FIRE CODES
The Midland Fire Department is currently under the 2003 edition of the International Fire Codes. This edition has been adopted in its entirety with no additions or deletions including appendix.
Fire Sprinkler installations:
The following information is for the purposes of installing any fire sprinkler system within the City of Midland. This is not intended to be the only requirements as many codes and regulations apply. The Midland Fire Department is currently operating under the 2003 edition of the International Fire Code. Fire sprinkler systems are to be installed per the fire code, the International Building Code 2003 edition, and all NFPA standards that apply. The following items need to be addressed in obtaining a system approval:
- Fire Sprinkler plans shall be submitted for review and approved by the Midland Fire Marshals office prior to installation of any component of the system. Two sets of plans need to be submitted and shall include calculations, manufacture specifications on each type of sprinkler head installed, valve location, underground pipe size and location, sprinkler and pipe location.
- Underground fire supply lines shall be visibly inspected prior to covering. Testing shall consist of 200 psi for 2 hours. Flushing the supply line is mandatory and will be witnessed by our office prior to connecting the supply to the riser. City Ordinance requires underground fire supply line to be ductile iron in areas that are not within dedicated utility easements.
- Fire Department connections shall be located at the front or main entrance of the building or at a point nearest to the front or main entrance. As of April 2004, all new installations shall be required to have a locking FDC cap. Locking caps need to be obtained through the Knox company (knoxbox.com). An electric fire alarm bell indicating water flow shall be installed above the fire department connection. An outside Audio/Visual device will also be acceptable. This bell or A/V shall be equipped with emergency backup power.
- The entire sprinkler system shall be tested at 200 psi for two hours with no leaks or drop in pressure. All sprinkler piping shall be exposed during this test.
- Pressure tests shall be arranged 24 hours in advance through the Fire Marshals office. No testing will be scheduled after 2 p.m.
- Required backflow device testing shall be conducted and documentation of test given to our office, and to the building department before the systems final approval.
- Any permits required will be obtained through the building department.
- Required sprinkler systems shall be connected to a monitored fire alarm system. A rapid entry Knox box is required for buildings protected by a fire sprinkler system. Contact our office for further information regarding installation.
Fire Suppression Systems:
The following information is for the purposes of installing any fire suppression system within the City of Midland. This is not intended to be the only requirements as many codes and regulations apply. The Midland Fire Department is currently operating under the 2003 edition of the International Fire Code. Fire suppression systems are to be installed per the fire code, the International Building Code 2003 edition, and all NFPA standards that apply. Fire suppression system plans shall be submitted for review and approved by the Midland Fire Marshals office prior to installation of any component of the system. Two sets of plans need to be submitted and shall include:
- Type of system.
- The amount of wet or dry chemical/agent.
- The size, length, and arrangement of connected piping or piping and hose.
- The description and location of nozzles so that the adequacy of the system can be determined.
- The location and function of detection devices.
- Manufactures specifications and requirements of system.
- Identification of the hazard to be protected and including such information as physical dimensions, cooking appliances, energy sources for each appliance, and air-handling equipment associated with the system.
Drawings shall be submitted including the following:
- Hoods
- Exhaust duct(s)
- Appliances
- Interface of the fire-extinguishing system detectors
- Piping
- Nozzles
- Fuel shutoff devices
- Agent storage containers
- Manual actuation device(s)
All suppression systems shall be field tested after installation to determine that the system has been properly installed and will function as intended. A dry gas trip test will be acceptable for testing purposes. 24-hour advance notice will be required for scheduling system tests.
FIRE ALARM PLANS AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
The following information is for the purposes of installing any required fire alarm system within the City of Midland. This is not intended to be the only requirements as many codes and regulations apply. The Midland Fire Department is currently operating under the 2003 edition of the International Fire Code. Fire Alarm systems are to be installed per the fire code, the International Building Code 2003 edition, and all NFPA standards that apply. The following items need to be addressed in obtaining a system approval:
- Fire alarm plans shall be submitted for review and by the Midland Fire Marshal’s office prior to installation of any component of the system. Two sets of plans need to be submitted and shall include information regarding the system, including specifications, wiring diagrams, battery calculations, floor plans, and locations of all devices.
- Visual inspection shall be made to ensure that there are no changes that affect equipment performance.
- Acceptance testing shall include functionality test of all initiating and notification devices and a 24-hour battery test to ensure battery capability.
- During acceptance test all smoke sensing devices shall be tested using smoke only.
- Required duct detectors shall initiate HVAC shutdown upon activation and indicate a supervisory signal at the fire alarm panel.
- Buildings equipped with a fire sprinkler system shall have an audible warning device indicating water flow, and shall be installed above the fire department connection and supervised by the fire alarm system.
- Acceptance testing shall be arranged 24 hours in advance through the Fire Marshal’s Office. No testing will be scheduled after 2 p.m.
- The entire fire alarm shall be tested at the completion of the system.
- Any permits required will be obtained through the building department.
A rapid entry Knox box is required for buildings protected by a monitored fire alarm system. Contact our office for further information regarding installation.
Click here to download the Plans Review Comment Sheet
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