Licensing Section Updates

Governor Foster has recently appointed two new members to the Advisory Board. Ronnie Whiddon of Custom Security of Baton Rouge has been reappointed as an At-Large representative. Mike Maggio from ADT has been selected to represent the Baton Rouge region replacing Howard Sanders who transferred to Texas. A meeting will be scheduled in the next few weeks to discuss your association’s request to keep track of Continuing Education Units.

ADVISORY BOARD

The final version of the fire protection rules are currently at the Legislative Oversight Committee. They will be official at the end of April. I will be sending all Fire Protection contractors a copy of the rules and they will also be posted on the office’s web page located at (www.dps.state.la.us/sfm).

FIRE PROTECTION RULES

•October of 1999, 1174 complaints received 845 complaints investigated or 72% of the cases in the data base.

•April of 2000 complaints received 1387 (an increase of 213 complaints in 6 months). 1040 complaints investigated or 75% of the cases in the database (an additional 195 investigations since October).

Investigative Update

Total number of complaints cleared: 903

A complaint is cleared when it is determined to be invalid or administrative action is proposed.

Total number of complaints closed: 588

A complaint is closed when it is found invalid, the administrative appeal process is completed or a fine is paid. A case is first cleared then closed.

Number of investigations resulting in administrative action:

Administrative actions includes Warnings, Cease and desist orders, fines, suspensions and revocations. Fire includes fire extinguisher, fire suppression, fire alarm and sprinkler.

Burglar: 492 Fire: 211

Cases investigated but unable to substantiate, rescinded or turned over to others for follow up by type:

Unsubstantiated cases are a result of lack of evidence, uncooperative witnesses, or being unfounded.

Burglar: 82 Fire: 128

Total Dollar Amount of Fines Collected:

$121,695.00

There are numerous cases on appeal which are still pending where additional money

may be collected.

Number of complaints by year: (Actual date violation occurred not when

discovered)

Unknown: 34

1995 or before: 21

1996:148

1997:1961998:495

1999:322

2000:18

Number of investigations by year:

(Actual date violation occurred not when discovered)

Unopened: 347

1995 or before: 4

1996:83 1997:349

1998:421 1999:301

2000:34

Louisiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association

State MeetingMay 18, 2000

Michael C. McLean - Staff Fire Alarm Specialist

Office of the State Fire Marshal Code Enforcement and Building Safety

Topics of Discussion?

• Special Locking Arrangements of NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code

• Why do I have to submit to the Fire Marshal’s Office?

• License Requirements• Submittal Requirements• Questions and Answers• New Fire Marshal policy that concerns all fire

alarm contractors.

“Why is the State Fire Marshal’s Office getting in my business?!! We never had to do this before?!”

R.S. 40:1574, Part “B” - No repair, remodeling, or addition shall be made to any structure, watercraft, or movable affecting the exits, stairs, seating arrangement, fire protection, or other details of construction covered by this Part until plans and specifications therefore have been submitted to and reviewed by the fire marshal and appears to him to satisfactorily comply with the laws, rules, regulations, and codes of the state.

We know that many of you have this impression of the Fire Marshal’s Office!

The Fire Marshal’s Office is mandated to enforce state law, but also wants to work with you!

• Create open lines of communications

• Inform you about Fire Marshal’s policies that affect your businesses

• Insure that these locking systems allow for a safe building through code compliance

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code: Special Locking Arrangements (where permitted in occupancy chapters)

• 101:5-2.1.6.1 - Delayed Egress Locks

• 101:5-2.1.6.2 - Access-Control Egress Doors

* Please note that Access-Control Systems that automatically provides “free egress” (via door hardware and not through sensors) are not required to be submitted.

101:5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks

• Only allowed in buildings with low and ordinary hazard contents.

• Building must be protected by a “supervised” automatic fire detection system or a “supervised” automatic sprinkler system. (only contractors with a Class “D” license shall be able to install this type of system due to the required fire alarm panel)

• Doors unlock upon activation of the supervised automatic sprinkler system, or activation of one heat detector or two smoke detectors of the supervised automatic fire detection system.

101:5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks (cont.)• Doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock

or mechanism.

• Doors unlock upon disablement of the supervised automatic sprinkler system or supervised automatic fire detection system protecting the building.

• Irreversible process releases the lock within 15 seconds with a force of not to exceed 15lbf nor require to be continuously applied for more that 3 seconds.

• The release process shall activate a signal in the vicinity of the door to ensure those attempting to egress that the system is functional.

101:5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks (cont.)

• The re-locking of the releasing device shall be by manual means only!

• Signage shall be provided on the door adjacent to the releasing device in letters at least 1” high and at least 1/8” in stroke width on a contrasting background that reads: “PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS”.

101:5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks - Occupancy Requirements

• Chapter 8: Assembly - permits installation on main entrance/exit doors.

• Chapter 10: Education - permitted.• Chapter 12: Health Care - permitted, provided

not more than one such device is located in any egress path.

• Chapter 14: Detention - not permitted.

101:5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks - Occupancy Requirements (cont.)

• Chapter 16: Hotels and Dormitories - permitted, provided not more than one such device is located in any egress path.

• Chapter 18: Apartments - permitted, provided not more than one such device is located in any egress path.

• Chapter 20: Lodging or Rooming Houses - permitted, provided not more than one such device is located in any egress path.

101:5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks - Occupancy Requirements (cont.)

• Chapter 22: Residential Board and Care - permitted on exterior doors in small facilities and permitted, provided not more than one such device is located in any egress path in large facilities.

