Active Fire Protection Systems & Owner/maintenance Obligations

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides requirements to maintain the fire-resistance ratings of building elements and to limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the maintenance of and owner’s responsibility for construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers. The rest of the chapter deals with various aspects that also must be maintained to achieve overall fire resistance of the main fire- and smoke-resistive features. These include penetrations, joint protection, door and window openings, and duct and air transfer opening protection.

  SECTION 701—GENERAL

  701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the inspection and maintenance of the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance, fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings. New buildings shall comply with the California Building Code.

  701.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction. The fire-resistance rating of the following fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained:

  1. Structural members.

  2. Exterior walls.

  3. Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions.

  4. Horizontal assemblies.

  5. Shaft enclosures.

  701.2.1 Hanging displays. The hanging and displaying of salable goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall be prohibited.

  701.3 Smoke barriers. The fire-resistance rating and smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke barriers shall be maintained.

  701.4 Smoke partitions. The smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke partitions shall be maintained.

  701.5 Maintaining protection. Materials, systems and devices used to repair or protect breaches and openings in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 703 through 707.

  701.6 Owner’s responsibility. The owner shall maintain an inventory of all required fire-resistance-rated construction, construction installed to resist the passage of smoke and the construction included in Sections 703 through 707 and Sections 602.4.1 and 602.4.2 of the California Building Code . Such construction shall be visually inspected by the owner annually and properly repaired, restored or replaced where damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Where concealed, such elements shall not be required to be visually inspected by the owner unless the concealed space is accessible by the removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry to the space.

• CBC § 901.5.1 High relevance — show source text

  901.5.1 Occupancy. It shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the required fire protection and life safety systems have been tested and approved.

  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 be inspected, tested and maintained or removed in accordance with Section 901.8.

  All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equipment, material or systems required by these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with this code and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment, material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.14] Maintenance.

  Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire-resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and with their intended use.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.24] Maintenance of Equipment.

  All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equip- ment, material or systems required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

  (a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

  (1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

  (b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

• CBC § 9-8 High relevance — show source text

  (3) Testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems exempted in writing by the State Fire Marshal, when the building owner or occupant has the staff and equipment to conduct testing and maintenance.

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  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(b)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (b) Any testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be performed in accordance with these requirements.

  Exceptions:

  (1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, the requirement that testing and maintenance be performed in accordance with these requirements when a licensee can demonstrate that a system cannot functionally be tested and maintained in accor- dance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

  (2) If at any time a licensee encounters a specialized or modified system which cannot be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, the licensee shall contact the State Fire Marshal and test and maintain the system as directed.

  (A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (h) At the time of testing and maintenance, building management shall be consulted to avoid unnecessary disturbance of normal building operation.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(i)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (i) The licensee shall contact the local fire authority having jurisdiction prior to testing and maintenance of a system when required by the local fire authority having jurisdiction to do so.

  901.6.1 Standards. Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapters 3 and 5.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(a)] Inspection Requirements.

  (a) A license shall not be required to perform inspections. Inspections may be conducted by any person designated by the building owner or occupant who has developed competence through training and experience.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(g)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (g) Prior to activating any fire alarm component of an automatic fire extinguishing system, the licensee shall ensure that the licensee is capable of restoring the fire alarm system.

• CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

  PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

  Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

  PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS

  Chapter 3 General Requirements

  General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.

  Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness

  Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.

  PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

  The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.

  Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems

  Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.

  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

  The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

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  Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

  The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC

• CBC § 904.2 High relevance — show source text

  (c) The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts or impairments found while performing the inspection, test and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the listing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropri- ate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(d)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (d) The building or system owner shall ensure immediate correction of any deficiencies noted during the service. A tag or label shall be affixed to a system only after all deficiencies have been corrected. The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficien- cies, damaged parts or impairments found while performing the inspection, test and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the list- ing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropriate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(e)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (e) At the time of testing and maintenance, or at any time parts are replaced, an itemized invoice showing work performed and parts replaced shall be provided by the licensee to the system owner. If testing and maintenance is performed more than thirty (30) days prior to the next required testing and maintenance date, the invoice shall bear a statement indicating the system was tested and maintained early.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(f)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (f) The licensee shall offer to return all replaced parts to the system owner or owner’s representative, except those parts that are required to be returned to the manufacturer under conditions of warranty.

