Chapter 15.13
FIRE DEPARTMENT RAPID ENTRY SYSTEM
Sections:
15.13.010 Statutory authorization.
15.13.040 Time for compliance.
15.13.010 Statutory authorization.
The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be an exercise of the power of the City as provided for in RCW 35A.11.020 and under Sections 102.7 and 102.8 of the 2012 International Fire Code. (Ord. C-800 § 74, 2013)
15.13.020 Purpose.
It is declared public policy of the City of Airway Heights to maintain a rapid access program for times of emergency when a building or business is not occupied or when the occupant is not able to provide swift entry into structures by the Fire Department. (Ord. C-800 § 75, 2013)
15.13.030 Key boxes required.
A. Mandatory Key Boxes for the Fire Suppression and Standpipe Systems. When a building within the City of Airway Heights is protected by an automatic fire suppression or standpipe system it shall be equipped with a key box that is approved by the Airway Heights Fire Department. The key box shall be installed on the front of the building near the recognized public entrance and between six and eight feet above the ground unless approved at a higher or lower level by the Fire Marshal. No steps, displays, signs, or other fixtures, or structure protrusions shall be located under the key box which would allow intruders to access the box without assistance.
B. Mandatory Key Boxes for Automatic Alarm Systems. When a building is protected by an automatic alarm system and/or access to or within a building, or an area within that building, is unduly difficult because of secured openings, and where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Marshal shall require a key box to be provided and installed. The key box shall be a type and size approved by the Fire Marshal.
C. Mandatory Key Boxes for Certain Dwelling Units. When any apartment building or other rental building containing four or more residential living units and in which access to the building or to common areas or mechanical or electrical rooms within the building is denied through locked doors it shall be equipped with a key box.
D. Key Box Tamper Switch. The Fire Marshal may require a key box tamper switch connected to the building’s fire alarm system.
E. Security Padlocks. When a property is protected by a locked fence or gate and where immediate access to the property is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Marshal may require a security padlock or a key box to be installed at a location approved by the Fire Marshal. The padlock shall be a UL type and size approved by the Fire Marshal. The key box shall be a type and size approved by the Fire Marshal.
F. Security Caps. When a building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system or a standpipe system and the Fire Department connection is exposed to undue vandalism, the Fire Marshal may require that a Fire Department connection security cap(s) be installed. The Fire Department connection security cap(s) shall be a type approved by the Fire Marshal.
G. Non-applicability to Certain Dwellings. The term “building” used herein means any building or structure located in the City of Airway Heights, whether privately or publicly owned, including, without limitation, any building owned by the City of Airway Heights, or any other public, quasi-public, or private entity or person; provided, however, that this chapter shall not apply to owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings.
H. Key Boxes. The key boxes shall contain the following:
1. Keys to locked points of egress, whether in interior or exterior of such buildings;
2. Keys to locked mechanical rooms;
3. Keys to locked elevator rooms;
4. Keys to elevator controls;
5. Keys to any fence or secured areas;
6. Keys to any other areas that may be required by the Fire Marshal;
7. Special keys to reset pull-stations or other fire protection devices;
8. A card containing the emergency contact people and phone numbers for such building;
9. A scaled floor plan of the building that is coded to the above-required keys;
10. The keys shall be labeled and be easily identified in the field.
I. Hazardous Materials Management.
1. Any facility, firm, or corporation that handles, uses, or stores hazardous material in the (3) or (4) range of the NFPA 704M symbol and total aggregate is more than 55 gallons, 500 pounds or 200 cubic feet, shall have a Knox Box HazMat Cabinet, Model No. 1300, for Airway Heights Fire Department use. A weatherproof cabinet, Model No. 1200-WH, shall be installed when appropriate. Exception: not required for underground fuel storage.
2. The Knox Box HazMat Cabinet shall contain the following:
a. Binder for HazMat Key Box with:
b. List of responsible persons and phone numbers (i.e., plant manager, owner, all principal employees, management types and major chemical manufacturers).
c. A scaled complex card map of the facility, to include room numbering, extinguishing systems (post indicator valve, Fire Department connections), drains, secondary containment, ventilation systems, and hydrant locations.
d. Alphabetical list of chemicals, room number location, and approximate quantity and strength (i.e., 50 percent, 60 percent, 85 percent, etc.).
e. Material safety data sheet (MSDS) of all chemicals in alphabetical order.
f. Keys for HazMat. Keys to all locked doors with plastic identification tags corresponding to the complex card map.
3. Location of the HazMat. The HazMat shall be installed on the front of the building near the recognized public entrance and between six and eight feet above the ground unless approved at a higher or lower level by the Fire Marshal. No steps, displays, signs or other fixtures, or structure protrusions shall be located under the HazMat which would allow intruders to access the box without assistance.
J. Access to Key Box and HazMat Box. The owner or person in control of any building or facility described above that is required to have a key box or a HazMat shall be present, himself or through his agent, during access to such key box or HazMat by the Airway Heights Fire Department except when the Airway Heights Fire Department has responded to an emergency at the property. (Ord. C-800 § 76, 2013)
15.13.040 Time for compliance.
All existing buildings shall comply with the ordinance codified in this chapter six months from its effective date. All newly constructed buildings not yet occupied or buildings currently under construction and all buildings or businesses applying for a certificate of occupancy shall comply immediately. (Ord. C-800 § 77, 2013)
15.13.050 Penalties.
Any building owner violating this chapter after notice from the City of Airway Heights Fire Marshal shall be subject to the penalties as provided for AHMC 15.02.030. (Ord. C-800 § 78, 2013)