THE CITY OF PPHILADELPHIA
FIRE CODE
(PHILADELPHIA AMENDMENTS TO THE
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE®)
(SUBCODE “F” – TITLE 4 OF THE PHILADELPHIA CODE)
CONFORMING TO THE PENNSYLVANIA
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE (ACT 45 OF 1999)
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY FIRE CODE
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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY FIRE CODE
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HISTORY
This document contains the ordinance and regulations that together with the 2003 International Fire Code ® form the Philadelphia Fire Code. It is incorporated as Subcode “F” of the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code (BCOC), which comprises Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code .
The first edition of the Philadelphia Fire Code as a subcode within the BCOC was the second printing of a reformatted Philadelphia Fire Prevention Code that adopted the 1993 BOCA National Fire Prevention Code. The first printing was effective January 1, 1995 and was the prototype for the remainder of the subcodes in the BCOC. That code as well as this one is a joint product of the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Philadelphia Department of L icenses and Inspections.
This second edition is the result of several efforts. The adoption of the International Code Council’s 2003 International Fire Code® is part of the ongoing effort to serve the citizens of Philadelphia with the latest technology and methodology for the safety, health and welfare of people in the built environment. Also, that model code is adopted as a significant part of the City’s actions to adopt the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Finally, the bulk of modifications are administrative and those necessary to continue the requisite fire protection features that have evolved over the past two decades demanded by the characteristics of the City of Philadelphia. Those characteristics include an older metropolitan city experiencing relocation of residents and businesses, re- growth of some neglected areas and new development of residential structures, entertainment facilities and a myriad of services to commerce, the workplace and the neighborhoods.
The Fire Code is developed as a member of a family of subcodes that together address all matters relating to the construction and occupancy of buildings and other structures. The Building, Electrical, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Performance, Plumbing, Residential and Zoning Codes regulate construction, additions, alterations and changes of occupancy classification. Together with the Property Maintenance Code, the Fire Code is developed to provide for continuing responsibility to ensure that the many safeguards for the protection of life, welfare and health required by the building and related subcodes are properly maintained and that certain systems or elements are retrofitted in existing buildings to achieve the purpose of the code.
Unlike its predecessors, this edition of the Fire Code includes text that duplicates text in the Building Code regarding fire protection systems and means of egress. This is done to assist in the application of the two codes and offer reference material in the same document.
The Fire subcode is founded on principles intended to establish provisions that: adequately protect public health, safety and welfare; do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.
The bulk of administrative provisions are deferred to the Philadelphia Administrative Code, which is a single regulato ry document that incorporates ordinances and regulations to administer the eleven technical subcodes in the BCOC. The Administrative subcode is a necessary companion to the Fire subcode in order to properly use and apply it.
Effective January 1, 2004
Printed in the United States of America
First edition, first printing: December, 1994
First edition, second printing: June, 1997
Second edition: January, 2004
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NOTE TO USERS OF THIS PHILADELPHIA FIRE CODE
This document contains the amendments made by the City of Philadelphia in adopting the 2003
International Fire Code® as the Philadelphia Fire Code. This document must be read in
conjunction with the 2003 International Fire Code®.
A number of features are incorporated into the Philadelphia Fire Code for the convenience of the user.
Definitions of terms are located within the chapter or section that represents the predominant subject matter associated with each term. Definitions that are predominantly administrative and those that have broad applicability throughout the code remain in full in Chapter 2. All defined terms are listed alphabetically in Chapter 2 followed by either the text of the definition or a reference to the section number that contains the text of the definition.
An indenting feature is used in tandem with the code’s decimal-based section numbering system to clearly indicate the hierarchy of each subsection. The numbering system enables the code user to know immediately the section to which a subsection is subordinate, since each subsection begins with the main section number, which is keyed to the chapter number.
Official regulations are printed within the section or subsection under which they were promulgated. This location style provides code users with a single source for all requirements pertaining to a topic. Regulations are printed with the designation “(R)” behind the section number to distinguish them from ordinance text.
Values that are stated in the U.S. customary units of measurement are to be regarded as the code requirements. The metric equivalents of U.S. customary units may be approximate. Nominal sizes included in the code indicate the common designation of materials by that industry and metric equivalents are not indicated.
In this document, all section numbers contain the prefix “F-“ before the designated numerical section number and all page numbers contain the prefix “F-“.
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BILL NO. 030776
AN ORDINANCE
Repealing Subcode “F” (The Philadelphia Fire Prevention Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entit led “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” and adopting and incorporating, with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2003 International Fire Code as the Philadelphia Fire Code, all under certain terms and conditions.
WHEREAS, as required by Pennsylvania Act 45 of November 10, 1999 (35 P.S. §7210.501(a)), the City must adopt standards consistent with those set forth in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Bill is to repeal The Fire Prevention Code, which appears as Subcode “F” of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, and adopt, with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2003 International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council, as the Philadelphia Fire Code, to achieve consistency with Act 45 as well as to make certain other technical and related changes; and
WHEREAS, separate bills are being introduced to add and amend other Subcodes included within Title 4; NOW THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Subcode “F”, entitled “The Philadelphia Fire Prevention Code,” of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled
“The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” is deleted in its entirety.
SECTION 2. Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code” is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
CHAPTER 4-100.0 LISTING OF SUBCODES
§4-101.0 Listing o f Subcodes. This title shall consist of the following subcodes:
* * * [(d)] (f) Subcode “F” (The Philadelphia Fire [Prevention] Code)
* * *
CHAPTER 4-200.0 TEXT OF SUBCODES
* * *
SUBCODE “F” (THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE CODE)
ARTICLE F-1.0 Adoption of the 2003 International Fire Code, with additions, deletions and amendments.
§F-1.1 The “2003 International Fire Code” as published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Philadelphia, with such additions, deletions and amendments as set forth in §F-1.2.
§F-1.2 The 2003 International Fire Code, copies of which are on file with the Department of Licenses and Inspections, is incorporated as if fully set forth herein, subject to the following additions, deletions and amendments, including errata issued by the International Code Council.
§F-1.2.1 [Brackets ] indicate matter deleted. Italics indicate matter added.
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§F-1.2.2 The numbers of all sections and subsections shall be preceded with the prefix “F-.”
§F-1.2.3 Thro ughout the code, references to “International” codes or ICC codes shall be deemed to refer to the
“Philadelphia” codes of the same name.
§F-1.2.4 THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE:
NOTE: This document contains those sections and subsections of the 2003 In ternational Fire Code® that have been amended in any way by Philadelphia ordinance. The text is the final form text as amended. New material is inserted without italics and deleted material has not been printed. This document does not contain Internatio nal Fire Code sections that were not amended locally.
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CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION
(Delete Chapter in its entirety and substitute the following)
SECTION F-101 GENERAL
F-101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Philadelphia Fire Code and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
F-101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding:
1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
2. Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.
3. Fire hazards in a structure or on a premises from occupancy or operations.
4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression or fire alarm systems.
F-101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted. Appendix H is hereby adopted.
F-101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
F-101.4 Administrative provisions. This chapter contains those provisions that are unique to the administration of this code. All other administrative provisions applicable to this code are as set forth in the Philadelphia Administrative Code.
SECTION F-102 APPLICABILITY
F-102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design provisions of this code shall apply to:
1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this code.
2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this code.
3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions when identified in specific sections of this code.
4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions which, in the opinion of the fire code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
F-102.2 Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions. The administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply to.
1. Conditions and operations arising after the adoption of this code.
2. Existing conditions and operations.
F-102.3 Application of building code. The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the Philadelphia Building Code. Repairs, alterations, additions and changes of use or occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the Philadelphia code applicable to the proposed work. In the alternative, repairs, alterations, additions and changes of use or occupancy to existing structures shall be permitted to comply with the Philadelphia Existing Building Code.
SECTION F-103 UNSAFE CONDITIONS
F-103.1 Hazardous conditions. The fire code official in charge of a location that has haza rdous conditions that present imminent danger to building occupants shall be authorized to order the immediate evacuation of any building that is deemed unsafe due to such hazardous conditions. Persons so notified shall immediately leave the structure or premises and shall not enter or re -enter until authorized to do so by the fire code official or the fire department official in charge of the incident.
F-103.2 Fire protection systems. Where any required fire protection system or part thereof becomes inoperative and affects the fire safety of a structure or the occupants therein, the fire code official shall order the system to be repaired and returned to service and is authorized to order the structure vacated until the inoperative system is repaired and returned to service.
SECTION F-104 GENERAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
F-104.1 Fire investigations. The fire code official shall have the authority to investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of any fire, explosion or other hazardous condition. Information that could be related to trade secrets
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or processes shall not be made part of the public record except as directed by a court of law.
F-104.1.1 Assistance from other agencies. Police and other enforcement agencies shall have the authority to render necessary assistance in the investigation of fires when requested to do so.
F-104.2 Authority at fires and other emergencies. The fire department official in charge at the scene of a fire or other emergency involving the protection of life or property or any part thereof, shall have the authority to direct such operation as necessary to extinguish or control any fire, perform any rescue operation, investigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas leaks or other hazardous conditions or situations, or take any other action necessary in the reasonable performance of duty. In the exercise of such power, the fire official is authorized to prohibit any person, vehicle, vessel or thing from approaching the scene and is authorized to remove, or caus e to be removed or kept away form the scene, any vehicle, vessel or thing which could impede or interfere with the operations of the fire department and, in the judgement of the fire official, any person not actually and usefully employed in the extinguishing of such fire or in the preservation of property in the vicinity thereof.
F-104.2.1 Barricades. The fire department official in charge at the scene of an emergency is authorized to place ropes, guards, barricades or other obstructions across any street, alley, place or private property in the vicinity of such operation so as to prevent accidents or interference with the lawful efforts of the fire department to manage and control the situation and to handle fire apparatus.
F-104.2.2 Obstructing operations . No person shall obstruct the operations of the fire department in connection with extinguishment or control of any fire, or actions relative to other emergencies, or disobey any lawful command of the fire department official in charge of the emergency, or any part thereof, or any lawful order of a police officer assisting the fire department.
F-104.2.3 Systems and devices. No person shall render a system or device inoperative during an emergency unless by direction of the fire chief or fire department official in charge of the incident.
SECTION F-105 PERMITS
F-105.1 Permits required. Permits required by this code shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with this chapter and the Philadelphia Administrative Code. There shall be three types of permits as specified in Sections F-105.2 through F-105.4.
F-105.2 Operational Permit. An Operational Permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by Section F-105.6 for either:
1. A prescribed period.
2. A regular renewal period.
3. Until renewed or revoked.
F-105.3 Construction permit. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by Section F-
105.7. The fire code official shall determin e the type of
construction permit required.
F-105.4 Assisted Operation Permit. An Assisted Operation Permit provides for appropriate City agency assistance or oversight for the specified activities in Section F-105.8.
F-105.5 Inspection authorized. Before an Operational Permit is approved, the fire code official is authorized to inspect the receptacles, vehicles, buildings, devices, premises, storage spaces or areas to be used to determine compliance with this code or any operational constraints required.
F-105.6 Required Operational Permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue Operational Permits for the operations set forth in Sections F-105.6.1 through F-
105.6.47.
F-105.6.1 Aerosol products. An Operational Permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products in excess of 500 pounds (227 kg) net weight.
F-105.6.2 Amusement buildings. An Operational Permit is required to operate a special amusement building.
F-105.6.3 Aviation facilities. An Operational Permit is required to use a Group H or Group S occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft fuel-servicing vehicles. Additional permits required by other sections of this code include, but are not limited to, hot work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes.
F-105.6.3 (R) Aviation facilities Operational Permit. The certificate of occupancy for an aviation facility shall serve as the Operational Permit.
F-105.6.4 Carnivals and fairs. An Operational Permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair.
F-105.6.4 (R) Carnival and fair Operational Permits. A Temporary Carnival License required by Chapter 9 -702 of the Philadelphia Code shall serve as the Operational Permit for a carnival or fair.
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F-105.6.5 Battery systems. An Operational Permit is required to install stationary lead-acid battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L).
F-105.6.6 Cellulose nitrate film. An Operational Permit is required to store, handle or use cellulose nitrate film in a Group A occupancy.
F-105.6.7 Combustible dust-producing operations. An Operational Permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2.
F-105.6.8 Combustible fibers. An Operational Permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3).
Exception: A permit is not required for agricultural storage.
F-105.6.9 Compressed gases. An Operational Permit is required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in Table F-105.6.9.
Exception: Vehicle s equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle.
TABLE F-105.6.9
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR COMPRESSED GASES
For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3.
F-105.6.10 Covered mall buildings. An Operational
Permit is required for:
1. The placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly combustible goods and similar items in the mall.
2. The display of liquid – or gas -fired equipment in the mall.
3. The use of open -flame or flame -producing equipment in the mall.
F-105.6.10 (R) Covered mall building Operational Permit. A certificate of occupancy shall serve as the Operational Permit for a covered mall building.
F-105.6.11 Cryogenic fluids. An Operational Permit is required to produce, store, transport on site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the amounts listed in Table F-105.6.11.
Exception: Permits are not required for vehicles equipped for and using cryogenic fluids as a fuel for propelling the vehicle or for refrigerating the lading.
TABLE F-105.6.11
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
|
TYPE OF CRYOGENIC FLUID |
INSIDE BUILDING (gallons) |
OUTSIDE BUILDING (gallons) |
|
Flammable |
More than 1 |
60 |
|
Inert |
60 |
500 |
|
Oxidizing (includes oxygen) |
10 |
50 |
|
Physical or health hazard not indicated above |
Any Amount |
Any Amount |
For S1: 1 gallo n = 3.785 L.
F-105.6.12 Cutting and welding. An Operational Permit is required to conduct cutting or welding operations.
F-105.6.13 Dry cleaning plants. An Operational Permit is required to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry cleaning equipment.
F-105.6.14 Exhibits and trade shows. In lieu of an Operational Permit, exhibits and trade shows shall comply with Section F-408.2 specifically, and other applicable provisions of this code generally.
F-105.6.15 Explosives. An Operational Permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive material, fireworks, or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter
33. For the display of fireworks, in lieu of an Operational
Permit, an Assisted Operation Permit shall be required in accordance with Sections F-105.8.2 and F -3308.2.
F-105.6.16 Fire hydrants and valves. An Operational Permit is required to use or operate fire hydrants or valves intended for fire suppression purposes which are installed on water systems and accessible to a fire apparatus access road that is open to or generally used by the public.
Exception: A permit is not required for authorized employees of the Water Department or the Fire Department to use or operate fire hydrants or valves.
F-105.6.16 (R) Fire hydrant and valve Operational
Permit. A fire hydrant use permit required by Chapter
10-809 of the Philadelphia Code shall serve as the Operational Permit to use or operate a fire hydrant or valve.
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F-105.6.17 Flammable and combustible liquids. An
Operational Permit is required:
1. To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids. This requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOTn) nor does it apply to piping systems.
2. To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of
5 gallons (19 L) in a building or in excess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside of a building, except that a permit is not required for the following:
2.1 The storage or use Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the fire code official, would cause an unsafe condition.
2.2 The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30 days.
3. To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons (227 L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning equipment.
4. To remove Class I or Class II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fueling motor vehicles by any means other than the approved, stationary on-site pumps normally used for dispensing purposes.
5. To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
6. To place temporarily out of service (for more than
90 days) an underground, protected above -gro und
or above-ground flammable or combustible liquid tank.
7. To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material, which poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed.
8. To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.
9. To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments.
10. To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments.
F-105.6.17, #3 (R) Class II and Class IIIA fuel oil system Operational Permit. An Operational Permit is required for Class II and Class IIIA fuel oil storage tanks used in connection with oil -burning equipment where the storage exceeds 660 gallons to ensure compliance with F -603.3.1 and F -603.3.2.
F-105.6.18 Floor finishing. An Operational Permit is required for floor finishing or surfacing operations
exceeding 350 square feet (33 m2 ) using Class I or Class
II liquids.
F-105.6.19 Fruit and crop ripening. An Operational Permit is required to operate a fruit – or crop-ripening facility or conduct a fruit -ripening process using ethylene gas.
F-105.6.20 Fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging. An Operational Permits is required to operate a business of fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.
F-105.6.21 Hazardous materials. An Operational Permit is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts listed in Table F-105.6.21 and for extremely hazardous substances in accordance with Section F -105.6.21.1.
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TABLE F-105.6.21
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
|
TYPE OF MATERIAL |
AMOUNT |
|
Combustible liquids |
See Section F -105.6.17 |
|
Corrosive materials Gases Liquids Solids |
See Section F -105.6.9 55 gallons 1000 pounds |
|
Explosive materials |
See Section F -105.6.15 |
|
Flammable materials Gases Liquids Solids |
See Section F -105.6.9 See Section F -105.6.17 100 pounds |
|
Highly toxic materials Gases Liquids Solids |
See Section F -105.6.9 Any Amount Any Amount |
|
Oxidizing materials Gases Liquids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Solids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 |
See Section F -105.6.9 Any Amount 1 gallon 10 gallons 55 gallons Any Amount 10 pounds 100 pounds 500 pounds |
|
Organic peroxides Liquids Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V Solids Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V |
Any Amount Any Amount 1 gallon 2 gallons No Permit Required Any Amount Any Amount 10 pounds 20 pounds No Permit Required |
|
Pyrophoric materials Gases Liquids Solids |
See Section F -105.6.9 Any Amount Any Amount |
|
Toxic materials Gases Liquids Solids |
See Section F -105.6.9 10 gallons 100 pounds |
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|
TYPE OF MATERIAL |
AMOUNT |
|
Unstable (reactive) materials Liquids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Solids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 |
Any Amount Any Amount 5 gallons 10 gallons Any Amount Any Amount 50 pounds 100 pounds |
|
Water-reactive materials Liquids Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Solids Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 |
Any amount 5 gallons 55 gallons Any Amount 50 pounds 500 pounds |
For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
F-105.6.21.1 Extremely Hazardous substances. An Operational Permit is required for quantities of extremely hazardous substances regulated by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III – also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act) as listed in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s List of Lists.
F-105.6.22 HPM facilities. An Operational Permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.
F-105.6.23 High-piled storage. An Opera tional Permit is required to use to use a building or portion thereof as a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet (46
m2).
F-105.6.23 (R) High-piled storage operational permit. The submission to the fire code official of an annual certification of the fire suppression system in a high-piled storage facility that addresses the high-piled storage shall serve as the Operational Permit.
F-105.6.24 Hot work operations. An Operational Permit is required for hot work including, but not limited to:
1. Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted.
2. Use of portable hot work equipment inside a structure.
Exception: Work that is conducted under a construction permit.
3. Fixed-site hot work equipment such as welding booths.
4. Hot work conducted wit hin a hazardous fire area.
5. Application of roof coverings with the use of an open-flame device.
6. When approved by the Department, the fire code official shall issue a permit to carry out a Hot Work Program. This program allows approved personnel to regulate their facility’s hot work operations. The approved personnel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects denoted in this chapter and shall be responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with the requirements found in Chapter 26. These permits shall be issued only to their employees or hot work operations under their supervision.
F-105.6.25 Industrial ovens. An Operational Permit is required for operation of industrial ovens regulated by Chapter 21.
F-105.6.26 Lumber yards and woodworking plants. An
Operational Permit is required for the storage or processing of lumber exceeding 100,000 board feet (8,333 ft 3) (236 m3).
F-105.6.27 Liquid- or gas -fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings. An Operational Permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid – or gas -fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings.
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F-105.6.27 (R) Liquid- or gas -fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings Operational Permit. Where liquid – or gas -fueled vehicles or equipment are to be displayed in assembly buildings, tents or membrane structures, the approval of assembly floor plans as part of the fire safety review required by Section F-408.2 or the issuance of a permit for a tent or other temporary structure shall serve as the Operational Permit .
F-105.6.28 LP -gas. An Operational Permit is required for the following to the extent the activity is not regulated by the Pennsylvania “Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act.”
1. Storage and use of LP -gas where a container or containers exceed 60 gallons (227 L) water capacity (nominal 200 pounds LP -gas capacity).
2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP -gas.
F-105.6.29 Magnesium. An Operational Permit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or grind more than 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of magnesium.
F-105.6.30 Miscellaneous combustible storage. An Operational Permit is required to store in any building or upon any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar combustible material.
F-105.6.31 Open burning. An Operational Permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to.
F-105.6.32 Open flames and torches. An Operational Permit is required to remove paint with a torch; or to use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous fire area.
F-105.6.32 (R) Removal of paint by open-flame device Operational Permit for Group R-3. A permit for the removal of paint by a torch or other open -flame device for Group R-3 occupancies shall only be required where the fire code official has provided notice that a greater than usual fire hazard exists.
F-105.6.33 Open flames and candles. An Operational Permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.
Exceptions:
1. Candles used during religious services.
2. Candles having protected flames and securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases
so located as to avoid danger of ignition of combustible materials.
3. Approved small heating sources, such as alcohol burning devices in spill -proof containers or chaffing dish holders, used for warming food.
4. Open flames other than pyrotechnic used in theatrical performances, where approved by the Department.
F-105.6.34 Organic coatings. An Operational Permit is required for any organic -coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 L) of an organic coating in one day.
F-105.6.35 Places of assembly. An Operational Permit is required to operate a place of assembly. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be deemed to be the permit in this instance.
F-105.6.36 Private fire hydrants. An Operational Permit is required for the removal from service, use or operation of private fire hydrants.
Exception: A permit is not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments to maintain, test and use private hydrants.
F-105.6.36 (R) Private fire hydrant Operational Permit. The annual certification for a private fire hydrant shall serve as the Operational Permit for the use or operation of the fire hydrant.
F-105.6.37 Pyrotechnic spe cial effects material. An Operational Permit is required for use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material.
F-105.6.37(R) Permit required for pyrotechnic special effects. The required permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material shall be an Assisted Operation Permit issued pursuant to Sections F-105.4, F-
105.6.15, F-105.8.2 and F-3308.2.
F-105.6.38 Pyroxylin plastics. An Operational Permit is required for storage or handling of more than 25 pounds (11 kg) of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastics and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving pyroxylin plastics.
F-105.6.39 Refrigeration equipment. An Operational Permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6.
F-105.6.40 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities. An Operational Permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel- dispensing facilities.
F-105.6.41 Rooftop heliports. An Operational Permit is require d for the operation of a rooftop heliport.
F-105.6.42 Spraying or dipping. An Operational Permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing
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flammable or combustible liquids or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15.
F-105.6.43 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts. An Operational Permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.
F-105.6.44 Temporary membrane structures, tents and canopies. An Operational Permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 200 square feet (19
m2), or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).
Exceptions:
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2. Fabric canopies open on all sides which comply with all of the following:
2.1. Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m2).
2.2. The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65
m2) total.
2.3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be provided.
F-105.6.44.1 Tents accessory to Group A-2 nightclub occupancies. Permits shall not be issued for tents that are accessory to an A-2 nightclub occupancy having a floor area greater than 1000
square feet (95 m2) without the approval of the
Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections or his or her designee. Specific provisions include:
1. The occupant load of the tent shall be determined in accordance with Section F-1004 for assembly occupancies.
2. Requirements of th e Philadelphia Zoning Code governing parking spaces shall be maintained where tents are erected on parking lots serving the A -2 nightclub use.
3. Toilet facilities shall be provided on the premises in accordance with the Philadelphia Plumbing Code based on th e occupant load including the tent.
4. Application for the Operational Permit shall be submitted at least seven calendar days in advance of the event.
F-105.6.45 Tire-rebuilding plants. An Operational Permit is required for the operation and maintenance of a tire- rebuilding plant.
F-105.6.46 Waste handling. An Operational Permit is required for the operation of wrecking and salvage yards, junk yards and waste material-handling facilities.
F-105.6.47 Wood products. An Operational Permit is required to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet (6 m3)
F-105.7 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections F-105.7.1 through F-105.7.12.
F-105.7.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for installation, modification, or removal from service of an automatic fire -extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
F-105.7.2 Compressed gases. When the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table F-
105.6.9, a construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed gas system.
Exceptions:
1. Routine maintenance.
2. For emergency repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall be made within two working days of commencement of work.
The permit applicant shall apply for approval to close storage, use or handling facilities at least 30 days prior to the termination of the storage, use or handling of compressed or liquefied gases. Such application shall include any change or alteration of the facilit y closure plan filed pursuant to Section F-2701.6.3. The 30-day period is not applicable when approved based on special circumstances requiring such waiver.
F-105.7.3 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction permit is require d for installation, modification, or removal from service of fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
F-105.7.4 Fire pumps an d related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey
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pumps, controllers, and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
F-105.7.5 Flammable and combustible liquids. A
construction permit is required:
1. To repair or modify a pipeline for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids.
2. To install, construct or alter tank vehicles, equipme nt, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel- dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.
F-105.7.6 Hazardous materials. A construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a storage facility or other area regulated by Chapter 27 when the hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table F-
105.6.21.
Exceptions:
1. Routine maintenance.
2. For repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall by made within two working days of commencement of work.
F-105.7.7 Industrial ovens. A construction permit is required for installation of industrial ovens covered by Chapter 21.
Exceptions:
1. Routine maintenance.
2. For repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall be made within two working days of commencement of work.
F-105.7.8 LP -gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an LP -gas system.
F-105.7.9 Private fire hydrants. A construction permit is required for the installation, modification, or removal from service of private fire hydrants.
F-105.7.10 Spraying or dipping. A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth.
F-105.7.11 Standpipe systems. A construction permit is required for the installation, modification, or removal from service of a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
F-105.7.12 Temporary membrane structures, te nts, and canopies. A construction permit is required to erect an air- supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 200 square feet (19 m2), or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).
Exceptions:
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2. Funeral tents and curtains or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.
3. Fabric canopies and awnings open on all sides which comply with all of the following:
3.1 Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m2 )
3.2 The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not
exceed 700 square feet (65 m2) total.
3.3 A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be maintained.
F-105.8 Required Assisted Operation Permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections F-105.8.1 through F-105.8.2.
F-105.8.1 Transportation of explosives. An Assisted Operation Permit is required for the transportation of explosives of 1000 pounds (454 kg) or more into or through the City of Philadelphia. A separate permit is required for each movement.
F-105.8.2 Fireworks display. An Assisted Operation Permit is required for each event of indoor and outdoor use of fireworks. Where a single show has a series of performance dates in a theater, sports arena or similar venue, such series of dates shall be considered one event for the purposes of this permit, provided there is no change from the approved fireworks or pyrotechnic displays.
SECTION F-106 MAINTENANCE
F-106.1 Maintenance of safeguards. Where any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this code, or otherwise installed, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously
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maintained in accordance with this code and applicable referenced standards.
F-106.2 Testing and operation. Equipment requiring periodic testing or operation to ensure maintenance shall be tested or operated as specified in this code.
F-106.2.1 Test and inspection records. Required test and inspection records shall be available to the fire code official at all times or such records as the fire code official or this code designates, shall be filed with the fire code official.
F-106.2.2 Reinspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or insp ection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be reinspected or re -tested and the results resubmitted to the fire code official as appropriate.
F-106.3 Supervision. Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who shall ensure that such maintenance and testing are conducted at specified intervals in accordance with this code.
F-106.4 Rendering equipment inoperable. Portable or fixed fire -extinguishing systems or devices and fire – warning systems shall not be rendered inoperative or inaccessible except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing. The restoration of protection shall be diligently pursued.
F-106.4.1 Fire Department notification. The Fire
Department shall be notified by telephone at 215-922 –
6000 of the shutdown of any fire protection system that affects more than one story or more than 30,000 square feet on one story. This notification shall occur immediately upon knowledge of an unplanned loss of protection and prior to the interruption of protection in the case of tests, maintenance, repairs, alterations or additions. The notification shall include the extent of and reason for such interruption of protection and the anticipated length of outage. The Fire Department shall be notified again immediately upon restoration of service.
F-106.5 Owner/occupant responsibility. Correction and abatement of violations of this code shall be the responsibility of the owner. If an occupant creates, or allows to be created, hazardous conditions in violation of this code, the occupant shall also be held responsible for the abatement of such hazardous conditions.
F-106.6 Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the lawful occupancy of a building or
a portion thereof constitutes a violation of this code. Upon finding any overcrowding or unlawful occupancy, the fire code official, in addition to any other remedy under this code, is authorized to cause any event or activity to be stopped until such overcrowding or unlawful occupancy is corrected.
F-106.7 Obstructions. An obstruction in an aisle, passageway or other means of egress constitutes a violation of this code. Upon finding any obstruction in an aisle, passageway or other means of egress, or upon finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, the fire code official, in addition to any other remedy under this code, is authorized to cause any event or activity to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.
SECTION F-107 BOARD OF SAFETY AND FIRE PREVENTION
F-107.1 Board of Safety and Fire Prevention authorized. Pursuant to Section 3-100(h) and Section 3-917 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, the Mayor may, upon the recommendation of the Fire Commissioner or of his/her own volition, appoint a board to act in an advisory capacity to the Fire Department. This board shall be known as the Board of Safety and Fire Prevention and shall consist of a representative of the Fire Department, a representative of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and five other members appointed by the Mayor. One of the five shall be a qualified fire protection engineer and another shall be a qualified fire protection specialist in the petroleum industry. The remaining members shall be persons who are qualified by experience and training to deliberate matters pertaining to hazards of fire, explosion, hazardous conditions, fire protection systems and life safety.
F-107.2 Duties of the board. The Board of Safety and Fire Prevention shall act in an advisory capacity to the Fire Commissioner in matters of fire safety and fire prevention that may include:
1. Considering appeals as set forth in the Administrative
Code;
2. Advising in the interpretation of this code and the regulations issued under it;
3. Suggesting changes to this code and regulations issued under it;
4. Suggesting standards and procedures of good fire prevention practice to supplement the provisions of this code; and
5. Advising as to standards of fire safety practice in the manufacture, storage, sale, transportation and use of new materials which are combustible, flammable, explosive, toxic or which may constitute a fire hazard.
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CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS
* * *
SECTION F-202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS
* * * CODE OFFICIAL. See “Fire Code Official.”
* * *
DEPARTMENT. For the purposes of this code, the term
“Department” shall mean the Fire Department.
* * *
FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The Fire Commissioner and/or the Commissioner of Licenses and Inspections or their duly authorized representatives charged with the administration and enforcement of the code in accordance with practices established by the two departments. This term is interchangeable with the term “code official.”
* * * REGULATED FACILITY. See Section F -2702.1
RELEASE. See Section F -2702.1
REPORTABLE QUANTITY. See Section F -2702.1
* * *
SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. Dancing, entertainment by live music or a disc jockey, observing a theatrical or other performance or simila r activities. The phrase shall not include the consumption of food and beverages, listening to a speaker or lecture, watching television, watching or participating in athletic events, or other similar activities.
* * *
SPECIAL ASSEMBLY OCC UPANCY. One of the following if 50 or more people congregate primarily for social entertainment purposes at such location at one or more times during the course of any year: nightclub; discotheque; cabaret; tavern; bar; restaurant; private club; banquet hall; and similar place of assembly without primarily fixed seating.
* * *
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE
* * * F-302.1 Definitions.
* * *
OPEN BURNING. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber contained within an appliance that conforms to the Philadelphia Mechanical Code. Open burning does not include road flares, smudgepots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames or recreational fires. For the purposes of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open.
* * *
F-307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section F-105.6 with pre -requisite approval by the Department prior to
kindling a fire for any open burning, bonfire or recreational fire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
* * *
F-308.3 Open flame. A person shall not utilize or allow to be util ized, an open flame in connection with a public meeting or gathering for purposes of deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement, instruction, education, recreation, awaiting transportation or similar purpose in assembly or educational occupancies without first obtaining a permit in accordance with Section F-105.6 with pre – requisite approval by the Department.
Exceptions:
1. Small containers of a heating source, such as alcohol or paraffin, for the warming of food when in spill proof containers or used in chaffing dish holders.
2. Heating and cooking equipment used in accordance with Sections F-308.3.1 and F-308.5.
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F-308.3.1 Open -flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices (barbecue grills, hibachis, or similar devices with or without covers) shall not be operated on combustible balconies, decks or roofs, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
Exception: One – and two -family dwellings.
F-308.3.1.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas -fueled cooking devices. LP-gas burners (b arbecue grills, hibachis, or similar devices with or without covers) shall not be located on balconies, decks or roofs, nor within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction, nor within five feet (1524 mm) of building openings (such as doors, windows and vents)
Exception: One- and two -family dwellings, provided neither the cooking device nor the LP -gas container is located within five feet (1524 mm) of building openings.
* * *
F-308.3.5 Religious ceremonies. Where adequate safeguards have been taken, the use of candles in religious ceremonies is permitted. Hand-held candles shall not be passed from one person to another while lighted, except as provided in accordance with regulations determined by the Department.
F-308.3.5 (R) Passing of candles during religious ceremonies. The passing of lighted candles from one person to another during religious ceremonies shall be permitted when under the direct supervision of the celebrant or worship leader.
* * *
F-308.4 Torches for roofing or removing paint. Persons utilizing a torch or other flame -producing device for roofing or removing paint from a structure shall provide a minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section F-
906 and with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers, each with a minimum 2-A rating, or a water hose connected to the water supply on the premises where such burning is done. The person doing the burning shall remain on the premises 1 hour after the torch or flame – producing device is utilized. Roofing work utilizing a torch or hot-air gun shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and NFPA 241.