  901.7.1 Impairment coordinator. The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this section. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner shall be considered to be the impairment coordinator.

  901.7.2 Tag required. A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or portion thereof, has been removed from service.

  901.7.3 Placement of tag. The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service. The fire code official shall specify where the tag is to be placed.

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  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

• CBC § 9-6 High relevance — show source text

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  9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Building Code ; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the California Building Code . In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in Chapter 4 of the California Building Code are duplicated in this chapter as a user convenience.

  SECTION 901—GENERAL

  901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation, inspection, operation, testing and maintenance of all fire protection and life safety systems.

  901.2 Construction documents. The fire code official shall have the authority to require construction documents and calculations for all fire protection and life safety systems and to require permits be issued for the installation, rehabilitation or modification of any fire protection and life safety systems. Construction documents for fire protection and life safety systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation.

  901.2.1 Statement of compliance. Before requesting final approval of the installation, where required by the fire code official, the installing contractor shall furnish a written statement to the fire code official that the subject fire protection or life safety system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and has been tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the appropriate installation standard. Any deviations from the design standards shall be noted and copies of the approvals for such deviations shall be attached to the written statement.

  901.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6.

  901.4 Fire protection and life safety systems. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the California Building Code .

  901.4.1 Required fire protection and life safety systems. Fire protection and life safety systems required by this code or the California Building Code shall be installed, repaired, operated, tested and maintained in accordance with this code. A fire protection or life safety system for which a design option, exception or reduction to the provisions of this code or the California Building Code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

  901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems. Fire protection and life safety systems or portion thereof not required by this code or the California Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or complete protection provided that such installed systems meet the applicable requirements of this code and the California Building Code .

• CBC § 901.1 High relevance — show source text

  9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code.

  SECTION 901—GENERAL

  901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection and life safety systems.

  901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the California Fire Code .

  Any fire protection or life safety system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

  Exception: Any fire protection or life safety system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed for partial or complete protection provided that such system meets the requirements of this code.

  901.3 Modifications. Persons shall not remove or modify any fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the California Fire Code without approval by the building official.

  901.4 Threads. Threads provided for fire department connections to automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by the local fire department.

  901.5 Administration of installation acceptance tests. Fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of this code and the California Fire Code . Where required, the tests shall be conducted in the presence of the building official. Tests required by this code, the California Fire Code and the standards listed in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of a structure until the required fire protection systems within that portion of the structure have been tested and approved.

  901.6 Supervisory service. Where required, fire protection systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.

  901.6.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.

  Exceptions:

  1. A supervising station is not required for automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
  2. Limited area systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.

  901.6.2 Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems required by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Sections 907.2 and 907.9 of the California Fire Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.6.6 of this code.

  Exceptions:

  1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
  2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
  3. Supervisory service is not required for automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

  901.6.3 Group H. Supervision and monitoring of emergency alarm, detection and automatic fire-extinguishing systems in Group H occupancies shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

• CBC § 904.2 High relevance — show source text

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(c)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (c) Records of all testing and maintenance shall be retained on the premises by the building or system owner for a period of five years after the next required test or maintenance.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(j)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (j) It is the responsibility of the contractor, company or licensee to provide a written report of the test and maintenance results to the building owner and the local fire authority having jurisdiction at the completion of the testing and maintenance.

  901.6.3.1 Records information. Initial records shall include the name of the installation contractor, type of components installed, manufacturer of the components, location and number of components installed per floor. Records shall include the manufacturers’ operation and maintenance instruction manuals. Such records shall be maintained for the life of the installation.

  901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall be either evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

  Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with not less than one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.

  Exception: Facilities with an approved notification and impairment management program. The notification and impairment program for water-based fire protection systems shall comply with California NFPA 25.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(c)] Inspection Requirements.

  (c) The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts or impairments found while performing the inspection, test and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the listing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropri- ate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(d)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (d) The building or system owner shall ensure immediate correction of any deficiencies noted during the service. A tag or label shall be affixed to a system only after all deficiencies have been corrected. The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficien- cies, damaged parts or impairments found while performing the inspection, test and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the list- ing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropriate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(e)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

• CBC § 904.2 High relevance — show source text

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(e)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (e) At the time of testing and maintenance, or at any time parts are replaced, an itemized invoice showing work performed and parts replaced shall be provided by the licensee to the system owner. If testing and maintenance is performed more than thirty (30) days prior to the next required testing and maintenance date, the invoice shall bear a statement indicating the system was tested and maintained early.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(f)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (f) The licensee shall offer to return all replaced parts to the system owner or owner’s representative, except those parts that are required to be returned to the manufacturer under conditions of warranty.

