HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1900 - Fire Alarm Systems (Repealed by Ord 2051) N �•1lLA,
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Ordinance No.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS AND
REGULATIONS FOR AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS IN NEW
AND EXISTING BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA;
REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1742 PART A; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; 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 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,
DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Required. An automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in all new structures less
than 10,000 square feet total floor area. Exceptions are noted in Section 10.
Section 2. 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 to the current editions,
unless otherwise noted.
NFPA 70 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
NFPA 72 PROTECTIVE SIGNALING SYSTEMS
NFPA 88A PARKING STRUCTURES
UFC UNIFORM FIRE CODE
UBC UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
WAC 51 -34 WASHINGTON FIRE CODE
RCW 19.27.......... STATE BUILDING CODE ACT
RCW 19.28.......... ELECTRICAL CODE AND ORDINANCES
Section 3. Definitions.
A. "Addressable device" means a fire alarm system component with discreet identification that can
have its status individually identified or that is used to individually control other functions.
B. "Alarm indicting device" is any listed bell, buzzer, visual or audible device that produces an
alarm signal for fire.
C. "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.
D. "Alarm signal" is any listed audible or visual signal, or both, indicating the existence of an
emergency fire condition.
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 1
E. "Analog initiating device" (sensor) is an initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying
degrees of condition, as contrasted with a conventional initiating device which can only indicate an on /off
condition.
F. "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 operation condition of
alarm circuits or the system.
G. "Approved" refers to the approval of the Tukwila Fire Department.
H. "Authority having jurisdiction" refers to the Tukwila Fire Department.
I. "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.
J. "Alarm /control panel" is comprised of 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.
K. "Compatibility listed" means a specific listing process that applies only to two -wire devices (such
as smoke detectors) designed to operate with certain control equipment.
L. "Compatible" means equipment that interfaces mechanically or electrically together as
manufactured without field modification.
M. "Fire alarm control panel" is a system component that receives input from automatic and manual
fire alarm devices and may supply power to detection devices and transponder(s) or off- premises
transmitter(s). The control unit may also provide transfer of power to the notification appliances and
transfer of condition to relays or devices connected to the control unit. The fire alarm control unit can be
a local fire alarm control unit or master control unit.
N. "Listed" means 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.
Q. "Line -type detector" is a device in which detection is continuous along a path. Typical examples
are rate -of -rise pneumatic tubing detectors, projected beam smoke detectors, and heat sensitive detectors.
P. "Maintenance" refers to 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 its component parts in an operative condition at all times, together with the
replacement of the system or its components when —for any reason —they become undependable or
inoperative.
Q. "Shall" indicates a mandatory requirement.
R. "Should" indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
S. "Spacing" means a horizontally measured dimension relating to the allowable coverage of fire
detectors.
T. "Transmitter" refers to 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.
U. "UL central station" refers to a UL- listed central station approved to monitor automatic fire alarm
systems with the City of Tukwila.
V. "Zone" means each building or portion of building, as determined by the authority having
jurisdiction.
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 2
Section 4. Approval and Design Plans.
A. At least three complete sets of blueprint drawings with information regarding the 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 a cross section of the space being
protected, with accurate measurements drawn 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 indication devices and current rating of the
power supply.
9. Battery calculations for compatibility.
10. Building permit number.
C. After the fire alarm plans have been approved by the Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau, a job
number will be issued to begin work. The plan review fees are as follows:
Commercial: $100.00 base fee $1.00 per device in excess of 10 devices.
Multi Family: $75.00 base fee $1.00 per device in excess of 10 devices.
Single Family: $50.00 base fee $1.00 per device in excess of 10 devices.
Section 5. 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, Section 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.
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 3
F. Remote alarm annunciation /indication is required at the main entrance if the control panel is
not visible from the main entrance.
G. When the control panel is located inside a room, the outside of the door shall have a sign in
1 -inch letters which reads "FIRE ALARM OR FIRE ALARM CONTROL
H. 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 24 hours and,
after that time, sound all alerting devices for a least five minutes. At the end of the battery life cycle,
batteries shall be replaced.
I. 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 than 15 decibels above the
ambient noise levels, whichever is greatest. Visible alarms shall be placed throughout the building in all
assembly areas; common use areas, including toilet rooms and bathing facilities; hallways and lobbies; and
hotel guest rooms. Individual offices, mechanical rooms, and small storage rooms are not included.
J. Whenever possible, the control panel shall be located in a heated main corridor or a heated
main lobby. When the control panel is located inside a room, the room shall be heated, and kept at an
ambient temperature between 40 °F and 100 °F. The outside of the door shall have a sign in 1 -inch letters
which reads "Fire Alarm" or "Fire Alarm Control AT NO TIME SHALL THE CONTROL PANEL BE
LOCATED IN AN EXTERIOR LOCATION.
K. All new alarm systems shall be addressable. Each device shall have its own address.
Section 6. 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 shall be installed 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 their 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 reset code for the fire alarm panel or keypad shall be 1- 2 -3 -4 -5 or command 47.
G. The supervised relay boards that control elevator recall, 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.
H. For systems employing waterflow detection devices, manual pull stations shall be distributed
throughout the building. Audible and visible alarms shall be placed in all common -use areas.
I. 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.
J. All fire alarm panels /keypads shall have alarm silence capability.
Section 7. Placement and Type of Detector.
A. All detectors shall be installed and spaced according to the manufacturer's instructions and
NFPA 72. 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.
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 4
C. All 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.
E. Smoke detectors shall be the preferred detector type in all areas. When conditions are such that
smoke detectors are not practical, other type(s) of detectors shall be installed as approved by the Tukwila
Fire Prevention Bureau.
Section 8. 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, to the effect that
the system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and tested in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications and appropriate NFPA requirements. The completed installation certificate
shall be returned to the Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau, prior to the acceptance test.
Section 9. 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, and shall be tested at least annually by the building owner or the
building owner's representative. Documentation of the testing and applicable repairs shall be sent to the
Fire Department.
Section 10. Applicability. Automatic fire alarm systems shall be installed in the following
occupancies:
A. Hotels.
B. Motels.
C. Multi family dwellings (with more than 4 units): See Section 12.B., Special Requirements.
D. All other new commercial /industrial buildings under 10,000 square feet unless fully protected
by an automatic sprinkler system.
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 5
E. When sold, existing commercial and industrial buildings which are not protected by an
automatic sprinkler system.
Exceptions:
1. Any structure 120 square feet or less in total floor area that meets the Uniform Building
Code exception for a required building permit.
2. Single family residential structures.
F. When sold, existing hotel /motel occupancies which are not protected by an automatic sprinkler
system shall install a fire alarm system throughout. The guest rooms shall comply with Section 12.A.
G. When sold, multi- family dwellings which are protected by an automatic sprinkler system shall
install a fire alarm system complying with Section 12.B.
Exception: Multi- family dwellings of four units or less.
H. When sold, multi- family dwellings which are not protected by an automatic sprinkler system
shall install smoke detectors in sleeping areas, in accordance with the Uniform Building Code. Common
areas and exit corridors shall be protected by detectors and manual pull stations monitored by a UL
Central Station. Audibility shall meet the requirements of NFPA 72.
Exception: Multi- family dwellings of four units or less.
I. Any building or portion of a building which, due to the nature of its occupancy, is required by
the Uniform Fire Code or other nationally recognized standard to have an automatic fire alarm system.
J. 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.
K. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in all new sprinklered buildings. Visual and
audible devices shall be installed per Section 5.I.
L. For items E., F., G. and H. of Section 10, the installation of an automatic fire alarm system shall
be completed within 120 days from the date of notification by the Tukwila Fire Department.
Section 11. Monitoring. The following 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 automatic and manual systems as required by Section 10 of this ordinance, or required
by any other code or standard.
B. All existing 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 requirement.
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 12. Special Requirements.
A. The guest room detectors 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. The alarm
panel, located at or near the front desk, shall be monitored 24 hours a day by the hotel /motel staff.
B. Multi- family dwellings and lodging houses, fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system,
shall have detectors installed in the accordance with the Uniform Building Code. Common areas and exit
corridors shall be protected by detectors and manual pull stations, monitored by a UL Central Station.
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 6
C. When monitoring of an existing system is lost for any reason, a fire watch must be posted during
non business hours. The fire watch person shall call the recorded fire prevention phone line at two -hour
intervals confirming the all -clear status of the building.
F. An exterior strobe shall be installed outside all buildings /tenant spaces that have a fire alarm
system.
Section 13. Reinspection 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 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.
Section 14. Exceptions. Any exception to the items covered by this ordinance shall be made the
Chief of the Fire Department, or by the Fire Marshal. Request for exception must be made in writing;
exceptions granted or denied shall be in writing.
Section 15. 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 or by
imprisonment for not more that 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 17. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this
ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional for
any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the
validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to any other
person or situation.
Section 18. 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 and effect five (5) days after passage and
publication as provided by law.
Meeting thereof this a
ATTEST /AUTHENTICATED:
C 44 62-
J'e E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
D. Duct detectors shall send a supervisory signal only and shall not cause an alarm.
E. Lock boxes shall be provided for an access to alarm panels and sprinkler risers.
Section 16. Repealer. Ordinance No. 1742 Part A is hereby repealed.
PASSED BY THE CITY� OUNCIL OF,HE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular
day of 2000.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By
Office of tfie CiAttorney
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:- 7�r�
PASSED BY THE c ITY COUNCIL:
PUBLISHED: a S76/z)
EFFECTIVE DATE: ---3//0?)
ORDINANCE NO.: 190
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
Fire Alarm Systems 1 -2000 7
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. /900
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING
REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS FOR
AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS IN NEW AND
EXISTING BUILDINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF
TUKWILA; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1742
PART A; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Qn ZZ, 2-Oii0 the City Council of the City of Tukwila passed
Ordinance No. establishing requirements for automatic fire alarm systems
in new and existing buildings, including testing, maintenance, applicability, and
penalties; providing for severability; 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 /5
1
Published Seattle Times: ,2 %err, j.
CITY OF TUKWILA
E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk