04-005ORDINANCE NO. 0 0~005'
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9, "FIRE PROTECTION
AND PREVENTION," ARTICLE II, CREATING A NEW
SUBSECTION 9-24, " REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH-RISE
BUILDINGS AND BUILDINGS WITH SIX OR MORE
STORIES"; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS,
SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Boynton Beach Fire and Life Safety Division has determined
that it is necessary to amend Chapter 9 of the City's Code of Ordinances to address
requirements for high-rise buildings and buildings with six or more stories; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has determined that it is in the best interests of the
residents and citizens of the City of Boynton Beach to amend Chapter 9 of the Code of
Ordinances to specifically address requirements for high-rise buildings and buildings with six
or more stories.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, THAT:
Section 1. The foregoing "Whereas" clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as being
true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Ordinance upon adoption hereof.
Section 2. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Prevention, Article II, is hereby amended by
creating Subsection 9-24 is as follows:
Sec. 9-24 REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS AND
BUILDINGS WITH SIX OR MORE STORIES
Enf6rcement of Application
The high-rise regulations set forth in this section shall be enforced by the Fire Marshal.
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These regulations shall apply to all buildings, which have floors used for human occupancy
located 75 feet or more above grade, and all buildings of six or more stories used for human
occupancy.
Certificate of Compliance
A. No Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued for a high-rise building or a building of
six or more stories, unless a Certificate of Compliance, as described herein, is first issued
by the Fire Marshal.
B. The following life safety features shall be provided and maintained in working order
by the property owner in accordance with approved plans and specifications and shall be
tested, certified and proved to be in proper working condition at the owners cost to the
satisfaction of the Fire Marshal before issuance of the Certificate of Compliance.
1. Firefighters Air System
A system capable of supplying breathing air to multiple levels of the structure
for the purpose of filling breathing air bottles shall be provided. It shall be
designed to meet fire department needs as described in the Fire Department
Design Guide; be tested annually and maintained at the expense of the owner.
It shall be for fire department use only.
2. Equipment Storage Rooms
Equipment rooms or areas as described in the Fire Department Design Guide, for the
purpose of storing equipment for fire department use shall be provided.
3. Stairwell doors
Stairwell doors shall remain unlocked to allow entry to each floor above the first floor
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from the stairwell.
4. Administrative Controls
Administrative controls shall be provided as deemed appropriate by the Fire Marshal.
This typically includes evacuation/identification maps, door labels, impairment
controls, etc.
5. Master Keys
Multiple master keys fitting all common area doors shall be provided.
6. Rappelling Anchors
Anchor devices meeting fire department requirements as described in the Fire
Department Design Guide shall be placed on the roof and used by the fire
department for rappelling purposes.
7. Suppression Connections and Control Valves
The location of fire department connections and fire suppression control valves
shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.
8. Communications
The systems and devices used to provide voice information to building
occupants and among emergency personnel shall be approved by the Fire
Marshal.
9. Elevators
Elevators shall be of adequate size and configuration to accommodate the needs of the fire
department as described in the Fire Department Design Guide.
10. Smoke Controls
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Stairways and areas important to life safety shall be provided with adequate smoke control
features as determined by the Fire Marshal.
Section 3. Should any section or provision of this ordinance or portion hereof, any
paragraph, sentence or word be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
such decision shall not affect the remainder of this ordinance.
Section 4. Authority is hereby granted to codify said ordinance.
Section 5. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage.
FIRST READING this I'/ day of ~'¢br~.ta.r,t , 2004. I
SECOND, FINAL READING AND PASSAGE this t4 day
t~,~ ,2004.
ATTEST:
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
(CORPORATE SEAL)
of
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Rise Requirements - Chapter 9 Amendment.doc
Page 4
FIRE DEPARTMENT DESIGN GUIDE
2004
PURPOSE
The Fire Department Design Guide was developed to provide information for design
professionals regarding methods to comply with city ordinances pertaining to fire and life
safety design issues. Alternative designs may be acceptable at the discretion of the Fire
Marshal.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bulk Storage of Flammable Liquids In Outside Aboveground Tanks .................. 3
Duct Detector Annunciation ................................................................. 3
Elevators ........................................................................................ 3
Equipment Storage Rooms ................................................................... 3
Extension Cords, Control Panels, and Appliances ......................................... 5
Firefighters Air System ....................................................................... 7
Fire Hydrants and Fire Department Connections ......................................... 16.
Fire Lanes On Private Property; Blocked Roadways ....................................16
Key Boxes/Entry Systems ................................................................... ! 7
Penetration of Firewalls and Fire Breaks ................................................... 18
Repelling Anchors ............................................................................. 18
Security Gates and Emergency Access ..................................................... 18
Smoke Controls ................................................................................ 19
Sprinkler Systems .............................................................................. 19
Tent Requirements For Assembly Use ...................................................... 19
2
Bulk Storage of Flammable Liquids In Outside Aboveground Tanks
The limits in which bulk storage of inflammable liquids in outside aboveground tanks is
prohibited, are hereby established as follows:
Bounded on the east by the Florida Inland Navigation District Canal; on the north by the
Boynton Canal; on the west by Seaboard Air Line Railroad; and on the south by
Woolbright Road (SW 15 Avenue). Such bulk storage is also prohibited within two
hundred fifty (250) feet of U.S. Highway No. 1, and within fire hundred (500) feet of any
church, school, theater, or other public gathering place, or similar type bulk storage tank
installation located on any noncontiguous parcel. Any building permit issued for the
construction of bulk storage tanks contemplated hereinabove, shall be subject to the
imposition of any reasonable safety requirements deemed necessary by the city
commission dictated by the physical location of the proposed site of such tanks. (Ord.
