HFD Life Safety Bureau Inspection Report

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HFC (2006) 505.1: New and existing buildings and occupancies therein shall have approved address numbers posted in accordance with Article V of Chapter 10 of the City Code.

Houston LSB 3.4.7.1: The required width of a fire apparatus access road, private drive, private street or private access easement utilized for fire apparatus access, shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances established under Section 3.6 shall be maintained at all times. Exception: Access control gates/barriers installed in accordance with LSB Standard 04, Access Control Gates. Entrances to roads, trails or other access ways which have been closed with gates/barriers in accordance with this standard, or LSB Standard 04, shall not be obstructed by parked vehicles or other obstructions.

HFC (2006) 508.5.5: A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.

Houston LSB Standard 3.3.1: Fire Lane applications shall be submitted when it is required by the Code Official that the owner or manager of a commercial building or buildings provide approved Fire Lanes due to vehicular parking or other obstructions that may restrict access to building entrances or exits, and where the following conditions and occupancies are found: 1) Any private drive or private street along side of or leading to a commercial structure that is over 300 feet long on one side or if the nearest entrance to the structure is over 150 feet of travel distance from a public street. 2) Any private drive or private street along side of or leading to a hospital, convalescent center, or nursing home. 3) Any private drive or private street along side of or leading to public assembly occupancy that has an occupancy load of 50 or more and has its nearest entrance located over 150 feet of travel distance from a public street. 4) Any private drive or private street along side of or leading to an educational building with an occupancy load of 50 or more persons. 5) Any building with a private drive or private street along side of it, where there is an area that must be kept free of parked cars or other obstruction to provide fire department access.

HFC (2006) 503.6: The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official in accordance with Houston Fire Department LSB Standard No. 04, "Access Control Gates." Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times, or secured in the open position. Repairs shall be in accordance with original specifications and approvals." Provide a copy of approved access-control gate plans.

Houston LSB Standard 5.3.1: When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire fighting purposes, the Fire Marshal is authorized to require an approved key box or 9-1-1 key box to be installed in an accessible location. The key box shall be of a type approved by the Fire Marshal and shall contain all necessary keys to gain access. In addition to keys, boxes shall contain other items determined to be necessary by the Fire Marshal for the effective response of fire department personnel to an emergency at the premises. HFC (2006) 506.2: The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

HFC (2006) 912.2.2: On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the letters "FDC" at least 6 inches (152mm) high and words in letters at least 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. All such signs shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.

HFC (2006) 912.3: Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other object for a minimum of 3 feet (914 mm).

Comments

HFC 104.1.9: The posting of certificates of occupancy and life safety certificates where required by the Building Code.

Houston LSB 8.3.1: The person in charge of any building classified as an Educational (Group E) Occupancy in accordance with the Construction Codes, shall prepare an approved emergency evacuation plan for the building. The evacuation plan shall be submitted to the Fire Code Official for review. The person in charge shall also ensure that all students and staff members are properly trained in the evacuation procedures.

Houston LSB 8.10.3: A written record of fire drills shall be kept on the premises and shall be readily available for fire department inspection.

HFC (2006) 807.2: Where required to be flame resistant, decorative materials shall be tested by an approved agency and meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701, or such materials shall be noncombustible. Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with NFPA 701 and furnished to the fire code official upon request.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

HFC (2006) 105.3.1: An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

Comments

Houston LSB 2.4.1.1: Fire alarm systems shall be tested, and service tagged at the main alarm panel, not less than annually. Testing shall include all smoke detectors, manual pull devices, annunciators, visual indicators and strobes, control units, voice/alarm communications systems and other devices that may be part of the fire alarm system. Exceptions: 1. Heat and flame detection devices shall be tested in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. 2. Hazardous vapors release detection alarm systems shall be tested in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines. 3. Where an approved electronic exit egress locking device is installed on an exit egress door, in accordance with the Construction Codes, the fire alarm system, relay devices to locking device and at the door shall be tested at least semi-annually to ensure fail-safe operation of the relay and locking device.

Houston LSB 2.4.1.3: A licensed fire alarm service company shall do test of all of the fire alarm system annunciator devices not less than every 3 years. Written documentation shall be provided that audibility meets requirements as set forth in NFPA 72.

