Smoke Detector Requirements (92.15)

 

The owner of each dwelling unit shall install at least one (1) smoke detector to protect each sleeping area. In an efficiency, the owner shall install the smoke detector in the room used for sleeping. In all other dwelling units, the owner shall install the smoke detector outside the bedrooms but in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area.

 

Portable flame producing heaters prohibited (151.11)

 

Heating Facility Sec: (e) Portable heating equipment employing flame is prohibited.

Portable Unvented Heaters (International Fire Code 2000) Sec: (630.4) Portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited in occupancies in Group A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R3 and R-4.

Exception: Listed and approved unvented fuel-fired heaters in one –and two-family dwellings.

 

Fireworks Requirements: (130.03)

 

No person shall display, sell, or offer for sale within the city, any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, Roman candle, or any other kind of fireworks.

No person shall discharge or explode any firecracker, torpedo, bomb, skyrocket, Roman candle, blank cartridge, or any kind of fireworks within the city. However, in case of any public celebration, the Mayor may grant any person or organization the right to discharge fireworks on such conditions as the Mayor may deem safe and proper.

 

No Open Burning in city limits: (93.08)

 

Disposal of Garbage and Rubbish: No person shall dispose of refuse by open burning or cause, suffer, allow or permit open burning of refuse, unless a service agreement has been acquired from the State Fire Marshal.

 

Non-Compliance fine of Indiana Fire Code: (92.16)

 

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of the Fire Prevention Code adopted or fail to comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made there under, or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved there under, or any certificate or permit issued there under, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the Chief of the Fire Department; or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the time fixed herein, shall severally for each and every violation and noncompliance respectively, be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of $100. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue, and all persons shall be required to correct or remedy the violation or defects within a reasonable time period. When not otherwise specified, each ten days that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.

 

 

 

Listed containers to prevent spontaneous combustion: IFC (304.2)

 

Storage of combustible rubbish shall not produce conditions that will create a nuisance or a hazard to the public health, safety or welfare.

 

Combustible clearance from ignition sources: IFC (305)

 

Clearance between ignition sources, such as light fixtures, heaters and flame-producing devices, and combustible materials shall be maintained in an approved manner.

 

Hot ashes, cinders, smoldering coals or greasy or oily materials subject to spontaneous ignition shall not be deposited in a combustible receptacle, within 10 feet of other combustible material including walls and partitions or within 2 feet of openings to buildings.

 

Open Flame: IFC (308)

 

No person shall throw or place, or cause to be thrown or placed, a lighted match, cigar, cigarette, matches, or other flaming or glowing substance or object on any surface or article where it can cause unwanted fire.

 

A person shall not utilize or allow to be utilized, an open flame in connection with a public meeting or gathering for the purposes of deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement, instruction, education, recreation, awaiting transportation or similar purpose in assembly or educational occupancies.

 

Candles shall be prohibited in areas where occupants stand, or in an aisle or exit.

 

No Smoking Signs: IFC (310)

 

Smoking shall be prohibited where conditions are such as to make smoking a hazard, including areas of piers, wharves, warehouses, stores, industrial plants, institutions, schools, assembly occupancies and in spaces where combustible materials are stored or handled, except in approved designated smoking areas.

 

The code official is authorized to order the posting of “No Smoking” signs in a conspicuous location in each structure or location in which smoking is prohibited. The content, lettering, size, color and location of required “No Smoking” signs shall be approved.

 

Vacant Premises / Fire Protection: IFC (311.2.2)

 

Fire alarm, sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times.

 

Exceptions: When the premises have been cleared of all combustible materials and debris and, in the opinion of the code official, the type of construction, fire separation distance and security of the premises do not create a fire hazard.

 

Where buildings will not be heated and fire protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, fire alarms and sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service and standpipes are permitted to be maintained as dry systems (without an automatic water supply) provided the building has no contents or storage, and windows, doors and other openings are secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.

