flow test every 5 years.
- Fire service main piping strainers: Inspection and maintenance after each use.
Records of inspections, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.
A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants, except as otherwise required or approved.
Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means shall comply with Section 312.
Hydrants and curbs shall be painted, and hydrant locations shall be marked, in
accordance with this section.
The curb, or roadside where no curb is present, adjacent to a fire hydrant
shall be painted to restrict parked cars from obstructing access to the fire hydrants. A coat of exterior industrial
grade enamel, safety red in color, shall be applied for a minimum of 30 feet, 15 feet to each side of the hydrant,
unless the curb or roadside is interrupted by a driveway, at which point the paint shall end at the driveway.
Hydrant locations shall be marked by means of a blue colored reflective marker in the fire
access lane. The marker shall be located in the center of a drive lane where parking is not anticipated, nearest to
the hydrant.
Hydrant locks consisting of KNOX locking caps and/or KNOX plugs are permitted to be installed on private hydrants for the purposes of securing private hydrants to prevent theft of water.
Where required by other sections of this code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings
by the International Building Code, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and
shall comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.6. When required, a secondary response point shall comply with
Section 508.2.
The location and accessibility of the fire command center shall be approved by the fire code official.
The fire command center shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code or horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code, or both.
The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m2) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.
A layout of the fire command center and all features required by this section to be contained therein shall be submitted for approval prior to installation.
Storage unrelated to operation of the fire command center shall be prohibited.
The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 and shall contain the following features:
- The emergency voice/alarm communication control unit.
- The fire department communication system.
- Fire detection and alarm system annunciator.
- Annunciator unit visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are operational.
- Status indicator and controls for air distribution systems
- The fire-fighter's control panel required by Section 909.16 for smoke control systems installed in the building.
- Controls for unlocking interior exit stairway doors simultaneously.
- Sprinkler valve and waterflow detector display panels.
- Emergency and standby power status indicators.
- A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system.
- Fire pump status indicators.
- Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core, means of egress, fire protection systems, fire-fighting equipment and fire department access and the location of fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions.
- An approved Building Information Card that contains, but is not limited to, the following information:
- General building information that includes: property name, address, the number of floors in the building above and below grade, use and occupancy classification (for mixed uses, identify the different types of occupancies on each floor), and the estimated building population during the day, night and weekend;
- Building emergency contact information that includes: a list of the building's emergency contacts including but not limited to building manager, building engineer, and their respective work phone number, cell phone number, and e-mail address;
- Building construction information that includes: the type of building construction including but not limited to floors, walls, columns, and roof assembly;
- Exit access stairway and exit stairway information that includes: number of exit access stairways and exit stairways in the building; each exit access stairway and exit stairway designation and floors served; location where each exit access stairway and exit stairway discharges, interior exit stairways that are pressurized; exit stairways provided with emergency lighting, each exit stairway that allows reentry; exit stairways providing roof access; elevator information that includes: number of elevator banks, elevator bank designation, elevator car numbers and respective floors that they serve, location of elevator machine rooms, control rooms and control spaces; location of sky lobby; and location of freight elevator banks;
- Building services and system information that includes: location of mechanical rooms, location of building management system, location and capacity of all fuel oil tanks, location of emergency generator, location of natural gas service;
- Fire protection system information that includes: locations of standpipes, location of fire pump room, location of fire department connections, floors protected by automatic sprinklers and location of different types of automatic sprinkler systems installed including but not limited to dry, wet and pre-action;
- Hazardous material information that includes: location and quantity of hazardous material.
- A new work table with a minimum size of three (3) feet by seven (7) feet capable of holding plans in an open position.
- Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
- Public address system, where specifically required by other sections of this code.
- Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.
- Elevator emergency or standby power selector switch(es), where emergency or standby power is provided.
- An approved white board with a minimum size of three (3) feet by four (4) feet capable of easy erasure, with a marking device and an eraser attached.
- Separate shunt trip switches for normal and emergency power.
- A printer connected to the fire alarm control panel to record all fire alarm, supervisory and trouble signals. The printer shall be connected either to a UPS battery system and/or an emergency power supply.
A Secondary Response Point (SRP) shall comply with Section 508.2.1 through
508.2.3.
