MANDATORY RF communication for Emergency responders

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nfpa codes...here is why

In the minutes following the collapse of the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11, a police helicopter radioed out that the second tower was also in danger. “I don’t think this has too much longer to go. I would evacuate all people within the area of that second building,” he said, according to the New York Times. Unfortunately, most firefighters never heard that warning, and neither did many police officers responding to the attacks, because the radio system had failed. Twenty-one minutes later, the building collapsed. In a more common scenario, a signal booster that is not functioning properly may cause interference on the local public safety radio network, causing the entire network to be compromised.

Needless to say, building managers are highly encouraged and, in an increasing number of cities and towns, required to prove BDA/DAS re-certification on an annual basis to avoid similar catastrophic communication failures, beyond nfpa 72 noncompliance penalties.

PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS

The need for in-building wireless communications has driven efforts to develop national model codes by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code Council (IFC). Codes issued by these groups include the National Fire Code, National Electrical Code, International Fire Code, and International Building Code. Almost every city and county in the United States subscribes and complies with one or more of these codes.

The NFPA and IFC continue to develop national level model codes focused on In-Building Public Safety Communication Systems. National level model codes should also lead to standardization of the quality of equipment and to additional qualified in-building system engineers and installers.

The NFPA and IFC national level model in-building code development is being driven primarily by fire jurisdictions. However, the initiatives are expanded to involve all public safety, including law enforcement and emergency medical services.

The NFPA and IFC initiatives are separate but complementary. While the precise provisions of the draft codes vary between the two code development groups, key specifications involve significant commonality across the two initiatives. In addition, all the features of existing local codes are permissible under the new draft national level code framework.

Each jurisdiction can “customize” the national level model code to meet any unique local requirements. A number of jurisdictions have enacted or are considering enactment of local ordinances and codes which require a requisite level of public safety communications reliability in building as a condition for occupancy.

The specifics of these ordinances and codes vary, but most include:

A minimum signal strength limit
Application of the limit over a specified percentage of each floor
A specific level of reliability (power backup, water protection, cable protection)
A specified frequency band or bands for public safety coverage
Testing requirements and procedures
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance Standards
Provisions for penalties
Provisions for waivers of the requirements.

Radio Signal Survey

Determines if a building has sufficient radio signal coverage or if it needs a signal enhancement (ERRCS) system.

It is a responsibility of the building owner or construction company to perform survey and to certify signal coverage on a 100% completed building. Survey report needs to be submitted to the AHJ.

AHJ Should have signal surveys for all buildings in the jurisdiction.

Signal enhancement (ERRES) is required for building with insufficient coverage.

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Final survey / signal coverage certification is done upon building completion.

Surveys are done by FCC GROL certified technicians. Minimum 20 readings per floor. Test all critical areas. Report submitted to AHJ.

Photo of radio signal measurement grid reference

DAQ TESTING DAQ = Delivered Audio Quality

Additional Information

1. Unusable. Speech present but not understandable.

2. Speech understandable with considerable effort. Requires frequent repetition due to noise or distortion.

3. Speech understandable with slight effort. Requires occasional repetition due to noise or distortion.

3.4. Speech understandable without repetition. Some noise or distortion present.

4. Speech easily understandable. Little noise or distortion.

4.5. Speed easily understandable. Rare noise or distortion.

5. Perfect. No distortion or noise discernible.

Specific Codes

IBC 2015 - Section 916

Refers to IFC section 510 or the state recognized fire code

IFC Section 510 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

NFPA 1221 9.6.7.4 coverage required in Critical areas is 99%

NFPA 1221 9.6.7.5) Dedicated Monitor Panel and General Area Coverage

General building areas should have 95% - independent of the fire panel, within the emergency command center to annunciate the status of any signal booster(s) with visual and labeled indication of the following for each signal booster:

2021 IFC Coverage Requirements

Critical Area Coverage –99% coverage required in these critical areas:

Exit stairs
Exit passageways
Elevator lobbies
Fire protection equipment room and control valve locations
Fire command centers
Other areas identified by the fire code official

General Area Coverage –All other areas should have 95%

FLORIDA STATUTE 633.202

CHAPTER 633- Fire prevention and Control Section 202- Florida Fire Prevention Code (18) The authority having jurisdiction shall determine the minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications in all new high-rise and existing high-rise buildings.

COMPLIANCE

New Construction and Remodeling- where Certificate of Occupancy increases by 20%- Compliance required
Existing Buildings- Permit on file by December 31, 2019 and required to comply by January 1, 2022
Existing Apartment Buildings- Permit on file by December 31, 2022 and required to comply by January 1, 2025

FLORIDA STATUTE KEY DATES

Existing hi-rise commercial buildings are required to comply by the Florida Fire Prevention Code beginning January 1, 2022.

By December 31, 2019, an existing high-rise commercial building that is not in compliance with the requirements for radio strength fire department communications must apply for an appropriate permit and must demonstrate that the building will become compliant by January 1, 2022.

Existing hi-rise apartment buildings are not required to comply until January 1, 2015. Existing high-rise apartment buildings are required to apply for the appropriate permit for the required communications installation by December 31, 2022.

Some of the wording of the Florida Statute 633.202 is ambiguous – particularly as to whether the extensions granted to high-rise commercial and residential properties apply to other property types. Florida issued a Declaratory Statement [Case No. 217787-17-DS, Filed April 18, 2018] that clearly states that the extensions granted by the Florida Statute 633.202 to high-rise commercial and residential buildings does not apply to buildings under 75’ in height.