  901.7.1 Impairment coordinator. The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this section. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner shall be considered to be the impairment coordinator.

  901.7.2 Tag required. A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or portion thereof, has been removed from service.

  901.7.3 Placement of tag. The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service. The fire code official shall specify where the tag is to be placed.

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  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  901.7.4 Preplanned impairment programs. Preplanned impairments shall be authorized by the impairment coordinator. Before authorization is given, a designated individual shall be responsible for verifying that all of the following procedures have been implemented:

  1. The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined.

  2. The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined.

  3. Recommendations have been submitted to management or the building owner/manager.

  4. The fire department has been notified.

  5. The insurance carrier, the alarm company, the building owner/manager and other authorities having jurisdiction have been notified.

  6. The supervisors in the areas to be affected have been notified.

  7. A tag impairment system has been implemented.

  8. Necessary tools and materials have been assembled on the impairment site.

  901.7.5 Emergency impairments. Where unplanned impairments occur, appropriate emergency action shall be taken to minimize potential injury and damage. The impairment coordinator shall implement the steps outlined in Section 901.7.4.

  901.7.6 Restoring systems to service. Where impaired equipment is restored to normal working order, the impairment coordinator shall verify that all of the following procedures have been implemented:

  1. Necessary inspections and tests have been conducted to verify that affected systems are operational.
  2. Supervisors have been advised that protection is restored.
  3. The fire department has been advised that protection is restored.
  4. The building owner/manager, insurance carrier, alarm company and other involved parties have been advised that protection is restored.
  5. The impairment tag has been removed.

  901.8 Removal of or tampering with equipment. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, tamper with or otherwise disturb any fire protection or life safety system required by this code except for the purposes of extinguishing fire, training, recharging or making necessary repairs or where approved by the fire code official.

• CBC § 915.2 High relevance — show source text

  1|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.2|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.2.1|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.2.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.1,
  Exceptions 2 and 3|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.2|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.4|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.5.2|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.5.3|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.6|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |915.6.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |915.7|||X|||X|||||||||||||||||||

  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code.

  SECTION 901—GENERAL

  901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection and life safety systems.

  901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the California Fire Code .

  Any fire protection or life safety system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

  Exception: Any fire protection or life safety system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed for partial or complete protection provided that such system meets the requirements of this code.

  901.3 Modifications. Persons shall not remove or modify any fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the California Fire Code without approval by the building official.

  901.4 Threads. Threads provided for fire department connections to automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by the local fire department.

• CBC § 904.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

  (a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

  (1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

  (b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (a) All testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 13195 shall be performed by those licensed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13196.5.

  Exceptions:

  (1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, licensing of fire departments which conduct fire sprinkler and standpipe system testing and maintenance.

  (2) Service on fire alarm systems and industrial systems as specified in Health and Safety Code Sections 13196.5(b) and (c) may be conducted without a license.

  (3) Testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems exempted in writing by the State Fire Marshal, when the building owner or occupant has the staff and equipment to conduct testing and maintenance.

  9-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(b)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

  (b) Any testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be performed in accordance with these requirements.

  Exceptions:

  (1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, the requirement that testing and maintenance be performed in accordance with these requirements when a licensee can demonstrate that a system cannot functionally be tested and maintained in accor- dance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

  (2) If at any time a licensee encounters a specialized or modified system which cannot be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, the licensee shall contact the State Fire Marshal and test and maintain the system as directed.

  (A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

• CBC § 3.8.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  3.8.2_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |914.7 –914.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |914.7.2.2 – 914.7.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.2 – 915.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.5.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.6.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.7|||X|||||||||||||||||||||

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Building Code ; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the California Building Code . In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in Chapter 4 of the California Building Code are duplicated in this chapter as a user convenience.

  SECTION 901—GENERAL

  901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation, inspection, operation, testing and maintenance of all fire protection and life safety systems.

  901.2 Construction documents. The fire code official shall have the authority to require construction documents and calculations for all fire protection and life safety systems and to require permits be issued for the installation, rehabilitation or modification of any fire protection and life safety systems. Construction documents for fire protection and life safety systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation.