LUBA RET. EX 076/077 RE-E - Laserfiche WebLink

FIREFIGHTER ACCESS Once firefighters have arrived and positioned their apparatus, they must go to work. Some factors affecting their efficiency include: the distance and terrain between the apparatus access and the build- ing; how easily they can enter the building; the building's interior layout and vertical access (stairs/elevators/roof access); and, how quickly fire- fighters can locate fire protection features and utili- ties. The designer can make a positive impact in all of these areas. Site access Firefighters must hand carry all equipment beyond the point where apparatus access ends. Increased distance translates into additional time and effort to set up ladders, hose lines, and other equipment. If the area is easy to negotiate by foot, firefighters can move more quickly. The IFC and NFPA 1 con- tain requirements for access to building openings, such as approved walkways that lead from the apparatus access points to the entry doors. Fire department pumpers carry hose lines for attacking fires. These are usually smaller in diame- ter than the hose lines used to supply water to the pumper from a water source. Many pumpers have one or more hose loads of a fixed length connected into a pump discharge. These are "pre-connected" hose lines, often called simply "preconnects. " Fire- fighters deploy them rapidly for quick fire attack. However, their useful range is limited by their length, which is generally between 100 and 400 feet. Designers planning unusual designs for their buildings or working with unusual sites should coordinate with the local fire department regarding hose line access unless a standpipe system is pro- vided in the building. Buildings under construction or renovation pose their own particular concerns to the fire service. Code provisions can be found in the'IFC Chapter 14, IBC Chapter 33, NFPA 5000 Chapter 14, and NFPA 241. Designers should consider the accessi- bility of fire department connections, fire hydrants, and entry points. Some locations may be more likely to be obstructed by construction storage, truck unloading, cranes, phasing of the construction, and security fences. Designers should consider specifying these locations and the location of temporary and permanent fire protection equip- ment to avoid conflicts (Figures 5.14 and 5.15). Key Boxes and Entry Doors If firefighters need to conduct interior fire suppres- sion operations, they must enter the building at one or more points. The fire service has an array of tools to force entry into buildings. However, forcing entry takes extra time and usually damages the building. Key boxes (also called "access boxes" or "lock boxes") are small lockable vaults mounted outside building entrances (Figure 2.18). They are opened with a master key held by the fire department. Inside the box are the building's keys. Some juris- dictions require key boxes; others give building owners the option of installing them, or risking the need for firefighters to force entry into their build- ings along with any resulting damage. Code offi- cials enforcing the IFC and NFPA 1 may require key boxes. When key boxes are optional, designers may want to educate owners on their benefits. i i FIRE S'E'RVICE FEAT'UR.ES O`F BUILD•YNGS AND FIRE'PROTECTIO•N SYSTEMS 21 137 (Fig. 2.18) Key box adjacent to fire command center. These boxes are often provided at main building entry doors. Note the fire department connection on the left.