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Fire Code Commission Decision Summary

DECISION NO.:90A035-069
DATE:May 28, 1991

SUBJECT MATTER:

Installation of a fire alarm and detection system throughout the building.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:

There are two buildings in the apartment complex and both are of non-combustible construction. One is nine storeys and the other is eight storeys in height. Both have basements, two elevators, a laundry on the main floor, and all suites above ground level have balconies. The basement parking area is common to both buildings. The separation between suites, suites and corridors and corridors and stairwells is of masonry construction. Each suite has a solid wood entry door but these are not equipped with door closers. Exit doors at either end of the corridors are equipped with "exit" signs and self-closing devices. Each floor has a hose cabinet and a portable fire extinguisher. In addition, there is an extinguisher in each elevator and laundry room and three have been provided for the parking garage. One fire alarm serves both buildings; this consists of alarm bells on each floor activated by manual pull stations at each exit location. There are no detection devices in the corridors, but each suite is equipped with a battery operated smoke alarm. Heat detectors are provided in the elevator and mechanical rooms on the roof. Maintenance of these smoke alarms is the responsibility of the tenants.

REASON FOR APPEAL:

To provide the owners of the property an opportunity to arrange for repairs.

APPELLANT'S POSITION:

The appellant would like an opportunity to make repairs to the existing system and is requesting time to do so. The appellant is also agreeable to adding anything to the existing system that would be deemed appropriate by a fire inspector.

RESPONDENT'S POSITION:

There are inadequate provisions for early warning and detection to alert the occupants of a fire emergency. The fire alarm system, at the time of inspection, did not have an alternate source of power supply nor did it extend throughout the building.

COMMISSION RULING:

The Commission modified the order as follows:

  1. An Inspection Certificate for the fire alarm system in the buildings shall be issued by a qualified company and a copy provided to the Fire Department. The system is to be recertified every six months for a minimum of two years thereafter. If an Inspection Certificate for the fire alarm system cannot be issued, then the requirements of the order shall be upheld.

  2. Additional heat or smoke detectors in locations requested by the Fire Department (i.e. service rooms, garbage rooms, refuse chute intake at typical floors, and exit stairshafts) and a supervisory panel for these detectors shall be installed, unless:
      a)  authorities having jurisdiction require upgrading or replacing the entire existing fire alarm system, or
      b)  the existing system will not accommodate the addition of these detectors or supervisory panel.

The inability to accommodate either the detectors or the additional panel shall be confirmed in writing by the manufacturer and copies provided to the Fire Department.

If either condition a) or b) above is applicable, the requirements listed in 2) shall be waived.

REASONS:

The Commission is of the opinion that certification is essential to ensure the operation of the fire alarm system in order to maintain the life safety of the residents of the property. The provision of additional detectors and supervisory panel, if possible, will enhance the system.