When required by the fire code official, an SRP shall be provided in
buildings/facilities that are required to be served by a fire command center.
The SRP shall have the following components:
- A fire alarm LCD annunciator that provides a means to scroll through the list of devices that are activated and to acknowledge each alarm. The fire alarm annunciator shall not have the capability of silencing or resetting the building fire alarm system.
- A microphone capable of providing all-call voice messaging over all notification appliance circuits of the alarm communication system.
- A pull station capable of evacuating the entire building.
- An elevator panel that allows the manual transfer of standby power to each elevator cab for all elevators located within the building.
Exception: Where an elevator panel allowing manual transfer of standby power for all elevators is provided at the fire command center, an elevator panel is not required at the SRP.
The SRP shall be located as follows, subject to the approval of the fire code official:
- The SRP shall be located on the floor designated for primary elevator recall.
- The exterior entrance leading to the SRP shall be adjacent to the fire department vehicle access lane.
- The SRP shall be located in an area inaccessible to the public.
- The SRP shall be located within a travel distance of 200 feet from the building entry.
- The entrance to the SRP shall be separated from the fire command center a minimum distance equal to 25% of the building perimeter, or a minimum of 250 feet, as measured along the building perimeter.
The SRP shall be located as follows, subject to the approval of the fire code official:
- The SRP shall be located on the floor designated for primary elevator recall.
- The exterior entrance leading to the SRP shall be adjacent to the fire department vehicle access lane.
- The SRP shall be located in an area inaccessible to the public.
- The SRP shall be located within a travel distance of 200 feet from the building entry.
- The entrance to the SRP shall be separated from the fire command center a minimum distance equal to 25% of the building perimeter, or a minimum of 250 feet, as measured along the building perimeter.
Fire protection equipment shall be identified in an approved manner. Rooms containing controls for air-conditioning systems, sprinkler risers and valves, or other fire detection, suppression or control elements shall be identified for the use of the fire department. Approved signs required to identify fire protection equipment and equipment location shall be constructed of durable materials, permanently installed and readily visible.
Where required by the fire code official, gas shutoff valves, electric meters, service switches and other utility equipment shall be clearly and legibly marked to identify the unit or space that it serves. Identification shall be made in an approved manner, readily visible and shall be maintained.
Approved access shall be provided and maintained for all fire protection equipment to permit immediate safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Storage, trash and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept in such a manner that would prevent such equipment from being readily accessible.
New buildings shall have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems utilized by the jurisdiction, measured at the exterior of the building. This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems.
Exceptions:
- Where approved by the building official and the fire code official, a wired communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2 shall be permitted to be installed or maintained instead of an approved radio coverage system.
- Where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed.
- In facilities where emergency responder radio coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of that facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder radio coverage system.
An emergency responder radio
coverage system shall be provided throughout buildings when any of the following apply:
- High-rise buildings. Buildings with a floor used for human occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
- Underground and below grade buildings. Buildings having a floor level below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge of any level.
- Other buildings. The fire code official is authorized to require a technical opinion and report, in accordance with Section 104.7.2, for buildings whose design, due to location, size, construction type, or other factors, could impede radio coverage as required by Section 510.4.1. The report shall make a recommendation regarding the need for an emergency responder radio coverage system.
Existing buildings shall be provided with approved radio coverage for emergency responders. Existing buildings that do not have approved radio coverage, as determined by the Fire Chief, in accordance with Section 510.4.1 shall be equipped with such coverage in accordance with Section 510 within a time frame established by the fire code official.
Building owners shall submit to the fire code official a radio signal strength study, technical opinion and report prepared in accordance with Section 104.7.2. The report shall identify the area(s) requiring an emergency responder radio coverage system to comply with Section 510.4.1.
Building owners shall submit to the fire code official a radio signal strength study, technical opinion and report prepared in accordance with Section 104.7.2. The report shall identify the area(s) requiring an emergency responder radio coverage system to comply with Section 510.4.1.
Exceptions:
- Where approved by the fire code official, an existing approved wired communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2 shall be permitted to be maintained in lieu of an approved radio coverage system.
- Where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed.