F-308.4.1 Permit. A permit in accordance with Section F-105.6 shall be secured from the fire code official prior to the utilization of a torch or flame-producing device to do roofing work or remove paint from a structure.
F-308.5 Heating and cooking equipment. Portable heating and cooking equipment that produces a flame is not permitted in a building.
Exceptions:
1. Portable heating equipment is permi tted in buildings under construction or buildings temporarily without heat in accordance with Section F-3803.2.1.2.
2. Listed and approved portable kerosene heaters are permitted in one- and two -family dwellings. Such heaters shall:
2.1 Be located at least 3 feet (914 mm) from combustible materials;
2.2 Not be left unattended;
2.3 Be shut off before sleeping; and
2.4 Be refueled outside the living quarters and only with kerosene that is stored outside in a safe location.
* * *
F-311.2.2 Fire protection. Fire alarm, sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times.
Exceptions:
1. Fire alarm systems are permitted to be placed out of service in buildings with no occupancy provided that all windows, doors and other openings accessible to trespassers are secured against entry by unauthorized persons.
2. Where buildings will not be heated and fire protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, when approved by the Department fire alarm 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 provided that windows, doors and other openings accessible to trespassers are secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons. Where sprinkler systems are permitted to be taken out of service, a sign shall be placed at the fire department connection that reads: “SPRINKLER SYSTEM OUT OF SERVICE.” Standpipe systems permitted to be operated as dry systems shall have a sign at the fire department connection that reads: “DRY STANDPIPE.”
* * *
F-315.2.4 Attic, under -floor and concealed spaces. Storage areas in Group R-2 occupancies, attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire -resistance-rated construction. Openings
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shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) in thickness. Storage shall not be placed on exposed joists.
* * *
F-315.3.2 Height and area. The outside storage of combustible materials shall not exceed individual piles of
5,000 square feet (465 m2) in area nor 10 feet (3048 mm) in
height. Each storage area shall have fire access lanes at
least 15 feet (4572 mm) wide on all sides of each pile. Piles shall be at least 15 feet (4572 mm) from building openings (windows, doors, vents, etc.) and buildings with combustible exterior walls.
Exception: The height of piles of combustible storage is permitted to increase by one foot for each one and one- half foot increase in the width of fire access lanes to a maximum height of 20 feet.
* * *
CHAPTER 4
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
* * *
F-401.2 Approval. Fire safety plans, emergency procedures, and employee training programs required by this code shall be subject to approval by the fire code official.
F-401.3 Emergency forces notification. In the event the building fire alarm sounds or an unwanted fire of any magnitude occurs on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately sound the building fire alarm and report such condition to the fire department. Building employees and tenants shall implement the appropriate emergency plans and procedures. Upon the sounding of a building fire alarm, all occupants shall follow the building’s fire safety and evacuation plans. No person shall, by verbal or written directive, require any delay in the reporting of a fire to the fire department.
Exception: The building fire alarm is not required to be immediately sounded where a delay is permitted by an approved fire evacuation plan.
* * *
F-404.2 Where required. A fire safety and evacuation plan shall be prepared and maintained fo r the following occupancies and buildings. Plans, including voice fire alarm messages, for Group I-2 and I-4 occupancies and for high-rise buildings shall be approved by the Department.
* * *
F-404.3.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plan contents shall include the following:
* * *
9. A list of the names and locations of employees, inmates and residents with disabilities and the location of specialized equipment for rescue, such as stair chairs.
F-404.3.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:
* * *
3. Site plans indicating the following:
* * *
3.4 The building, adjacent buildings and streets.
3.5 The location of fire department connections for sprinkler and standpipe systems.
4. Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
* * *
4.10 Interior fixed walls, doors and stairways to identify floor layout and means of egress.
4.11 Shafts, including but not limited to those for elevators and building service equipment.
4.12 Floor control valves for sprinkler and standpip e systems.
* * *
F-404.5 Availability. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees, and copies shall be furnished to the fire code official for review upon request. A copy of the plans shall also be maintained in the fire command center or, where no fire command center exists, in a location readily accessible to the Department.
* * *
F-405.2 Frequency. Required emergency evacuation drills shall be held at the intervals specified in Table F-405. 2 or more frequently where necessary to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure.
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TABLE F-405.2
FIRE AND EVACUATION DRILL FREQUENCY AND PARTICIPATION
|
GROUP OR OCCUPANCY |
FREQUENCY |
PARTICIPATION |
|
Group A |
Quarterly |
Employees |
|
Group E |
Monthly a |
All occupants |
|
Group I |
Quarterly on each shift c |
Employees b |
|
Group R -1 |
Quarterly on each shift |
Employees |
|
Group R -4 |
Semi -annually on each shift d |
Employees b |
|
Group B high-rise buildings |
Semi -annually |
All occupants |
a. The frequency shall be allowed to be modified in accordance with Sections F-408.3.2 and F-409.5.
b. Fire and evacuation drills in residential care assisted living facilities shall include complete evacuation of the premises in accordance with Section F -408.10.5 or as otherwise provided in accordance w ith an approved fire evacuation plan.
Where occupants receive habilitation or rehabilitation training, fire prevention and fire safety practices shall be included
as part of the training program.
c. For the frequency in Group I-1 occupancies, see Section F-408.5.4. d. For the frequency in the first year, see Section F -408.10.4.
* * *
F-406.1(R) Special assembly occupancy crowd managers. Special assembly occupancies shall have crowd managers on duty at all times of occupancy to ensure fire safety in accordance with the following requirements.
1. Number of crowd managers. A minimum of one certified crowd manager shall be on duty at all times of occupancy. Where the occupant load exceeds 250, additional certified crowd managers shall be provided at a ratio of one cro wd manager for every 250 occupants or fraction thereof. Where more than one crowd manager is required, the special assembly occupancy license holder shall designate one of the crowd managers as crowd manager supervisor who shall be responsible for supervising all crowd managers.
2. Certification of crowd managers. Crowd managers must be certified by the City of Philadelphia and carry on their person a photo identification card produced by the Department of Licenses and Inspections as evidence of this certific ation. This photo identification shall be presented to the fire code official or City of Philadelphia law enforcement officer upon demand.
3. Duties of crowd managers. Crowd managers shall be responsible for doing the following during the hours a special assembly occupancy is open for business:
3.1. Checking that exits are not blocked or locked and for the proper operation of exit doors.
3.2. Checking for the proper location and operation of exit signs and emergency lighting.
3.3. Checking for the posting of lawful occupancy
signs and ensuring that the lawful occupancy is not exceeded, using an accurate means to record occupants.
3.4. Serving as the designated 911 call maker in the event of an emergency.
3.5. Dealing with crowd control issues and initiating evacuation during a fire emergency.
3.6. Being familiar with the operation and override of the establishment’s sound system(s).
3.7. Ensuring a fire evacuation plan has been
prepared and that all employees have received a copy of and are familiar with the plan.
3.8. Ensuring that annual certification reports are on file for the fire suppression and fire alarm systems and ensuring that certifications for flame resistance and flame spread are on file for all combustible decorative materials and finishes.
* * *
F-408.2 Group A occupancies. Group A occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections F-408.2.1 and F-
408.2.2 and Sections F-401 through F-406. Conventions, trade shows and exhibition events shall be conducted in accordance with fire safety requirements of the Department and the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
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F-408.2.2 Announcements. In theaters, motion picture theaters, auditoriums, Special Assembly Occupancies and similar assembly occupancies in Group A used for noncontinuous programs, an audible announcement shall be made not more than 10 minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency. Places of assembly having continuous entertainment, music or other programs, shall make the announcement at the change of each entertainment set, but no less frequently than every 90 minutes.
* * *
F-408.12 High-rise buildings. The fire code official shall inspect high-rise buildings for complia nce with this code. The owner, manager or operator of high-rise buildings shall pay an annual inspection fee based on the gross square footage of floor area as set forth in the Philadelphia Administrative Code.
Exception: Buildings or portions of buildings that are classified as Group R-2 occupancies are subject to the housing inspection license in lieu of the high-rise annual inspection fee.
SECTION F-409 SHELTERING IN PLACE
F-409.1 General. All occupancy groups and buildings that are required to have a fire safety and evacuation plan shall also prepare and maintain a specific plan for sheltering occupants in place (inside the building). The plan shall be placed into effect when notified by local, state or federal officials that an outdoor hazardous materials or biological emergency exists that makes it unsafe for occupants to leave buildings.
F-409.2 Shelter-in-place plan. Shelter-in-place plans shall provide for the safety of building occupants from outdoor contaminants. Building managers shall identify suitable pre -determined shelter rooms or areas with as few windows, vents and doors as possible. Shelter areas shall contain a water supply for both drinking and toilet facilities. Plans shall require that all doors and windows be shut (and locked where locking provides a tighter seal) and all air handling equipment (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems) be shut down. To provide necessary protection, sealing windows, doors and vents with tape is permitted.
F-409.3 All clear announcement. When an all clear message is announced, building managers shall direct people in shelter areas to proceed to the exterior of the building, open all windows and doors and turn on air handling equipment to facilitate exhausting any contaminants that have infiltrated the building. Further instructions will be available via radio and television broadcasts.
F-409.4 Training. A copy of the shelter-in-place plan shall be given to all employees and tenants. Employees required
to assist in carrying out the plan shall receive training at least annually. A record of all training shall be maintained at the building.
F-409.5 Shelter-in-place drills. A shelter-in-place drill shall be conducted once annually for all occupancies required to have a plan and twice annually for Group E occupancies. Each required shelter-in-place drill for Group E occupancies can be substituted for one fire drill.
SECTION F-410 FAMILY CHILD DAY CARE FACILITIES
F-410.1 Scope. This Section shall apply to any Family Child Day Care Facility, defined for purposes of this Section to include any facility that is covered by either Section F-410.1.1 or Section F-410.1.2. Family Child Day Care Facilities shall be regulated as specified in Sections F-
410.1.1 through F-410.6.2.
F-410.1.1 Not within an R-3 occupancy. A facility that is not located within and accessory to a one- or two – family dwelling in which child day care services are provided for five or fewer children for periods of less than
24 consecutive hours is classified as a Family Child Day
Care Facility. Such facilities shall be operated in accordance with The Philadelphia Code and Sections F-
410.2 through F-410.4. Additionally, such a Family
Child Day Care Facility shall conform to the requirements of the occupancy group in which the Family Child Day Care Facility is located.
F-410.1.2 Within a dwelling unit. A dwelling unit where child day care services are provided for 12 or fewer children shall be classified as an R-3 occupancy and as a Family Child Day Care Facility provided that:
1. The dwelling unit is contained within a one- or two -family dwelling;
2. Child day care services are provided for less than
24 hours;
3. The dwelling unit is used primarily as a private residence; and
4. The provision of day care services is accessory to the principal use of the dwelling unit as a residence.
Such facilities shall be operated in accordance with The Philadelphia Code and Sections F-410.2 through F-410.4 and either F-410.5 or F -410.6 as applicable.
F-410.2 License. A license to operate a Family Child Day Care Facility shall be obtained from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, which includes an annual fire inspection. No license shall be issued under this section unless the applicant has secured a Business Privilege
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License to the extent required by Title 19 of The
Philadelphia Code.
F-410.3 Portable heating devices. Portable heating devices that produce an open flame shall not be used in buildings during the operating hours of a Family Child Day Care Facility.
F-410.4 Fire extinguisher. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C shall be mounted in the portion of the building used for family child day care and in kitchens and other cooking areas within the fire area containing the Family Child Day Care Facility.
F-410.5 Six or fewer children. Child day-care facilities that are classified as Group R-3 occupancies pursuant to Section B-310.1 of the Philadelphia Building Code and that provide day-care services to six or fewer children within and accessory to a one- or two -fa mily dwelling shall comply with Sections F-410.2 through F-410.5.2.
F-410.5.1 Smoke alarms. A single station smoke alarm shall be installed in each story including basements. The smoke alarms shall be powered by the building wiring system or non-replaceable lithium batteries listed by
Underwriters Laboratories ® that are warranted for 10
years and shall sound an alarm when activated that is audible to persons in the dwelling unit’s indoor child care spaces with all intervening doors closed. Where battery powered smoke alarms are used, the building owner shall
keep the proof and date of purchase of the smoke alarms in the unit’s fire drill logs.
F-410.5.2 Means of egress. The dwelling unit and the accessory child day-care facilities shall comply with the means of egress requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa Code Chapter 3290 (relating to family child day care homes).
F-410.6 Seven to twelve children. Child day-care facilities that are classified as Group R-3 occupancies pursuant to Section B-310.1 of the Philadelphia Building Code and that provide day-care services to more than six but no more than twelve children within and accessory to a one- or two – family dwelling shall comply with Sections F-410.2 through F-410.4, F-410.6.1 and F-410.6.2.
F-410.6.1 Smoke alarms. Interconnected multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in each story including basements. The smoke alarms shall be powered by the building wiring system and shall sound an alarm when activated that is audible to pers ons in the dwelling unit’s indoor child care spaces with all intervening doors closed.
F-410.6.2 Means of egress. The dwelling unit and the accessory child day-care facilities shall comply with the means of egress requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa Code Chapter 3280 (relating to group child day care homes).
CHAPTER 5
FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
* * *
F-503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections F-
503.1.1 through F-503. 1.3. Deviations from these requirements shall be submitted to the Department for approval.
* * *
F-503.1.2 Additional access. Where a fire apparatus access road is not within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the front or main entrance of a building, the Department is authorized to require that a fire lane, at least 12 feet (3658 mm) wide, be installed within 50 feet (15,240 mm) of the front or main entrance to the building.
The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road bas ed on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
* * *
F-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 Section F-503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times. Where fencing or other security barricades are erected, an emergency means of access, approved by the Department, shall be provided.
* * *
F-508.3 Fire flow. Fire flow (fire fighting water supply via fire hydrants) quantities for new and existing buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be provided in accordance with Section F -508.5.
* * *
F-508.5 Private fire hydrant systems. Private fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections F-508.5.1 through F-
508.5.6.
F-508.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of any facility or building is located or hereafter constructed or moved more than 400 feet (122 m) from a fire hydrant on
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a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on- site private fire hydrants and mains shall be provided.
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 Section F -903.3.1.1 or F-
903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600
feet (183 m).
F-508.5.1.1 Number and location of private fire hydrants. Where private fire hydrants are required by this chapter, one fire hydrant is required for the first
20,000 square feet (1860 m2 ) or fraction thereof of the gross floor area at grade (footprint) of a building, plus one fire hydrant for each additional 50,000 square feet
(4650 m2) or fraction thereof of gross floor area at grade. Where a property has multiple buildings requiring fire hydrants, for those buildings with a gross
floor area per buildin g not exceeding 20,000 square feet (1860 m2), one fire hydrant is sufficient for that group of buildings provided that each exterior point of a
building is within 400 feet (122 m) of a fire hydrant. The exact location of the fire hydrants shall be specified by the Department after survey of the site or review of building plans to determine the most advantageous locations for fire fighting.
F-508.5.1.2 Water main size. Newly installed water mains that supply private fire hydrants shall not be less than 6 in ches (152 mm) in diameter.
F-508.5.1.3 Flow and pressure requirements. Private fire service mains shall provide a minimum flow of 600 gallons per minute (2271 l/min) at a minimum residual pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (138 kPa).
Exception: Private fire hydrants installed prior to January 1, 2004 and meeting all other requirements of this chapter.
F-508.5.1.4 Type of private fire hydrants. Newly installed private fire hydrants shall be Philadelphia standard fire hydrants as specified by the Philadelp hia Water Department. Existing private fire hydrants are acceptable provided the outlets and operating stems are the same as those on a Philadelphia standard fire hydrant. Existing pentagonal (5 sided) operating stems corresponding in dimensions to fire department fire hydrant wrenches are also acceptable.
F-508.5.1.5 Color coding of private fire hydrants. To assist the Fire Department in quickly locating private fire hydrants during a fire emergency and in identifying
those connected to non-potable (untreated) water supplies, the fire hydrants shall be color coded consistent with the Water Department’s color coding of municipal fire hydrants in accordance with Sections F-
508.5.1.5.1 and F -508.5.1.5.2.
F-508.5.1.5.1 Fire hydrants connected to potable water supplies. Private fire hydrants connected to potable water supplies shall be painted orange, with the bonnet (top portion) color coded to identify the diameter of the water main feeding the fire hydrant as follows:
1. Bonnets shall be painted orange for fire hydrants connected to water mains 8 inches (203 mm) or smaller in diameter.
2. Bonnets shall be painted green for fire hydrants connected to water mains 10 inches (254 mm) to 14 inches (356 mm) in diameter.
3. Bonnets shall be painted red for fire hydrants connected to water mains 16 inches (406 mm) or larger in diameter.
F-508.5.1.5.2 Fire hydrants connected to non – potable water supplies. Private fire hydrants connected to non-potable water supplies shall be painted entirely red.
