HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1646 - Fire Alarm Systems (Repealed by Ord 1742) SS
i ll
y am''
C ity of Tulkwila
Washington
Ordinance No. 161"
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
REQUIRING THE INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATIC FIRE
ALARM SYSTEMS IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS AND
ESTABLISHING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE
PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF
TUKWILA USED FOR ASSEMBLY, EDUCATIONAL,
INDUSTRIAL, INSTITUTIONAL, MERCANTILE, STORAGE,
OFFICE, AND MULTI FAMILY DWELLINGS, AND REPEALING
ORDINANCE 1528 IN ITS ENTIRETY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide a safe living and working environment in the
City of Tukwila, and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide the highest degree of life safety for its citizens,
and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that Automatic Fire Alarm and Fire Protection Systems
facilitate a safe working environment and provide a high degree of life safety,
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
PART A -FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Section 1. References. The following references shall be used in the design, installation and
maintenance of fire alarm systems within the City of Tukwila; if there is a conflict between the codes, the
code that provides the greatest degree of fire protection shall apply. References are 1991 edition unless
otherwise noted.
NFPA 70 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (1989 Ed.)
NFPA 71 CENTRAL STATION SIGNALING SYSTEMS
NFPA 72 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS
NFPA 72E AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTORS
NFPA 88A PARKING STRUCTURES (1991 Ed.)
UFC UNIFORM FIRE CODE (1991 Ed.)
UBC UNIFORM BUILDING CODE (1991 Ed.)
WAC 212 -12 WASHINGTON FIRE CODE
RCW 19.27 STATE BUILDING CODE ACT
RCW 19.28 ELECTRICAL CODE AND ORDINANCES
Section 2. Definitions.
A. ALARM INDICATING DEVICE is any listed bell, buzzer, visual or audible device that
produces an alarm signal for fire.
B. ALARM INITIATING DEVICE is any listed device which, when activated, initiates an
alarm by manual or automatic operation of an electrical contact through an alarm indicating
device.
C. ALARM SIGNAL is any listed audible or visual signal, or both, indicating the existence
of an emergency fire condition.
D. ANNUNCIATOR is any listed equipment which indicates the zone or area of the building
from which an alarm has been initiated, the location of an alarm actuating device or the
operational condition of alarm circuits or the system.
E. APPROVED refers to the approval of the Tukwila Fire Department.
F. AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION refers to The Tukwila Fire Department.
G. AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEM is a combination of listed compatible devices,
control panels, audible and visual devices and other equipment together with the necessary
electrical energy designed and wired to produce an alarm in the event of fire or special system
activation.
H. ALARM/CONTROL PANEL comprises the controls, relays, switches and associated
circuits necessary to furnish power to a fire alarm system, receive signals from fire alarm devices
and transmit them to indicating devices and accessory equipment.
I. LISTED equipment or materials indicated in a list published by an organization acceptable
to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic
inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and whose listing states either that the
equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in
a specified manner.
J. MAINTENANCE repair service, including periodic recurrent inspections and tests per
manufacturer's specifications and NFPA 72, required to keep the protective signaling system
(automatic fire alarm system) and it's component parts in an operative condition at all times,
together with the replacement of the system or it's components when for any reason, they become
undependable or inoperative.
K. TRANSMITTER any listed transmitter able to transmit and/or receive status changes
automatically or manually from a listed alarm panel to an approved central station via leased
telephone lines.
L. UL CENTRAL STATION refers to a UL listed central station approved to monitor
automatic fire alarm systems with the City of Tukwila.
M. ZONE means each building, or portion of building as determined by the authority having
jurisdiction.
Section 3. Approval and Design Plans.
A. At least three complete sets of blueprint drawings with information regarding the
automatic fire alarm system, including detailed specifications, wiring diagrams, elevation diagram
(showing false ceiling areas), and floor plans, shall be submitted to The Tukwila Fire Prevention
Bureau for approval prior to installation of any equipment or wiring. (one set of approved plans
shall be located at the construction site).
B. Drawings submitted for approval must include the following:
1. Floor layout showing all rooms and spaces including accurate measurements to a
scale no smaller than 1/8 inch scale.
2. Identification of each room or space, i.e. guests room, mechanical room, attic, etc.
3. Location of each system component using the appropriate symbol.
4. Explanatory notes and legend to lend clarity to the plan and identify the
manufacturer and model number of each alarm component used.
5. A wiring schematic clarifying type and size of wiring (must comply with NFPA
70), and a point to point wiring diagram.
6. Zoning if applicable.
7. A copy of the technical specifications for each component used in the makeup of
the automatic fire alarm system. If the components are not all from the same manufacturer,
UL cross listing compatibility cards are required.
8. The current used by each of the initiating and indicating devices and current rating
of the power supply.
9. Battery calculations for compatibility.
C. After the fire alarm plans have been approved by The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau, a
permit will be issued to begin work. The plan review /permit fees are as follows:
Commercial $100.00 base fee .75 per device in excess of 10
Multi Family $75.00 base fee +.75 per device in excess of 10
Single Family $50.00 base fee +.75 per device in excess of 10
Section 4. General Requirements.
A. All companies installing automatic fire alarm systems shall have a state electrical
contractor's license.
B. All persons installing automatic fire alarm systems shall hold a state low voltage installer's
certificate or journeyman electrician certificate per RCW 19.28, section 510. An apprentice
certificate is acceptable for installers when supervised by a certified journeyman per RCW 19.28
sections 500 -620.
C. A state electrical permit shall be posted at all automatic fire alarm system installations per
RCW 19.28.
D. All equipment, devices, and wiring shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories or Factory
Mutual and shall be approved for the purpose which they are intended. No one shall perform any
type of modification to any device which would void its UL/FM listing.
E. If determined necessary by the authority having jurisdiction, control panels shall have
sufficient auxiliary power outlets for automatic door closures, relay boards for elevator control,
HVAC detectors, air pressurization, and all other auxiliary devices. They shall also have
sufficient power for 4 wire smoke detectors, remote LED indicating lights and duct detectors with
relays.
F. Buildings divided by one or more fire walls or two or more floors shall be multi- zoned.
Additional zoning shall be required as directed by The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau.
G. Remote alarm annunciation/indication is required at the main entrance if the control panel
is not visible from the main entrance.
H. When the control panel is located inside a room, the outside of the door shall have a sign
in one inch letters which read, "Fire Alarm or Fire Alarm Control
I. A rechargeable battery back -up is required on any automatic fire alarm system installation.
There shall be enough battery capacity at all times to run the alarm system in standby for twenty
four (24) hours and, after that time, sound all alerting devices for at least five minutes. At the end
of the battery life cycle, batteries shall be replaced.
J. Audible devices shall be placed in buildings and be so located that with all intervening
doors closed, the alarm device shall be heard at a minimum of 60 dba, or not less that 15 decibels
above the ambient noise levels, whichever is greatest.
Section 5. Alarm/Control Panel Requirements.
A. A light shall indicate that the system is receiving normal power. A failure of normal
power shall cause the light to go out and an audible signal to sound.
B. All batteries shall have an automatic rate charger to maintain standby batteries in a fully
charged condition.
C. A power transfer circuit that will switch to standby power automatically and
instantaneously if normal power fails.
D. All alarm signals shall be automatically "locked in" at the alarm panel until the operated
devices are returned to normal condition, and the alarm panel is manually reset.
E. The fire alarm panel shall be reset only by authorized personnel of the Tukwila Fire
Department.
F. The supervised relay boards that control elevator recall, HVAC, air pressurization and all
other auxiliary functions shall stay "locked in even though the audible signaling circuits have
been silenced, until the panel has been reset and returned to normal.
G. Anytime a waterflow detection device is used in conjunction with a fire alarm panel, the
waterflow indication shall be isolated to the last zone or zones of the fire alarm panel. The
installation shall conform to UL Standard #864 which states that the silence switch in the alarm
panel shall be bypassed on the zones that have a waterflow detector. The only way the alarm may
be silenced is by the waterflow switch returning to normal after the water has stopped flowing.
H. All trouble and supervisory indication for Post Indicating Valves, Wall Indicating Valves,
and Outside Stem and Yoke Valves shall be on a zone isolated from waterflow indication, for
trouble only.
Section 6. Placement and Type of Detector.
A. All detectors shall be installed and spaced according to the manufacturer's instructions and
NFPA 72E. The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau may require additional detectors or decreased
spacing.
B. At least one of the following types of detectors shall be placed in all rooms, halls, storage
areas, basements, attics, lofts, spaces above suspended ceilings, storage lockers, closets, electrical
rooms, machine equipment rooms, shafts, crawl spaces and stairwells: smoke, rate of rise, fixed
temperature, photobeam, flame, rate compensation or line -type. Access shall be provided to the
attics and crawl spaces for maintenance of the detectors.
C. Detectors placed above the ceiling shall have remote indicating lights in the ceiling below.
D. All rate of rise and fixed temperature heat detectors shall have replacement links or be self
restoring for testing purposes.
Section 7. Acceptance Testing.
A. Upon completion of a system installation, a satisfactory test of the entire installation shall
be made by the contractor's representative in the presence of a member of The Tukwila Fire
Prevention Bureau and shall comply with the procedures contained in NFPA 72 and the
manufacturer's specifications. The use of a decibel meter will be employed to determine minimum
sound levels during acceptance testing. Final approval is contingent upon a successful
performance test.
B. A condition of final acceptance of the fire alarm system shall be the receipt of a completed
contractor's material and test certificate Fire Alarm and Automatic Detection Systems. The
completed installation certificate shall be returned to the Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau.
Section 8. Maintenance.
A. A satisfactory contract covering the maintenance, operation and efficiency of the system
shall be provided by the property owner or his agent. The contract shall provide for inspections,
tests and maintenance as specified in NFPA 72, manufacturer's instructions. The property owner
or his agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the automatic fire alarm system with the
following provisions:
1. The renter or lessee shall notify the property owner or his agent of the need of any
suspected maintenance or malfunction of the system.
2. The property owner or his agent shall assume no liability in the event any
unauthorized person, renter or lessee tampers with, attempts to repair or damages any part
of the automatic fire alarm system so as to render it inoperative. Provided, however, the
property owner and his agent shall be liable in the event either of them become aware of
tampering or efforts to repair or damage the system, and they thereafter fail to restore the
system within a reasonable period of time so that it functions in accord with the standards
provided for in this ordinance.
B. A copy of inspection, test, and maintenance records shall be forwarded to The Tukwila
Fire Prevention Bureau.
C. The automatic fire alarm system shall be maintained in operative condition at all times.
D. Battery powered detectors in existing buildings shall have new batteries installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Section 9. Applicability. Automatic Fire Alarm systems shall be installed in the following
occupancies:
A. Hotels.
B. Motels.
C. Multi family dwellings See Section 11 B, Special Requirements.
D. All new commercial/industrial buildings under ten thousand square feet unless fully
protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
E. Existing commercial, industrial and multi family dwellings when sold which are not fully
protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Multi- family dwellings which are sold and protected
by an automatic sprinkler system shall install a fire alarm system complying with section 11 -B.
F. Any building or portion of a building which, due to the nature of its occupancy, is required
to have an automatic fire alarm system.
G. Any building or portion of a building which, due to the nature of its occupancy is
determined by the Chief to be a special hazard or have a high life safety need.
Section 10. Monitoring. The following automatic fire alarm systems are required to be
monitored by a City of Tukwila approved UL central station (a current list of approved central stations is
available from The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau). City of Tukwila approved UL central stations that
fail to maintain their UL listing shall be prohibited from monitoring fire alarm systems within The City of
Tukwila.
A. All new systems as required by Section 9 of this ordinance.
B. All existing automatic fire alarm systems.
C. All fire alarm systems installed by the occupant/owner that are optional in commercial,
industrial and multi- family occupancies.
D. Smoke detectors that are installed in lieu of a one -hour corridor.
E. HVAC units that are required to have duct detectors and that serve more than one
occupancy or serve an area open to the public.
Section 11. Special Requirements.
A. The guest rooms (sleeping rooms) of hotel/motel occupancies shall annunciate at a panel
located at or near the front desk. These detectors will not transmit an alarm to the UL central
station.
B. Multi- family dwellings and lodging houses, fully protected by an automatic sprinkler
system, shall have detectors installed in the accordance with The Building Code. Common areas
and exit corridors shall be protected by detectors and manual pull stations, monitored by a UL
Central Station.
Section 12. Inspection Fees. A $40.00 reinspection fee shall be assessed when an inspector is
requested to make an inspection or witness a test on a fire alarm or sprinkler system, and upon arrival
finds the work is not ready for inspection or the test fails. The reinspection fee shall be paid prior to a
follow up inspection and the receipt shall be at the job site.
PART B SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
The following references shall be used in the design, installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems
within The City of Tukwila; if there is a conflict between the codes, the one offering the greatest degree
of fire protection shall apply.
NFPA 13 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (1991 Ed.)