No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98)
Duct Detector Annunciation
Where an approved fire alarm system is installed in a building, HVAC duct detectors
shall be connected to the fire alarm system. Smoke detectors used solely for closing
dampers or for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system shutdown shall not
activate the building fire alarm. They are to be identified as "Supervisory" only.
Elevators
CONTROL OF AUTOMATIC ELEVATORS
(a)
In all buildings three stories or more in height, hereafter erected, which are
equipped with automatic elevators, at least one designated elevator servicing all
floors of the structure shall be arranged for emergency use (firefighter's service)
by Fire Department personnel. The control of automatic elevators shall meet the
requirements as set forth under the state elevator code and ASME/ANSI, A17.1.
(b) Existing elevators shall conform to the requirements of ASME/ANSI A 17.3.
(c)
Elevators shall be inspected and tested as specified in ASME/ANSI A 17.3.
(Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98)
Equipment Storage Rooms
In High-Rise Buildings
Fire Department equipment storage rooms shall be provided to store the required fire
fighting equipment and shall comply with the following:
Ae
Each equipment storage room shall have a minimum of forty-eight (48)
square feet of floor space, with no dimension less than six (6) feet.
Ceiling height shall be at least seven (7) feet, six (6) inches. Size may be
reduced when approved by the Fire Department.
Rooms shall be of two (2) hour fire-resistive construction with no opening
rated less than 1 ½ hours.
Cw
Rooms shall be locked with access by the Fire Department only. Keys
shall be provided in a Fire Department key box.
De
The door to the equipment storage room shall have a permanent sign
stating, "FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY"
Stairway doors shall be identified to indicate the location of equipment
storage rooms in the following manner:
The stairway, which is adjacent to equipment storage rooms, shall
have an exterior sign on the first floor level, or Fire Department
entrance level, identifying the floors where rooms are located
adjacent to that stairway. These stairways shall have roof access.
At each floor level where equipment storage rooms are located,
signs shall be placed on the stairway side to identify that floor as
an equipment storage room location.
Shelves, cabinets and racks shall be installed as specified by the Fire
Department
Ge
The door to the equipment storage room shall be a minimum three (3) feet
by six (6) feet, eight (8) inches in size.
H. Location and Access
The equipment storage rooms shall be located adjacent to an
enclosed exit stairway, which provides access to the roof.
Placement of the equipment storage rooms shall begin five (5)
floors above the ground level and then placed at every fifth in an
ascending order.
4
o
o
When travel distance between exit stairways exceeds 200 feet, both
stairways shall have equipment storage rooms adjacent to them.
Such locations shall be on an approved alternate floor schedule.
Access to the equipment storage rooms shall be within 10 feet of
the exit stairway. The door to each equipment storage room shall
be visible from the entrance to the exit stairway, and shall be
properly identified. The room shall be readily accessible at all
times for Fire Department use.
The fire equipment storage room may be placed within the service
elevator lobby, provided travel distance to the nearest stairway is
no greater than 30 feet.
4. Location of rooms shall be approved by the Fire Department.
Each Fire Department equipment storage room shall contain the
following:
o
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Three (3) fifty-foot lengths of double-jacketed rubber-lined 2-1/2"
hose
Three (3) fifty-foot lengths of double-jacketed rubber-lined 1-3/4"
hose
Six (6) lightweight Scott air bottles, 4.5 cubic feet in size
One each 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" reducer fitting
One each 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" grated Y fitting
Two devices to plug sprinkler heads of each type installed
Six each door wedges
One fire phone handset per room with outlet
Ten foot attic ladder.
Haligan Tool
Axe
Pike Pole
All equipment shall be approved by and meet specifications provided by
the Fire Department. All equipment shall be purchased by the building
owner / agent.
After initial approvals and certifications, all equipment shall be tested and
maintained by the Fire Department. All equipment storage rooms shall
require an annual Fire Department Inspection.
Extension Cords, Control Panels, and Appliances
(a) Temporary use. Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent
wiring.
(b) Conditions of use. Extension cords are permitted only with portable appliances or
fixtures. While in immediate use:
(3)
Each extension cord shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle and
shall, except for approved multiplying extension cords, serve only one
appliance or fixture.
(2) The current capacity of the cord shall not be less than the rated capacity of the
appliance or fixture.
(3) The extension cord shall be maintained in good condition without splices,
deterioration or damage.
(4) The extension cord shall be of the grounded type when servicing grounded
appliances or fixtures.
(c)
Limitations. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures,
extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, nor be
subject to environmental damaging physical impact.
(d)
Multi-plug adapters. The use of multi-plug adapters such as multi-plug extension
cords, cube adapters, strip plugs or any other device that does not comply with
this code or the Electrical Code is prohibited.
(e)
Access to controlpanels. A minimum 30-inch clearance shall be provided in
front of electrical control panels for access.
(f)
Non-approved appliances. Electrical appliances or fixtures shall not be sold,
offered for sale or rent, disposed of by gift or premium, nor made available for
use or used unless they are of an approved type.
(g) Exception. Low voltage wiring, such as communications and signal wiring.
