Los Angeles County Municipal Code § 901.6 Inspection, testing, and maintenance

Fire protection and life safety systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems and equipment shall either be inspected, tested and maintained, or be removed in accordance with Section 901.8.

Fire protection and life safety system equipment, including initiating devices, alarm notification appliances, and annunciators shall not be concealed from view, obstructed, or impaired in any manner.

. . .

Aboveground controls and valves for water-based fire protection systems, including but not limited to private fire hydrant systems, service mains, and appurtenances, shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Sections 901.6.4.1 through 901.6.4.4.

Aboveground controls and valves for water-based fire protection systems shall be provided with signage in accordance with all of the following:

Signs shall indicate the function of the valve and identify the areas or systems it controls.

Signs shall be metal and painted red with white letters. The characters shall be a minimum of 1-inch (25.4 mm) high with a 3/16-inch (4.8 mm) stroke.

Signs shall be metal and permanently banded to the valve or permanently affixed to a wall, using corrosion-resistant means.

Signage and compliance with this section shall require approval by the fire code official.

Aboveground controls and valves for water-based fire protection systems shall be locked in the fully open position using a cable or chain and a non-case-hardened lock, or by other approved means. Detachable wrenches for post-indicator valves shall be secured in place by the use of a non-case-hardened lock.

Exception: Water supplies for one- and two-family dwellings shall not be required to be locked.

Aboveground controls and valves for water-based fire protection systems shall be painted red on any exposed surfaces subject to rust or corrosion. Valve stems, coupling threads, operating mechanisms, sight windows, components, or portions of the valve where the application of paint would violate the listing of the valve or hinder its operation shall not be painted.

A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of aboveground controls and valves for water- based fire protection systems, except as otherwise required or approved.