NFPA 13D RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (1991 Ed.)
NFPA 14 STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS (1990 Ed.)
NFPA 15 WATER SPRAY FIXED SYSTEMS (1990 Ed.)
NFPA 24 PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAINS AND THEIR APPURTENANCE (1987 Ed.)
NFPA 88A PARKING STRUCTURES (1991 Ed.)
NFPA 231 GENERAL STORAGE (1990 Ed.)
NFPA 231C RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS (1991 Ed.)
NFPA 231D STORAGE OF RUBBER TIRES (1989 Ed.)
NFPA 231F STORAGE OF ROLL PAPER (1987 Ed.)
UFC UNIFORM FIRE CODE (1991 Ed.)
UBC UNIFORM BUILDING CODE (1991 Ed.)
RCW 18.160 WASHINGTON STATE SPRINKLER CONTRACTOR LAW
Section 2. Definitions.
A. APPROVED refers to the approval of The Tukwila Fire Department.
B. LISTED refers to equipment or materials indicated in a list published by an organization
acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that
maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and whose listing
states either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and
found suitable for use in a specific manner.
C. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM is a sprinkler system for fire protection
purposes, is an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance
with fire protection engineering standards. The installation includes one or more automatic water
supplies. The portion of the sprinkler system aboveground is a network of specially sized or
hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure or area, generally overhead, and to
which sprinklers are attached in a systematic pattern.
The valve controlling each system riser is located in the system riser or it's supply piping. Each
sprinkler system riser includes a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation.
The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.
Section 3. Approval and Design Plans.
A. All new sprinkler systems and all modifications to sprinkler systems involving more than
fifty heads shall have the written approval of The Washington Survey and Rating Bureau, Factory
Mutual, Industrial Risk Insurers, Kemper, or any other representative designated and/or
recognized by The City of Tukwila.
Exception: The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau reserves the right to require pre approval, by one
of the agencies listed above, for any modification to a hydraulically designed system regardless of
the size of the job.
B. All sprinkler drawings shall be prepared by persons meeting the requirements of RCW
18.160.
C. At least three complete sets of blueprint drawings with information regarding the
automatic sprinkler system as identified in NFPA #13, sections 6 -1, 6 -2 and 6 -3, shall be
submitted to The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau for approval prior to installation or
modification of any equipment. One set of approved plans shall be located at the job site.
D. The installer shall perform all required acceptance tests (as identified in NFPA #13) in the
presence of a representative of The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau. The installer shall complete
the contractors material and test certificate(s) and forward the certificate(s) to The Tukwila Fire
Prevention Bureau prior to asking for approval of the installation.
After the sprinkler plans have been approved by The Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau, a permit
will be issued to begin work. Plan check/permit fees are as follows:
Commercial Base fee $100.00 .75 per head in excess of 10
Multi family- Base fee- $75.00 .75 per head in excess of 10
Single family -Base fee $50.00 .75 per head in excess of 10
Section 4. Where Required.
A. A fully automatic sprinlder system designed, installed and tested per NFPA #13 shall be
installed in all new buildings in excess of 10,000 (ten thousand) square feet total floor area.
B. Without regard to exceptions to the sprinlder system requirements, as set forth in this
section, a fully automatic sprinlder system, per (A) above, may be required by the Chief of the
department and the Fire Marshal for new buildings under 10,000 (ten thousand) square feet total
floor area when, in their judgment, any of the following conditions exist:
1. Hazardous operations
2. Hazardous contents
3. Critical exposure problems
4. Limited accessibility to the building
5. Inadequate waterflow availability
C. In all group R, Division 1 occupancies having three or more floor levels or containing 5 or
more dwelling units.
D. Group A occupancies that are used as nightclubs, discos or restaurants where the total
gross floor area exceeds 5,000 (five thousand) square feet.
Area separation walls as noted in section 505(F) of the Uniform Building Code shall not be
considered to separate a building to enable deletion of a required automatic sprinkler system.
Section 5. Hose Stations. Hose stations are required in all new commercial/industrial or multi-
family residences as defined in this ordinance.
A. Hose shall be UL approved 1 -1/2 inch diameter lined fire hose, 75 feet in length with an
adjustable (fog -type) plastic or brass shut off type nozzle.
B. Design, installation and testing of hose stations shall comply with NFPA #14.
C. Hose stations shall be wet, that is, water pressure shall be present at the individual station
valves at all times.