(h) Temporary wiring.
(i)
(~)
Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations shall be
permitted during the period of construction, remodeling, repair or
demolition of buildings, structures, equipment, or similar activities,
subject to proper permitting and inspection.
(2)
Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installation shall be
permitted for a period not to exceed 90 days for Christmas decorative
lighting, carnivals, and similar purposes and for experimental development
work.
(3)
When temporary wiring is attached to a structure, it shall be attached in an
approved manner.
Electrical motors. All electrical motors shall be maintained in a manner free from
the accumulations of oil, waste, and other debris, which will interfere with
required motor ventilation or create a fire hazard. (Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98;
Ord. No. 02-008, § 1, 2-19-02)
Firefighters Air System
In High-Rise Buildings
The Firefighters Air System is a complete, self contained breathing air replenishment
system, permanently installed within a structure, consisting of exterior fire department
connection panels, interior air fill stations, interconnected piping distribution system and
an air storage system. Final locations shall be approved by the Fire Department.
Purpose. The Firefighters Air System allows firefighters and other first responders to
replenish empty breathing air cylinders within close proximity of the incident, reducing
the amount of travel distance, time and personnel needed for logistical support, thus
maximizing firefighter safety and effectiveness.
Scope. The design, installation, testing and certification of Firefighters Air System shall
be in accordance with this section.
Safety. The Firefighters Air System is a life safety system. The system shall provide a
safe and reliable source of clean breathable air to firefighters and other first responders
performing fire suppression, evacuation, search and rescue and other types of emergency
response tasks at incidents requiring the use of self contained breathing apparatus.
Nothing within this specification shall be reduced in quality in any manner, including but
not limited to system design criteria, system performance criteria, components, materials,
installation procedures, testing procedures, commissioning requirements and certification.
Quality Assurance. Plans, specifications, equipment and product data sheets and system
calculations for the Firefighters Air System shall be reviewed and stamped by a licensed
mechanical engineer knowledgeable in high pressure breathing air replenishment
systems, who can demonstrate previous experience with such systems.
Contractor Qualifications. The Firefighters Air System shall be installed by a
licensed High Pressure Breathing Air Contractor. The installation contractor shall have a
state, county, or municipal Occupational License.
Performance and Design Criteria. The Firefighters Air System shall allow firefighters
to replenish a minimum of two (2) 4.5 cubic foot breathing air cylinders at 4,500 PSI
simultaneously within three (3) minutes or less and shall provide for the refilling of
breathing air cylinders within a certified fill containment enclosure.
All components of the system shall be rated to operate at a minimum working pressure of
5,000 PSIG at 70 F with a 4:1 safety factor
The air storage system shall be capable of replenishing a minimum of fifty (50) breathing
air cylinders of 4.5 cubic feet at 4,500 PSI simultaneously within three (3) minutes or less
without fire department supplementation.
The interconnected piping distribution system shall have a minimum calculated design
flow using two (2) interior fill stations, total of four (4) - 4.5 cubic foot 4,500 PSI
breathing air cylinders operating simultaneously at the furthest point from the fire
department access.
When air supplementation becomes available by the fire department mobile air unit, the
exterior fire department connection panel will allow the MAU operator to connect and
begin augmentation of the system, providing for a constant source of breathing air
replenishment to all interior fill stations.
The interconnected piping distribution system shall be designed so that the exterior fire
department connection panels may be isolated from the air storage system and routed
directly to the interior air fill stations via the systems main distribution line. This shall be
accomplished through the means of check valves and selector valves readily accessible
by fire department persom~el, thus allowing breathing air to be supplied directly from the
fire department MAU to the interior fill stations.
Permits. A permit is required to install and repair a Firefighters Air System, in
accordance with the Building Department's permitting procedures.
Fees. No fees shall be charged by the Fire Department for the permit. The Building
Department's fee schedule does apply.
Plans. Prior to the installation of a Firefighters Air System, two sets of plans and
specifications shall be submitted to the Building Department for review and approval.
Plans and calculations shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this section
8
and shall be stamped by a Registered Design Professional demonstrating that the design
criteria for all pressure containing components is satisfied with a minimum working
pressure of 5,000 PSIG at 70 F with a safety factor of 4:1.
The plans submittal shall also include manufacturer mill report for the tubing, fittings,
valves, pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, pressure gauges, cylinder filling hoses
and all other components that may be required for a complete Firefighters Air System
installation.
The AHJ is authorized to require additional information that is necessary for ensuring the
proposed design meets the requirements of this section.
The installation of the Firefighters Air System shall not conunence until complete plans,
specifications and calculations have been submitted, approved and permit issued by the
Building Department.
Codes and Standards The Firefighters Air System shall conform to all current national
standards and this specification. Construction requirements shall follow the current
editions of the FBC. Where applicable all components of the Firefighters Air System
shall meet the minimum requirements of the NFPA, OSHA, ASTM, ASME, ANSI and
Florida Building, Fire, Plumbing and Mechanical codes.
System Components. All pressurize breathing air components of the Firefighters Air
System shall be listed and, or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or
agency. The system shall contain as a minimum, the following components.
a. Exterior Fire Department Connection Panel
b. Interior Fire Department Air Fill Station
c. Air Storage System
d. Interconnected Piping Distribution System
e. Pressure Monitoring Switch
fi Moisture - CO Monitor
Protection. All components of the Firefighters Air System shall be protected by a
minimum two (2) hour fire resistive construction and be protected from physical damage.
