CFC · California Fire Code

What training is required for employees and what are Fire Safety Director duties?

Q: Who must be the Fire Safety Director and does the code require specific qualifications?

The code requires owners/operators to appoint a Fire Safety Director for the listed occupancies (hotels, motels, lodging houses, high‑rise office buildings, Group I Div. 1 & 2). The code requires the FSD perform the listed duties and training; specific training/qualifications are not numerically prescribed in the text but the FSD’s training curriculum must be approved by the AHJ . § 404.6.4; § 404.6.5.1 .

Q: How often must employees do an actual evacuation/relocation?

At least once annually for all building employees; the AHJ must be notified not less than 48 hours before a planned evacuation/relocation. § 404.6.5.3 .

Q: Are training records required and what must they show?

Yes. Records of training must be maintained and show dates, subjects and attendance for trainings; evacuation/relocation records must include dates, floors/buildings involved and the person(s) conducting the drill. § 406.2; § 404.6.5.3 .

Q: If my building is a hospital or other Group I, is annual training enough?

No — Group I, Division 1 & 2 occupancies require quarterly fire emergency training for building employees (not just annual). § 404.6.5 .

In plain terms: if your building requires a fire safety/evacuation plan under the California Fire Code, you must train employees at onboarding and at least once a year (more often for certain occupancies), appoint a Fire Safety Director where required, have that Director create an AHJ‑approved emergency plan and run the trainings, conduct at least one real evacuation annually, and keep complete records of all training and drills.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Fire Code requires owners/operators to appoint a Fire Safety Director for certain occupancies and to train building employees on fire emergency procedures based on the facility’s approved plans. Specifically, employee training (including new‑hire orientation and at least annual refresher training) is required by § 406.1–§ 406.3. Appointment duties for the Fire Safety Director and the required training cadence and curriculum are set out at § 404.6.4 and § 404.6.5.

Appoint a Fire Safety Director (where required), run the required employee trainings (new‑hire + yearly at minimum; more often for certain occupancies), conduct at least one actual evacuation/relocation annually, and keep training records.

Requirements in detail

Who must be trained and when

Employees: must be trained as part of new employee orientation and not less than annually thereafter in the contents of the fire safety and evacuation plan and their duties. § 406.2.
Fire Safety Director (FSD): certain occupancies (hotels, motels, lodging houses, high‑rise office buildings, and Group I Divisions 1 & 2) must appoint an FSD who is responsible for coordinating with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and conducting the required training. § 404.6.4.
Special occupancies: Group I, Division 1 & 2 require quarterly employee fire emergency training (not annual). § 404.6.5.

What topics must training cover

Fire prevention hazards and safe work procedures (fire‑hazard awareness). § 406.3.1.
Evacuation: alarm/evacuation signals, assigned duties, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, assembly areas and procedures. § 406.3.2.
Fire‑safety / firefighting: employees assigned firefighting duties must know the locations and proper use of portable extinguishers and required protective gear. § 406.3.3.
Lockdown procedures where a facility has one. § 406.3.4.

Fire Safety Director duties (summary of § 404.6.4)

Report to owner/operator and coordinate facility fire safety with the AHJ.
Conduct (or cause to be conducted) all training required by § 404.6.5 and maintain records (dates, subjects, attendance).
Develop and maintain a written facility emergency plan acceptable to the AHJ. The plan must include at minimum: 911 & other emergency numbers, evacuation/relocation procedures, duties of the FSD and other emergency personnel, employee responsibilities, and procedures to identify/assist the nonambulatory/disabled. § 404.6.4 (items 4.1–4.6).
Assure procedures to identify/assist nonambulatory persons (specific obligations for hotels, high‑rise offices, Group I occupancies are noted). § 404.6.4 (item 5).

Training cadence & specifics (from § 404.6.5)

Hotels, motels, lodging houses, and high‑rise office buildings: conduct annual emergency procedures training for all building employees. § 404.6.5.
Group I, Division 1 & 2 occupancies: conduct quarterly fire emergency training for all building employees. § 404.6.5.
FSD and designated emergency personnel: must receive training on identification/use of facility fire‑safety equipment, communication procedures, people movement procedures, fire prevention practices, and their duties as written in the emergency plan; the curriculum must be approved by the AHJ and made available to the AHJ. § 404.6.5.1.
All building employees: must receive training on identification/use of facility fire‑safety equipment, fire prevention practices and appropriate procedures in the event of fire. § 404.6.5.2.
Actual evacuation or relocation per the emergency plan must be conducted at least annually for all building employees; records (dates, floors/buildings involved, persons conducting) must be kept and made immediately available to the AHJ on request. The AHJ must be notified not less than 48 hours before planned evacuations/relocations. § 404.6.5.3.

Recordkeeping obligations

Training records: dates, subjects, and attendance must be maintained (required by § 406.2 and reinforced in § 404.6.4.3).
Evacuation/relocation records: include who conducted, dates, floors involved and must be produced on AHJ request. § 404.6.5.3.

Decision table — who, what, frequency, code reference

Who / Role	Minimum frequency	Core training topics	Code Reference
All building employees (general occupancies where §403 plans required)	New‑hire orientation + annual refresher	Evacuation signals/routes, assigned duties, areas of refuge, assembly areas, fire prevention	§ 406.2; § 406.3 —
Hotels / Motels / Lodging houses / High‑rise office buildings	Annual	Same as above; plus procedures to assist nonambulatory persons	§ 404.6.5; § 404.6.4 (4.6) —
Group I, Division 1 & 2 occupancies	Quarterly	Enhanced emergency procedures, staged/defend‑in‑place actions (as applicable)	§ 404.6.5 —
Fire Safety Director & designated emergency personnel	As part of orientation; regular refreshers as needed; FSD conducts all training	Identification/use of fire safety equipment, communication & people‑movement procedures, fire prevention, duties in emergency plan — curriculum approved by AHJ	§ 404.6.4; § 404.6.5.1 —
Evacuation/relocation exercise	At least annually (employees) — more often where required by occupancy	Actual evacuation or relocation per plan; records and AHJ notice ≥48 hours before	§ 404.6.5.3 —

Exceptions & special cases

Group I, Division 1 & 2 occupancies (e.g., some health care settings) have a higher frequency requirement (quarterly training) than the general annual rule. § 404.6.5.
The FSD’s emergency plan and the FSD training curriculum must be acceptable to the AHJ; the AHJ has approval authority over the plan and curriculum. § 404.6.4, § 404.6.5.1.
The code requires AHJ notification at least 48 hours before a planned evacuation/relocation drill. § 404.6.5.3.
Other occupancy‑specific training/drill requirements (e.g., schools, ambulatory care, organized camps, theaters) are found elsewhere in Chapter 4; those sections may mandate additional frequency or staff‑shift coverage. See related provisions below.

Common mistakes

Treating “annual” as optional or only for some staff — code requires new‑hire orientation and annual refresher for all covered employees (unless the occupancy prescribes a different cadence). § 406.2.
Not documenting trainings or keeping incomplete records — the code explicitly requires records of training dates, subjects and attendance. § 406.2; § 404.6.4.3.
Assuming the Fire Safety Director can skip AHJ approval — the facility plan and the FSD curriculum must be acceptable to the AHJ. § 404.6.4; § 404.6.5.1.
Forgetting the 48‑hour AHJ notice before planned evacuations — failure to notify can lead to issues with the AHJ. § 404.6.5.3.

Worked example — office high‑rise (concrete application)

Scenario: 20‑story high‑rise office building with 150 employees and an on‑site property manager.