Exception: Unheated structures.
D. All hose fittings shall be National Standard Thread, Higbee -cut.
Section 6. Standpipes. When standpipes are required, they shall be class III wet.
Exception: In unheated structures, the standpipe may be dry.
Buildings over four stories shall have in the stair tower, adjacent to the standpipe, beginning on
the third floor and alternating every other floor, in hose cabinets, 150 feet of 1 -3/4 inch double jacket
hose with 1 -1/2" NST hose couplings. The hose lengths shall be connected and bundled together. The
cabinet shall be labeled, "FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY
Section 7. General Requirements.
A. Sprinkler installations and modifications shall be done by companies licensed to perform
this type of work.
B. The automatic sprinlder system for new spec warehouses shall have a minimum design
density of .39/5600.
C. On all hydraulically designed sprinkler systems, the velocity of water in the over head pipe
shall not exceed 32 feet per second. The velocity of water in the underground pipe shall not
exceed 16 feet per second.
D. Hydraulic calculations shall be provided by the contractor for calculated systems; the
contractor shall, upon request, provide calculations for pipe schedule systems.
E. Calculated sprinkler systems shall be designed with a 10 PSI cushion for low reservoir
conditions.
F. Automatic sprinlder systems shall be monitored by a City of Tukwila Approved UL
central station.
Section 8. Special Requirements.
A. All hotel/motel occupancies shall be sprinlded a minimum ordinary hazard group 1
throughout; no omissions allowed.
B. Each new commercial/industrial or multi family residence as defined in this ordinance
shall have it's own control valve on the exterior or outside away from the building. Each floor of
a multi -story building shall have sectional control valves.
C. Multi- family dwelling sprinlder systems shall be a minimum light hazard, no omissions
allowed.
D. All sprinlder system control valves shall be supervised against tampering.
Section 9. Existing Buildings.
A. Existing fully sprinkled buildings, when remodeled or added on to, shall retain the feature
of being sprinkled in the remodeled or added on portion.
B. If by adding on to an existing building, the resulting total structure falls within the
coverage of Section Four A of this ordinance, the entire structure shall be fully sprinlded.
Section 10. Maintenance. The owner is responsible for the condition of the sprinkler system
and shall keep the system in operating condition.
Section 11. Inspection Fees. See Part A, Section 12.
Section 12. Exceptions. Any exception to the items covered by this ordinance shall be made by
the Chief of the department, or by the Fire Marshal. Requests for exceptions must be made in writing;
exceptions granted or denied shall be in writing.
Section 13. Penalties. Any person violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 (five
hundred) or by imprisonment for not more than 90 (ninety) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 14. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance should be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause
or phrase of this ordinance.
Section 15. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in the
official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five (5) days after passage and
publication as provided by law.
Section 16. Repealer. Ordinance number 1528 is hereby repealed.
PASSED BY THE CITY Y CQUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular
Meeting thereof this 7 day of ,6 r- 1992.
A'1°1'EST /AUTHENTIC
Ja Cantu, City Clerk
A PPROVED AS TO FORM:
ti
Office of the Cit
Attorney
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: /a
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: is 7 .2,
PUBLISHED: 42 /'I 9 Z-
EFFECTIVE DATE: 2
ORDINANCE NO.: /!o yro
John
Rants, Mayor
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, REQUIRING THE INSTALLATION OF
AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS IN NEW AND
EXISTING BUILDINGS AND ESTABLISHING MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN
BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA USED FOR
ASSEMBLY, EDUCATIONAL, INDUSTRIAL,
INSTITUTIONAL, MERCANTILE, STORAGE, OFFICE, AND
MULTI- FAMILY DWELLINGS, AND REPEALING
ORDINANCE 1528 IN ITS ENTIRETY; AND ESTABLISHING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
On 02 7 9 2. the City Council of the City of Tukwila passed Ordinance
No. /6 9t requiring the installation of automatic fire alarm systems in new and existing
buildings and establishing minimum requirements for fire protection systems in certain buildings
within the City, repealing Ordinance 1528 in its entirety, and establishing an effective date.
The full text of this ordinance will be mailed without charge to anyone who submits a
written request to the City Clerk of the City of Tukwila for a copy of the text.
APPROVED by the City Council at its meeting of /X
Ja a E. Cantu, City Clerk
PUBLISH: SEATTLE TIMES DECEMBER 17, 1992 F.\/).---*