Construction and operational permits for the installation of or modification to emergency
responder radio coverage systems and related equipment is required as specified in Sections 105.6 and 105.7.6.
Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a
permit.
Construction documents for emergency responder radio coverage
systems shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and
show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations as determined by the fire code official.
Plans shall be submitted to the fire code official for review and approval prior to
installation. Coordination and compliance with agency radio system requirements is the responsibility of
the owner and contractor.
Plan submittals shall include, but not be limited to all of the following:
- A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms, emergency responder radio coverage system equipment locations, power panel connections, raceway routing layout, conduit and conductor types and sizes, compliance with survivability criteria and locations of building access to the equipment.
- A roof plan showing the location of antenna(s) including a line of site plan to agency transmitting and receiving antenna(s).
- Schematic drawings of the electrical system, backup power, antenna system and other associated equipment.
- Rack and equipment cabinet plans showing arrangement and configuration of emergency responder radio coverage system equipment.
- System riser diagram(s).
Manufacturer's data sheets shall be provided for equipment to be installed.
Manufacturers' data sheets shall indicate model numbers and listing information for equipment,
devices and materials.
Any field changes that occur during construction shall be incorporated
onto new as-built plans and data sheets. Plans shall be submitted to the fire code official and be
approval prior to final inspections. Coordination and compliance with agency radio system as-built
document requirements is the responsibility of the owner and contractor.
The system shall be capable of transmitting all public safety radio frequencies
assigned to the agency's, and be capable of using any modulating technology. Systems, components and
equipment required to provide the emergency responder radio coverage system shall comply with Sections 510.4.1
through 510.4.2.9.
The minimum inbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The inbound signal level shall be sufficient to provide not less than a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of 3.0 or an equivalent Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.
The minimum outbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The outbound signal level shall be sufficient to provide not less than a DAQ of 3.0 or an equivalent SINR applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.
Signal strength shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of the applications being utilized by public safety for emergency operations through the coverage area as specified by the fire code official in Section 510.4.2.2.
Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with systems and components to enhance the public safety radio signals and achieve the required level of radio coverage specified in Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.1.3. Public safety communications enhancement systems utilizing radio-frequency-emitting devices and cabling shall be approved by the fire code official. Prior to installation, all RF-emitting devices shall have the certification of the radio licensing authority and be suitable for public safety use.
The fire code official shall maintain a document providing the specific technical information and requirements for the emergency responder communications coverage system. This document shall contain, but not be limited to, the various frequencies required, the location of radio sites, the effective radiated power of radio sites, the maximum propagation delay in microseconds, the applications being used and other supporting technical information necessary for system design.
Emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be provided with
dedicated standby batteries or provided with 4-hour standby batteries and connected to the facility
generator power system in accordance with Section 1203. The standby power supply shall be
capable of operating the emergency responder radio coverage system at 100-percent system
capacity for a duration of not less than 24 hours.
If used, signal boosters shall meet the following requirements:
- All signal booster components shall be contained in a National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) 4-type waterproof cabinet.
- Battery systems used for the emergency power source shall be contained in a NEMA 3R or higher-rated cabinet.
- Equipment shall have FCC or other radio licensing authority certification and be suitable for public safety use prior to installation.
- Where a donor antenna exists, isolation shall be maintained between the donor antenna and all inside antennas to not less than 20dB greater than the system gain under all operating conditions.
- Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) used in emergency responder radio coverage systems shall have oscillation prevention circuitry.
- The installation of amplification systems or systems that operate on or provide the means to cause interference on any emergency responder radio coverage networks shall be coordinated and approved by the fire code official.
The emergency responder radio enhancement system shall be monitored by a listed fire alarm control unit, or where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended on-site location.
Automatic supervisory signals shall include the following:
- Loss of normal AC power supply.
- System battery charger(s) failure.
- Malfunction of the donor antenna(s).
- Failure of active RF-emitting device(s).
- Low-battery capacity at 70-percent reduction of operating capacity.
- Failure of critical system components.
- The communications link between the fire alarm system and the emergency responder radio enhancement system.
- Supervisory signals required by NFPA 1221.
The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be capable of modification or expansion in the event frequency changes are required by the FCC or other radio licensing authority, or additional frequencies are made available by the FCC or other radio licensing authority.
The system shall be designed with a designated pathway
survivability as described in NFPA 72 Section 24.3.13.8 and NFPA 1221 Section 9.6.2. The fire
code official shall have the authority to require a fire and non-fire risk analysis be prepared to
specify and document the pathway survivability design and installation requirements.
Cable shall be contained in a non-combustible raceway, metal-clad, or fully enclosed cable tray system.
Cable shall have a passband of 700-900 MHz.
Amplification systems capable of operating on frequencies licensed to any public safety agency by the FCC or other radio licensing authority shall not be installed without prior coordination and approval of the fire code official.
The minimum qualifications of the system designer and lead installation personnel shall include both of the following:
- A valid FCC-issued general radio operators license.
- Certification of in-building system training issued by an approved organization or approved school, or a certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed.
These qualifications shall not be required where demonstration of adequate skills and experience satisfactory to the fire code official is provided.
Where an emergency responder radio coverage system is required,
annually and upon completion of installation, the building owner shall have the radio system tested to
verify that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is not less than 95 percent. The test procedure
shall be conducted as follows:
- Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test areas.
- The test shall be conducted using a calibrated portable radio of the latest brand and model used by the agency talking through the agency's radio communications system or equipment approved by the fire code official.
- Failure of more than one test area shall result in failure of the test.
- In the event that two of the test areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor shall be permitted to be divided into 40 equal test areas. Failure of not more than two nonadjacent test areas shall not result in failure of the test. If the system fails the 40-area test, the system shall be altered to meet the 95-percent coverage requirement.
- A test location approximately in the center of each test area shall be selected for the test, with the radio enabled to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the public agency's radio communications system. Once the test location has been selected, that location shall represent the entire test area. Failure in the selected test location shall be considered to be a failure of that test area. Additional test locations shall not be permitted.
- The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified during annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner shall be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.
- As part of the installation, a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized to ensure spurious oscillations are not being generated by the subject signal booster. This test shall be conducted at the time of installation and at subsequent annual inspections.
- Systems incorporating Class B signal-booster devices or Class B broadband fiber remote devices shall be tested using two portable radios simultaneously conducting subjective voice quality checks. One portable radio shall be positioned not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the indoor antenna. The second portable radio shall be positioned at a distance that represents the farthest distance from any indoor antenna. With both portable radios simultaneously keyed up on different frequencies within the same band, subjective audio testing shall be conducted and comply with DAQ levels as specified in Sections 510.4.1.1 and 510.4.1.2.
The emergency responder radio coverage system installation and components shall comply with all applicable federal regulations including, but not limited to, FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219.
The owner of the building or owner's authorized agent shall have
the emergency responder radio coverage system shall be inspected and tested annually or where
structural changes occur including additions or remodels that could materially change the original field
performance tests. Testing shall consist of the following:
- In-building coverage test as described in Section 510.5.3.
- Signal boosters shall be tested to verify that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance or set to optimize the performance of the system.
- Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of 1 hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage.If within the 1-hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional 1-hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined. Individual batteries shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 72, Chapter 14.
- Other active components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer's specifications.
- At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.5.3, shall be submitted to the fire code official. A copy of this report shall also be maintained on-site for three years.
- The agency shall be notified immediately of system impairments in accordance with Appendix P.
The building owner shall modify or expand the emergency responder radio coverage system at his or her expense in the event frequency changes are required by the FCC or other radio licensing authority, or additional frequencies are made available by the FCC or other radio licensing authority. Prior approval of a public safety radio coverage system on previous frequencies does not exempt this section.
Agency personnel shall have the right to enter onto the property at any reasonable time to conduct field testing to verify the required level of radio coverage.
The owner is responsible for holding a maintenance contract
with a company that can provide emergency response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Maintenance records shall be maintained on-site. Copies of all
maintenance records shall be submitted to the agency's representatives and the fire code official
when requested.
A minimum of two radios, and no less than one radio for every 1 million square feet of building area, shall be provided to the fire department.
Radios shall be approved by the fire code official.
Warranty and ownership of the radios shall be transferred to the fire department upon successful completion of the acceptance test.