HFC (2006) 907.20.3: Detector sensitivity shall be checked within one year after installation and every alternate year thereafter. After the second calibration test, where sensitivity tests indicate that the detector has remained within its listed and marked sensitivity range (or 4-percent obscuration light grey smoke, if not marked), the length of time between calibration tests shall be permitted to be extended to a maximum of five years. Where the frequency is extended, records of detector-caused nuisance alarms and subsequent trends of these alarms shall be maintained. In zones or areas where nuisance alarms show any increase over the previous year, calibration tests shall be performed.

HFC (2006) 907.2.3.1: Smoke detectors shall be installed in any interior corridor serving as an exit and in storerooms, mechanical rooms, janitorial rooms and similar areas. Smoke detectors shall not be required in toilet rooms, classrooms or offices. Exception: Approved heat detectors may be installed in lieu of smoke detectors in mechanical rooms, janitorial rooms and similar areas. HFC (2006) 907.2.3.2: Smoke detectors shall be installed in corridors, in common areas and in each room or area that exceeds 20 square feet in floor area.

HFC (2006) 907.20.5: The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the fire and life safety systems are maintained in an operable condition at all times. Service personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of NFPA 72 for maintaining, inspecting and testing such systems. A written record shall be maintained and shall be made available to the fire code official.

Houston LSB 1.3.1: All fire extinguishers shall have a current annual inspection tag by an approved licensed fire protection equipment company. All servicing, testing, maintenance and tagging of listed portable fire extinguishers shall be conducted annually by qualified personnel in accordance with LSB Standard 02, "Inspection and Testing of Fire Protection and Life-Safety Equipment". Exception: Listed portable fire extinguishers that can not be serviced (disposable) or listed fire extinguishers that may be service only at the manufacturer.

Houston LSB 1.4.1: The maximum travel distance to a Class A rated portable fire extinguisher shall be 75 feet by an unobstructed path of travel. The maximum travel distance to a Class B rated portable fire extinguisher shall be 50 feet by an unobstructed path of travel.

Houston LSB 1.3.8: Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 5 feet above the floor. Extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 40 pounds (except wheeled types) shall be so installed that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 3 feet above the floor. In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor be less than 4 inches.

Houston LSB Standard 1.4.2.1: Assemblies shall be classified as ordinary hazards. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A, 10-B:C shall be provided for each 3000 square feet of floor space, or fraction there of. Portable fire extinguishers shall be so located that no point in the building is located more than 75 feet, by an unobstructed path of travel, from a portable fire extinguisher. Assemblies with stages shall have a minimum rated 2-A, 10-B:C fire extinguisher mounted on each side of the stage.

HFC (2006) 603.9.2.1: All gas piping systems in Groups A, E, I, R-1 and R-2 occupancies shall be tested at least every five years by a licensed plumber. Systems shall be tested in accordance with the Plumbing Code. A written record shall be maintained and shall be made available to the fire code official upon request.

Houston LSB 2.5.2.2: All automatic dry-pipe sprinkler systems shall be inspected and tested annually in accordance with NFPA 25 and state requirements, and service tagged by a licensed automatic fire sprinkler service company. Special attention shall be given to the complete exercising of each control valve through its full range, and return to its normal position, to check for valve seizure, broken steams, leakage or other conditions that might impair proper operation of the valves. Reset and relocked as appropriate. Documentation of annual testing results and repairs of control valves shall be maintained and provided to the fire code official upon request.

Houston LSB 2.5.4.2: A licensed service company shall conduct hydrostatic and flow tests of all fire department connections, piping and check valve assemblies, not less than every 5 years (Testing shall be conducted in conjunction with the standpipe system 5-year test). In accordance with this standard, private fire main piping system from the FDC up to the sprinkler system riser control valves, shall be hydrostatically tested with a pressure of not less than 200 psig for two hours, or at 50 psig over maximum designed working pressure of the system. Where FDC serve a standpipe system only, testing shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements for standpipe systems as set forth in Section 5.3 of this standard.

Houston LSB 2.9.1: All vent hood fire suppression systems installed in commercial kitchens shall be inspected and service tagged not less than every 6 months, and after any activation of the system, by an approved fire protection equipment company. Inspections shall be in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and NFPA 17 and 17A. Effective January 01, 2008, per State regulation, all commercial kitchen hood fire protection systems must meet UL 300 standards. Additionally, all commercial kitchen vent hoods, exhaust ducts, exhaust fans and appurtenances shall be cleaned and inspected by approved personnel and in accordance with manufacturer's guideline, as often as necessary to insure against excess grease accumulations.

Comments

HFC (2006) 1028.2: Required exit accesses, exits or exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency when the areas served by such exits are occupied. Security devices affecting means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official.