Materials of Construction. All breathing air components used in the construction of the
Firefighters Air System shall be listed and, or approved by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory or agency. All pressurized components shall be compatible for use with high
pressure breathing air equipment and self-contained breathing air apparatus. All
pressurized breathing air components shall be rated for a minimum working pressure of
5,000 PSI with a minimum safety ratio factor of4:1
Markings. All components of the Firefighters Air System shall be clearly identified by
means of stainless steel or plastic labels or tags indicating their function. This shall
9
include as a minimum all fire department connection panels, air fill stations, air storage
system, piping, gauges, valves, air connections, air outlets, enclosures, doors.
Exterior Fire Department Connection Panel and Enclosure.
Location. A minimum of two (2) exterior fire department connection panels shall be
attached to the building or on a remote monument at the exterior of the building and be
interconnected to the interior air fill stations and air storage system. The panels shall be
secured inside of a weather resistant enclosure. The panels shall be within 50 feet of an
approved roadway or driveway, or other location approved by the Fire Department. The
enclosures shall be visible and accessible on approach to the building and shall be
maintained with a minimum of six (6) feet - 180-degree clear unobstructed access to the
front of the panels.
The exterior fire department connection panel shall provide the fire departments mobile
air operator access to the system and shall be compatible with the fire departments mobile
air unit.
Non-Metallic Materials. When the enclosures are constructed of non-metallic materials,
the enclosures shall be resistant to ultraviolet and infrared solar radiation.
Vehicle Protection. When the panels are located in an area subject to vehicle traffic,
impact protection shall be provided.
Enclosure Marking. The front of the enclosures shall be marked FIREFIGHTERS AIR
SYSTEM on a securely attached stainless steel, plastic engraved or painted plate. The
lettering shall be in a color that contrasts with the enclosure front and in letters that are a
minimum of 2 inches high with 3/8oinch brush stroke. The marking of the enclosures
shall be immediately visible and accessible to emergency response personnel.
Enclosure Components. The exterior fire department connection panel shall contain all
of the necessary gauges, isolation valves, pressure relief valves, pressure regulating
valves, check valves, tubing, fittings, supports, connectors, adapters and other necessary
components as may be required to allow the fire departments mobile air unit to connect
and augment the system with a constant source of breathing air.
Interior Air Filling Station.
Location. An air filling station shall be located within ten (10) feet and adjacent to an
enclosed exit stairway which provides access to the roof or other areas of ingress or
egress at a minimum of every three (3) floors, commencing on the third (3rd) floor above
the lowest level of fire department access and every third (3rd) floor thereafter and
continue in an ascending order until the uppermost filling station is within three (3) floors
of the roof; the specific location on the floors shall be approved by the fire department;
and within ten (10) feet and adjacent to an enclosed exit stairway or other areas of ingress
or egress approved by the fire department, commencing on the third (3rd) floor below
10
ground level and every three (3) floors below grade thereafter and continue in a
descending order until the lowermost filling station is within three (3) floors of lowest
level; or, if there are less than three (3) floors below ground level, the lowest floor. The
specific location on the floors shall be approved by the fire department.
Additional air filling stations are required when travel distance between exit stairways
exceeds t~vo hundred (200) feet; both stairways shall have air filling stations adjacent
to them, such locations shall be approved by the fire department. The specific location
on the floors shall be approved by the fire department.
Enclosure Requirements. Each air fill station shall be installed within a lockable
enclosure, closet or room by a means approved by the fire department. Each enclosure,
closet or room shall be within ten (10) feet of the exit stairway. The door to each
enclosure shall be readily visible from the entrance to the exit stairway and readily
accessible at all times by firefighters and other emergency responders and shall be
maintained with a minimum of six (6) feet - 180 degree clear unobstructed access to the
front of the air filling station. The enclosure shall have emergency lighting and 110 AC
outlet also powered off the building emergency generator.
Securit3,. To prevent unauthorized access to or tampering with the system, each air fill
station enclosure shall be maintained locked by a means approved by the fire department.
Enclosure Marking. Each enclosure, closet or room shall be marked FIREFIGHTERS
AIR SYSTEM on a securely fastened stainless steel, plastic engraved or painted plate.
The lettering shall be in a color that contrasts with the cabinet front and in letters that are
a minimum of 2-inches high with 3/8-inch brush stroke. The marking of the cabinet shall
be immediately visible and accessible to emergency response personnel.
Air Filling Station Marking. The front of each air fill station shall be marked
FIREFIGHTER AIR SYSTEM on a securely fastened stainless steel, plastic engraved or
painted plate. The lettering shall be in a color that contrasts with the cabinet front and in
letters that are a minimum of 2-inches high with 3/8-inch brush stroke. The marking of
the cabinet shall be immediately visible and accessible to emergency response personnel.
Air Filling Station Components. The air filling station shall contain all of the necessary
gauges, isolation valves, pressure relief valves, pressure regulating valves, check valves,
tubing, fittings, supports, connectors, adapters and other necessary components as may be
required to allow firefighters to safely and reliably replenish multiple breathing air
cylinders within a certified fill contai~unent enclosure.
Air Storage System.
Location. An air storage system shall be located in buildings ten (10) floors or more
above the lowest level of fire department access at a location approved by the fire
department.
11
Purpose. The air storage system along with interior air fill stations shall provide
firefighters the ability to safely and reliably replenish empty breathing air cylinders prior
to the fire departments mobile air unit arriving on scene.
Performance. The air storage system shall be capable of replenishing a minimum of
fifty (50) breathing air cylinders of 4.5 cubic feet at 4,500 PSI simultaneously within
three (3) minutes or less without fire department supplementation. The use of equipment
requiring gasoline, diesel driven or standard building powered components is not
acceptable.
Enclosure Requirements. The air storage system shall be contained within a minimum
two (2) hour fire rated enclosure, closet or room sufficiently sized to accommodate all air
storage system components. The access door to the enclosure shall be of sufficient size to
allow for the maintenance and or removal of the air storage system. The enclosure shall
be conditioned so that the temperature is no less than 40 F or more than 80 F degrees and
shall have an engineered pressure relief vent for over pressurization in the event of
component failure. The enclosure shall have emergency lighting and 110 AC outlet also
powered off the building emergency generator.
Security. To prevent unauthorized access to or tampering with the air storage system, the
enclosure shall be maintained locked by a means approved by the fire department.
Enclosure Marking. The air storage enclosure, closet or room shall be marked
FIREFIGHTERS AIR SYSTEM on a securely fastened stainless steel, plastic engraved
or painted plate. The lettering shall be in a color that contrasts with the cabinet front and
in letters that are a minimum of 2-inches high with 3/8-inch brush stroke. The marking of
the enclosure shall be immediately visible and accessible to emergency response
personnel.
Air Storage System Marking. The air storage system shall be marked FIREFIGHTER
AIR SYSTEM on securely fastened stainless steel, plastic engraved or painted plates. The
lettering shall be in a color that contrasts with the systems components and in letters that
are a minimum of 2-inches high with 3/8-inch brush stroke.
Piping Distribution Materials and Methods.
Prohibition. The use of carbon steel, iron pipe, malleable iron, high strength gray iron,
alloy steel, copper or plastic for pressurized breathing air components is prohibited.
Materials of Construction. All components of the piping distribution system shall be
protected by a minimum two (2) hour fire resistive construction and be protected from
physical damage. All pressurized materials used in the construction of the piping
distribution system shall be compatible for use with high pressure breathing air
equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus. All pressurized breathing air
components shall be rated for a minimum working pressure of 5,000 PSI with a minimum
12
safety ratio factor of 4:1. The internal surfaces of all pressurized material shall be free of
contamination and meet the standards ofNFPA 1500-200 Grade D breathing air.
Tubing. Tubing shall be constructed of stainless steel materials that are compatible with
high pressure breathing air. The use of nonmetallic materials shall be compatible with
high pressure breathing air. When stainless steel tubing is used, it shall meet ASTM A-
269, Grade 316 or an equal standard. Stainless steel tubing shall be a minimum .375
outside diameter x .065 wall 316 fully annealed seamless. Stainless steel tubing shall be
at least Grade 316 and meet the requirements of ASTM A-479 or equal. Routing of
tubing and bends shall be such as to protect the tubing from mechanical damage.
Securement. Tubing shall be supported at minimum of five (5) feet intervals. Individual
tubing clamps and mounting components shall be mechanically secured to the building
support-members in accordance with manufacturers specifications and the Mechanical
Code adopted by the jurisdiction.
Marking. All tubing shall be clearly marked FIREFIGHTERS AIR SYSTEM and HIGH
PRESSURE BREATHING AIR using double sided engraved 3" x 1" stainless steel or
plastic markers placed at minimum 10' intervals and at each floor level whether
concealed or in plain view.
Fittings. Fittings shall be constructed of stainless steel materials that are compatible with
high pressure breathing air. The use of nonmetallic materials shall be compatible with
high pressure breathing air. Stainless steel fittings shall be at least Grade 316 and meet
the requirements of ASTM A-479 or an equal standard and rated to the maximum
working pressure of the tubing used.
System Assembly Requirements. The piping distribution system shall be a welded
system, except where the tubing joints are readily accessible and at the point of
connection to the individual air filling stations. Welding procedures shall follow
nationally recognized standards. Prior to and during the welding of sections of tubing, a
continuous, regulated dry nitrogen purge at 3 psi shall be maintained to eliminate
contamination with products of the oxidation or welding flux. The purge shall commence
a minimum of 2 minutes prior to welding operations and continue until the welded joint
is at ambient temperature (72° F). When mechanical high-pressure tube fittings are used,
they shall be listed for the type of materials to be joined and rated for the maximum
pressure of the system. When mechanical tube fittings are used, prior approval by the
authority having jurisdiction must be obtained. All concealed mechanical fittings for
tubing and valves shall be made accessible by means of fire rated, self-closing, access
door with fire department approved locking system. When tubing passes through a fire
rated or solid material, it shall be protected by a sleeve at least three (3) times the tube
diameter. Both ends of the sleeve shall be filled with and approved fire stop material.
Prevention of Contamination. The installing contractor shall ensure that, at all times,
the system components are not exposed to contaminants, including but not limited to,
oils, solvents, dirt, and construction materials. When known or suspected contamination
13
of system components has occurred, the affected component shall not be installed in the
system. The installation shall also conform to good engineering practice.