Appointment: Owner must appoint a Fire Safety Director for the building (per § 404.6.4). The owner documents that appointment and the FSD reports to the owner/operator and coordinates with the AHJ.
Training schedule:
- All employees receive training as part of new‑hire orientation (onboarding).
- All employees receive annual refresher training thereafter: 150 employees × 1 annual session = 1 annual training event covering evacuation routes, alarm recognition, assembly areas, and basic fire prevention (per § 406.2; § 406.3).
- The FSD and designated emergency personnel receive additional instruction (equipment, communications, people‑movement, FSD duties). The FSD prepares a curriculum and submits it to the AHJ for approval (per § 404.6.5.1).
Drills/evacuation: The building must conduct at least one actual evacuation or relocation annually for all employees and must notify the AHJ at least 48 hours before the planned event. Record the date, floors involved, and who conducted the drill. § 404.6.5.3.
Records: The FSD keeps training records (dates, topics, attendance) and evacuation logs and makes them available on AHJ request (per § 406.2 and § 404.6.4.3).

Result: Owner has one designated FSD, 1 annual employee training program (plus onboarding), 1 annual evacuation drill with AHJ notice, and a maintained training/evacuation file for inspection.

Related provisions (quick links)

§ 404.6.4 — Emergency Director / Fire Safety Director duties (appointment, coordination, training responsibility, emergency plan elements).
§ 404.6.5 — Training frequency and specifics for hotels, high‑rises and Group I occupancies; FSD curriculum and evacuation/relocation drills.
§ 406.1 – § 406.3 — Employee training program, frequency, and topic breakdown (fire prevention, evacuation, extinguisher use, lockdown).
§ 405.6–405.10 — Recordkeeping and drill initiation/recall rules for evacuation drills (see drill record requirements and recall/reentry signals).
Other occupancy‑specific staff training & drill requirements (schools, ambulatory care, organized camps, Group I, etc.) — see the applicable Sections of Chapter 4 (e.g., § 403.7, § 403.9, § 403.12).

Code references

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

CFC § 405.10 High relevance — show source text
405.10 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be manually operated and under the control of the person in charge of the premises or the official in charge of the incident. Persons shall not reenter the premises until authorized to do so by the official in charge.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(2) and (3)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)

(c) Organized Camps.

(2) Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made familiar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.

(3) At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7 day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night-time sleeping hours.

SECTION 406—EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES

406.1 General. Where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403, employees shall be trained in fire emergency procedures based on plans prepared in accordance with Section 404.

406.2 Frequency. Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties as part of new employee orientation and not less than annually thereafter. Records of training shall be maintained.

406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be trained in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety in accordance with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.4.

406.3.1 Fire prevention training. Employees shall be apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which they are exposed. Each employee shall be instructed in the proper procedures for preventing fires in the conduct of their assigned duties.

406.3.2 Evacuation training. Employees shall be familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals, their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, exterior assembly areas and procedures for evacuation.

406.3.3 Fire safety training. Employees assigned firefighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual firefighting equipment and the protective clothing or equipment required for its safe and proper use.

406.3.4 Emergency lockdown training. Where a facility has a lockdown plan, employees shall be trained on their assigned duties and procedures in the event of an emergency lockdown.

SECTION 407—HAZARD COMMUNICATION

407.1 General. Where operating or closing a hazardous materials storage, use or handling facility subject to permits under Section 5001.5, or where required by the fire code official, the provisions of Sections 407.2 through 407.7 shall be applicable.

407.2 Safety Data Sheets. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials shall be either readily available on the premises as a paper copy, or where approved, shall be permitted to be readily retrievable by electronic access.

407.3 Identification. Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Buildings, rooms and spaces containing hazardous materials shall be identified by hazard warning signs in accordance with Section 5003.5.
CFC § 404.6.3 High relevance — show source text
2. Provide a notice on the room key jacket advising guests with disabilities who have special emergency evacuation requirements to so notify the front desk. 3. Utilize such other means for allowing such guests with disabilities to so identify themselves as may be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

404.6.3 Stairways. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, high-rise office buildings and Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conservation camps) shall comply with this section.