 

Vehicle Impact Protection: IFC (312)

 

Guard post shall comply with all the following requirements:

1. Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches in diameter and concrete filled.

2. Spaced not more than 4 feet between posts on center.

3. Set not less than 3 feet deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch diameter.

4 Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet above ground.

5. Located not less than 3 feet from the protected object.

 

Indoor Displays Obstructing Exits: IFC (314)

 

Fixtures and display of goods for sale to the public shall be arranged so as to maintain free, immediate and unobstructed access to exits.

 

Vehicles – Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles, boats or other motorcraft shall not be located in side except as follows:

1. Batteries are disconnected.

2. Fuel in fuel tanks does not exceed one-quarter tank or 5 gallons (whichever is least)

3. Fuel tanks and fill openings are closed and sealed to prevent tampering.

4. Vehicle, boats or other motorcraft equipment are not fueled or defueled within the building.

 

Miscellaneous Combustible Storage: IFC (315)

 

Storage of combustible materials in buildings shall be orderly. Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices so ignition can not occur.

 

Storage shall be maintained 2 feet or more below the ceiling in non-sprinkled areas of buildings or a minimum of 18 inches in a sprinkled building.

 

Combustible storage shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures.

 

Combustible storage shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms.

 

Fueled equipment including but not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored, operated or repaired within a building.

 

The code official is authorized to require removal of fueled equipment from locations where the presence of such equipment is determined by the code official to be hazardous.

 

Storage in the open shall not exceed 20 feet in height.

 

Outdoor Carnivals & Fairs: IFC (316)

 

Access roads shall be provided in accordance with Section 503.

 

Fire appliances shall be provided for the entire midway.

 

Location – Maximum travel distance to a portable fire extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet

 

Electrical equipment and installations shall comply with the Electrical Code

 

Concession stands utilized for cooking shall have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance on 2 sides and shall not be located within 10 feet of amusement rides or devices.

 

Internal combustion power sources, including motor vehicles, generators and similar equipment, shall be in accordance with Section 316.4

 

Fuel tanks shall be adequate capacity to permit uninterrupted operation during normal operating hours. Refueling shall be conducted only when the ride is not in use.

 

Internal combustion power sources shall be isolated from contact with the public by either physical guards, fencing or an enclosure.

 

A minimum of 1 fire extinguisher with a rating of not less than 2-A:10-B:C shall be provided.

 

EMERCENCY PLANNING & PREPAREDNESS: IFC (404)

 

Where required an approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall be prepared and maintained for the following occupancies and buildings:

 

1. Group A, other than Group A occupancies used for purposes of religious worship that have an occupant load less than 2,000

2. Group E.

3. Group H.

4 Group I

5. Group R-1

6. Group R-4

7. High-rise buildings

8. Group M buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

9. Covered malls exceeding 50,000 square feet in aggregate floor area.

10. Underground buildings

11. Buildings with an atrium and having an occupancy in Group A, E or M

 

Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:

 

1. Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete or, where approved, by selected floors or areas only.

2. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuation.

3. Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.

4. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.

5. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.

6. The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.

7. Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.

8. A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.

 

Fire safety plans shall include the following:

 

1. The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.

2. The life safety strategy and procedures for notifying, relocating, or evacuating occupants.

3. Site plans indicating the following:

3.1. The occupancy assembly point.

3.2. The location of fire hydrants.

3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.

 

4. Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:

4.1. Exits.

4.2. Primary evacuation routes.

4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.

4.4. Accessible egress routes.

4.5. Area of refuge.

4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.

4.7. Portable fire extinguisher.

4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.

4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls

 

5. A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.

 

6. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.

 

7. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard sources.

 

Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees, and copies shall be furnished to the code official upon request.

 

Emergency Evacuation Drills: IFC (405)

 

Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of

fire.

 

Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:

 

1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.

