403.4 - Emergency systems

The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.

403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1. [F]

403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13. [F]

403.4.3 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2. [F]

403.4.4 Emergency responder radio coverage. Emergency responder radio coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the International Fire Code. [F]

403.4.5 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department. [F]

403.4.6 Smoke removal. To facilitate smoke removal in post-fire salvage and overhaul operations, buildings and structures shall be equipped with natural or mechanical ventilation for removal of products of combustion in accordance with one of the following:

1. Easily identifiable, manually operable windows or panels shall be distributed around the perimeter of each floor at not more than 50-foot (15 240 mm) intervals. The area of operable windows or panels shall not be less than 40 square feet (3.7 m²) per 50 linear feet (15 240 mm) of perimeter.

Exceptions:

1. In Group R-1 occupancies, each sleeping unit or suite having an exterior wall shall be permitted to be provided with 2 square feet (0.19 m²) of venting area in lieu of the area specified in Item 1.

2. Windows shall be permitted to be fixed provided that glazing can be cleared by fire fighters.

2. Mechanical air-handling equipment providing one exhaust air change every 15 minutes for the area involved. Return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recirculation to other portions of the building.

3. Any other approved design that will produce equivalent results.

403.4.7 Standby power. A standby power system complying with Chapter 27 shall be provided for standby power loads specified in Section 403.4.7.2. [F]

403.4.7.1 Special requirements for standby power systems. If the standby system is a generator set inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center. [F]

403.4.7.2 Standby power loads. The following are classified as standby power loads: [F]

1. Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.5;

2. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures; and

3. Standby power shall be provided for elevators in accordance with Sections 1007.4, 3003, 3007 and 3008.

403.4.8 Emergency power systems. An emergency power system complying with Chapter 27 shall be provided for emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.1. [F]

403.4.8.1 Emergency power loads. The following are classified as emergency power loads: [F]

1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10;

2. Elevator car lighting;

3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems;

4. Automatic fire detection systems;

5. Fire alarm systems; and

Notes