HFC (2006) 1008.1.1.1: There shall not be projections into the required clear width lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). HFC (2006) 1008.1.2: Egress doors shall be side-hinged swinging. Exceptions: [1. Private garages, office areas, factory and storage areas with an occupant load of 10 or less. 2. Group I-3 occupancies used as a place of detention. 3. Critical or intensive care patient rooms within suites of health care facilities. 4. Doors within or serving a single dwelling unit in Groups R-2 and R-3. 5. In other than Group H occupancies, revolving doors complying with (Section 1008.1.3.1). 6. In other than Group H occupancies, horizontal sliding doors complying with Section 1008.1.3.3 are permitted in a means of egress. 7. Power-operated doors in accordance with (Section 1008.1.3.2). 8. Doors serving a bathroom within an individual sleeping unit in Group R-1.] Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving an occupant load of 50 or more persons or a Group H occupancy. The opening force for interior side-swinging doors without closers shall not exceed a 5-pound (22 N) force. For other side-swinging, sliding and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force. The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound (133 N) force. The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force. Forces shall be applied to the latch side.

HFC (2006) 1008.1.8: Whenever a building or space is occupied, except as specifically permitted by this section egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. HFC (2006) 1008.1.8.5: The unlatching of any door or leaf shall not require more than one operation. Exceptions: [1. Places of detention or restraint. 2. Where manually operated bolt locks are permitted by (Section 1008.1.8.4). 3. Doors with automatic flush bolts as permitted by (Section 1008.1.8.3, Exception 3). 4. Doors from individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R occupancies as permitted by (Section 1008.1.8.3, Exception 4).]

Please reference provided handout and contact the City of Houston Buiding Dept. for proper installation and any necessary inspections.

HFC (2006) 1011.1: Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Access to exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in a corridor is more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign. Exceptions: [1. Exit signs are not required in rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access. 2. Main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where approved by the fire code official. 3. Exit signs are not required in occupancies in Group U and individual sleeping units or dwelling units in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3. 4. Exit signs are not required in sleeping areas in occupancies in Group I-3. 5. In occupancies in Groups A-4 and A-5, exit signs are not required on the seating side of vomitories or openings into seating areas where exit signs are provided in the concourse that are readily apparent from the vomitories. Egress lighting is provided to identify each vomitory or opening within the seating area in an emergency.]

HFC (2006) 1006.1: The means of egress, including the exit discharge, shall be illuminated at all times the building space served by the means of egress is occupied. Exceptions: [1. Occupancies in Group U. 2. Aisle accessways in Group A. 3. Dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3. 4. Sleeping units of Group I occupancies.] HFC (2006) 1006.5: The equipment providing emergency power for means of egress illumination and exit signs shall be maintained in an operable condition and in accordance with Houston Fire Department LSB Standard No.02, "Inspection and Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Equipment." HFC (2006) 1011.2: Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated.

HFC (2006) 1004.3: Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or authorized agent. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved occupant load shall not be allowed. See Sections 107.5 and 107.6.

Comments

HFC (2006) 304.1: Combustible waste material creating a fire hazard shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings or structures or upon premises. HFC (2006) 1303.2: Accumulation of combustible dust shall be kept to a minimum in the interior of buildings. Accumulated combustible dust shall be collected by vacuum cleaning or other means that will not place combustible dust into suspension in air. Forced air or similar methods shall not be used to remove dust from surfaces.

HFC (2006) 313.1: Fueled equipment, including but not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored, operated or repaired within a building. Exceptions: [1. Buildings or rooms constructed for such use in accordance with the International Building Code. 2. Where allowed by Section 314. 3. Storage of equipment utilized for maintenance purposes is allowed in approved locations when the aggregate fuel capacity of the stored equipment does not exceed 10 gallons (38 L) and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.]

HFC (2006) 315.2.1: Storage shall be maintained 2 feet (610 mm) or more below the ceiling in nonsprinklered areas of buildings or a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings. HFC (2006) 315.2.2: Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures. HFC (2006) 315.3.1: Combustible materials stored or displayed outside of buildings that are protected by automatic sprinklers shall not be stored or displayed under nonsprinklered eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.

HFC (2006) 510.1: Fire protection equipment shall be identified in an approved manner. Rooms containing controls for air-conditioning systems, sprinkler risers and valves, or other fire detection, suppression or control elements shall be identified for the use of the fire department. Approved signs required to identify fire protection equipment and equipment location, shall be constructed of durable materials, permanently installed and readily visible. HFC (2006) 605.3.1: Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording. The disconnecting means for each service, feeder or branch circuit originating on a switchboard or panelboard shall be legibly and durably marked to indicate its purpose unless such purpose is clearly evident.