Pressure monitoring switch. An electric low pressure-monitoring switch shall be
installed to monitor the air pressure. The pressure switch shall be connected to the
building's fire alarm system or monitor system as a supervisory alarm. The pressure
switch shall transmit a supervisory signal when the pressure of the breathing air system is
less than 3,000 PSIG at 70 F, +100 PSIG. The building owner or authorized agent shall
notify the fire department and testing contractor of any alarm signaling a loss of pressure
to the system.
Moisture - CO Monitor. An electric moisture and carbon monoxide monitor shall be
installed to monitor the systems air quality. This monitor shall be connected to the
building's fire alarm system as a supervisory alarm. The monitor shall transmit a
supervisory signal when the levels of moisture or carbon monoxide exceed acceptable
levels for breathing air standards. The building owner or authorized agent shall notify the
fire department and testing contractor of any alarm signaling a rise in moisture or carbon
monoxide levels within the system.
Final Testing, Inspection and Commissioning.
All components of the Firefighters Air System shall be pre-inspected and tested for
proper assembly and operation prior to a functional fire department test and inspection.
Testing Procedures.
Following fabrication, assembly, and installation of the exterior fire department
connection panels, interior air filling stations, air storage system and the piping
distribution system, the Fire Department shall witness the pneumatic testing of the entire
system at 5,000 PSI for a period of twenty four (24) hours using oil free, clean dry air.
During this time all fittings, joints and system components shall be inspected for leaks. A
solution compatible with the system component materials shall be used on each joint and
fitting. Any defects in the system or leaks detected shall be documented on an inspection
report, repaired and or replaced.
Upon the successful completion of the twenty four (24) hour pressure test, the Fire
Department shall witness the pneumatic testing of the entire system at 7,500 PSI for a
period of one (1) using oil free, clean dry air. Any defects in the system or leaks detected
shall be documented on an inspection report, repaired and or replaced.
Upon the successful completion of the one (1) hour pressure test, the systems low
pressure monitoring switch shall be calibrated to not less than 3,000 PSI descending and
tested to verify that the signal is annunciated at the building's main fire alarm panel and
by means of an audible and visual strobe located in a readily visible location.
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A minimum of two (2) air samples shall then be taken from separate air filling stations
and submitted to an independent certified gas analyst laboratory to verify the system's
cleanliness and that the air meets all applicable standards for breathing air systems to
include but not limited to NFPA 1500-2000 and the definition of PF grade (D) breathing
air. The laboratory shall submit a written report to the testing contractor and the Fire
Department documenting the air analysis complies with the above requirements.
During the period of air quality analysis, the air filling stations inlets shall be secured so
that no air can be introduced into the system and each air filling station shall be provided
with a sign stating "AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS 1N PROGRESS, DO NOT FILL OR
USE ANY AIR FROM THIS SYSTEM." This sign shall be a minimum of 8-1/2 X 11"
with minimum of 1' lettering.
Each exterior fire department connection panel shall be tested for compatibility with the
fire departments mobile air unit. This shall be accomplished by connecting the fire
departments mobile air unit to each exterior connection panel. At such time of connection
the fire departments mobile air unit will provide a source of air to the system verifying
the systems compatibility with the MAU.
Each air filling station shall be tested for compatibility with the fire department's self-
contained breathing cylinders and apparatus. This shall be accomplished by replenishing
empty 4,500 PSI breathing air cylinders at each outlet at each air fill station.
The air storage system shall be tested for its ability to meet the Performance Section. This
shall be accomplished by the replenishing of a minimum of twenty five (25) 4.5 cubic
foot, 4,500 PSI breathing air cylinders at the uppermost air filling stations without
augmentation from the fire departments mobile air unit.
Upon successful completion of all testing procedures the system shall be filled to normal
operating pressure of 5,000 PSI, all control valves shall be placed in their normal
operating position, all doors shall be secured and locked. Five (5) sets of keys properly
identified shall be provided to the fire department.
System Acceptance and Final Commissioning
Training. The installing contractor shall provide training for the fire department upon the
successful conclusion of all inspections, testing and commissioning procedures. This
training shall be accomplished in three (3) separate shifts of not more than three (3) hours
per session. The fire department may request additional training when the regular testing
and certification contractor performs testing and certification procedures. Training
sessions shall be by mutual consent with the building owner or authorized agent.
Certification. A registered design professional's stamped certificate documenting the
entire Firefighters Air System has been installed, tested and commissioned in accordance
with this section and the approved plans shall be submitted to the AJH.
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Final Acceptance. Prior to the final acceptance of the Firefighters Air System and
certificate of occupancy, the building owner or authorized agent shall provide for the
regular testing and certification of the Firefighters Air System for the life of the system.
Verification of a regular testing and certification shall be provided to the Fire Department
in writing.
Regular Testing and Certification. As a minimum, this shall include; verifying the
system's compatibility with the fire department's mobile air unit and self contained
breathing apparatus. This shall include verifying the system's ability to maintain 5,000
PSI working pressure, the operability of the low pressure monitoring switch and the
system's ability to comply with the air quality requirements of this section. The building
owner, authorized agent or testing contractor shall notify the fire department of any
scheduled test of the system.
Testing Contractor. The Firefighters Air System testing contractor shall be a
licensed High Pressure Breathing Air Contractor. The testing contractor shall have a
Business License.
Final Commissioning. Upon satisfactory completion of all testing procedures, receipt of
engineered stamped certification, verification of a regular testing and maintenance
contract and fire department training the system shall be considered complete. The
Firefighters Air System shall then be considered ready for use by firefighters in an
emergency incident.
