Header:
OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ANNOTATED
1301:7 DIVISION OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL
CHAPTER 1301:7-7 OHIO FIRE CODE
Date:
09/28/2012
Document:
1301:7-7-05. Fire service features.
[NOTE: for copyright claim information, please see the notice on the last page of this rule.]
(A) Section 501 General (1) 501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this rule.
(2) 501.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in rule 1301:7-7-01 of the Administrative Code.
(3) 501.3 Construction documents. Construction documents for proposed fire apparatus access, location of fire lanes, security gates across fire apparatus access and construction documents and hydraulic calculations for fire hydrant systems shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to construction.
(4) 501.4 Timing of installation. When fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire protection is required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except when approved alternative methods of protection are provided. Temporary street signs shall be installed at each street intersection when construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles in accordance with paragraph (E)(2)(505.2) of this rule.
(B) Section 502 Definitions (1) 502.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this rule and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
"Fire apparatus access road." Same as "Fire Lane" as defined in this paragraph.
"Fire command center." The principal attended or unattended location where the status of the detection, alarm communications and control systems is displayed, and from which the system(s) can be manually controlled.
"Fire department master key." A limited issue key of special or controlled design to be carried by fire department officials in command which will open key boxes on specified properties.
"Fire lane." A road or other passageway developed to allow the passage of fire apparatus. A fire lane is not necessarily intended for vehicular traffic other than fire apparatus. A fire lane shall not be interpreted to mean a residential and/or public street.
"Key box." A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing building entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.
(C) Section 503 Fire apparatus access roads (1) 503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with paragraphs (C)(1)(a)(503.1.1) to (C)(1)(c)(503.1.3) of this rule.
(a) 503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction which are not readily accessible from a public and/or private street. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph 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.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where:
1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(a)(i)(903.3.1.1), (C)(3)(a)(ii)(903.3.1.2) or (C)(3)(a)(iii)(903.3.1.3) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.
2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.
(b) 503.1.2 Additional access. 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.
(c) 503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of rule 1301:7-7-23 of the Administrative Code.
(2) 503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with paragraphs (C)(2)(a)(503.2.1) to (C)(2)(h)(503.2.8) of this rule.
(a) 503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with paragraph (C)(6)(503.6) of this rule, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).
(b) 503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require an increase in the minimum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.
(c) 503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
(d) 503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the fire code official.
(e) 503.2.5 Dead ends. 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.
(f) 503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. 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 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code. 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 when required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the fire code official.
(g) 503.2.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus.
(h) 503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus.
(3) 503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the word "NO PARKING-FIRE LANE" shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
(4) 503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in paragraph (C)(2)(a)(503.2.1) of this rule shall be maintained at all times.
(5) 503.5 Required gates or barricades. 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 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
(a) 503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades. When 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 paragraph (C)(5)(503.5) of this rule 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.
(6) 503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire chief. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200 as listed in rule1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
(D) Section 504 Access to building openings and roofs (1) 504.1 Required access. Exterior doors and openings required by this rule or the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative 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 when required by the fire code official.
(2) 504.2 Maintenance of exterior doors and openings. 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 at least 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 rule 1301:7-7-10 of the Administrative Code. Access doors for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with paragraph (F)(6)(a)(2306.6.1) of rule 1301:7-7-23 of the Administrative Code.
(3) 504.3 Stairway access to roof. 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-per cent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with paragraph (I)(12)(1009.12) of rule 1301:7-7-10 of the Administrative Code. 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.
(E) Section 505 Premises identification (1) 505.1 Address numbers. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101.6 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). 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.
(2) 505.2 Street or road signs. Streets and roads shall be identified with approved signs. Temporary signs shall be installed at each street intersection when construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles. Signs shall be of an approved size, weather resistant and be maintained until replaced by permanent signs.
(F) Section 506 Key boxes (1) 506.1 When required. 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 and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
(a) 506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers when required by the fire code official.
(2) 506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
(G) Section 507 Fire protection water supplies (1) 507.1 Required water supply. 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 jurisidiction.
(2) 507.2 Type of water supply. A water supply shall consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of providing the required fire flow.