HFC (2006) 605.1: Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention of the code official responsible for enforcement of the ICC Electrical Code. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances and other equipment that is modified or damaged and constitutes an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used. HFC (2006) 605.6: Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes.

HFC (2006) 508.5.4: Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants. HFC (2006) 605.3: A working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. Where the electrical service equipment is wider than 30 inches (762 mm), the working space shall not be less than the width of the equipment. No storage of any materials shall be located within the designated working space. Exceptions: [1. Where other dimensions are required or allowed by the ICC Electrical Code. 2. Access openings into attics or under-floor areas which provide a minimum clear opening of 22 inches (559 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm).]

HFC (2006) 605.4: Multiplug adapters, such as cube adapters, unfused plug strips or any other device not complying with the ICC Electrical Code shall be prohibited. HFC (2006) 605.5: Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances.

HFC (2006) 605.11: All permanent or temporary lighting fixtures and devices used in mechanical spaces, service areas, exit accessways, stairways, and parking garages shall be provided with an approved protective device designed to prevent accidental breakage, contact with readily ignitable materials, or creation of electrical shock hazard. Exceptions: [1. Listed devices approved for use in hazardous locations in accordance with the Electrical Code. 2. Listed incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes provided with approved shatter- or break-resistive protective coatings. 3. Listed devices for exterior use, with approved weather resistant bulbs. 4. Fixtures so located as to be suitably protected from accidental damage or breakage. HFC (2006) 605.2: Illumination shall be provided for service equipment areas, motor control centers and electrical panelboards.

HFC (2006) 605.10.4: Portable, electric space heaters shall not be operated within 3 feet (914 mm) of any combustible materials. Portable, electric space heaters shall be operated only in locations for which they are listed.

HFC (2006) 703.1: The required fire-resistance rating of fire-resistance-rated construction (including walls, firestops, shaft enclosures, partitions, smoke barriers, floors, fire-resistive coatings and sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to structural members and fire-resistant joint systems) shall be maintained. Such elements shall be properly repaired, restored or replaced when damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Openings made therein for the passage of pipes, electrical conduit, wires, ducts, air transfer openings and holes made for any reason shall be protected with approved methods capable of resisting the passage of smoke and fire. Openings through fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be protected by self- or automatic-closing doors of approved construction meeting the fire protection requirements for the assembly.

HFC (2006) 703.3: The hanging and displaying of salable goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly, shall be prohibited.

HFC (2006) 807.4.3.2: Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

HFC (2006) 407.2: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials shall be readily available on the premises.

HFC (2006) 3003.5.3: Securing compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling caused by contact, vibration or seismic activity. Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be by one of the following methods: 1. Securing containers, cylinders and tanks to a fixed object with one or more restraints. 2. Securing containers, cylinders and tanks on a cart or other mobile device designed for the movement of compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks. 3. Nesting of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks at container filling or servicing facilities or in seller's warehouses not accessible to the public. Nesting shall be allowed provided the nested containers, cylinders or tanks, if dislodged, do not obstruct the required means of egress. 4. Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks to or within a rack, framework, cabinet or similar assembly designed for such use. Exception: Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks in the process of examination, filling, transport or servicing.

HFC (2006) 3403.3.2.1.1: Cabinets shall be listed in accordance with UL 1275, or constructed of approved wood or metal in accordance with the following: 1. Unlisted metal cabinets shall be constructed of steel having a thickness of not less than 0.044 inch (1.12 mm) (18 gage). The cabinet, including the door, shall be double walled with 11/2-inch (38 mm) airspace between the walls. Joints shall be riveted or welded and shall be tight fitting. 2. Unlisted wooden cabinets, including doors, shall be constructed of not less than 1-inch (25 mm) exterior grade plywood. Joints shall be rabbeted and shall be fastened in two directions with wood screws. Door hinges shall be of steel or brass. Cabinets shall be painted with an intumescent-type paint. HFC (2006) 3404.3.2.1.2: Cabinets shall be provided with a conspicuous label in red letters on contrasting background which reads: FLAMMABLE-KEEP FIRE AWAY. HFC (2006) 3404.3.2.1.3: Doors shall be well fitted, self-closing and equipped with a three-point latch.