WSR 17-16-101
PROPOSED RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed July 27, 2017, 3:26 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 17-08-013.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The proposed rule is WAC 51-50-0907, amendment of the 2015 International Building Code; and WAC 51-54A-0907, amendment of the 2015 International Fire Code. The amended sections are identical and titled Fire alarm and detection systems. The proposed rule regulates fire alarms in schools, and delays the implementation of National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certification.
Hearing Location(s): Center Place Regional Event Center, 2426 North Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, on September 15, 2017, at 10 a.m.; and the DES Building, 1st Floor Presentation Room, 1500 Jefferson Street, Olympia, WA 98501, on October 13, 2017, at 10 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 17, 2017.
Submit Written Comments to: Steve Simpson, Chair, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA 98504-1449, email sbcc@des.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-9088, by October 13, 2017.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Tim Nogler by September 8, 2017, (360) 407-9277.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule provides an alternate method to meet the building and fire code requirements for fire alarms in schools. Section 907.2.3. The school district would have the option of installing an emergency voice alarm system prescribed by the fire and building codes, or a system developed as part of a safe school plan consistent with the provisions of RCW 28A.320.125 or 28A.320.126, and in accordance with the performance standards specified in the propose [proposed] rule. The proposed rule also delays the implementation of NICET certification for individuals conducting design review and inspection of fire alarm systems. The deadline for certification is changed from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2018. Section 907.10.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The purpose is to avoid unnecessary duplication of infrastructure installation and reduce school construction costs. The delay in NICET certification is to allow more time for individuals to qualify for certification.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The council is seeking comments on the issues proposed in the rules shown below.
Name of Proponent: Washington state building code council, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Tim Nogler, 1500 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA, (360) 407-9277; and Enforcement: Washington State Building Code Council, 1500 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 41449, Olympia, WA, (360) 407-9277.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule provides alternate methods of compliance for schools to meet the alarm requirements. The requirement for NICET certification for fire alarm installers is delayed to allow installation businesses more time to comply. The rule provides added flexibility and potential cost savings and does not have any fiscal impact to small business.
The state building code council is not one of the agencies identified as required to prepare a school district impact statement.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The state building code council is not one of the agencies identified as required to prepare an analysis.
May 12, 2017
Steve K. Simpson
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-03-064, filed 1/19/16, effective 7/1/16)
WAC 51-50-0907 Section 907—Fire alarm and detection systems.
[F] 907.2.3 Group E. ((A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
((EXCEPTIONS:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
 
2. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
 
3. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
 
3.1 Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
 
3.2 Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
 
3.3 Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
 
4. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation. ))
Group E occupancies shall be provided with a manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing one of the following:
1. An emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6; or
2. A system developed as part of a safe school plan adopted in accordance with RCW 28A.320.125 or developed as part of an emergency response system consistent with the provisions of RCW 28A.320.126. The system must achieve all of the following performance standards:
2.1 The ability to broadcast voice messages or customized announcements;
2.2 Includes a feature for multiple sounds, including sounds to initiate a lock down;
2.3 The ability to deliver messages to the interior of a building, areas outside of a building as designated pursuant to the safe school plan, and to personnel;
2.4 The ability for two-way communications;
2.5 The ability for individual room calling;
2.6 The ability for a manual override;
2.7 Installation in accordance with NFPA 72;
2.8 Provide 15 minutes of battery backup for alarm and 24 hours of battery backup for standby; and
2.9 Includes a program for annual inspection and maintenance in accordance with NFPA 72.
EXCEPTIONS:
A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
 
2. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, such as individual portable school classroom buildings; provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
3. Where an existing approved alarm system is in place, an emergency voice/alarm system is not required in any portion of an existing Group E building undergoing any one of the following repairs, alteration or addition:
3.1 Alteration or repair to an existing building including, without limitation, alterations to rooms and systems, and/or corridor configurations, not exceeding 35 percent of the fire area of the building (or the fire area undergoing the alteration or repair if the building is comprised of two or more fire areas); or
3.2 An addition to an existing building, not exceeding 35 percent of the fire area of the building (or the fire area to which the addition is made if the building is comprised of two or more fire areas).
4. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
4.1 Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
4.2 Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
4.3 Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
5. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
5.1 The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
5.2 The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler waterflow.
5.3 Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
[F] 907.2.3.1 Sprinkler systems or detection. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
[F] 907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system that notifies the occupant notification system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1, 907.2.6.2, 907.2.6.3.3 and 907.2.6.4.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Manual fire alarm boxes in resident or patient sleeping areas of Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies shall not be required at exits if located at nurses' control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such stations are visible and continually accessible and that travel distances required in Section 907.4.2 are not exceeded.
 
2. Occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private mode signaling installed in accordance with NFPA 72 is approved by the fire code official.
[F] 907.2.6.1 Group I-1. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than sleeping units and kitchens. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.4.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. For Group I-1 Condition 1 occupancies, smoke detection in habitable spaces is not required where the facility is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
 
2. Smoke detection is not required for exterior balconies.
[F] 907.2.6.4 Group I-4 occupancies. A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group I-4 occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group I-4 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
 
2. Emergency voice alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group I-4 occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
[F] 907.5.2.1.2 Maximum sound pressure. The maximum sound pressure level for audible alarm notification appliances shall be 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance. For systems operating in public mode, the maximum sound pressure level shall not exceed 30 dBA over the average ambient sound level. Where the average ambient noise is greater than 95 dBA, visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 and audible alarm notification appliances shall not be required.
[F] 907.10 NICET: National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
907.10.1 Scope. This section shall apply to new and existing fire alarm systems.
907.10.2 Design review. All construction documents shall be reviewed by a NICET III in fire alarms or a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Washington prior to being submitted for permitting. The reviewing professional shall submit a stamped, signed, and dated letter; or a verification method approved by the local authority having jurisdiction indicating the system has been reviewed and meets or exceeds the design requirements of the state of Washington and the local jurisdiction. (Effective July 1, ((2017)) 2018.)
907.10.3 Testing/maintenance. All inspection, testing, maintenance and programing not defined as "electrical construction trade" by chapter 19.28 RCW shall be completed by a NICET II in fire alarms. (Effective July 1, ((2017)) 2018.)
Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 17-10-028, filed 4/25/17, effective 5/26/17)
WAC 51-54A-0907 Fire alarm and detection systems.
907.2.3 Group E. ((A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
 
2. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
 
3. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
 
3.1 Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
 
3.2 Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
 
3.3 Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
 
4. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation.))
Group E occupancies shall be provided with a manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing one of the following:
1. An emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6; or
2. A system developed as part of a safe school plan adopted in accordance with RCW 28A.320.125 or developed as part of an emergency response system consistent with the provisions of RCW 28A.320.126. The system must achieve all of the following performance standards:
2.1 The ability to broadcast voice messages or customized announcements;
2.2 Includes a feature for multiple sounds, including sounds to initiate a lock down;
2.3 The ability to deliver messages to the interior of a building, areas outside of a building as designated pursuant to the safe school plan, and to personnel;
2.4 The ability for two-way communications;
2.5 The ability for individual room calling;
2.6 The ability for a manual override;
2.7 Installation in accordance with NFPA 72;
2.8 Provide 15 minutes of battery backup for alarm and 24 hours of battery backup for standby; and
2.9 Includes a program for annual inspection and maintenance in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exceptions:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
 
2. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, such as individual portable school classroom buildings; provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
3. Where an existing approved alarm system is in place, an emergency voice/alarm system is not required in any portion of an existing Group E building undergoing any one of the following repairs, alteration or addition:
3.1 Alteration or repair to an existing building including, without limitation, alterations to rooms and systems, and/or corridor configurations, not exceeding 35 percent of the fire area of the building (or the fire area undergoing the alteration or repair if the building is comprised of two or more fire areas); or
3.2 An addition to an existing building, not exceeding 35 percent of the fire area of the building (or the fire area to which the addition is made if the building is comprised of two or more fire areas).
4. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
4.1 Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
4.2 Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
4.3 Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
5. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
5.1 The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
5.2 The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler waterflow.
5.3 Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
907.2.3.1 Sprinkler systems or detection. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system that notifies the occupant notification system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1, 907.2.6.2, 907.2.6.3.3 and 907.2.6.4.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Manual fire alarm boxes in resident or patient sleeping areas of Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies shall not be required at exits if located at nurses' control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such stations are visible and continually accessible and that travel distances required in Section 907.4.2 are not exceeded.
 
2. Occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private mode signaling installed in accordance with NFPA 72 is approved by the fire code official.
907.2.6.1 Group I-1. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than sleeping units and kitchens. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.4.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. For Group I-1 Condition 1 occupancies, smoke detection in habitable spaces is not required where the facility is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
 
2. Smoke detection is not required for exterior balconies.
907.2.6.4 Group I-4 occupancies. A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group I-4 occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group I-4 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
 
2. Emergency voice alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group I-4 occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
907.5.2.1.2 Maximum sound pressure. The maximum sound pressure level for audible alarm notification appliances shall be 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance. For systems operating in public mode, the maximum sound pressure level shall not exceed 30 dBA over the average ambient sound level. Where the average ambient noise is greater than 95 dBA, visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 and audible alarm notification appliances shall not be required.
907.10 NICET: National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
907.10.1 Scope. This section shall apply to new and existing fire alarm systems.
907.10.2 Design review: All construction documents shall be reviewed by a NICET III in fire alarms or a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Washington prior to being submitted for permitting. The reviewing professional shall submit a stamped, signed, and dated letter; or a verification method approved by the local authority having jurisdiction indicating the system has been reviewed and meets or exceeds the design requirements of the state of Washington and the local jurisdiction (effective July 1, ((2017)) 2018).
907.10.3 Testing/maintenance: All inspection, testing, maintenance and programing not defined as "electrical construction trade" by chapter 19.28 RCW shall be completed by a NICET II in fire alarms (effective July 1, ((2017)) 2018).