(a) 507.2.1 Private fire service mains. Private fire service mains and appurtenances shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
(b) 507.2.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
Exception: Marking shall not be required on shaftway openings which are readily discernible as openings onto a shaftway by the construction or arrangement.
(3) 507.3 Fire flow. Fire flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method.
(4) 507.4 Water supply test. The fire code official shall be notified prior to the water supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official or approved documentation of the test shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final approval of the water supply system.
(5) 507.5 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with paragraphs (G)(5)(a0(507.5.1) to (G)(5)(f)(507.5.6) of this rule.
(a) 507.5.1 Where required. 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.
Exception: 1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(a)(i)(903.3.1.1) or (C)(3)(a)(ii)(903.3.1.2) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
(b) 507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. 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.
(c) 507.5.3 Private fire service mains and water tanks. Private fire services mains and water tanks shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25 as listed in rule1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code at the following intervals:
(i) Private fire hydrants (all types): Inspection annually and after each operation; flow test and maintenance annually.
(ii) Fire service main piping: Inspection of exposed, annually; flow test every 5 years.
(iii) Fire service main piping strainers: Inspection and maintenance after each use.
(d) 507.5.4 Obstruction. Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.
(e) 507.5.5 Clear space around hydrants. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.
(f) 507.5.6 Physical protection. Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means shall comply with paragraph (L)(312) of rule 1301:7-7-03 of the Administrative Code.
(H) Section 508 Fire command center (1) 508.1 Where required. Where required by other paragraphs of this code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the building code as listed in rule1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with paragraphs (H)(1)(a)(508.1.1) to (H)(1)(e)(508.1.5) of this rule.
(a) 508.1.1 Location and access. The location and accessibility of the fire command center shall be approved by the fire code official.
(b) 508.1.2 Separation. 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 building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code or horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with section 712 of the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
(c) 508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be a minimum of 200 square feet (19 m[2]) with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).
(d) 508.1.4 Layout approval. A layout of the fire command center and all features required by this paragraph to be contained therein shall be submitted for approval prior to installation.
(e) 508.1.5 Required features. The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code and shall contain the following features:
(i) The emergency voice/alarm communication system unit.
(ii) The fire department communications system.
(iii) Fire-detection and alarm system annunciator.
(iv) Annunciator unit visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are operational.
(v) Status indicators and controls for air distribution systems.
(vi) The fire-fighter's control panel required by paragraph (I)(16)(909.16) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code for smoke control systems installed in the building.
(vii) Controls for unlocking stairway doors simultaneously.
(viii) Sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display panels.
(ix) Emergency and standby power status indicators.
(x) A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system.
(xi) Fire pump status indicators.
(xii) 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.
(xiii) Work table.
(xiv) Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
(xv) Public address system, where specifically required by other paragraphs of this code.
(xvi) Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-47 of the Administrative Code.
(xvii) Elevator emergency or standby power selector switch(es), where emergency or standby power is provided.
(I) Section 509 Fire protection equipment identification and access (1) 509.1 Identification. 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.
(2) 509.2 Equipment access. 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.
(J) Section 510 Emergency responder radio coverage
(1) 510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in buildings. All buildings shall have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at the exterior of the building. This paragraph shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems.
Exception: 1. Where approved by the building official and the fire code official, a wired communication system in accordance with paragraph (G)(2)(m)(ii)(907.2.13.2) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code shall be permitted to be installed or maintained in lieu of an approved radio coverage system.
2. Where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed.
(2) 510.2 Radio signal strength. The building shall be considered to have acceptable emergency responder radio coverage when signal strength measurements in 95 per cent of all areas of each floor of the building meet the signal strength requirements in paragraphs (J)(2)(a)(510.2.1) and (J)(2)(b)(510.2.2) of this rule.
(a) 510.2.1 Minimum signal strength into the building. A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm shall be receivable within the building.
(b) 510.2.2 Minimum signal strength out of the building. A minimum signal strength of -100 dBm shall be received by the agency's radio system when transmitted from within the building.
(3) 510.3 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings that do not have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building shall be equipped with such coverage according to one of the following:
(a) Wherever existing wired communication system cannot be repaired or is being replaced, or where not approved in accordance with paragraph (J)(1)(510.1) , exception 1 of this rule.
(b) Within a time frame established by the adopting authority.
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