Ohio Administrative Code
Title 1301:7 - Division of State Fire Marshal
Chapter 1301:7-7 - Ohio Fire Code
Section 1301:7-7-05 - Fire service features
Universal Citation: OH Admin Code 1301:7-7-05
Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(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. 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 when 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 paragraph (E)(2)( 505.2)
of this rule.
(B) Section 502 Definitions
(1)
502.1 Definitions. The following terms are
defined in rule
1301:7-7-02 of the
Administrative Code.
"Agency."
"Fire apparatus access road."
"Fire command center."
"Fire department master key."
"Fire lane."
"Key box."
"Traffic calming devices."
(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.
Exceptions:
1.
The fire code
official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where
any of the following conditions occur:
1.1.
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.
1.2.
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.
1.3.
There are not
more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.
2.
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.
(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
1301:7-7-32
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 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.
(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
1301:7-7-80
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 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.
(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 words "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) and
(C)(2)(b)(503.2.2) of this rule shall be maintained at all
times.
(a)
503.4.1 Traffic calming devices. Traffic
calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code
official.
(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
1301:7-7-80
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
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(a)
503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades.
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 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
1301:7-7-80
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
1301:7-7-80
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
1301:7-7-80
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 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 rule
1301:7-7-10 of
the Administrative Code. Access doors for high-piled combustible
storage shall comply with paragraph (F)(6)(a)(3206.6.1)
of rule
1301:7-7-32
of the Administrative Code.
(3)
504.3
Stairway access to roof. New buildings four or more stories in 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 (K)(12)( 1011.12) 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 identification. New and existing
buildings shall be provided with 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. Each character shall
not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch
( 12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification
shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency
response. 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.
(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 Where
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 listed in accordance with UL 1037 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code, 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 where required by the fire code
official.
(b)
506.1.2 Key boxes for nonstandardized fire service elevator
keys. Key boxes provided for
nonstandardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with paragraph
(F)(1)( 506.1) of this rule and all of the
following:
(i)
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.
(ii)
The front cover shall be permanently labeled with the
words "Fire Department Use Only-Elevator Keys."
(iii)
The key box
shall be mounted at each elevator bank at the lobby nearest to the lowest level
of fire department access.
(iv)
The key box
shall be mounted 5 feet 6 inches (1676 mm) above the finished floor to the
right side of the elevator bank.
(v)
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.
(vi)
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 nonstandard fire service elevator key shall be permitted to be secured in a key box used for other purposes and located in accordance with paragraph (F)(1)( 506.1) of this rule.
(2)
506.2 Key
box maintenance. 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.
(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 jurisdiction.
(a)
507.1.1. Unobstructed
access to water supplies shall be maintained at all times and fire department
access to existing water supplies shall not be hindered in any
manner.
(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
1301:7-7-80
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
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(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)(a)(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.
Exceptions:
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).
(i)
507.5.1.1 Hydrant for standpipe systems.
Buildings equipped with a standpipe system installed in accordance with
paragraph (E)(905) of rule
1301:7-7-09
of the Administrative Code 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.
(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. Records of tests and required maintenance shall
be maintained.
(c)
507.5.3 Private fire service mains and water tanks.
Private fire service mains and water tanks
shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA
25 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code at the following intervals:
(i)
Private fire
hydrants of 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.
Records of inspections, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.
(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 General. Where required by other
paragraphs of this code and in all buildings classified as
high-rise buildings by the building code as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
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)(f)(508.1.6) 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
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code or horizontal assembly constructed in
accordance with section 711 of the building code as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code, or both.
(c)
508.1.3
Size. The fire command center shall be not
less than 200 square feet (19 m2) in area 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 Storage. Storage unrelated to operation of the fire command center
shall be prohibited.
(f)
508.1.6 Required features. The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 as
listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code and shall contain the following
features:
(i)
The emergency voice/alarm communication system control
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 interior exit 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-fighter air-replenishment systems, fire-fighting equipment and fire
department access, and the location of fire walls, fire barriers, fire
partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions.
(xiii)
An approved
"Building Information Card" that includes, but is not limited to, all of the
following information:
(a)
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 estimated building population during the day,
night, weekend;
(b)
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;
(c)
Building
construction information that includes: the type of building construction
including but not limited to floors, walls, columns, and roof
assembly;
(d)
Exit access stairway and exit stairway information that
includes: number of exit access stairways and exit stairways in 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;
(e)
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 and location of natural gas
service;
(f)
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;
(g)
Hazardous
material information that includes: location and quantity of hazardous
material.
(xiv)
Work table.
(xv)
Generator
supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
(xvi)
Public address
system, where specifically required by other paragraphs of
this code.
(xvii)
Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A
17.1 /CSA B44 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(xviii)
Elevator
emergency or standby power selector switch(es), where emergency or standby
power is provided.
(I) Section 509 Fire protection and utility 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.
(a)
509.1.1 Utility identification. 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.
(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. Unobstructed access to fire protection equipment shall
be maintained at all times. 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 new buildings. All new 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.
Exceptions:
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.
3.
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.
(2)
510.2
Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings shall be provided with approved radio
coverage for emergency responders as required in rule
1301:7-7-11
of the Administrative Code.