Special Requirements. Any modification or changes to components contained within
or to the "systems" described in this section shall be requested through the Building
Department's permitting procedures.
Fire Hydrants and Fire Department Connections
Reflective blue markers shall be placed to indicate the location of a hydrant. Reflective
red markers shall be placed to indicate the location of a Fire Department Connection.
(Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98; Ord. No. 02-008, § 1, 2-19-02)
Fire Lanes On Private Property; Blocked Roadways
(a) For the purposes of this section:
Fire Lane. A space sufficient in width and length to permit the parking of fire
trucks, rescue vehicles, and other fire rescue department apparatus and located
nearest to, or at the best location to permit firefighting and rescue operations
nearest to, a building or structure.
(b)
Fire lanes shall be established on private property where the public has the fight to
travel by motor vehicle, or where the public is permitted by invitation or by
license to travel by motor vehicle, to the extent that any such lane is necessary for
16
(c)
(e)
(f)
(g)
access to buildings by fire trucks or other firefighting apparatus as determined by
the Fire Marshal. Any person owning or in possession and control of any such
property, including but not necessarily limited to, any parking lot, shopping plaza,
shopping center or other commercial, industrial or multifamily residential area,
shall establish such fire lanes through striping, marking and posting of signs.
After notification by the Fire Marshal of the necessity to establish one or more
fire lanes upon a particular property, the owner or person in possession and
control of the property shall submit two sets of site plans of the property to the
Fire Marshal for review and approval of the design and location of the fire lanes.
The site plans shall be drawn to scale and shall show all related buildings,
driveways, streets and other information to evaluate the sufficiency of the fire
lanes.
Approval by the Fire Marshal of the fire lanes shall constitute authorization for
the installation of official signs prohibiting the stopping, standing or parking of
motor vehicles within the fire lanes, and posting the lanes as tow away zones.
Such signs and necessary pavement marking and striping shall be furnished by
and at the cost of the owner or person in possession and control of the property,
who shall hereafter be responsible for the maintenance of the signs, marking and
striping in a state of good repair.
All fire lanes signs installed pursuant to this section shall have red lettering, not
less than two inches or more than three inches in height, on a white background.
Each sign shall be 12 inches wide by 18 inches in height, and shall not be
inconsistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices of the State
Department of Transportation. The Fire Marshal shall prescribe a uniform sign
design for such signs.
It shall be unlawful for any person to have or cause to have any driveway,
roadway or entrance barricaded or blocked by obstacles which would interfere
with the response of Fire Department or other emergency vehicles. If an existing
building requires the changing of access to the properties, the owners shall
provide revised site plans to the Building Division and to the Fire Department for
their approval. Any person failing to comply with the above provisions or
violating the provisions shall be punished pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 9-1
and Sec. 1-6. (Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98)
Emergency access shall be provided at the start of a project and be maintained
throughout construction per the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Section 3-5, and
NFPA 241, (1996) Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition
Operations, Section 5-4.3. Emergency access roadways must be firm and
unyielding, having a bearing value of not less than 40 (i.e. LBR 40), compacted to
98% of the maximum density as determined by AASHTO T 180, in accordance
with the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (2000)
Division 11, Section 160, STABILIZING. A copy of the test results shall be
17
provided and accepted prior to above grade construction. Testing frequency shall
not be less than that specified in the FDOT Sampling, Testing and Reporting
Guide, or as required by the Fire Marshal. The roadway shall be maintained free
from ruts, depressions, and damage, and at the required bearing value for the
duration of it's intended use.
Key Boxes/Entry Systems
In all new and existing buildings, except individual residential dwelling units of any kind,
there shall be installed a key box for such areas or buildings when the Fire Marshal
determines that access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of
secured doors and windows, security gates, or where immediate access is necessary for
all life-saving or firefighting purposes. The key box shall be a type approved by the Fire
Marshal, and shall contain:
(a)
Keys to locked points of egress, whether in common areas or
on the interior or exterior of such buildings;
(b) Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms;
(c) Keys to locked electrical rooms;
(d) Keys to elevator controls; and
(e)
Keys to other areas where fire rescue personnel may need
emergency access as directed by the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal shall
approve the location of the lock box. (Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98)
Penetration of Firewalls and Fire Breaks
Any material penetrating a firebreak or firewall shall have the equivalent fire rating of
that break or wall which is penetrated. (Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-1-98)
Repelling Anchors
(1) Anchors shall be attached at locations specified by the Fire Department.
(2) All anchors and hardware shall be of Type 303,304, or 316 stainless steel.
(3)
Anchors attached to concrete poured-in-place shall be installed while the concrete
is being placed. Such anchors shall extend not less than 5 inches into the concrete
and shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than one-fourth of a square inch
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(4)
(5)
(6)
and shall be provided with a fluke at the end of the anchor not less than 1 inch in
length.
Anchors attached to masonry, other than concrete poured-in-place, shall be
installed while the wall is under construction and shall be shaped to build into the
joints between masom'y units. Such anchors shall be not less than 8 1/2 inches
long and shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than one-fourth of a square
inch at all unexposed points and shall have a fluke or flukes having holding
surface of not less than 1 inch in length that shall be firmly imbedded in the
masonry.
Anchors attached to hollow metal construction shall be installed by one of the
following methods:
(A)
At least two machine screws or bolts of 3/8-inch diameter stainless steel or
equivalent passing through the frame and a steel reinforcing plate 3/8-inch
thick that extends not less than 5 inches above the top bolt hole, placed on
the inside of the frame and secured by means of nuts and lock washers. In
cases where it is impracticable to provide nuts and lock washers, the
reinforcing plate may be tapped to receive 3/8-inch diameter bolts, and the
bolts shall extend through the plate.
(B)
Where the threaded bolt is an integral part of the anchor, it shall be at least
1/2-inch in diameter and shall be secured by means of a nut and lock
washer, or any other method acceptable to the AHJ.
(c)
Bolts used to attach anchor fastenings shall be secured by means of nuts
tightened to the torque specified by the bolt manufacturer or other
equivalent means.
Anchors attached to solid metal construction shall be installed by one of the
following methods:
(A)
At least two machine screws or bolts of 3/8-inch diameter stainless steel or
equivalent passing through the frame and secured by means of nuts and
lock washers. In cases where it is impracticable to provide nuts and lock
washers, the metal frame shall be reinforced with a 3/8-inch thick plate, 6
inches long, tapped to receive both attaching bolts which shall extend
through the reinforcing plate.
(B)
Where the threaded bolt is an integral part of the anchor, it shall be at least
1/2-inch in diameter and shall be secured by means of a nut and lock
washer, or any other method acceptable to the Fire Department.
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(7)
(8)
(9)
(c)
Bolts used to attach anchor fastenings shall be secured by means of nuts
tightened to the torque specified by the bolt manufacturer or other
equivalent means.
When anchors are attached to hollow or solid aluminum frames, the reinforcing
plate shall be coated or protected so as to minimize electrolytic action between
unlike metals.
(A)
All anchors and anchor fastenings shall be provided with means to prevent
them from turning, backing off or becoming loose.
(B)
Bolts used to attach anchor fastenings shall be secured by means of nuts
tightened to the torque specified by the bolt manufacturer or other
equivalent means.
The use of expansion shield anchors is prohibited.
Inspection of Anchors and Fittings on buildings shall be conducted at least every
12 months.
Security Gates and Emergency Access
The minimum requirements shall be as required by the Fire Marshal:
(a) All security/entrance gates must have an electronic key number pad or an
approved alternative.
The keypad will allow entrance by the simple act of pushing four (4) or five (5)
buttons.
All gates must have a security entry code approved in advance by the Fire
Marshal.
Gates may be operable by telephone from our dispatch office. A phone call from
our dispatchers will open the gate and a second call will be required to close the
gate.
In case of power failure, the electronic gate shall open automatically and remain
open.
An exception will be where a 24-hour security guard is stationed at the gate.
A back-up device such as an authorized security box or key switch is required to
operate the gate in the event the number pad entry does not work.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(0
(g)
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(h)
No other code numbers, operating methods or key systems will be kept on file by
the Fire Rescue Department.
(i)
In the event that our units are unable to gain rapid entry with the above methods,
it will required the use of raid forcible entry methods to gain entry. The city
and/or the Fire Rescue Department shall not be responsible for, nor incur any
costs as a result of, gaining access to a specific area.
(J)
Information on where authorized key security boxes can be obtained is available
from the Fire Rescue, Fire and Life Safety Division.
(k) Failure to comply will result in the violation of Section 9-3F of this code.
(1)
Failure to notify the Fire Marshal of all unauthorized change to the operating
system or other violation of this Section shall result in a fine of $100.
(Ord. No. 98-4.5, § 2, 12-l-98; Ord. No. 02-008, § 1, 2-19-02)
Smoke Controls
Stairways and areas important to life safety in buildings of six or more stories shall be
provided with adequate smoke control features as determined by the Fire Marshal. An
understanding of the expected performance of the system and the acceptance test
procedures should be established early in the design. Detailed engineering design
information is contained in ASHRAE/SFPE, Design of Smoke Management Systems, and
the NFPA publication, Smoke Movement and Control in High-Rise Buildings.
The purpose is to accomplish one or more of the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Inhibit smoke from entering stairwells, means of egress, areas of refuge, elevator
shafts, or similar areas.
Maintain a tenable environment in areas of refuge and means of egress during the
time required for evacuation.
Inhibit the migration of smoke from the smoke zone.
Provide conditions outside the fire zone that enable emergency response
personnel to conduct search and rescue operations and to locate and control the
fire.
Contribute to the protection of life and to the reduction of property loss.
Sprinkler Systems
a) Water meters are prohibited on sprinkler supply lines.
Tent Requirements For Assembly Use
a)
A supplemental lighting system in addition to the regular system for emergency
lighting is required.
21
b)
A certificate of flame retardant fabric is required to be provided to the authority
having jurisdiction.
c)
A confirmatory field inspection is required after the tent is erected and prior to use
by the public to confirm flame resistance.
d)
The storage of flammable liquids or the use of combustible materials, not flame
retardant treated, are not permitted inside the tent. There will be no smoking or
open flame allowed inside the tent.
e) A method to provide for emergency communications shall be provided.
A ten-pound ABC fire extinguisher will be prominently displayed and persons
operating the assembly shall be trained.
g)
The public will be protected from tripping hazards and all electrical connections
shall be enclosed.
Applicable building permits and inspections shall be required. Permit
applications shall include flame-spread information, location of tent relative to
other structures, and the time period the tent is to be used.
22