2. Date and time of the drill.

3. Notification method used.

4. Staff members on duty and participating.

5. Numbers of occupants evacuated.

6. Special conditions simulated.

7. Problems encountered.

8. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.

9. Time required to accomplished complete evacuation.

 

Where required by the code official, prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be given to the code official.

 

FIRE PROTECTION AND WATER SUPPLY: IFC Sec. (5)

 

Premises Identification (505.1)

 

New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers, or approved building identification placed

in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with

their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high

 

 

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 firefighting purposes, the code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an

accessible location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain access as required by the code

official.

 

 

The operator of the building shall immediately notify the code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or

rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

 

Fire Hydrant Obstruction (508)

 

Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants,

fire department inlet connections or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or

fire hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate

access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.

 

Clear space around hydrants:

 

A 3-foot clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.

 

Physical protection:

 

Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means.

 

 

Fire protection equipment shall be identified in an approved manner. Rooms containing controls for air-conditioning systems,

sprinklers risers and valves, or other fire diction, 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.

 

 

Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances and other equipment that is modified or damaged and constitutes an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used.

 

 

Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording.

 

 

Multiplug adaptors, such as cube adaptors, unfused plug strips or any other device not complying with ICC Electrical Code shall be prohibited.

 

 

Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances.

 

Extension cords shall not contain splices or damage.

 

Extension cords shall be grounded when serving grounded portable appliances.

 

Open junction boxes and open wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be on all switch and outlet boxes.

 

Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. Exception: Longer for construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings.

 

 

Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods shall comply with the requirements of this section. Hoods shall be Type 1 and shall be designed to capture and confine cooking vapors and residues.

 

A Type 1 hood shall be installed at or above all commercial food heat-processing appliances that produce grease vapors or smoke.

 

Maintenance requirements in Mechanical Code.

 

INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS: (Sec) 8

 

Furnishings or decorations of an highly flammable character shall not be used.

 

Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress there-from or visibility thereof.

 

 

Natural cut trees shall have the trunk cut off at least 0.5 inch above the original cut and shall be placed in a device that will hold the tree secure and be of adequate size to avoid tipping over.

 

Natural trees prohibited in Group A, E, I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 and R-4 occupancies. (Exception): Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.31.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E, M, R-1 and R-2.

 

At least two (2) working days prior to placing a natural cut trees in a public building the fire department having jurisdiction shall be notified.

 

Candles and open flame shall not be used on or near decorative vegetation.

 

Lights. The use of electrical wiring and lighting on metal artificial trees shall be prohibited.

 

 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS: (Sec 9)

 

 

Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective.

 

Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 1 year and made available to the code official upon request.

 

Painted sprinkler heads or cover plates are prohibited unless painted at the factory. They cannot be cleaned of paint. They must be replaced.

 

When the fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the code official shall be notified immediately and the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants until the system has been returned to service.

 

Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or obstructed or otherwise made inoperable.

 

Fire door assemblies shall not be modified.

 

Horizontal and vertical sliding and rolling fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually to confirm proper operation and full closure. A written record shall be maintained and available.

 

Wooden and robber door wedges and fold down feet that block open fire rated doors in the open position shall be removed and the door allowed to protect the opening in fire rated corridors.

 

 

Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with due regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet in width. Not less than a 3-foot clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.

 

 

Fire hose threads used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be compatible with fire department hose thread.

 

 

The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the code official.

 

 

Approved audible devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system.

 

Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

 

 

The automatic fire-extinguishing system for commercial cooking systems shall be of a type recognized for protection of commercial cooking equipment and exhaust systems of the type and arrangement protected.

 

A manual actuation device shall be located at or near a means of egress from the cooking area, a minimum of 10 feet and a maximum of 20 feet from the kitchen exhaust system. The manual actuation device shall be located a minimum of 4.5 feet and a maximum of 5 feet above the floor.

 

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided within a 30-foot travel distance of commercial-type cooking equipment. Cooking equipment involving vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K rated extinguisher.

 

Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts shall be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of grease. Cleaning shall be recorded and such records shall be maintained on the premises. Records kept.

 

Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be serviced at least every 6 months and after activation of the system. Inspection shall be by qualified individuals, and a certificate of inspection shall be forwarded to the code official upon completion.

 

Fusible links and automatic sprinkler heads shall be replaced at least annually.

 

 

 

Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in the following locations: In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4 and S occupanies. (2) Within 30 feet of commercial cooking equipment (3) In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.

 

Portable fire extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they will be readily accessible and immediately available for use.

 

Portable fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.

 

Hand-held portable fire extinguishers, not housed in cabinets, shall be installed on the hangers or brackets supplied.

 

Cabinets used to house portable fire extinguishers shall not be locked.

 

Portable fire extinguishers must be serviced annually. (NFPA 10)

 

 

 

Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA standard applicable to the system design.

 

With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, the fire department connections shall be so located the fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of fire department connections shall be approved.

 

Fire department connections shall be located on the street side of buildings, fully visible and recognizable from the street of nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.

 

The portable water supply to automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be protected against backflow.

 

Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other object for a minimum of 3 feet.

 

A metal sign with raised letters at least 1 inch in size shall be mounted on all fire department connections serving automatic sprinklers, standpipes or fire pump connections. Such signs shall read: AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS or STANDPIPES or TEST CONNECTIONS.

 

All fire department connections shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25.

 

 

 

It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number or exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

 

Buildings with one exit maximum travel distance is 75’ to an exit.

 

Doors shall swing in direction of travel when serving an occupant load of 50 or more.

 

 

Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space.

 

 

Protruding objects shall not reduce the minimum clear width of accessible routes as required in the International Building Code

 

Obstruction to exits shall not be placed in the required width and exits shall not be obstructed in any manner

 

Doorways shall not be less than 32” in clear width..

 

 

The means of egress, including the exit discharge, shall be illuminated at all times the building space served by the means of egress is occupied.

 

The means of egress illumination level shall not be less than 1 foot-candle at the walking surface level.

 

 

The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises’ electrical supply. In the event of power supply failure, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate the following areas:

 

1. Aisles and unenclosed egress stairways in rooms and spaces that require two or more means of egress.

2. Corridors, exit enclosures and exit passageways in buildings required to have two or more exits

3. Exterior egress components at other than the level of exit discharge until exit discharge is accomplished for buildings required to have two or more exits.

4. Exterior landings, as required for exit discharge doorways in buildings required to have or more exits.

 

The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator.

 

 

Except as specifically permitted by this section egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. With an occupant load under 300, and in churches (A-3), the main exterior door is permitted to have a key lock on the egress side provided a sign stating “This door to remain unlocked then the building is occupied” is posted adjacent to the door.

 

Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other devices on doors required to be accessible and shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.

 

Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed 34 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the finished floor.

 

Manually operated flush bolts or surface bolts are not permitted.

 

The unlatching of any door or leaf shall not require more than one operation.

 

 

 

Storage of combustible materials in buildings shall be maintained in a neat, orderly manner.

 

Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur.

 

Materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition, such as oily rags, shall be stored in listed disposal containers. (Self-closing lid)

 

Storage shall be maintained 2 feet or more below the ceiling in a nonsprinklered building and 18 inches below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings.

 

Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures.

 

Combustible materials shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical rooms.

 

NO STORAGE UNDER EXIT STAIRWAYS unless protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

 

Outside storage of combustible materials shall not be located within 10 feet of a property line.

 

Floors shall be kept clean in hot work areas.

 

 

 

New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers plainly legible and visible from the street fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background.

 

A key box may be required where access to or within a structure id unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is required.

 

Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles.

 

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet, minimum height is 13 feet 6 inches.

 

Emergency Fire Safety and evacuation plan is required for high rise buildings.