F-508.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Private fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by Section F-508.5.3. Private 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. Annual test records and certifications of private fire hydrants shall contain the name, address and license number of the person performing the test and shall be submitted in an appro ved form to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
F-508.5.5 Fire apparatus access to private fire hydrants. Private fire hydrants shall be located within 3 feet (914 mm) of a hard, all -weather surface, at least 12 feet (3657 mm) wide, capable of supporting the weight of a fire department pumper at 40,000 pounds (18,160 kg). A clearance of at least 20 feet (6096 mm) on each side of the fire hydrant shall be maintained along the hard, all – weather surface adjoining the fire hydrant.
* * *
F-508.6 Fire apparatus access to public fire hydrants. A clearance shall be maintained along public streets of 20 feet (6096 mm) on each side of public fire hydrants.
* * *
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CHAPTER 6
BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
* * *
F-603.4 Portable unvented heaters. Portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited.
Exceptions :
1. Listed and approved unvented fuel-fired heaters in one- and two -family dwellings that are also in compliance with Section F-308.5.
2. Use of portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment is permitted in buildings under construction.
3. Use of portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment is permitted in buildings that are temporarily without heat.
* * *
F-604.1(R) Unit storage battery systems. New unit storage battery systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with this section and these regulations. Existing unit storage battery systems shall be tested in accordance with Item 5. Where such systems utilize spotlight type of distribution, the projected light shall be directed toward means of egress doorways. Units shall be located to distribute light over the entire floor and to reduce glare and keep sharp shadows to a minimum.
1. Battery charger. Unit storage battery systems shall contain a charger capable of charging the battery at a high rate and also at a trickle rate. The high rate charge shall be capable of, within 12 hours, replacing the maximum charge taken out in a 90-minute discharge period. The unit shall be designed to provide for automatic high rate charging and res toration to trickle rate or shall be provided with a manually operated two -position switch to control the charging rate. After power failure or when the battery becomes discharged so that the unit cannot provide 90 -minute illumination at the required intensity, the battery shall be charged at a high rate until it becomes fully charged at which time the charging rate shall be reduced to the trickle rate. No device that could render the charger ineffective shall be permitted.
2. Test switch. Unit storage battery systems shall be equipped with a test switch mounted outside of the unit cabinet and connected to simulate a power failure to the unit.
3. Signals . Unit storage battery systems shall be equipped with a visual signal to indicate when the battery is being charged at the high rate.
4. Wiring and mounting. Unit storage battery systems, including lamps connected remote from the units, shall be permanently mounted and connected in an approved manner. Units shall be mounted so that they can be readily tested, inspected, and serviced and shall be maintained in satisfactory working condition. Remote lamps shall not have a cut off switch.
5. Testing. Unit storage battery systems shall be tested at least monthly for 30 seconds and at least yearly for
90 minutes. A record of such tests shall be maintained and made available for inspection by the fire code official.
* * *
F-604.1.1(R) Gas generators: Generators employing natural gas as a fuel shall have the supply equipped with a separate shutoff valve. The valve shall be tagged “Emergency Power Supply – Not to be Shut Off During an Emergency.”
* * *
F-604.4 Operational inspection and testing. Emergency and standby power systems, including all appurtenant components shall be inspected and tested under load in accordance with NFPA 110 and NFPA 111. Tests shall be conducted by a licensed electrical contractor, except that tests of generator sets shall be accepted from the manufacturer of the generator or an authorized representative. A copy of the test results shall be sent to the Department of Licenses and Inspections annually in an approved form. Test failures shall be reported to the Department of Licenses and Inspections, repairs shall be made and the system re -tested within 30 days.
* * *
F-604.4.1 Transfer switch te st. The test of the transfer switch shall consist of electrically operating the transfer switch from the normal position to the alternate position and then return to the normal position. Required standby and emergency systems shall be tested annually for transfer from primary to standby and/or emergency power under full load operating conditions. This load shall include all equipment that could be required to operate at the same time, including fire pumps operating at rated capacity.
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F-604.5 Supervision of maintenance and testing. Routine maintenance, inspection and operational testing shall be overseen by a properly instructed individual. A licensed electrical contractor shall conduct required annual tests, except that tests of generator sets shall be accepted from the
shall not be required for elevators that are part of an accessible means of egress complying with Section F-
1007.4.
* * *
* * *
F-607.2 Emergency signs. An approved pictorial sign of a standardized design, as indicated in Appendix H, shall be posted adjacent to each elevator call station on all flo ors instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire. The sign shall read: IN CASE OF FIRE, DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. USE EXIT STAIRS (or USE FIRE EXITS). In high-rise buildings, the pictorial sign shall be incorp orated with an approved floor diagram as indicated in Appendix H. The emergency sign
access (shaftway door access) and override of normal operations (Phase I recall and Phase II firefighter use) shall be marked as such and readily available at the fire command center or main lobby desk for use by the fire department and other emergency personnel. In buildings without a fire command center or main lobby desk, the keys shall be stored in a break-glass container at the main entrance. There shall be at least two door access keys and at least six override keys available for emergency use.
* * *
CHAPTER 8
INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
* * *
F-803.5.1 Upholstered furniture. Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall be shown to resist ignition by cigarettes as determined by tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 261 and shall have a char length not exceeding 1.5 inches (38 mm).
Exceptions:
1. Upholstered furniture belonging to the patient in sleeping rooms of nursing homes (Group I-2), provided that a smoke detector connected to the
building fire alarm system is installed in such rooms.
* * *
F-804.1 through F-804.1.3 (Delete Section and
Subsections in their entirety and substitute as follows)
F-804.1 Natural cut trees. Natural cut trees shall be prohibited in buildings.
Exception: Group R -3 one- and two -family dwellings.
* * *
CHAPTER 9
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
* * *
F-901.4.5 Tagging of equipment. A tag shall be attached to each fire alarm system, automatic fire extinguishing system and standpipe system that is installed, repaired or serviced. The tag shall indicate the date of the work and the name, address and telephone number of the person or company that performed the work.
F-901.4.6 Changes to fire protection equipment . Where there is a change to any fire protection or emergency electrical equipment or other building systems that are available for use during fire department operations in a building, the Fire Department shall be notified immediately. Detailed information and instructions for all equipment changes shall be provided to the Fire Department.
* * *
F-901.5 Installation acceptance testing. Fire detection and alarm systems, fire -extinguishing systems, fire hydrant systems, fire standpipe systems, fire pump systems, private fire service mains and all other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be subject to acceptance tests as contained in the installation standards and as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official shall be notified before any required acceptance testing. Test results shall be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections in approved form.
* * *
F-901.5.2 Test requirements. The acceptance tests required by this chapter shall be conducted by a person certified or licensed by the Department of Licenses and
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Inspections for the specific systems in accordance with regulations issued pursuant to this code. Tests required by this code and the referenced standards shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner’s representative.
F-901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or shall be removed upon obtaining the required permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
F-901.6.2 Records. Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 3 years and made available to the fire code official upon request.
Exception: The written log of tests shall not be required in occupancies in Use Group R -3.
F-901.6.3 Test responsibility and notification. The fire code official shall not be held responsible for any damages incurred during any test required under the provisions of this chapter. When the fire code official requests to be present for a test, the fire code official shall be notified not le ss than 48 hours before said test is conducted.
* * *
F-901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department shall be notified immediately in accordance with, and under conditions specified in, Sectio n F-106.4.1. Where required by the fire code official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires. In the event that the fire watch observes smoke or fire, the fire department shall be notified immediately. The fire department shall be notified upon the return of the system to service.
1. An adequate number of fire watch personnel shall be on duty to ensure that all areas of a property are inspected every 30 minutes. In multi-story buildings there shall be at least one fire watch for every five floors.
2. At the beginning of the fire watch, fire watch personnel
shall notify occupants of the temporary means by which they will be notified of the need to evacuate.
3. Fire watch personnel shall inspect for smoke and fire, and when found, immediately notify the Fire Department (by telephone or through communication by portable radio to a constantly attended location from which notification to the Fire Department can be made) and conduct the evacuation of the property. A compressed air horn or other loud sounding device shall be used to alert occupants to evacuate the building if the fire alarm system is out of service.
4. Fire watch personnel shall carry a flashlight where
areas of the building are not lighted.
5. Fire watch personnel shall be trained in their duties in accordance with Section F -406.3.2.
6. A log shall be maintained of fire watch activities, including patrols of assigned areas.
* * *
F-901.7.7 Vacant buildings. Fire alarm systems in vacant buildings are not required to remain in service. Sprinkler systems and automatic water supplies for wet standpipe systems in vacant buildings are not required to remain in service where the Fire Department determines it is safe to discontinue the protection and provides written approval.
* * *
F-901.9 Certification and licensing. No person shall install, alter, repair, service or test fire alarm systems, automatic fire extinguishing systems or standpipe systems unless that person is certified or licensed as required by the Philadelphia Administrative Code, this code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.
F-901.9(R) Licensing of fire protection systems contractors. The regulation of fire protection system work and private inspection shall be as set forth in F-901.9.1(R) generally, F-901.9.2(R) relating to fire extinguishing and standpipe systems, and F-901.9.3(R) relating to fire alarm systems.
F-901.9.1(R) General provisions. The provisions set forth in this section shall apply to the regulation of fire protection systems contractors generally.
* * *
F-901.7(R) Duties of fire watch. Where required by the fire code official, the following are the requirements and duties of a fire watch:
1. Definitions. For the purposes of these
regulations, the following definitions shall apply.
1.1. Fire alarm systems inspector . A person who has satisfied the requirements of these regulations and has been issued a Fire Alarm Systems Inspector License
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Department of Lic enses and Inspections authorizing such person to inspect, test, service and certify new and existing fire alarm systems for conformance to The Philadelphia Code and referenced standards; or a person who possesses a license as an Electrical Contractor issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
1.2. Fire suppression system. An automatic or manual system designed to protect occupants and/or buildings or structures from fire. Such systems include, but are not limited to, water sprinkler, water spray, foam-water, foam-water spray, carbon dioxide, foam extinguishing, dry chemical, wet chemical, halogenated, clean agent and other chemical systems used for fire protection. Such systems also include the supply mains, private hydrants, dry and wet standpipes, and hose connections to the systems. Additionally, tank heaters, air lines and thermal systems used in connection with sprinklers, tanks and pumps dedicated for fire suppression use are included.
1.3. Fire suppression systems certificate holder. A person who has satisfied the requirements of these regulations and has been issued a Fire Suppression Systems Certificate in one or more of the categories below by the Department of Licenses and Inspections authorizing such person to inspect and certify new and existing fire suppression systems for conformance to The Philadelphia Code and referenced standards.
1.3.1. Certificate I: Sprinkler and standpipe systems beginning at the point where the water supply is used exclusively for the fire suppression system (including any backflow preventor and private hydrants).
1.3.2. Certificate II: Special hazard systems including foam, gaseous and chemical automatic fire extinguishing systems.
1.4. Fire suppression systems contractor. A person or company that offers to undertake the installation, alteration, repair, testing, servicing, inspection and/or certification of fire suppression systems, or any part of such systems.
2. Insurance required. An applicant for a fire suppression systems contractor license shall
maintain at his or her expense, as a minimum, the type of insurance described in 2.1.1 and
2.1.2.
2.1. All insurance shall be procured from insurers authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The insurance specified in 2.1.2 shall be on an “occurrence” rather than a “claims made” basis.
2.1.1. Workers’ compensation: Statutory limits.
2.1.2. Comprehensive general liability insurance in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury including death and property damage lia bility.
2.2. Copies of all insurance certificates shall be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections to show proof of insurance coverage before a license will be issued, and renewal certificates shall be submitted thereafter.
2.3. An applicant shall notify the Department of Licenses and Inspections immediately if any of the above policies have been canceled, not renewed or materially changed so that the minimum insurance requirements are no longer met. Failure to obtain or maintain the required insurance constitutes grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of a license.
3. Enforcement. The Department of Licenses and Inspections shall enforce the provisions of these regulations by suspending, revoking or refusing to issue or renew the license or certificate of any contractor, inspector or certificate holder who:
3.1. Has practiced any fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in obtaining or renewing a license or certificate;
3.2. Has performed the installation, alteration, repair, testing, servicing, inspection or certification of a fire protection system in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, or has engaged in intentional or knowing misconduct in the providing of such services;
3.3. Has violated the codes and/or regulations adopted by the City o f Philadelphia;
3.4. Has engaged in unfair or deceptive trade practice; or
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3.5. Has failed to responsibly train or control employees performing under their supervision.
F-901.9.2(R) Fire suppression system certificate and
issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. (The different required certificates may be held by the same employee.)
license. Before a contractor can
ni stall, alter, repair,
2.1.3. Length of time in the business as a
test, service, inspect, certify or remove from service any fire suppression equipment, such contractor shall meet certain requirements to obtain a license, including employing one or more persons holding a Fire Suppression System Worker Certificate in the classification relating to the work performed issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections and a Level II or higher certification in the applicable field issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). (The different required certificates may be held by the same employee.)
contractor in the applicable area of fire suppression.
2.1.4. Verification that the required insurance is in force, that insurance certificates will be forwarded and the name of the contractor’s insurance agent.
2.2. To obtain a license to perform work on fire suppression systems, a contractor shall pay a fee and meet the requirements of 2.2.1 through 2.2.5.
Contractor shall hold a
current
|
1. |
Fire |
Suppression |
System |
Worker |
2.2.1. |
The Fire Suppression |
System |
|
Certifi |
cation |
1.1. The Department of Licenses and Inspections shall provide application forms to persons seeking to obtain a Fire Suppression System Worker Certificate. The following shall be required as a minimum on each application:
1.1.1. Detailed work history in the fire supp ression field.
1.1.2. Other certifications held (if any).
1.1.3. Education in the fire suppression field
(if any).
1.2. To obtain a certificate to perform work on fire suppression systems, the applicant shall meet the requirements of Title 9, Section
2504 of the Philadelphia Code.
2. Fire Suppression System Contractor License
2.1. The Department of Licenses and Inspections shall provide application forms to persons seeking to obtain a Fire Suppression System Contractor License. The following shall be required as a minimum on each application:
2.1.1. City of Philadelphia Business
Privilege License number.
2.1.2. Name and certificate number of at least one full-time employee who is the holder of a NICET certificate at Level II or higher in the applicable field(s) and of at least one full-time employee who is the holder of a Fire Suppression System Worker Certificate in the classification relating to the work to be performed
business privilege license issued by
the Department of Licenses and
Inspections.
2.2.2. The licensee shall maintain his or her business within the United States of America. The licensee shall notify the Department of Licenses and Inspections in writing within 14 days of any change of address.
2.2.3. Each licensed Fire Suppression System Contractor shall have on staff in a full time position at least one Fire Suppression System Worker Certificate holder in each classification of work which the contractor performs and a NICET certificate holder at Level II or higher in the applicable field(s). (The holder of the different required certificates may be the same person.) The Fire Suppression System Worker Certificate hold er(s) responsible for the work shall sign all certificates for installation, alteration, repair, testing, servicing or inspection of fire suppression systems submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
2.2.3.1. In the alternative to the requirement for an on-staff NICET certificate holder in
2.2.3, a Fire Suppression
System Contractor License will be issued to a
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professional engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who provides the Department of Licenses and Inspections with a signed and sealed statement of qualifications in the field of fire suppression systems in the one or more classifications of work for which the application is made [See §F-
901.9.1(R)#1.3] provided
that all other requirements of
2.2.1 through 2.2.3 are met.
2.2.4. All licenses issued under this section shall be valid for one year and renewed annually by the license holder on a form provided by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
2.2.5. The license holder shall provide his or her Fire Suppression System Contractor License number on all permit applications.
3. Limitations of certificate and license holders.
The limitations of 3.1 and 3.2 apply to Fire Suppression System Worker and NICET Certificate holders and to Fire Suppression System Contractor licensees.
3.1 A certificate holder shall only be employed contemporaneously by one Fire Suppression System Contractor.
3.2 The authority of a certificate holder on behalf of a Fire Suppression System Contractor shall cease immediately upon termination of the certificate holder’s position with that contractor, or upon expiration of the certificate. The requirements of 3.2.1 through 3.2.3 shall apply when a contractor no longer employs a person holding a required certificate.
3.2.1 A Fire Suppression System Contractor that no longer has an appropriately certified Fire Suppression System Worker on staff full-time shall not be allowed to continue installing, repairing, testing, servicing, inspecting, or certifying any fire suppression equipment. Upon the hiring of a new full-time certified Fire Suppression System
Worker, the Contractor shall provide the Department with the employee’s name and certificate number.
3.2.2 A Fire Suppression System Contractor that no longer has an appropriately certified NICET employee on staff full-time but has an appropriately certified Fire Suppression System Worker on staff full time shall be permitted, for a period of 6 months after the certified NICET employee left such full-time employment, to complete existing work in progress which has been approved by the Department of Licenses and Inspections, but shall not receive new approval from the Department of Licenses and Inspections until an appropriately certified NICET employee is on staff full-time and the Department has been provided the employee’s name and certificate number.
3.2.3 The certificate holder and the Fire Suppression System Contractor shall each notify the Department of Licenses and Inspections in writing within five business days of the termination of the position of the certificate holder with the contractor.
F-901.9.3(R) Fire alarm system work and certification. The installation, extension, alteration and repair of a fire alarm system shall be performed by an Electrical Contractor licensed under the provisions of the Philadelphia Electrical Code and the work shall be certified by a licensed Fire Alarm Systems Inspector. A licensed Fire Alarm Systems Inspector shall submit the annual certification of fire alarm systems required by this code.
1. Applications for Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license. The Department of Licenses and Inspections shall provide application forms to persons seeking to obtain a Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license. The following shall be required as a minimum on each application:
1.1. Detailed work history in the fire alarm field.
1.2. City of Philadelphia Business Privilege
License number.
2. License requirements. No Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license shall be issued unless the provisions of 2.1 through 2.5 have been satisfied.
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2.1. The applicant shall have a minimum of three years practical experience in the fire alarm field.
2.2. The licensee shall maintain his or her business within the United States of America. The licensee shall notify the Department of Licenses and Inspections in writing within 14 days of any change of address.
2.3. The applicant shall pay the ann ual fee as set forth in the Administrative Code.
2.4. The applicant shall hold or be an employee of a person who holds a Business Privilege License issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
2.5. The applicant shall demonstrate competency in fire alarm systems. Competency shall be determined by one of the alternatives set forth in 2.5.1, 2.5.2 or 2.5.3.
2.5.1. NICET Alternative. A Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license will only be issued to those persons who hold a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certificate at Level II or higher in the Fire Alarms subfield of Fire Protection Engineering Technology. A fee established by NICET is required to take each examination.
2.5.2. Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) Alternative. A Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license will be issued to the principal of, or other person designated by, a company listed with UL in one of two categories of Protective Signaling Services. The first acceptable category is for Central Station Service (UUFX) as a “Full Service Company” or “Fire Alarm Service — Local Company.” The second acceptable category is for Local, Auxiliary, Remote Station and Proprietary Service (UUJS).
2.5.3. Professional Engineer Alternative.
A Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license will be issued to a professional engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who provides the Department of Licenses and Inspections with a signed and sealed statement of
qualifications in the field of fire alarm systems.
F-901.10 Notification to fire department of fire alarm. The Fire Department shall be notified immediately by the owner, tenant or occupant of any building and by a central station service of the activation of any fire alarm signal initiated by manual fire alarm boxes, automatic fire detectors, waterflow alarms from automatic fire extinguishing systems, and any other fire protection equipment.
* * *
F-903.3.7 Fire department connections. Fire department connections shall be located in accordance with Section F-912.
* * *
F-903.6 Existing buildings. The provisions of this section are intended to provide a reasonable degree of safety in existing structures not complying with the minimum requirements of the building code by requiring installation of an automatic fire -extinguishing system in accordance with this section and Section F-903.3. Systems shall be monitored in accordance with Section F-903.6.7. Except where inappropriate for the hazard, fire extinguishing systems that are newly installed to comply with this section shall be automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with this code and NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D.
* * *
F-903.6.2 Basements without openings. Basements exceeding 2500 square feet (232 m2) without openings
that conform to the provisions of Section F-903.2.10.1 and its subsections shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system.
Exceptions:
1. Basements containing no occupancy or storage, excluding permanently installed building service equipment, but not excluding oil cooled electrical equipment.
2. Group R -3 and Group U occupancies.
F-903.6.3 High-hazard occupancies. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed throughout high- hazard occupancies.
F-903.6.4 High-rise buildings. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed throughout high- rise buildings.
Exception. Portions of high-rise buildings currently occupied by Group R-2 occupancies without change in use since December 18, 1991.
F-903.6.5 High-rise Group R-2 occupancies. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed in
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the following areas of Group R-2 occupancies in the portions of high-rise buildings to which the requirements of Subsection F-903.6.4 do not apply.
1. Basements in accordance with Section F-903.6.2.
2. Rooms used for the storage of combustibles where the floor area exceeds 120 square feet (11 m2).
3. Trash and incinerator chutes and rooms.
Exception to #3: In buildings where an automatic fire extinguishing system is not required throughout the building and where the trash chute access room or compartment is completely enclosed by fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of not less than one hour and is not used for the temporary or permanent storage of combustible materials, the automatic fire extinguishing system is not required in the access room or compart ment.
F-903.6.6 Group I-4 child care facilities. An automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be installed throughout all Group I-4 child care facilities.
Exceptions: Group I-4 child care facilities legally in existence prior to January 1, 1984 where all children less than 2½ years of age are kept on the level of exit discharge.
F-903.6.7 Monitoring of existing fire extinguishing systems. Automatic fire extinguishing systems installed on or after March 1, 1991 and automatic sprinkler systems installed in Gr oup H and I occupancies and high- rise buildings prior to March 1, 1991, shall be monitored in accordance with Sections F-903.4 and F-904.3.5 as applicable. Where systems are monitored on site at a constantly attended location, approval of the fire code official is not required.
* * *
F-905.1 General. Standpipe systems shall be provided in new and existing buildings and structures in accordance with this section. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with Section F-912. In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in accordance with Chapter 23.
F-905.2 Installation standards. Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14.
F-905.2.1 Pressure regulating devices. Pressure regulating devices shall be used on new and existing standpipe systems as specified in Sections F-905.2.1.1 through F-905.2.1.3.
F-905.2.1.1 Class I and Class III wet standpipes. Where, and only where, static or residual water pressures at any Class I or Class III fire department use standpipe hose outlet exceed 175 psi (1207 kPa), approved pressure -regulating devices shall be installed
to limit the pressure to 175 psi (1207 kPa). Such devices shall regulate pressure under flow and no-flow conditions and shall be adjusted to provide 175 psi (1207 kPa), or as close to that pressure as the adjustment will permit, without exceeding 175 psi (1207 kPa). The pressure on the inlet side of the pressure -regulating device shall not exceed the rated working pressure of the device.
F-905.2.1.2 Class I dry standpipes. No pressure regulating device shall be installed on any dry standpipe system having no permanent water supply.
F-905.2.1.3 Class II and Class III standpipes. Where residual water pressure at any Class II or Class III building occupant use standpipe hose outlet exceeds
100 psi (690 kPa), approved pressure -regulating devices shall be installed to limit the pressure to 100 psi (690 kPa).
* * *
F-905.3.1 Building height. Class III automatic wet standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of the fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exceptions:
1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2.
2. Class I manual standpipes are allowed in open parking garages where the highest floor is located not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
3. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
F-905.3.1 Exception 2 (R) Open parking garages subject to freezing temperatures. In open parking garages subject to freezing temperatures, manual, dry standpipe systems are permitted.
* * *
F-905.4 Location of Class I standpipe hose connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall have 2½ inch (64 mm) male National Hose standard threads and shall be provided in all of the following locations:
1. In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level above or below grade. Hose connections shall be located at an intermediate
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floor level landing between floors, unless otherwise approved by the Department.
Where a building contains stairways in addition to the required exit stairways, the additional stairways are subject to this section where they meet the criteria for exit stairways, including the exit discharge criteria. Where an additional stairway discharges in accordance with Section F-1023.1, it is subject to the provisions of this section.
* * *
F-905.8 Dry standpipe. Dry standpipes shall not be installed.
Exceptions :
1. Where subject to freezing, automatic dry and semiautomatic dry standpipe systems are permitted in accordance with NFPA 14.
2. Where otherwise permitted by Section F-905.
* * *
F-905.11 Existing buildings. Existing structures with occupied floors located more than 50 feet (15,240 mm) above or below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section F-905. The standpipes shall have an approved fire department connection with hose connections at each floor level above or below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. These requirements shall also apply to buildings that were granted variances prior to January 1, 2004 to omit standpipes from the required exit stairways. Buildings or structures that are not in compliance with Section F-905 on the effective date of this code, shall, with written request to and upon written approval from the Fire Department, be granted three years from the effective date of this code to comply.
Exceptions:
1. In existing buildings having the highest occupied floors located not more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, Class I standpipe systems are permitted to be manual wet systems.
2. Standpipe systems installed prior to January 1,
1995 that provide a residual pressure of 65 psi (448 kPa) or greater at the highest hose outlet are exempt from the requirement to provide a residual pressure of 100 psi (690 kPa) at the highest hose outlet.
3. Standpipe systems with a residual pressure of less than 100 psi (690 kPa) at the topmost hose outlet are permitted where:
3.1 The building existing prior to the effective date of this code;
3.2 The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; and
3.3 The highest floor level is not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access,
F-905.11.1 Removal of occupant use hoseline or Class II standpipe systems. Removal of the hoseline attached to a Class II standpipe system or a Class III standpipe system that is not required by this code, or removal of an entire Class II standpipe system is permitted where the following conditions are met:
1. Removal of hoseline only: The building is equipped with a Class I standpipe system or the building is not required to have a Class I system.
2. Removal of the Class II standpipe system is permitted where one of the following exists:
2.1 The building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire -ext inguishing system and has more than one Class I standpipe hose outlet riser in a multi-exit building or at least one riser in a single exit building;
2.2 The building is in the process of being equipped throughout with an automatic fire – extinguishing system and there is more than one standpipe hose outlet riser in a multi- exit building or there is at least one riser in a single exit building. When the sprinklers on a floor have been placed in service, the Class II standpipe hose stations on that floor are permitted to be removed; or
2.3 The building is not equipped throughout with an automatic fire -extinguishing system, there is more than one automatic wet Class I standpipe hose outlet riser in a multi-exit building and there is at least one automatic wet riser in a single exit building.
* * *
F-906.2 General requirements. Fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with this section and NFPA 10. A tag shall be attached to each fire extinguisher indicating inspections and maintenance performed during the past 12 months.
Exceptions :
1. In Group R-2 occupancies one fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C mounted in each dwelling unit shall be permitted in lieu of mounting them in the common or public corridors or stairways.
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2. The travel distance to reach an extinguisher shall not apply to the spectator seating portions of Group A-5 occupancies.
* * *
F-907.1.2 Equipment. Systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed. Installation of systems, devices, appliances and equipment shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section F-907 and NFPA 72.
F-907.2 Where required — new buildings and structures. An approved manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections F-
907.2.1 through F-907.2.24. Where automatic sprinkler
protection installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2 is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required.
An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall comply with Section F-907.1.2. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except that an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal operation, products of combustion are present in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.
* * *
F-907.2.1 Group A. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 in Group A occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more and in all Special Assembly Occupancies. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.
Exceptions:
1. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Special Assembly Occupancies where the occupancy is protected throughout with a rate- of-rise heat detection system, provided one manual fire alarm box is installed in a location that is constantly attended by staff during periods of occupancy by the public.
* * *
F-907.2.1.3 Special Assembly Occupancies. In Special Assembly Occupancies, a shut-off (shunt trip) device shall be provided to automatically shut off electricity to circuits controlling audio equipment in the facility upon activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system.
* * *
F-907.2.3 Group E. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
1. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50, where interconnected smoke alarms are installed in accordance with Section F-
907.2.10 and a minimum of one smoke alarm is
installed in each classroom or child care room.
* * *
F-907.2.5 Group H. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group H occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 37, 39 and 40, respectively.
F-907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout Group I occupancies except as modified by Sections F-907.2.6 through F-907.2.6.2.3. An electrically supervised, automatic smoke detection system shall be provided in waiting areas that are open to corridors.
* * *
F-907.2.9 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R -2 occupancies
Exceptions:
* * *
F-907.2.10.1.2 Groups R-2, R-3 and R-4. Single – or multiple -station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3 and R-4 regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations:
F-907.2.10.1.3 (Delete subsection in its entirety without substitution)
* * *
F-907.2.10.3 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwe lling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-2 or R-3, throughout Group R-4, or within an individual dwelling unit sleeping unit in Group R-1, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the
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activation of one alarm will activate all of the ala rms in the individual unit or throughout the Group R-4 occupancy. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
* * *
F-907.2.24 Mixed residential and nonresidential occupancies. Where a nonresidential occupancy is located below a residential occupancy, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the nonresidential occupancy. Fire alarm notification appliances shall be installed throughout buildings containing such mixed occupancies and shall be actuated by all automatic fire detection and manual fire alarm boxes in the building.
Exceptions:
1. The fire alarm system and automatic detection is not required where the non-residential occupancy is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 and the building has a local fire alarm that meets the notification requirements of Section F-907.10.2.
2. Where automatic fire detection is required in drinking and dining establishments that are below a residential occupancy, heat detectors are permissible in lieu of smoke detectors in kitchens, in patron areas designated for smoking, and in patron areas where skillet or sizzling type entrees such as fajitas are served.
F-907.3 Where required — retroactive in existing buildings and structures. An approved manual, automatic or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections F-907.3.1 through F-907.3.1. 12. Where automatic sprinkler protection is provided in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2 and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required.
An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal operation, products of combustion are present in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.
* * *
F-907.3.1 Occupancy requirements. A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections F-907.3.1.1
through F-907.3.1.12. Existing alarm notification appliances shall provide a sound level at least 15 decibels (dBA) above the average ambient sound level in every occupied space within the building.
Exception: Occupancies with an existing, previously approved fire alarm system of the same type(s) required by this section.
F-907.3.1.1 Special Assembly Occupancies. Existing Special Assembly Occupancies shall comply with Sections F-907.2.1 and F-907.2.1.3.
F-907.3.1.2 Group B. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group B occupancies in accordance with Section F -907.2.2.
F-907.3.1.3 Group E. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group E occupancies in accordance wit h Sections F-907.2.3.
Exceptions:
1. A building with a maximum area of 1,000 square feet (93 m2) that contains a single classroom and is located no closer than 50 feet
(15,240 mm) from another building.
2. Group E with an occupant load less than 50, where interc onnected smoke alarms are installed in accordance with Section F-
907.2.10 and a minimum of one smoke alarm
is installed in each classroom or child care room.
* * *
F-907.3.1.4 Group H. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group H occupancies.
F-907.3.1.5 Group I-1. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout existing Group I-1 residential care/assisted living facilities.
Exceptions:
1. Where each sleeping room has a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior egress balcony that leads directly to the exits in accordance with Section F-1013.5, and the building is not more than three stories in height.
2. In Group I-1 occupancies protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-
903.3.1.2, automatic fire detection is not required and the exception to Section F-
907.2.6 shall apply.
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F-907.3.1.6 Group I-2. A fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group I-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.2.6.
Exceptions:
1. Hospital patient rooms.
2. Group I-2 occupancies protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F -903.3.1.1 shall only be required to have a manual fire alarm system and automatic fire detection in accordance with Section F-907.2.6.1.
F-907.3.1.7 Group I-3. A fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.2.6.2 through F-
907.2.6.2.3.
F-907.3.1.8 Group I-4. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in existing Group I -4 occupancies.
F-907.3.1.9 Group R-1. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in interior corridors and basements in existing Gro up R –
1 occupancies.
Exception: Automatic fire detection is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Sections F-
903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2 and connected to the
building fire alarm system.
F-907.3.1.6 (Delete subsection and its exception in their entirety without substitution)
F-907.3.1.10 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in common areas, corridors, and basements in existing Group R -2 occupancies.
* * *
F-907.3.1.11 Group R-4. Multiple -station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group R-4 residential care/assisted living facilities in accordance with Section F-907.2.10.
Exception: Smoke alarms are not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system or an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F –
903.3.1.2.
F-907.3.1.12 Mixed residential and nonresidential use. Where a nonresidential occupancy is located below a residential occupancy, an automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the nonresidential occupancy in accordance with Section F -907.2.24.
F-907.3.2 Single- and multiple -station smoke alarms. Single – and multiple -station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in existing Group R occupancies in accordance with Sections F-907.3.2.1 through F-
907.3.2.4.
F-907.3.2.1 General. Existing Group R-1, R-2 and R-3 occupancies not already provided with single -station smoke alarms shall be provided with approved single – station smoke alarms. Installation shall be in accordance with Section F -907.2.10, except as provided in Sections F-907.3.2.2 and F-907.3.2.3. Where the installation of a smoke alarm in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms will result in its installation within three feet (914 mm) of a door to a bathroom or kitchen, installation beyond the immediate vicinity is permitted, but not to exceed 15 feet (4572 mm) from the bedroom doors.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms are not required in sleeping rooms in existing Group R-2 occupancies in high-rise buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire extinguishing system.
2. Smoke alarms are not required in sleeping rooms in existing Group R-2 orR-3 occupancies in buildings that are not classified as high-rise buildings.