(3)
510.3
Permit required. A construction permit for
the installation of or modification to emergency responder radio coverage
systems and related equipment is required as specified in paragraph
(E)(7)(e)(105.7.5) of rule
1301:7-7-01
of the Administrative Code. Maintenance performed in accordance with
this code is not considered a modification and does not require a
permit.
(4)
510.4 Technical requirements. Systems, components and equipment required to provide
emergency responder radio coverage system shall comply with paragraphs
(J)(4)(a)(510.4.1) to (J)(4)(b)(v)(510.4.2.5)
of this rule.
(a)
510.4.1 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 on each floor of the building meet the signal strength
requirements in paragraphs (J)(4)(a)(i)(510.4.1.1) and
(J)(4)(a)(ii)(510.4.1.2) of this rule.
(i)
510.4.1.1
Minimum signal strength into the building. A minimum signal strength of
-95 dBm shall be receivable within the building.
(ii)
510.4.1.2
Minimum signal strength out of the building. A minimum signal strength
of -95 dBm shall be received by the agency's radio system when transmitted from
within the building.
(b)
510.4.2
System design. The emergency responder
radio coverage system shall be designed in accordance with paragraphs
(J)(4)(b)(i)(510.4.2.1) to (J)(4)(b)(v)(510.4.2.5) of this
rule.
(i)
510.4.2.1 Amplification systems allowed.
Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of radio
coverage shall be equipped with a radiating cable system, a distributed antenna
system with "Federal Communications Commission" ("FCC")-certified signal
boosters, or other system approved by the fire code official in order to
achieve the required adequate radio coverage.
(ii)
510.4.2.2
Technical criteria. The fire code official shall maintain a document
providing the specific technical information and requirements for the emergency
responder radio coverage system. This document shall contain, but not be
limited to, the various frequencies required, the location of radio sites,
effective radiated power of radio sites, and other supporting technical
information.
(iii)
510.4.2.3 Standby power. Emergency
responder radio coverage systems shall be provided with standby power in
accordance with paragraph (D)(604) of rule
1301:7-7-06
of the Administrative Code. The standby power supply shall be capable
of operating the emergency responder radio coverage system for a duration of
not less than 24 hours.
(iv)
510.4.2.4 Signal booster requirements. If
used, signal boosters shall meet the following requirements:
(a)
All signal
booster components shall be contained in a "National Electrical Manufacturer's
Association" ("NEMA") 4-type waterproof cabinet.
(b)
Battery systems
used for the emergency power source shall be contained in a "NEMA" 4-type
waterproof cabinet.
(c)
The signal booster system and battery system shall be
electrically supervised and monitored by a supervisory service, or when
approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a
constantly attended location.
(d)
Equipment shall
have "FCC" certification prior to installation.
(v)
510.4.2.5
Additional frequencies and change of frequencies. The emergency
responder radio coverage system shall be capable of modification or expansion
in the event frequency changes are required by the "FCC" or additional
frequencies are made available by the "FCC."
(5)
510.5 Installation requirements. The
installation of the public safety radio coverage system shall be in accordance
with paragraphs (J)(5)(a)(510.5.1) to
(J)(5)(d)(510.5.4) of this rule.
(a)
510.5.1
Approval prior to installation. Amplification systems capable of operating on frequencies
licensed to any public safety agency by the "FCC" shall not be installed
without prior coordination and approval of the fire code
official.
(b)
510.5.2 Minimum qualifications of personnel.
The minimum qualifications of the system
designer and lead installation personnel shall include both of the
following:
(i)
A
valid FCC-issued general radio operators license.
(ii)
Certification of
in-building system training issued by a nationally recognized organization,
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.
(c)
510.5.3
Acceptance test procedure. Where an
emergency responder radio coverage system is required, 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 90 per
cent. The test procedure shall be conducted as follows:
(i)
Each floor of the
building shall be divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test
areas.
(ii)
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.
(iii)
Failure of more
than two nonadjacent test areas shall result in failure of the
test.
(iv)
In the event that three 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 more than four nonadjacent
test areas shall result in failure of the test. If the system fails the 40-area
test, the system shall be altered to meet the 90 per cent coverage
requirement.
(v)
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 failure of that test area.
Additional test locations shall not be permitted.
(vi)
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.
(vii)
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 subsequent annual
inspections.
(d)
510.5.4 "FCC" compliance. The emergency
responder radio coverage system installation and components shall also comply
with all applicable federal regulations including, but not limited to, FCC
47 CFR Part
90.219
as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(6)
510.6
Maintenance. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be
maintained operational at all times in accordance with paragraphs
(J)(6)(a)(510.6.1) to (J)(6)(c)(510.6.3) of
this rule.
(a)
510.6.1 Testing and proof of compliance. 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:
(i)
In-building
coverage test as described in paragraph (J)(5)(c)(510.5.3)
of this rule.
(ii)
Signal boosters
shall be tested to verify that the gain is the same as it was upon initial
installation and acceptance.
(iii)
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.
(iv)
Other active
components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer's
specifications.
(v)
At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall
verify compliance with paragraph (J)(5)(c)(510.5.3) of
this rule, shall be submitted to the fire code
official.
(b)
510.6.2 Additional frequencies. 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 additional frequencies are made available
by the "FCC." Prior approval of the public safety radio coverage system on
previous frequencies does not exempt this
paragraph.
(c)
510.6.3
Field testing. 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.
Replaces: 1301:7-7-05
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Ohio may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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