• Chapter 24: Mercantile - permitted.• Chapter 26: Business - permitted.• Chapter 28: Industrial - permitted.• Chapter 29: Storage - permitted.• Chapter 30: Day Care - permitted.

101:5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors

• A sensor to unlock the doors is provided on the egress side arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors.

• Doors shall unlock upon loss of power to the sensor.• Doors shall unlock upon loss of power to the access

control system that automatically unlocks the doors.• Doors are arranged to unlock from a manual device.

(see code for specific mounting heights and location)

• Signage shall be provided on the door adjacent to the releasing device: “PUSH TO EXIT”.

101:5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors (cont.)

• The manual release device, when operated, shall result in the direct interruption of power to the lock - independent of the access control system electronics and the doors shall remain unlocked for at least 30 seconds.

• Activation of the building fire protective signaling system (if provided) shall automatically unlock the doors. Please note that if the fire alarm system is required, then only a “D” licensed contractor is allowed to perform this installation and if the fire alarm system is not required, then either a “D” or “D-1” licensed contractor is allowed to perform this installation.

101:5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors (cont.)

• Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system (if provided) shall automatically unlock the doors. Please note that if the automatic sprinkler system is supervised and/or the fire detection system is required, then only a “D” licensed contractor is allowed to perform this installation. If the automatic sprinkler system is not supervised then a “D”, “D-1” or a Burglar licensed contractor is allowed to perform this installation. If the automatic fire detection system is a non-required fire alarm then a “D” or “D-1” licensed contractor is allowed to perform this work.

101:5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors Occupancy Requirements

• Chapter 8: Assembly - permitted and the doors shall not be locked from the egress side when the assembly occupancy is occupied.

• Chapter 10: Educational - permitted.• Chapter 12: Health Care - permitted.• Chapter 14: Detention - not permitted.

101:5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors Occupancy Requirements (cont.)

• Chapter 16: Hotel and Dormitory - permitted.• Chapter 18: Apartments - permitted.• Chapter 20: Lodging or Rooming Houses -

not permitted. • Chapter 22: Residential Board and Care - not

permitted in small facilities, but permitted in large facilities.

101:5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors Occupancy Requirements (cont.)

• Chapter 24: Mercantile - permitted, provided the building is protected by a supervised fire detection system (class “D” license) or an automatic sprinkler system. (class “D” license if “supervised”)

• Chapter 26: Business - permitted.• Chapter 28: Industrial - permitted.• Chapter 29: Storage - permitted.• Chapter 30: Day Care - permitted.

Submittal Requirements for Special Locking Arrangements

• Lets look at the checklist (submittals prior to 6/6/00)

• System Description• Fire System Modification Exemption Request

Form (submittals prior to 6/6/00)

• Memorandum 2000-9• Access Control and Delayed Locking

Systems Exemption Request Form (submittals on and after 6/6/00)

Questions and Answers

Question:There are numerous HVAC installers who do not know the code and consequently do not know when and where duct detectors should be installed. Does the SFM have any intention on requiring that these people get a license or attend some type of education so they can learn the requirements?

Answer:

At the present time, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has no intentions to regulate HVAC contractors through our Licensing Section. Normally, industries choose to have licensing requirements, not our office. The location of duct detectors is checked and verified by both our Plan Review Section and by our inspectors in the field.

Question:Many fire alarm customers, who use remote station notification, request that the remote station first call the location before dispatching. Especially nursing homes. (Is it acceptable to notify the protected premises prior to rolling the fire trucks?)

Answer:

No. 72:4-4.6.1 requires that the alarm signals be transmitted “immediately” to the public fire service communications center.

Question:NFPA 72:1-5.2.5.2 states that the connection to the light and power service shall be on a dedicated branch circuit. It is my understanding that a Digital Alarm Communicator located beside the main fire alarm control panel is part of the fire alarm system and should be able to be powered by the same dedicated circuit branch that is permitted by NFPA 72? If not, please explain why?

Answer:

This office agrees that the DACT is part of the fire alarm system and shall be powered by the dedicated circuit branch.

Question:Are all sprinkler systems required to have supervision? If so, does supervision mean emergency forces notification (i.e. remote station monitoring, central station monitoring, etc…)?

Answer:

No. There is a difference between “approved automatic sprinkler systems” and “supervised automatic sprinkler systems” as identified in NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code. Supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required to sound and display all supervisory signals either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility (i.e. proprietary, remote station, or central station) pursuant to 101:7-7.2.1.

101:7-7.2.2 does require that all waterflow alarms be transmitted to an approved proprietary receiving facility, remote station, central station, or the fire department.

Question:In the past, when strobes are placed in large rooms or buildings without obstructions, the “hundred foot rule” has been followed and approved. Recently a submittal was marked incorrect for a strobe placed in a church sanctuary. It was designed using a 110-candela strobe. The area covered was slightly more then designed, but less than 100 feet. My questions are:A) Is there a “100 foot rule?B) Since a strobe is not required in a church but was requested by the owner, does it still have to meet the strobes listed coverage?

Answer:

A) 72:6-4.4.1.1 requires visual devices to be spaced in accordance with Figure 6-4.4.1.1 and Tables 6-4.4.1.1(a) and (b). The separation between devices shall not exceed 100 ft.

B) No.

New Fire Marshal Policy:

After 6/6/00 all non-required fire alarm systems requesting an exemption to official plan review shall be submitted on a exemption request form labeled - “Non-Required Fire Alarm Systems Request For Exemption”.

Let’s look at Memorandum 2000-10.

““Thank you for having us!”Thank you for having us!”