404.6.3.1 Emergency procedures information printed on a floor plan shall be posted at every stairway landing, at every elevator landing and immediately inside all public entrances to the building. The information shall be representative of the floor level and be posted so that the bottom edge of such information is not located more than 4-feet above the floor, where it can be easily iden-

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tified. Emergency procedures information shall be printed with a minimum of [3] / 16 -inch nondecorative lettering providing a sharp contrast to the background.

404.6.3.1.1 Emergency procedures information shall include, but not be limited to, that described in Section 404.6.1.2.

404.6.4 Emergency Director. Owner(s) and operator(s) of hotels, motels, lodging houses, high-rise office buildings and Group I, Divi- sion 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conservation camps) shall appoint a Fire Safety Director, who shall: 1. Report to owner(s) or operator(s). 2. Coordinate fire safety activities of the facility with the authority having jurisdiction. 3. Conduct, or cause to be conducted, all training as described in Sections 404.6.5 through 404.6.5.3 for all building employees and maintain records of dates, subjects and attendance of each training session. 4. Develop and maintain a written facility emergency plan acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Upon request, the facility emergency plan shall be made physically available at the respective facility to the authority having jurisdiction. Facility emergency plans shall include, but not be limited to the following: 4.1. Fire department emergency telephone number 911. 4.2. Other emergency response telephone numbers. 4.3. Evacuation or relocation plan for the building occupants. 4.4. Duties of the Fire Safety Director and other designated emergency personnel. 4.5. Building employee responsibilities in case of emergency, including individual assignment and reporting responsibilities. 4.6. Procedures to identify and assist the nonambulatory and physically disabled. 5. Assure that the requirements of Section 404.6.4, item 4, subsection 4.6, procedures to identify and assist the nonambulatory and physically disabled are accomplished as follows: 5.1. Hotels, motels and lodging houses shall comply with subsection (b)(3); 5.2. Owner(s) or operator(s) of high-rise office buildings shall maintain a list of all permanent building tenants who _have disabilities.
CFC § 403.7 High relevance — show source text
403.7 Group I occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.

403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.

403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
1. Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
2. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
3. Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.
403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
2. Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

403.7.1.3 Resident training. Residents capable of assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the proper actions to take in the event of a fire. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2 occupancies, training shall include evacuation through an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point. The training shall include actions to take if the primary escape route is blocked. Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk.

403.7.1.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the evacuation drills required in Section 405.3, staff shall participate in drills an additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills with all occupants shall be conducted in the first year of operation.

403.7.2 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies shall comply with 403.7.2.1 through 403.7.2.5.

403.7.2.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
1. Procedures for evacuation for care recipients with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
2. A written plan for maintenance of the means of egress.
3. Procedure for a defend-in-place strategy.
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CFC § 403.9.2.2.3 High relevance — show source text
403.9.2.2.3 Emergency guide distribution. A copy of the emergency guide shall be given to each tenant prior to initial

occupancy.

403.9.2.3 Evacuation diagrams for dormitories. A diagram depicting two evacuation routes shall be posted on or immediately adjacent to every required egress door from each dormitory sleeping unit or dwelling unit. Evacuation diagrams shall be reviewed and updated as needed to maintain accuracy.

403.9.3 Group R-4 occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-4 occupancies. Group R-4 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.3.1 through 403.9.3.4.

403.9.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include procedures necessary for full evacuation of care recipients, and shall be amended or revised upon admission of care recipients with unusual needs.

403.9.3.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
2. Location of special locking arrangements.
403.9.3.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

403.9.3.3 Resident training. Residents capable of assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the proper actions to take in the event of a fire. The training shall include actions to take if the primary escape route is blocked. Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk.

403.9.3.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the evacuation drills required in Section 405.3, staff shall participate in drills an additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills with all occupants shall be conducted in the first year of operation.

403.10 Special uses. Special uses shall be in accordance with Sections 403.10.1 through 403.10.6.1.

403.10.1 Covered and open mall buildings. Covered and open mall buildings shall comply with the requirements of Sections 403.10.1.1 through 403.10.1.6.

403.10.1.1 Malls and mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for covered malls exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) in

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aggregate floor area and for open mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) in aggregate area within the perimeter line.
CFC § 403.2.1 High relevance — show source text
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

403.2.1 Seating plan. In addition to the requirements of Section 404.2, the fire safety and evacuation plans for assembly occupancies shall include a detailed seating plan, occupant load and occupant load limit. Deviations from the approved plans shall be allowed provided that the occupant load limit for the occupancy is not exceeded and the aisles and exit accessways remain unobstructed.

403.2.2 Announcements. In theaters, motion picture theaters, auditoriums and similar assembly occupancies in Group A used for noncontinuous programs, an audible announcement shall be made not more than 10 minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Exception: In motion picture theaters, the announcement is allowed to be projected on the screen in a manner approved by the fire code official.

403.2.3 Fire watch personnel. Fire watch personnel shall be provided where required by Section 403.11.1.

403.2.4 Crowd managers. Crowd managers shall be provided where required by Section 403.11.3.

403.3 Group B occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group B occupancy where the Group B occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge and for buildings having an ambulatory care facility.

403.3.1 Ambulatory care facilities. Ambulatory care facilities shall comply with the requirements of Sections 401, 403.3.1.1 through 403.3.1.2 and 404 through 406.

403.3.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. This shall include procedures for stabilizing care recipients in a defend-in-place response, staged evacuation, or full evacuation in conjunction with the entire building if part of a multitenant facility.

403.3.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
1. Locations of care recipients who are rendered incapable of self-preservation.
2. Maximum number of care recipients rendered incapable of self-preservation.
3. Area and extent of each ambulatory care facility.
4. Location of any special locking arrangements.
403.3.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by the staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly on entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

403.4 Group E occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group E occupancies and for buildings containing both a Group E occupancy and an atrium. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.4 .

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(1)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)

(a) Group E Occupancies.
CFC § 4-5 High relevance — show source text
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1. Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
2. In Group I-2, Condition 2, amendments or revisions upon admission of any care recipients with unusual needs.
403.7.2.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms and operating rooms.
2. Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.2.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

403.7.2.4 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency evacuation drills shall comply with Section 405.

403.7.2.5 Fire loss prevention in operating rooms. Fire protection features and procedures for fire loss prevention in surgical operating rooms shall comply with NFPA 99, Section 16.13.

403.7.3 Group I-3 occupancies. Group I-3 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.3.1 through 403.7.3.6.

403.7.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plans. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
1. Procedures for evacuation of detainees with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
2. Procedures for a defend-in-place strategy.
3. Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
403.7.3.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include both of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
1. Location and number of cells.
2. Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.3.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding 3 months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

403.7.3.4 Staffing. Group I-3 occupancies shall be provided with 24-hour staffing. A staff person shall be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm) horizontal distance of the access door of each resident housing area. In Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined in Chapter 2, the arrangement shall be such that the staff involved can start release of locks necessary for emergency evacuation or rescue and initiate other necessary emergency actions within 2 minutes of an alarm.
CFC § 3303.2 High relevance — show source text
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.

3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.

3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.

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The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
1. Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
2. Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
4. Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
5. Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
6. Fire apparatus access roads required by Section 3311 are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
7. Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
8. The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service automatic sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
9. Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3307.2.
10. Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Sections 3305.10.2 and 3306.6.
11. Where a fire watch is required in accordance with Section 3303.5, fire watch records required by that section are up-to-date.
3303.3.1 Violations. Failure to properly conduct, document and maintain documentation required by this section shall constitute an unlawful act in accordance with Section 113.1 and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation to the site safety director in accordance with Section 113.3. Upon the third offense, the fire code official is authorized to issue a stop work order in accordance with Section 114, and work shall not resume until satisfactory assurances of future compliance have been presented to and approved by the fire code official.

3303.4 Qualifications. Site safety directors shall acquire training specific to their roles and responsibilities. Upon request, the training and qualifications of the site safety director shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval.
CFC § 3301.2 High relevance — show source text
3301.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.

SECTION 3302—DEFINITIONS

3302.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.

SECTION 3303—ADMINISTRATIVE SAFETY CONTROLS

3303.1 Program development and maintenance. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan addresses the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of this code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall be submitted for approval.

3303.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
1. Name and contact information of site safety director.
2. Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
3. Procedures for reporting emergencies.
4. Fire department vehicle access routes.
5. Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
6. Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with Section 3305.7.
7. Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
8. Hot work permit plan.
9. Plans for control of combustible waste material.
10. Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
11. Provisions for site security and where required, for a fire watch.
12. Changes that affect this plan.
13. Other site-specific information required by the fire code official.
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.

3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.

3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.

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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION

The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
1. Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
2. Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
CFC § 403.11.3.1 High relevance — show source text
403.11.3.1 Number of crowd managers. Not fewer than two trained crowd managers, and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.

Exceptions:
1. Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers.
2. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers.
3. The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.
403.11.3.2 Training. Training for crowd managers shall be approved.

403.11.3.3 Duties. The duties of crowd managers shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility and identify and address any egress barriers.
2. Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire hazards.
3. Verify compliance with all permit conditions, including those governing pyrotechnics and other special effects.
4. Direct and assist the event attendees in evacuation during an emergency.
5. Assist emergency response personnel where requested.
6. Other duties required by the fire code official.
7. Other duties as specified in the fire safety plan.
403.12 Organized camps. Group C occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 403.12.1 through 403.12.3.

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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

403.12.1 Staff training and evacuation plan. Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equipment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.

403.12.2 Resident training. Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made famil- iar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.

403.12.3 Fire drills. At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7-day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night- time sleeping hours.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(1)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)

(c) Organized Camps. (1) Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equip- ment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.

SECTION 404—FIRE SAFETY, EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN PLANS
CFC § 403.6 Medium relevance — show source text
403.6 Group H occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies.

403.6.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.4.

403.6.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the requirements of Section 404 and Section 407.6, plans and diagrams shall be maintained in approved locations indicating the approximate plan for each area; the amount and type of HPM stored, handled and used; locations of shutoff valves for HPM supply piping; emergency telephone locations and locations of exits.

403.6.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams required by Sections 404, 403.6.1.1 and 407.6 shall be maintained up-todate and the fire code official and fire department shall be informed of major changes.

403.6.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses, identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.

403.6.1.4 Emergency drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response team shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than once every three months. Records of drills conducted shall be maintained.

403.7 Group I occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.

403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.

403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
1. Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
2. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
3. Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.
403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
2. Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
CFC § 403.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
403.3.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. This shall include procedures for stabilizing care recipients in a defend-in-place response, staged evacuation, or full evacuation in conjunction with the entire building if part of a multitenant facility.

403.3.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
1. Locations of care recipients who are rendered incapable of self-preservation.
2. Maximum number of care recipients rendered incapable of self-preservation.
3. Area and extent of each ambulatory care facility.
4. Location of any special locking arrangements.
403.3.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by the staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly on entrance to duty.

Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.

403.4 Group E occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group E occupancies and for buildings containing both a Group E occupancy and an atrium. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.4 .

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(1)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)

(a) Group E Occupancies.

(1) General. Every person and public officer managing, controlling or in charge of any public, private or parochial school shall cause the fire alarm signal to be sounded upon the discovery of fire. Every person and public officer managing, controlling or in charge of any public, private or parochial school, other than a two-year community college, shall cause the fire alarm signal to be sounded not less than once every calendar month at the elementary and intermediate levels, and not less than twice yearly at the secondary level, in the manner prescribed in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Section 907.

A fire drill shall be held at the secondary level not less than twice every school year.

403.4.1 Group E Occupancies. Every person and public officer managing, controlling or in charge of any public, private or parochial school, other than a two-year community college, shall cause the fire alarm signal to be sounded not less than once every calendar month at the elementary and intermediate levels, and not less than twice yearly at the secondary level in the manner prescribed in Section 907. A fire drill shall be held at the secondary level not less than twice every school year.

403.4.1.1 Emergency Pre-Fire Planning. Each school principal, district superintendent or day nursery manager shall, in cooperation _with the enforcing agency, prepare procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency.
CFC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill termination points and frequency.
2. In Groups R-2.1, I-2, I-3 and R-4, where staff-only emergency evacuation drills are conducted after visiting hours or where care recipients are expected to be asleep, a coded announcement shall be an acceptable alternative to audible alarms.
405.6 Recordkeeping. Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:
1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.
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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
1. Date and time of the drill.
2. Notification method used.
3. Employees on duty and participating.
4. Number of occupants evacuated.
5. Special conditions simulated.
6. Problems encountered.
7. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.
8. Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.
405.7 Notification. Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be given to the fire code official.

405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system.

405.9 Accountability. As building occupants arrive at the assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine if all occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been accounted for.

Exception: In Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, the movement of care recipients to safe areas or to the exterior of the building is not required.

405.10 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be manually operated and under the control of the person in charge of the premises or the official in charge of the incident. Persons shall not reenter the premises until authorized to do so by the official in charge.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(2) and (3)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)

(c) Organized Camps.

(2) Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made familiar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.

(3) At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7 day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night-time sleeping hours.

SECTION 406—EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES

406.1 General. Where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403, employees shall be trained in fire emergency procedures based on plans prepared in accordance with Section 404.

406.2 Frequency. Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties as part of new employee orientation and not less than annually thereafter. Records of training shall be maintained.

406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be trained in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety in accordance with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.4.
CFC § 406.3.1 High relevance — show source text
406.3.1 Fire prevention training. Employees shall be apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which they are exposed. Each employee shall be instructed in the proper procedures for preventing fires in the conduct of their assigned duties.

406.3.2 Evacuation training. Employees shall be familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals, their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, exterior assembly areas and procedures for evacuation.

406.3.3 Fire safety training. Employees assigned firefighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual firefighting equipment and the protective clothing or equipment required for its safe and proper use.

406.3.4 Emergency lockdown training. Where a facility has a lockdown plan, employees shall be trained on their assigned duties and procedures in the event of an emergency lockdown.

SECTION 407—HAZARD COMMUNICATION

407.1 General. Where operating or closing a hazardous materials storage, use or handling facility subject to permits under Section 5001.5, or where required by the fire code official, the provisions of Sections 407.2 through 407.7 shall be applicable.

407.2 Safety Data Sheets. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials shall be either readily available on the premises as a paper copy, or where approved, shall be permitted to be readily retrievable by electronic access.

407.3 Identification. Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Buildings, rooms and spaces containing hazardous materials shall be identified by hazard warning signs in accordance with Section 5003.5.

407.4 Training. Persons responsible for the operation of areas in which hazardous materials are stored, dispensed, handled or used shall be familiar with the chemical nature of the materials and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in the event of a fire, leak or spill. Responsible persons shall be designated and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid

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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

the fire department in preplanning emergency responses and identification of where hazardous materials are located, and shall have access to Safety Data Sheets and be knowledgeable in the site emergency response procedures.

407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) in accordance with Section 5001.5.2.

407.6 Hazardous Materials Management Plan. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) in accordance with Section 5001.5.1. The fire code official is authorized to accept a similar plan required by other regulations.

407.7 Facility closure plans. The permit holder or applicant shall submit to the fire code official a facility closure plan in accordance with Section 5001.6.3 to terminate storage, dispensing, handling or use of hazardous materials.

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 5 – FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
CFC § 404.6.4 High relevance — show source text
Upon request, the_ facility emergency plan shall be made physically available at the respective facility to the authority having jurisdiction. Facility emergency plans shall include, but not be limited to the following: 4.1. Fire department emergency telephone number 911. 4.2. Other emergency response telephone numbers. 4.3. Evacuation or relocation plan for the building occupants. 4.4. Duties of the Fire Safety Director and other designated emergency personnel. 4.5. Building employee responsibilities in case of emergency, including individual assignment and reporting responsibilities. 4.6. Procedures to identify and assist the nonambulatory and physically disabled. 5. Assure that the requirements of Section 404.6.4, item 4, subsection 4.6, procedures to identify and assist the nonambulatory and physically disabled are accomplished as follows: 5.1. Hotels, motels and lodging houses shall comply with subsection (b)(3); 5.2. Owner(s) or operator(s) of high-rise office buildings shall maintain a list of all permanent building tenants who have disabilities. Building owner(s) or operator(s) shall be notified in writing by those who have disabilities. Infor- mation provided in the list shall include any special emergency evacuation needs and permanent work location of such physically disabled persons. The list shall be located in the building manager’s office; 5.3. Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conserva- tion camps) shall comply with normal hospital policies of assisting patients and guests during an emergency evacuation.

404.6.5 Training. Hotels, motels, lodging houses and high-rise office buildings shall conduct annually, emergency procedures train- ing for all building employees. Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conservation camps) shall conduct quarterly fire emergency training for all building employees.

404.6.5.1 Fire Safety Directors and their designated emergency personnel shall receive training in the identification and use of facility fire safety equipment, communication procedures, people movement procedures, fire prevention practices and their duties outlined in their respective emergency plan. The training curriculum shall be approved by, and made available to the authority having jurisdiction.

404.6.5.2 All building employees shall receive training covering the identification and use of facility fire safety equipment, fire prevention practices and appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fire.

404.6.5.3 Actual evacuation or relocation of building occupants pursuant to procedures contained in the emergency plan shall be conducted at least annually for all building employees. Appropriate records, including dates, floors or building involved, and persons conducting evacuation or relocation procedures shall be maintained and made immediately available to the authority having jurisdiction upon their request. The authority having jurisdiction shall be notified not less than 48 hours in advance of such planned evacuation or relocation.
CFC § 3302.1.1 High relevance — show source text
3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:
1. Name and contact information of site safety director.
2. Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
3. Procedures for reporting emergencies.
4. Fire department vehicle access routes.
5. Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
6. Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.
7. Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
8. Hot-work permit plan.
9. Plans for control of combustible waste material.
10. Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
11. Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
12. Changes that affect this plan.
13. Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

3302.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.

3302.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for the completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available for on-site inspection and review.
1. Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
2. Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
4. Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
5. Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
6. Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
7. Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
8. The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
9. Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3311.
10. Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 3309 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
11. Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.

Frequently asked questions

Who must be the Fire Safety Director and does the code require specific qualifications?

The code requires owners/operators to appoint a Fire Safety Director for the listed occupancies (hotels, motels, lodging houses, high‑rise office buildings, Group I Div. 1 & 2). The code requires the FSD perform the listed duties and training; specific training/qualifications are not numerically prescribed in the text but the FSD’s training curriculum must be approved by the AHJ. § 404.6.4; § 404.6.5.1.

How often must employees do an actual evacuation/relocation?

At least once annually for all building employees; the AHJ must be notified not less than 48 hours before a planned evacuation/relocation. § 404.6.5.3.

Are training records required and what must they show?

Yes. Records of training must be maintained and show dates, subjects and attendance for trainings; evacuation/relocation records must include dates, floors/buildings involved and the person(s) conducting the drill. § 406.2; § 404.6.5.3.

If my building is a hospital or other Group I, is annual training enough?

No — Group I, Division 1 & 2 occupancies require quarterly fire emergency training for building employees (not just annual). § 404.6.5.

Does the AHJ have to approve the facility emergency plan and training curriculum?

Yes — the FSD must develop and maintain a written facility emergency plan acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, and the FSD training curriculum must be approved by the AHJ. § 404.6.4; § 404.6.5.1.

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Related in the CFC

What are the evacuation drill frequency, initiation and recordkeeping requirements?

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Drills, training and hazard communication (Chapter 4)

California Fire Code