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Although this manual contains generic consider- ations, designers should seek and follow the advice of the fire service organization serving each project they work on. In some cases, the fire department will have statutory authority to take part in the plan review, permit process, and inspections of these facilities or to approve some features of the build- ing or site. In any case, it is wise to also include the fire service at an early stage in the design process, when changes are easier and less costly. There are many ways for the fire protection community to disseminate or incorporate the infor- mation in this manual. Simply handing it out to designers is a great start. Developing a handout based on this document that is specific to a particu- lar jurisdiction is another good strategy. The rec- ommendations can also serve as a basis for local code amendments which carry the force of law. . Many of the recommendations in this manual cost nothing to implement. They simply provide direction in cases where the model codes or con- sensus standards allow options. Designers can implement these recommendations directly, in con- sultation with the fire department. Other recom- mendations in this manual may carry costs, depending on the particular codes adopted in a given jurisdiction. In such cases, those who would be affected by these costs should be consulted. Codes and standards typically include a clause that permits the code official to allow alternatives to strict compliance, as long as the prescribed level of safety is not diminished. In some cases, a higher level of safety for firefighters can be achieved through this process. For example, a voluntary radio repeater system may provide more protection (and may also be less costly to install) than a code- required firefighter communication system. Equivalent alternatives should be documented along with justification. This manual may also serve as a resource for those interested in improving codes and standards for building or fire protection system design. While current codes in the U.S. provide for fire- fighter safety, much more remains to be accom- plished. For instance, building codes in the U.K. have specific fire service provisions, such as dedi- cated, protected fire stairs and elevators. Stream- lining and simplifying fire service operations should be considered an integral part of the overall fire safety framework for the built environment. TERMINOLOGY The terminology used in this manual is as generic as possible, just as it is in the standards of the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council. Many variations in terms will be encountered in different areas of the U.S. or in other countries. For example, this manual uses the term "aerial apparatus" to describe a fire service vehicle with a long, aerial ladder. Yet, in this country alone, other terms used to describe the same vehicle include: "truck, " "ladder, " "aerial, " "ladder truck, " "tower, " or "tower ladder. " Or, in some cases, the same terms could be used to describe a particular aerial fire apparatus. Similarly, in some areas the term "truck" refers only to aerial apparatus, while in other areas this term could also include pumper apparatus. In another example of potentially confusing terminology, fire apparatus drivers in some areas of the country are referred to as "engineers. " Consider the situation of an architect speaking to a fire officer in an area where this terminology is used. You can easily see how the fire officer could use the term "engineer" to mean a driver, while the architect interprets the term as a building design engineer. The editions of the codes and standards refer- enced in this manual are not included. The infor- mation and requirements referenced in this manual are from the latest editions available during the manual's development in 2004. Subsequent revi- sions to these codes and standards may change the sections or the requirements referenced. The edi- tions adopted by local or state laws in a given juris- diction may vary. i I I I I I FIRE: SE.RV'1'CE FEATURES OF VVILD.INGS AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 9 125.