F-907.3.2.1.1 Verification of smoke alarms upon sale of building. Upon sale of a building containing a Group R-3 occupancy, the seller shall certify in writing to the buyer that smoke alarms required by Section F-907.3.2.1 are installe d and in proper operating condition.
F-907.3.2.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-2 or R-3, throughout Group R-4, or within an individual sleeping unit in Group R-1, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit or throughout the Group R-4 occupancy. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction of any kind in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies.
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas of Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do
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not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement availa ble which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.
The above exceptions do not apply to existing Group R-2 occupancies in high-rise buildings where the sound pressure level of any detector is less than 15 decibels (dBA) above the ambient noise level in any occupied space within the dwelling unit with intervening doors closed. For the purposes of this section, the ambient noise level is the greatest of the following:
1. The noise level resulting from the operation of all equipment which is intended for use during sleeping hours, such as heating and/or cooling units, ceiling fans, etc.
2. The noise level resulting from background noise with windows open.
3. Thirty-five dBA.
F-907.3.2.3 Power source. In Group R occupancies, sin gle-station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exceptions:
1. In Group R-3 occupancies, smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated: in existing buildings where no construction is taking place; in buildings that are not served from a commercial power source; and in existing areas of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
2. Electrically powered smoke alarms installed prior to January 1, 2004 are not required to have a battery backup power source.
F-907.3.2.4 Testing and maintenance. Tests or inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be conducted at one-week intervals for battery -powered smoke alarms and at one-month intervals for other than battery -powered smoke alarms.
F-907.3.2.4.1 Responsibility. Occupants shall be responsible for the weekly testing and battery
replacement of battery -powered smoke alarms within their dwelling units. Owners shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of non-operating battery – powered smoke alarms within dwelling units within three days of written notice.
* * *
F-907.4.1 Location. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit. Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that travel distance to the nearest box does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).
Exceptions :
1. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
2. Buildings of Group R-2 occupancy with a single exit and not exceeding three stories are not required to have a manual fire alarm box at each story. One manual fire alarm box is required in the exit stairway at the exit discharge.
* * *
F-907.4.4 Signs. Each manual fire alarm box shall have a permanent sign mounted immediately adjacent to the box that reads: “IN CASE OF FIRE — SOUND ALARM AND CALL 911.” It is permissible to substitute “FIRE DEPARTMENT” for “911.”
* * *
F-907.9.1 Zoning indicator panel. A zoning indicator panel and the associated controls shall be provided at a visible location at the main entrance of the building or other location approved by the department. The visual zone indication shall lock in until the system is reset and shall not be cancelled by the operation of an audible – alarm silencing switch.
* * *
F-907.15.1 Existing buildings. Fire alarm systems in existing Group I and H occupancies and existing high-rise buildings shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.
Exception: Systems in high-rise buildings that are monitored on site at a constantly attended location.
* * *
F-907.20.2 Testing. Testing shall be performed in accordance with Section F-914 and the schedules in Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 or more frequently where required
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by the fire code official. Where automatic testing is performed at least weekly by a remotely monitored fire alarm control unit specifically listed for the application, the manual testing frequency shall be permitted to be extended to annual.
* * *
F-907.20.3(R) Certification of smoke detector sensitivity. Alternate year sensitivity testing shall begin in odd-numbered years. Where the one-year sensitivity test occurs in an even -numbered year, the next sensitivity test is not due until the second subsequent odd-numbered year. Results of sensitivity tests shall be listed on annual inspection and certification forms and submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections in the years testing is performed.
* * *
F-907.20.5 Maintenance, inspection and testing. The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the fire and life safety systems are maintained in an operable condition at all times. Service personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of this Chapter and NFPA 72 for maintaining, inspecting and testing such systems. A written record shall be maintained and shall be made available to the fire code official.
Exception: Occupants shall be responsible for the weekly testing of battery -powered smoke alarms. Owners shall be responsible for repair or replacement of non-operating smoke alarms within three days of written notice from the occupant.
* * *
F-912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with this section and the NFPA standard applicable to the system design.
F-912.1.1 Hose connections. Fire department connections shall have a minimum of two 2½ -inch (64 mm) internal threaded swivel fittings having National Hose standard threads with caps.
Exceptions:
1. Manual dry standpipe systems with 6-inch (152 mm) or larger risers shall have three 2½ -inch (64 mm) internal threaded swivel fittings having National Hose standard threads with caps.
2. Limited area sprinkler systems installed pursuant to Section F-903.3.5.1.1, in other than basements and stories without openings, are not required to have a fire department connection.
* * *
F-912.2.2 Existing buildings. On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to
approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign of permanent materials mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the words “SPRINKLER CONNECTION” or “STANDPIPE CONNECTION” at least 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters at least 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. All such signs shall be subject to the approval of the Department.
* * *
F-912.4 Signs. A durable, weather resistant sign shall be mounted at each fire department connection that indicates the type of system (sprinkler, standpipe or combined sprinkler and standpipe). Also, where a sprinkler system is not installed throughout a building, the floor or floors where the sprinklers are installed shall be indicated on the sign. Where standpipe risers are not interconnected, the sign shall also indicate in which stairway the standpipe riser that the connection feeds is located. Wording on signs indicating the type of system shall be a minimum 1-inch (25 mm) high. Other information shall be a minimum ½-inch (13 mm) high.
* * *
F-912.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. All fire department connections shall be periodica lly inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25. To ensure there is no debris in the piping, the check valve shall be removed annually and the piping back-flushed with water to achieve a full flow through the fire department connection.
* * *
F-913.1.1 High-rise buildings. Where electric fire pumps are newly installed to provide adequate water supplies to fire protection systems in high-rise buildings, the Philadelphia Building Code requires that such pumps be connected to a standby power source as provided in NFPA 70. The Philadelphia Electrical Code prohibits separate (dual) service or connection ahead of service disconnecting means as a source of power for legally required standby systems.
* * *
F-913.5.5 Lack of suction pressure during the 150 percent test. Where available suction supplies do not allow flow at 150 percent of the rated pump capacity during an annual pump test, the fire pump shall be operated at the maximum allowable discharge. This reduced capacity shall constitute acceptable test criteria, provided the pump is tested to a minimum of 100 percent of its rated capacity before imposing a 10 psi (69 kPa) suction pressure on the city water main.
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SECTION F-914 PERIODIC TESTING OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
F-914.1 Periodic test fr equency. Fire protection systems, including standby/emergency generators in all buildings and all standby and emergency electrical systems in high-rise buildings shall be tested annually. The owner of each building that contains emergency electrical systems, automatic fire extinguishing systems, standpipe systems or fire alarm systems shall annually provide a certification for such systems in the building from a person certified or licensed by the Department of Licenses and Inspections to provide such cert ifications in accordance with regulations promulgated pursuant to this code.
Exceptions:
1. An owner is not required to submit certification of smoke alarms in one- and two -family dwellings or single – and multiple -station smoke alarms (non- system smoke detectors) in other occupancies.
2. An owner is not required to submit certification of tests, inspections and maintenance of fire protection equipment recommended by equipment manufacturers or referenced standards to be performed at times more frequently than annu ally.
F-914.1.1 Submission of certification. The certification shall indicate that the fire protection system has been tested and maintained in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the applicable NFPA standards. The certification or a notice of deficiencies that preclude certification of the system shall be submitted in approved form to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
F-914.1.2 Seal. Paper forms of certifications submitted to the City of Philadelphia, to the owner, or for any other official purpose shall be embossed with the impression seal of the company that performed the certification.
F-914.1.3 Intent. The requirement for annual certification is to confirm the proper function of the system(s) previously installed in a buildin g in accordance with the provisions of the referenced codes and standards applicable to existing buildings. This requirement shall not be construed as requiring existing systems to comply with the provisions of codes and standards applicable to new buildings or new systems.
F-914.1.4 Partial certification. When a fire suppression system is repaired, altered or extended between periodic testing dates, the modified portion of the system is required to be certified upon a return to service. When the entire system is certified upon return to service at the owner’s discretion, the date of certification will become the new periodic test date.
F-914.1.5 Annual certification of fire suppression system during period of retrofit or new installation. During the perio d of sprinkler and/or standpipe retrofit or new installation, the normal certification procedures shall continue to apply to existing systems and to completed portions of new installations.
F-914.2 Consistency of required test dates. To ensure consistency of required tests for sprinkler and standpipe systems, tests shall be conducted in accordance with the dates indicated in Sections F-914.2.1 through F-914.2.4
F-914.2.1 Dry pipe valves. Full flow tests of dry pipe valves shall be required in 1996 and every three years thereafter, except those protecting areas that are constantly maintained below a freezing temperature.
F-914.2.2 Standpipe pressure reducing valves. Flow tests of standpipe pressure reducing valves shall be required in 1995 and every five years thereafter.
F-914.2.3 Dry standpipe system hydrostatic test. Hydrostatic tests of dry standpipe systems and dry portions of wet standpipe systems shall be required in
1995 and every five years thereafter.
F-914.2.4 Standpipe flow test. Standpipe flow tes ts conducted at the hydraulically most remote hose connection shall be required in 2005 and every five years thereafter.
F-914.3 Annual audibility testing in Groups I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-4. In Group I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-4 occupancies, the annual certification of the fire alarm systems shall contain the results of audibility tests performed in accordance with NFPA 72 in the sleeping rooms of a representative sample of units contained within the building. The specific units tested and the audibility readings taken shall be entered on the annual certification form. The sample shall include as a minimum:
1. One of each type of unit contained in the building;
and
2. The unit or units that are most remote from the audible alarm notification appliances; and
3. Any unit or units with sleeping rooms that are separated from the corridor by building cores, such as elevator cores, stairways, etc; and
4. One unit per floor.
F-914.3(R) Audibility in Group R-2 occupancies. In Group R-2 occupancies where the audibility of existing fire alarm notification devices installed prior to March 1, 1991 does not meet the required audibility within each dwelling unit, the installation of supplemental sounding devices within such dwelling units shall be acceptable as herein provided. The supplemental system shall be a power line carrier system with sounding devices installed in the
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dwelling units connected to the building’s alternating current (ac) power supply. The following shall be required in order for the supplemental sounding device system to be accepted.
1. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed interface(s) to the existing approved fire alarm system shall accept a dry contact closure or a 6-30 volt ac or direct current (dc) input as a trigger for supplemental alarm transmission. Transmission sh all consist of a modulated radio frequency (RF) which shall be determined by a tone/code definition.
2. UL listed amplifier(s) shall couple the modulated RF signal generated by the interface onto all phases of the electrical distribution system and shall have the ability to be adjusted to the impedance of the electrical system in order to maximize modulated RF signal amplitude.
3. UL listed ac plug-in receiver(s) shall detect and decode the modulated RF signal as well as receive power from the ac electrical line(s). When the modulated RF signal is present, an internal 85-decibel (dBA) at 10 feet sounding device shall be activated.
4. Interfaces and amplifiers shall be housed in tamper- proof enclosures.
5. All interconnecting wire from the alarm panel, interface(s), amp lifier(s), overload protective devices and electrical connections to the existing electrical system shall be in conduit using tamper-proof boxes as needed.
6. All overload protective devices such as fused safety switches or circuit breakers shall be locked in the “ON” position.
7. Screw tab retainers on the receivers (supplemental sounding devices) shall be present and the use of tamper-proof screws shall be required to reduce the chance of removal of the receiver(s) from the ac outlet.
8. Installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
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CHAPTER 10
MEANS OF EGRESS
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F-1004.3.1 Posting of outdoor assembly spaces. Outdoor areas of Group A occupancy on piers, decks, or similar spaces in which the means of egress is restricted by return through a building, passageways, gates, or similar components such that the immediate dispersal of occupants is not possible, shall be posted for the maximum occupant load based on the available width of such egress restrictions at 0.2 inches per occupant, but not exceeding an occupant density of five square feet per person.
* * *
F-1008.1.8.3 Locks and latches. Locks and latches shall be permitted to prevent operation of doors where any of the following exists:
* * *
5. Where an elevator lobby is separated from the remainder of the floor by partitions and doors and where the elevator lobby does not provide access to the required exits, the doors in the lobby partitions are permitted to be locked from the lobby side provided the doors conform to Section F-1008.1.3.4 or Section F-1008.1.8.6, with or without delayed locking arrangement.
* * *
F-1008.1.8.7 Stairway doors. Interior stairway means of egress doors shall be openable from both sides without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
Exceptions:
* * *
4. In stairways serving more than four stories, where the floors served by the stairs are not located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access nor more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the lowest level of exit discharge, doors are permitted to be locked from the side opposite the egress side, provided they unlock upon activation of the building fire alarm system or power failure to the locking device, and the doors are always openable from the egress side.
* * *
F-1019.1.1 Openings and penetrations. Exit enclosure opening protectives shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 715 of the International Building Code.
Exceptions:
1. Where an existing exit enclosure is required to have a maximum one-hour fire -resistance rating,
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existing self-closing and latching doors shall be accepted provided they are solid core wood with a minimum thickness of 1¾ inches (44 mm). Existing door frames shall be permitted provided they are in good re pair.
2. Where an existing exit enclosure is required to have a maximum one-hour fire -resistance rating, existing self-closing and latching panel doors shall be accepted provided the panels on one side are filled with a non-combustible material and the entire surface of the door on that side is covered with a sheathing to provide a minimum door thickness of 1¾ inches measured at the stile. Existing door frames shall be permitted provided they are in good repair.
F-1019.1.1 (R) Existing exit enclosure door replacement. Where a door is replaced in an existing exit enclosure that requires up to a one-hour fire resistance rating, the existing door frame is permitted to remain, provided it is in good repair and the door fit provides an effective smoke stop.
* * *
F-1019.1.7 Stairway floor number signs. A sign shall be provided at each floor landing in interior vertical exit enclosures connecting more than three stories. The sign shall contain the following information:
1. The floor level at which the sign is located.
2. The identification (name or designation) of the stair.
3. The direction to exit discharge using either words or arrows.
4. The number of floor levels to reach exit discharge.
5. Whether roof access for the fire department is available from the stair.
Where access to the roof from the exit stair enclosure is not direct, but is available through a room or corridor accessed from the exit stair enclosure, the sign shall include the words “Indirect Roof Access.” A properly oriented floor diagram shall be provided at the exit stair landing at the floor level that provides the indirect roof access. The floor diagram shall indicate the route to the door, stair or ladder that leads to the roof and be located at approximately eye level near the stair floor landing sign.
The floor level designation character shall be a minimum of 6-inches (152 mm) high and characters for the remaining information shall be a minimum of 1½ inches (38 mm) high. The sign shall be located 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor landing in a position whic h is readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions.
* * *
F-1026.1 (R) Existing exit stairway enclosures. Exit stairways in existing buildings shall be enclosed in accordance with the building code under which they were constructed, b ut at a minimum they shall conform to Section F-704.1, except that exit stairways connecting more than three floor levels shall be enclosed with one-hour fire resistance rated construction, including buildings with automatic sprinklers throughout.
* * *
F-1026.1 Exception (R) Buildings with one exit. Where a building with one exit was constructed in conformance with the building code in effect at the time the building was constructed, the single exit is acceptable provided it is in accordance with one of the following conditions:
1. A nonresidential building not exceeding six stories
above grade.
2. A residential building not exceeding three stories above grade.
3. A building equipped with a fire suppression system and fire alarm system throughout the building with s moke detectors in all corridors, lobbies and other common areas.
4. A building equipped with a fire alarm system with smoke detectors installed throughout the building and the single exit is a smokeproof enclosure or pressurized stairway installed accordance with the Building Code.
5. Buildings in compliance with the Building Code.
* * *
F-1026.17 Corridors. Corridors serving an occupant load greater than 30, or any occupant load in high-rise buildings of Group R-2 occupancy, and the openings therein shall provid e an effective barrier to resist the movement of smoke. Transoms, louvers, doors and other openings shall be closed or be self-closing and latching.
* * *
F-1027.5 Emergency escape openings. Required emergency escape openings in the form of a window or door opening to the outside shall be maintained in existing sleeping rooms in Group R and I-1 occupancies in accordance with this section. Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are allowed to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the code that was in effect at the time of construction and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.
Exception: Emergency escape openings are not required in buildings equipped throughout with an approved
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automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section F-
903.3.1.1 or F -903.3.1.2.
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CHAPTER 14
FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
* * *
F-1414.1 Completion before occupancy. In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system is required by this code or the International Building Code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system installation has been tested and approved, except as provided in Section A-701.5 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code.
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SECTION F-1418 ASBESTOS ABATEMENT
F-1418.1 Asbestos Abatement. Asbestos abatement work in buildings shall be in accordance with the following fire safety requirements:
1. Materials used in the construction of temporary enclosures shall be noncombustible or flame resistant in accordance with NFPA 701.
2. Means of egress shall not be blocked, unless an alternate exiting plan is approved by the fire code official. Exit doors shall not be held open.
3. Sprinklers, standpipes and other fire suppression systems shall remain in service, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.
4. A sign shall be posted at the building’s fire alarm annunciator panel indicating the areas undergoing asbestos abatement, as well as signs at each abatement area.
5. Each abatement area shall have at least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:10 – B:C. All workers shall be instructed in the proper use of the fire extinguisher.
6. In occupied buildings where automatic fire detection is taken out of service, a 24-hour fire watch, making hourly rounds and having a means to contact the Fire Department, shall be provided.
7. In occupied buildings where negative pressure ventilation equipment does not exhaust to outdoor areas, a fire wa tch shall be provided, as indicated in item 6 above.
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CHAPTER 22
MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES
* * *
F-2206.2.3 Above -ground tanks located outside, above grade. Above-ground tanks shall not be used for the storage of Class I, II or IIIA liquid fuels except as provided by this section and where such tanks are not accessible to the public.
* * *
F-2208.4(R) Private fueling of CNG motor vehicles. Self- service CNG-dispensing systems are permitted provided there is compliance with the following provisions:
1. The installation shall consist of listed equipment and shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 52.
2. Emergency gas shut-off devices shall be provided at the dispensing island, compressor unit and inside the service station at the operator/cashier counter.
3. The components of the system shall be protected from physical damage by barrier protection installed in compliance with Section F-312.
4. A minimum six-foot (1829 mm) high chain link fence shall be installed to provide security for all the components of the system except the dispensing unit.
5. All persons authorized to use the system and all employees of the service station shall receive training in how to properly dispense the CNG and how to shut down the system in the event of an emergency.
6. The site shall be monitored by cameras mounted to view the compressor/storage area and the dispensing area. Monitors shall be located inside the service station at the operator/cashier area.
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CHAPTER 24
TENTS, CANOPIES AND OTHER MEMBRANE STRUCTURES
* * *
F-2404.15 Heating, air conditioning and cooking equipment. Heating, air conditioning and cooking equipment shall be in accordance with this section.
F-2404.15.1 Installation. Heating, air conditioning or cooking equipment, tanks, piping, hoses, fittings, valves, tubing and other related components shall be installed as specified in the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code, and shall be approved by the fire code official.
* * *
F-2404.15.3 Location. Cooking and heating equipment shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of exits or combustible materials. Heating and air conditioning units and fuel and power sources (such as generators) for cooking, heating and air conditioning shall be located at least 10 feet (3048 mm) from the outside of tents and other membrane structures, except LP-gas containers shall
be located in accordance with Section F-2404.16. Barricades shall be provided around heating and air conditioning units, fuel supplies and ducts. Units shall not be in operation during refueling. While units are in operation, at least one trained person shall monitor their operation.
F-2404.15.4 Operations. Operations such as warming of foods, cooking demonstrations and similar operations that use solid flammables, butane or other similar devices which do not pose an ignition hazard, are permitted provided the fuel containers are spill-proof or placed in chafing dish holders.
F-2404.15.5 Cooking tents. Tents where cooking is performed shall not be used for any purpose other than food preparation and shall be separated from other tents, canopies or membrane structures by a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm).
* * *
CHAPTER 25
VEHICLE SALVAGE/WRECKING, TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE
SECTION F-2501 GENERAL
F-2501.1 Scope. Tire rebuilding plants, tire storage and tire byproduct facilities shall comply with this chapter, other applicable requirements of this code and NFPA 231D. Tire storage in buildings shall also comply with Chapter 23. Vehicle salvage and wrecking facilities shall also comply with Section F-2510 and other applicable requirements of this code.
* * *
SECTION F-2510 VEHICLE SALVAGE AND WRECKING FACILITIES
F-2510.1 General. Facilities conducting vehicle salvage or wrecking operations shall comply with Sections F-2510.2 through F-2510.8.
F-2510.2 Control of combustibles to prevent fire. Combustible rubbish (trash, debris, etc.) on the exterior of a property performing vehicle salvage or wrecking operations shall be stored in containers with lid s. Vegetation (bushes, shrubs, grass, weeds, etc.) shall be kept trimmed to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard. Dead and dying vegetation shall be removed.
F-2510.3. Cutting and welding. Cutting and welding operations shall be in accordance with Chapter 26.
F-2510.4 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Section F-906.
F-2510.5 Tire storage. Tire storage shall be neat and orderly. The exterior storage of tires shall be in accordance with Section F-2505.
F-2510.6 Vehicle fluids. The storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 34. Fuel shall be removed from vehicle fuel tanks scheduled for salvage or wrecking within 48 hours of the arrival of a vehicle. Fuel tanks not removed from vehicles within 48 hours of arrival shall be filled with water until the tanks are removed. Other fluids shall be removed if leaking, but not later than the start of further salvage or wrecking operations.
F-2510.7 Lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries shall be removed from vehicles if leaking, but not later than the start of further salvage or wrecking operations.
F-2510.8 Burning of vehicle parts. The burning of vehicle parts is prohibited.
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CHAPTER 26
WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK
* * *
F-2601.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in
Section 105.6. A hot work program as listed in Section F-
105.6.24#6 shall be approved by the Department. An annual permit is required for a hot work program.
F-2601.2.1 Bond required for hot work operations. Before a permit is issued to perform hot work operations, the applicant shall file a bond or proof of public liability and property damage insurance in such form, amount and
coverage as determined by the Law Department to be adequate in each case to indemnify the City against any damages arising from the permitted work.
F-2601.2.2 Notification prior to hot work operations. Persons performing hot work operations shall notify the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections at least 48 hours in advance of conducting a hot work operation.
* * *
CHAPTER 27
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS — GENERAL PROVISIONS
* * *
F-2701.7 Hazardous material emergency planning and response. Pursuant to SARA Title III and the Pennsylvania Hazardous Material Emergency Planning and Response Act of 1990 (HazMat Act), the requirements of Sections F-
2701.7.1 through F-2701.7.10 have been established to
provide for hazardous material emergency planning and response:
F-2701.7.1 Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee. The Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee (PLEPC) has been established pursuant to subsection 203(a) of the HazMat Act and is composed as follows:
1. Mayor or designee
2. Managing Director or designee
3. Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee of
City Council or designee
4. Emergency Management Services Director of the
City
5. At least one person from each of the following City departments, agencies or offices:
5.1 – Fire Department
5.2 – Police Department
5.3 – Department of Public Health
5.4 – Law Department
5.5 – City Planning Commission
5.6 – Department of Licenses and Inspections
5.7 – Water Department
5.8 – Streets Department
5.9 – Office of Emergency Management
6. At least one person representing each of the following entities or groups:
6.1 – United States Coast Guard Group – Philadelphia
6.2 – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation
Authority
6.3 – American Red Cross, Southeastern
Pennsylvania Chapter
6.4 – Hospitals and/or health care agencies
6.5 – Environmental advocacy organizations
6.6 – Owners and operators of regulated facilities
6.7 – Community groups not affiliated with emergency service groups
6.8 – Broadcast and print media
6.9 – Railroads and or other transportation carriers
F-2701.7 .2 Appointment of members to PLEPC. Pursuant to the HazMat Act, the members of the PLEPC have been appointed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council. Should a vacancy occur in the PLEPC, the Emergency Management Services Director shall nominate to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council a successor member who has been nominated by the represented organization or industry in which the vacancy occurs, if applicable. If the vacancy occurs within a represented category (listed in item 6 of Section F-2701.7.1), then the Emergency Management Services Director shall cause a nominating committee to be formed consisting of PLEPC members to recommend a
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replacement member, who shall in turn be nominated to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council.
F-2701.7.3 Emergency Management Services Director. Pursuant to the HazMat Act, the City’s Emergency Management Services Director, who is the person designated by the Mayor to perform emergency management functions, shall have the lead responsibility for ensuring that the plans and activities of PLEPC comply with SARA Title III, the HazMat Act and other applicable statutes, laws and ordinances.
F-2701.7.4 Emergency response plan. The Comprehensive Local Emergency Response Plan (Emergency Response Plan) required by Section 303 of SARA Title III and Section 203(k) of the HazMat Act shall include, but not be limited to, each of the following:
1. Identification of each Regulated Facility within the City, identification of routes likely to be used for the transportation of substances on the list of Extremely Hazardous Substances and identification of additional facilities contributing or subject to additional risk due to their proximity to the Regulated Facility subject to the requirement of this section, such as hos pitals or natural gas facilities.
2. Methods and procedures to be followed by Regulated Facility owners and operators and local emergency and medical personnel to respond to any Release of such substances.
3. Designation of a community emergency coordinator and Regulated Facility emergency coordinators who shall make determinations necessary to implement the Emergency Response Plan.
4. Procedures providing reliable, effective and timely notification by the Regulated Facility emergency coordinators and the City Emerg ency Management Services Director to persons designated in the Emergency Response Plan and to the public, that a Release has occurred, consistent with the notification requirements of Section 304 of SARA Title III.
5. Methods for determining the occurrence of a Release, and the area of population likely to be affected by such Release.
6. A description of emergency equipment and facilities in the City and at each Regulated Facility and an identification of persons responsible for such equipment and facilities.
7. Evacuation plans, including provisions for a precautionary evacuation and alternative traffic routes.
8. Training programs, including schedules for training of local emergency response and medical personnel. Training shall meet the minimum standards outlined in 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1200, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.
9. Methods and schedules for exercising the
Emergency Response Plan.
F-2701.7.5 Hazardous Material Emergency Response Preparedness Assessment. The City Emergency Management Services Director shall develop and submit to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council a Hazardous Material Emergency Response Preparedness Assessment (the Assessment) in accordance with Section
204(a)(3) of the HazMat Act. The Assessment shall be updated annually. The City shall assess the potential dangers and risks that hazardous material Releases from Regulated Facilities and transportation accidents pose to public health and the environment, identify the City’s needs and resources for hazardous material response teams to deal with those dangers and risks and outline its plan for implementing City emergency planning functions under the HazMat Act. The Assessment shall include the following:
1. Potential threats posed by Regulated Facilities required to be included in the City’s Emergency Response Plan under Section 303 of SARA Title III, and other concentrations of hazardous material in the City or in areas immediately adjacent to the City that may pose a threat.
2. Potential threats posed by hazardous material transported by highway and railroad in the City.
3. Identification of existing capabilities to respond to hazardous material Releases, including personnel, equipment, training, planning and identification of existing hazardous material response zones.
4. Organization and operation of a certified hazardous material response team under Section 209(e) of the HazMat Act and identification of the need for personnel, equipment, training and planning needed to respond to potential threats, including the designation of proposed levels of preparedness for the City’s hazardous material response team.
5. Identification of other resources needed to implement the provisions of the HazMat Act and to support the PLEPC.
6. An audit of the Hazardous Material Emergency
Response Account.
F-2701.7.6 Hazardous Material Emergency Response Account. A non-lapsing restricted account, known as the Hazardous Material Emergency Response Account
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(HazMat Account) and established within the Grants Revenue Fund by the City Finance Department shall consist of all fees authorized by this subsection, City, federal, or state funds, grants, loans or penalties and any private donations provided to finance the hazardous material safety program established pursuant to the HazMat Act. Expenditures from the HazMat Account shall be made pursuant to appropriations from the HazMat Account of the Grants Revenue Fund and consistent with the needs identified in the City’s Assessment. The PLEPC shall be consulted with respect to the consistency of prop osed expenditures with the needs identified in the assessment.
F-2701.7.7 Hazardous Chemical Fee. By March 1 of every year, each owner or operator of a Regulated Facility shall pay to the City Revenue Department, to be deposited in the HazMat Account, a Ha zardous Chemical Fee for each hazardous chemical which is required by Section
312 of SARA Title III to be listed on the hazardous
chemical inventory form (Tier II) which the owner or operator of a Regulated Facility submits to the PLEPC, provided that no fee may be applied to additional facilities or hazardous materials because of changes made by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in lists of hazardous materials, threshold planning quantities or other requirements under SARA Title III, unless there has been compliance with the provisions of Section 213 of the HazMat Act. A credit in an amount up to 100 percent of the Hazardous Chemical Fee obligation shall be given to Regulated Facility owners or operators for training, equipment or other in -kind services donated to the City to support the hazardous material safety program, if such training, equipment or in -kind services are accepted by the City upon approval of the Emergency Management Services Director following a review by the PLEPC of a wr itten proposal of donation. The PLEPC shall recommend to the City’s Emergency Management Services Director whether or in what amount a credit for such training, equipment or in -kind services shall be extended to a Regulated Facility owner or operator. Ea ch agreement by the City to accept such a donation in exchange for a credit toward the Hazardous Chemical Fee obligation shall be written, and shall specify the amount of credit to be awarded, based on the fair market value of equipment donated and the agreed-upon value of training or in-kind services donated. The owners or operators of family farm enterprises, service stations (as such terms are defined in the HazMat Act) and Regulated Facilities owned by state and local governments shall be exempt from p ayment of the fees required in this section.
F-2701.7.8 Emergency Planning Fee. By March 1 of every year, each owner or operator of a Regulated Facility that manufactures, produces, uses, stores, supplies or distributes any Extremely Hazardous Substance in quantities larger than the threshold planning quantities
shall pay to the City Revenue Department for each Regulated Facility an Emergency Planning Fee. A credit in the amount of 100 percent of this Emergency Planning Fee shall be available to Regulated Facility owners or operators for training, equipment or other in -kind services donated to the City to support the hazardous material safety program if such training, equipment or in -kind services are accepted by the City in the same manner provided for acceptance of donations credited to the Hazardous Chemical Fee in F-2701.7.7 and are in addition to those for which credit is claimed under F-
2701.7.7. The owners or operators of family farm enterprises, service stations (as such terms are defined in the HazMat Act) and Regulated Facilities owned by state and local governments shall be exempt from payment of the fees required by this section.
F-2701.7.9 Limited liability of members of the PLEPC. Pursuant to the HazMat Act, no member of the PLEPC shall be liab le for the death of, or any injury to persons or loss or damage to property or the environment or any civil damages resulting from any act or omission arising out of the performance of the functions, duties and responsibilities of the PLEPC, except for acts or omissions which constitute willful misconduct.
F-2701.7.10 Relationship to federal and state laws. The requirements of F-2701.7 shall be read in conjunction with federal and state acts, laws or regulations providing for the identification, labeling or reporting of information concerning hazardous material Releases, and any other health and safety matters related to hazardous materials, and is intended to supplement federal and state acts, laws and regulations in the interest of protecting the health and safety of the citizens of this City. In those instances where the provisions of F-2701.7 are more comprehensive or stringent than the provisions of an applicable federal or state act, law or regulation, the provisions of Section F-2701.7 shall be contro lling.
F-2701.8 Emergency information required on site. Material Safety Data Sheets, for quantities of hazardous materials requiring a permit in accordance with Section F-
105.6 or a Tier II Chemical Inventory Form required by
Subtitle B, Sections 311 and 312 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III), shall be stored on the exterior of a facility (building wall, fence, post mounted, etc.) in an Emergency Information Container at a location readily available to emergency responders on a 24-hour basis. The container shall be weather-resistant and locked by a padlock. The location of the container shall be subject to approval by the Fire Department.
Exception: Facilities with an emergency control center staffed 24 hours per day are permitted to provide the required information by an alternative means approved by the Fire Department.
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F-2701.8.1. Contents of Emergency Information Containers. Where required by Section F-2701.8 to provide emergency Information availab le on a 24 -hour basis, the Emergency Information Container or other approved storage means shall contain the following information for a facility. The information shall be updated whenever a change occurs.
1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) stored in a binder and filed in alphabetical order by chemical name.
Exception: Where the volume of MSDS is too great to keep practically in the Emergency Information Container, information in the container shall indicate the location of the on-site MSDS, provided they are readily available for utilization by emergency response personnel.
2. Hazardous Materials Management Plan (see
Section F-2701.5.1)
3. Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (see
Section F-2701.5.2)
4. Name and telephone number of facility personnel knowledgeable in facility operations and emergency procedures to call in the event of an emergency.
F-2701.8.2 Security of Emergency Information Containers. Where an Emergency Information Container is required and there is a concern that it is subject to being vandalized, installation of the container is permitted to a maximum height of 10 feet (3048 mm).
F-2701.9 Equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls. Facilities shall be in compliance with the proper marking, use, storage, disposal and record keeping requirements for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 761. In general, the CFR requires equipment containing PCBs exceeding 500 parts per million (ppm) to be marked: CA UTION – CONTAINS PCBs. Marking of equipment containing between 50 and
500 ppm PCBs is optional, but if marked shall read: PCB CONTAMINATED. The location of equipment marked pursuant to federal regulation shall be reported to the Fire Department.
F-2701.9.1 Inspection of PCB equipment. The Fire Department is authorized to conduct inspections of equipment containing PCBs for compliance with federal and other safety regulations.
F-2701.10. Chemical plant/refinery emergency coordination. Chemical plants and refineries shall coordinate with the Fire Department and other City agencies to establish and maintain operating procedures and
equipment to be used during fires or other emergencies at a facility.
F-2701.10.1 Emergency procedures. Facilities that have hazardous materials in quantities exceeding 10,000 pounds (4540 kg) or who have extremely hazardous substances as regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III) and appearing on the EPA’s Community Right to Know Chemical List shall prepare procedures to be followed during an emergency at their facility, including the immediate notification of the Fire Department. A copy of the procedures shall be sent to the Fire Department and the Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee. Managers shall ensure that employees are knowledgeable of their responsibilities during emergencies. Emergency procedures shall be posted in prominent locations throughout a facility.
F-2701.10.2 Facilities with in-plant fire brigades. Petroleum refineries and chemical plants with in -plant fire brigades shall assign knowledgeable personnel to all operating shifts to act as plant emergency coordinators who shall be responsible for coordinating with Fire Department and other emergency officials during fires or other emergencies.
F-2701.10.2.1 Review of emergency procedures. Annually, the designated coordinator of a facility with an in -plant fire brigade shall meet with the Deputy Commissio ner of Operations of the Fire Department, or designee, to review and coordinate plant fire fighting and emergency procedures to ensure that their procedures are compatible with Fire Department operations. Procedures and training should be consistent with NFPA 30, Sections 2-5.8.4 and 5 -12.6.
F-2701.10.2.2 Communications during an emergency. Facilities with in -plant fire brigades shall have two portable radios capable of receiving and transmitting on the Fire Department’s fireground radio frequencies. The radios shall be for use by plant emergency coordinators to maintain communications with Fire Department personnel during emergencies.
* * *
F-2702.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter, Chapters 28 through 44, and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
* * *
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Those chemicals or substances which are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this chapter, whether the materials are in usable or was te condition. Hazardous materials shall also include any of the following as defined in the
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Pennsylvania HazMat Act or regulations promulgated thereto:
1. A hazardous substance
2. An extremely hazardous substance
3. A hazardous chemical
4. A toxic chemical
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REGULATED FACILITY. All buildings, structures and other stationary items which are located on a single site or on a contiguous or adjacent site and which are owned or operated by the same person and which actually manufacture, produce, use, transfer, store, supply or distribute any hazardous material and which are subject to the requirements of Section 303 of SARA Title III. The term includes railroad yards and truck terminals, but does not include individual trucks, rolling stock, water vessels, airplanes or other transportation vehicles.
RELEASE. Any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping or disposing into the environment of a hazardous material, including, but not limited to, the abandonme nt or discarding of barrels, containers and other receptacles containing a hazardous material.
REPORTABLE QUANTITY. The quantity of a hazardous material stated on the various lists of hazardous substances and extremely hazardous substances as defined in this section,the release of which has been deemed to constitute a substantial danger to the public health or welfare or environment and is therefore designated as the threshold quantity necessitating reports of releases pursuant to Section
102 of CERCLA and the HazMat Act.
* * *
F-2703.3.1.2 Mitigation of hazard. Provisions shall be made for controlling and mitigating unauthorized discharges. All releases creating a fire hazard or other hazardous condition shall be reported to the Fire Department immediately .
* * *
F-2703.4 Material Safety Data Sheets. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be readily available on the premises for hazardous materials regulated by this chapter and maintained in accordance with Section F-2701.8. When a hazardous substance is developed in a laboratory, available information shall be documented.
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CHAPTER 32
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
* * *
F-3204.3.1.1 Location. Stationary containers shall be located in accordance with Section F-3203.6. Containers of cryogenic fluids shall not be located within diked areas containing other hazardous materials.
Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is prohibited.
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CHAPTER 33
EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
* * *
F-3301.1.3 Fireworks and illegal explosive s. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks and illegal or forbidden explosives (sometimes referred to as fireworks) are prohibited. (See Section F-
3302.1 for the definition of illegal or forbidden explosives.)
Exceptions:
1. Storage and handling of fireworks as permitted in Section F-3304 when approved by the Fire Department.
2. The use of fireworks for display as permitted in Section F-3308 when approved by the Fire Department.
3. The possession, storage, sale, handling and use of items designed to produce an audible or visual effect as follows:
A. Starter pistols for sporting or theatrical events, or toy caps and similar non-projectile items containing not more than 16.2 milligrams (0.25 grains) of pyrotechnic composition per cap or item.
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B. Snappers containing not more than 1 milligram (0.02 grains) of pyrotechnic composition.
C. Sparklers containing not more than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of pyrotechnic composition per sparkler.
D. Other novelty effects containing not more than
50 milligrams (0.8 grains) of pyrotechnic composition per effect, and that have no projectile components.
* * *
F-3301.2 Permit required. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section F-105.6, F-105.8 and regulated in accordance with this section. Applicatio ns for the use of explosives for building demolitions shall be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the proposed date and for all other uses at least 21 days in advance. Applicants shall also follow the specific requirements of the various city depart ments charged with ensuring the safe demolition of buildings by explosives.
F-3301.2(R) Use of explosives for other than building demolition. Persons desiring to use explosives for purposes other than the demolition of a building are required to do the following, in addition to the other requirements of this chapter:
1. An application for an “Operational Permit – Use of Explosives” shall be submitted to the Managing Director’s Office, Fire Department and Department of Licenses and Inspections at least twenty-one days in advance of the requested blasting date.
2. The City Councilmember elected from the district in which the explosives are to be used shall be notified at least twenty -one days in advance of the requested blasting date and prior to any community annou ncements or notifications.
3. A community meeting shall be held to inform neighborhood residents of the proposed blasting date and the precautions that will be undertaken to assure the safety of residents and their property. The meeting notice must appear in at least two newspapers of citywide distribution and one community-based newspaper. The date, time and location of the community meeting shall be determined by the Managing Director’s Office after consultation with the district Councilmember.
4. A printed announcement indicating the blasting date, safety precautions and telephone numbers of officials from the blasting company shall be
individually distributed to each property owner in the affected surrounding area. The Managing Director’s Office shall determine the affected surrounding area after consultation with the district Councilmember.
* * *
F-3301.2.3.1 Limitation on demolition. Demolition of buildings or structures by implosion is prohibited during the time period from December 16 to March 1, unless special permission is granted by the Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia.
* * *
F-3301.2.4 Financial responsibility. Before a permit is issued, as required by Section F-3301.2, the applicant shall file with the City a corporate surety bond or a certificate of public liability and property damage insurance, from an insurance company authorized to write such insurance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an amount determined by the City for the purpose of the payment of all damages to persons or property which arise from, or are caused by, the conduct of any act authorized by the permit upon which any judicial judgment results.
All costs associated with the clean-up of dust and debris from demolition by implosion shall be borne by the contractor. All costs for cold weather provisions for demolition by implosion, including water additives, shall be borne by the contractor.
* * *
F-3301.3 Prohibited explosives. Permits shall not be issued or renewed for possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of the following materials and such materials currently in storage or use shall be disposed of in an approved manner.
* * *
11. Illegal or forbidden explosives as described in
Section F-3301.1.3.
F-3301.4 Qualifications. Persons in charge of magazines, blasting, fireworks displays, or pyrotechnic special effect operations shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs which impair sensory or motor skills, shall be at least
21 years of age, and shall demonstrate knowledge of all safety precautions related to the storage, handling or use of explosives, explosive materials or fireworks. In connection with the issuance of a permit to use the above materials, the Fire Department shall determine whether the user has the necessary qualifications to pro tect against health and safety hazards.
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F-3301.9 Transportation of explosives exceeding 1,000 pounds. Explosive materials exceeding 1,000 pounds shall not be transported through the city without the approval of the Fire Department. The Fire Department shall designate the time and route of the transportation of explosive materials and arrange for a police escort when deemed necessary. An Assisted Operation Permit is required for each movement in accordance with Section F -105.8.
* * *
F-3302.1 Defini tions. The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
* * *
ILLEGAL OR FORBIDDEN EXPLOSIVES . Illegal or forbidden explosives are explosive devices as described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 16, Section
1500.17(3) and those items or materials that have not been
tested and approved by the Federal Department of
Transportation as indicated in the CFR, Title 49, Section
173.54. Illegal or forbidden explosives, as indicated in the
CFR, include devices commonly referred to as M-80, M-
100, M-250, M-1000, quarter or half stick, blockbuster or cherry bomb.
* * *
F-3305.1 General. The manufacture of explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and fireworks is prohib ited.
The assembly and testing of explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and fireworks shall comply with the requirements of this section and NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124. Prior to issuance of a permit, approval shall be obtained from the Police Department for the use of explosives and blasting agents and from the Fire Department for the use of fireworks.
Exceptions:
* * *
F-3308.2 Permit application. Applications for Assisted Operation Permits for fireworks and pyrotechnic displays shall be submitted at least 15 days in advance of the event. Prior to the issuance of a permit for fireworks displays, the applicant shall submit a diagram of the site, type and number of fireworks and/or pyrotechnic effects, qualifications of the operator and proof of insurance. Approval by the Fire Department is required for all fireworks and pyrotechnic displays. Launching racks shall be in accordance with requirements of the Fire Department.
* * *
F-3308.11 (Delete title and text of subsection without substitution)
* * *
CHAPTER 34
FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
* * *
F-3403.3 Site assessment. In the event of a spill, leak or discharge from a tank system, a site assessment shall be completed by the owner or operator of such tank system if the fire code official determines that a potential fire or explosion hazard exists. Such site assessments shall be conducted to ascertain potential fire and environmental hazards and shall be completed and submitted to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections within a time period established by that unit, not to exceed 60 days.
F-3403.3.1 Contamination remediation. Soil and ground water contamination resulting from spills or leaks from storage tank systems or containers shall be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and clean-up procedures established by that agency shall be followed. After remediation is completed a copy of the closure report documenting satisfactory remediation shall be sent to the Comme rcial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
F-3404.2.7.6(R) Repair to tanks. Repair of underground storage tanks and piping shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or the recommended practices of the American Petroleum Institute, the Fiberglass Petroleum Tank and Pipe Institute, the National Leak Prevention Association or other nationally recognized organization approved by the Fire Department.
* * *
F-3404.2.8.16(R) Fire protection for tanks in vaults. The means to admit a fire suppression agent into a vault containing a tank shall be submitted for approval by the Fire Department.
* * *
F-3404.2.9.5.1 Locations where above -ground tanks are prohibited. Storage of Class I, II and IIIA liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited on premises accessible by the public.
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F-3404.2.11 Underground tanks. Underground storage of flammable and combustible liquids in tanks shall comply with Section F-3404.2 and Sections F-
3404.2.11.1 through F-3404.2.11.5.2. Underground
storage tanks newly installed or repaired shall be inspected by the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections prior to the tank being covered. An inspection shall be made within 48 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, of the receipt of a written request for inspection.
* * *
F-3404.2.11.2 Location. Flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks located underground, either outside or under buildings, shall be in accordance with all of the following:
* * *
4. Underground storage tanks and piping newly installed within 100 feet (30,480 mm) of a subway or below-grade concourse shall be double wall with interstitial space monitoring to detect leaks.
* * *
F-3404.2.11.5.2(R) Leak detection. Monitoring for leaks in underground storage tanks and piping systems shall be in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requirements and the following methods and frequencies.
1. Monthly monitoring: Monthly monitoring shall be conducted using one or more of the following methods: Manual tank gauging, automatic tank gauging; inventory control, interstitial space monitoring, statistical inventory reconciliation, or tank tightness testing. A log of all monitoring shall be maintained and available on-site for inspection by the fire code official.
2. Tank tightness test: Every five years a tank tightness test shall be performed. The test shall be performed utilizing a device capable of detecting a leak rate of 0.1 gallons (0.4 l) per hour with a 95 percent probability of detection, while accounting for the effects of thermal expansion or contraction of the product, vapor pockets, tank deformation, evaporation or condensation, and the location of the water table. A leak exists if the net change exceeds the 0.1 gallon (0.4 l) per hour leak rate. Test results shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
F-3404.2.12 Testing. Tank testin g shall comply with Sections F-3404.2.12.1 through F-3404.2.12.3. Test results shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
F-3404.2.12.3 Periodic tank testing. Every five years underground storage tanks and piping shall be tested for tightness in accordance with NFPA 329.
Exception: Underground storage tank systems having automatic tank gauging, inventory reconciliation analysis or secondary containment with interstitial monitorin g. Documentation from these monitoring systems indicating the tightness of a tank shall be provided every five years as required by Section F-3404.2.12.
* * *
F-3404.2.13.1.4 Tanks abandoned in place. Tanks abandoned in place shall be abandoned as follows:
* * *
6. A site assessment, to determine if there is any soil or ground water contamination, shall be conducted in accordance with requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The assessment shall be performed for all abandoned tanks, including those not regulated by PADEP. Upon completion of the assessment and any necessary site remediation, a closure report shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
* * *
F-3404.2.14.1 Removal. Removal of above-ground and underground tanks shall be in accordance with all of the following:
* * *
6. A site assessment, to determine if there is any soil or ground water contamination, shall be conducted in accordance with requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The assessment shall be performed for all tanks removed, including those not regulated by PADEP. Upon completion of the assessment and any necessary site remediation, a closure report shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
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F-3405.3.3 Heating, lighting and cooking appliances. Heating, lighting and cooking appliances which utilize Class I liquids shall not be operated within a building or structure.
Exception: Where approved by the Fire Department after a review to ensure an appropriate level of fire safety.
* * *
F-3406.2.4.4 Locations where above -ground tanks are prohibited. The storage of Class I, II and IIIA liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited on premises accessible by the public. The storage of Class I, II and IIIA liquids in above-ground tanks on farms and at construction sites shall be approved by the Fire Department if, after a review of the fire hazards at the location and the capacity of the tank, the Fire
Department determines that it is safe to install an above-ground tank.
* * *
F-3406.2.5.2 Tanks for gravity discharge. Tanks with a connection in the bottom or the end for gravity- dispensing liquids shall be mounted and equipped as follows:
1. Supports (tank brackets, etc.) and harnesses to elevate the tank for gravity discharge shall be designed to carry all required loads and provide stability. Documentation from the tank manufacturer, an authorized representative of the tank manufacturer or a professional engineer shall be provided to verify compliance with these requirements.
* * *
CHAPTER 38
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
F-3801.3 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be submitted for all installations of LP -gas for which Sections F-105.6 and F-105.7 require a permit.
F-3801.4 Installations prohibited where City gas is available. No installation of LP-gas is permitted where the City gas utility service exists in any right-of way that abuts the property in question or is available on the property.
Exceptions:
1. Installations used solely for the resale of LP-gas.
2. Installations not exceeding 2,000 gallons (7572 L) water capacity and used solely for the refilling of LP-gas containers where the gas is used to power material handling vehicles.
3. Installations approved in writing by the Philadelphia Gas Works for their Interruptible Gas Tariff program.
* * *
F-3803.2.1.5 Demonstration and entertainment uses. Portable LP -gas cont ainers are allowed to be used temporarily for demonstrations, public exhibitions and entertainment performances. Such containers shall not exceed a water capacity of 12 pounds (5 kg) (5 pounds gas capacity). Where more than one such container is present in the same room, each container shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
* * *
F-3804.2 Maximum capacity in congested areas. The Fire Department shall review all applications for LP -gas installations. In areas determined by the Fire Department to be heavily populated or congested, the Fire Department shall determine if an installation shall be permitted. Where an installation is permitted, the Fire Department shall determine what restrictions or safeguards if any, shall be imposed upon the installation based on a fire safety analysis. The analysis shall consider the exposure to or from surrounding properties, conditions of hazard at the site, topographical conditions, availability of an adequate water supply for fire fighting and protection proposed to mitigate the hazards of the installation. Where installations are permitted in heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation of LP -gas shall not exceed a water capacit y of 2,000 gallons (7570 L).
* * *
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Appendix H
ELEVATOR CALL STATION PICTOGRAPH
HIGH-RISE BUILDING ELEVATOR CALL STATION FLOOR DIAGRAM
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SECTION 3. The provisions of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code added by Section 2 of this Ordinance, so far as they are the same as existing provisions of The Philadelphia Code, shall be construed as a continuation of such provisions and not as new enactments.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect as follows:
(a) From the time of adoption of this Ordinance until January 1, 2004, an applicant for a permit under one or more of the subcodes of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code shall have the option of proceeding under the provisions of Title 4 as amended by this Ordinance, or under the provisions of Title 4 as they existed immediately prior to adoption of this Ordinance.
(b) Effective January 1, 2004, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply.
(c) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Ordinance to the contrary, at the option of the permit applicant, this
Ordinance shall not apply to:
(1) new buildings or renovations to existing buildings for which an application for a building permit has been made to the City prior to the effective date of this Ordinance; or
(2) new buildings or renovations to existing buildings on which a contract for design or construction has been signed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.
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