[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of
Abington 4-8-1971 by Ord. No. 1305. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
[Amended 10-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1684]
There is hereby adopted by the Township of Abington, for the purpose
of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property
from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the "BOCA National Fire
Prevention Code/1990," Eighth Edition, and the whole thereof, including all
appendices, as published by the Building Officials and Code Administrators
International, Inc., save such portions that are hereafter deleted, modified
or amended, of which code not fewer than one copy has been and now is filed
in the office of the Secretary of the Township of Abington at 1176 Old York
Road, Abington, Pennsylvania, and the same is hereby adopted and incorporated
as fully as if set out at length herein, and the provisions thereof shall
be controlling within the limits of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County,
Pennsylvania.
[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346]
A.
ALARM SERVICE
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
ANIMAL KENNEL
APARTMENT
APARTMENT HOUSE
APPROVED RATING BUREAU
APPROVED SPRINKLER SYSTEM
AUTO BODY SHOP
AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTORS
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
BASEMENT
BUILDING
BUILDING, DETACHED
BUILDING OFFICIAL
CELLAR
CENTRAL STATION SUPERVISORY SYSTEM
CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION
CLOUD CHAMBER SMOKE DETECTOR
CLUBS, LODGES, FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
CODE OFFICIAL
COMMAND STATION
COMMERCIAL
COMMISSIONERS
COMMUNITY CENTER
COMPARTMENTATION
CORPORATION COUNSEL
CRAWL SPACE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DWELLING
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED
DWELLING UNIT
EDUCATIONAL
FAMILY
FAMILY LIVING UNIT
FIRE OFFICIAL
FIRE RESISTIVE BUILDING
FLAME DETECTOR
GARDEN APARTMENT
HEAT DETECTOR
HIGH-HAZARD OCCUPANCY
HIGH-RISE STRUCTURE
HOSPITAL
HOTEL OR MOTEL
HOUSEHOLD
INDUSTRIAL
INN
INSTITUTIONAL
IONIZATION DETECTOR
MERCANTILE
MODIFIED FIRE-RESISTIVE BUILDING
MODULAR OR PREFABRICATED HOME
MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE
MUNICIPALITY
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDING
OFFICE
PHOTOELECTRIC BEAM-TYPE DETECTOR
PHOTOELECTRIC SPOT-TYPE DETECTOR
PRODUCTS-OF-COMBUSTION DETECTORS
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
RESIDENTIAL
RESISTANCE BRIDGE SMOKE DETECTOR
SAMPLING SMOKE DETECTOR
SEPARATE SLEEPING AREAS
SINGLE AND SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
SINGLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE
SMOKE DETECTOR
STORAGE FACILITIES
SUBSTANTIALLY ALTERED
TOURIST OR BOARDING HOME
TREATED LUMBER
TOWNSHIP
VEHICLE PARKING OR STORAGE
VEHICLE SERVICES
Whenever the following words are used in this chapter
and in the Fire Prevention Code or any part thereof, they shall have the respective
meanings as follows:
The service required following the manual operation of a fire alarm
box, the transmission of an alarm indicating the operation of protective systems,
including heat, smoke, water flow, or the transmission of an alarm from other
protective systems.
[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
Any building under the supervision of a veterinarian, used for the
medical or surgical treatment, housing or boarding of small domestic animals
such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds or fowl.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Any building or buildings used for the housing, boarding, grooming
or manicuring of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds
or fowl.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling. This classification includes
apartments in apartment houses, apartment hotels, bachelor apartments, studio
apartments and kitchenette apartments.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied by three
or more families living independently of each other.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A fire insurance rating and/or inspection bureau, department, organization
or agency, including inter alia, American Insurance Association, Factory Mutual
Fire Insurance Companies, Industrial Risk Insurers, Improved Risk Mutuals,
Insurance Service Office or any other such organization duly approved by resolution
of the Board of Commissioners.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
An improved sprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an
integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance
with fire protection engineering standards, including water supply systematic
pattern of piping valves and actuating devices as prescribed by the National
Fire Protection Association or any other recognized engineering association
that is accepted by an approved fire insurance rating bureau, department or
organization.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Any structure or any building or part thereof that is used for the
repair, spraying or painting of vehicle bodies, chassis, wheels, fenders,
bumpers and/or accessories of automobiles and other vehicles or conveyances.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
An individual device or devices designed to detect flame, heat, smoke
or other combustion gases resulting from a fire and to automatically operate
electrical signaling contacts. The signaling contacts may be integral parts
of an individual device or parts of a separate device to which the detecting
element is connected as an extended component.
[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
Any area of land, including any structures thereon, or any building
or part thereof that is used for the retail sale of gasoline, diesel or other
fuel, kerosene, oil or accessories for motor vehicles and which may include
facilities used for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning or otherwise
cleaning or servicing such vehicles, including self service or full serve
filling stations, but not including the storage of motor vehicles.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A story partly underground but having at least 1/2 of its height
above the mean level of the adjoining ground. A basement shall be counted
as a story for the purpose of height measurement if the vertical distance
between the ceiling of the basement and the mean level of the adjoining ground
is more than five feet or is used for business or dwelling purposes other
than a game or recreation room.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended
for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels, and
including integral covered porches or bay windows and chimneys.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A structure surrounded by open space on the same lot as the main
building.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Building Inspector or the Building Inspector's Assistants of
the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
A story, 1/2 or more of which is below grade.
A system or group of systems, the operations of which are signaled
to, recorded in, maintained and supervised from an approved central station
in which there are competent and experienced observers and operators in attendance
at all times whose duty it shall be, upon receipt of a signal, to take such
action as shall be required under the rules established for their guidance.
Such systems shall be controlled and operated by a person, firm or corporation
whose principal business is the furnishing and maintaining of supervised protective
signaling service and who has no professional or business interest in the
protected properties.
[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
Fire Marshal of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
A form of sampling detector in which the air pump draws a sample
of air into a high-humidity chamber within the detector. After the air is
in the humidity chamber, the pressure is lowered slightly. If smoke particles
are present, the moisture in the air condenses on them, forming a cloud in
the chamber. The density of this cloud is then measured by the photoelectric
principle. When the density is greater than a predetermined level, the detector
responds to the smoke.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
Any establishment operated for social, recreational or educational
purposes but open only to members and not to the general public.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
The Fire Marshal of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County,
Pennsylvania.
[Added 10-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1684]
A cutoff fire-resistive room located on the ground floor, containing
all the equipment necessary during emergencies to control elevators, communication
systems, alarms, detectors and other necessary equipment for complete control
of fire fighting and evacuation.
All structures for wholesale or retail, including, inter alia, department
stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, shopping malls, marts, all builders
supply stores, home improvement centers; furniture, clothing and appliance
stores, all off-premises storage and warehouse structures used in whole or
in part for commercial storage; restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens, donut
shops, cafeterias, ice-cream parlors, banquet or private catering, fast-food
restaurants, pizza parlors, steak and hoagie houses, pharmacies and sporting
goods; specialty stores, including inter alia, shoe or leather repair, beauty
or nail salons, laundry or dry cleaners, jewelry or watch repair.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Commissioners of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
A meeting place used by members of a community for social, cultural,
educational or recreational purposes.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
An area of refuge within a building for the building's occupants.
[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
Solicitor of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
That part of a building that is below grade but is less than six
feet in height.
Department of Public Safety of the Township of Abington, Montgomery
County, Pennsylvania.
A building or structure designed for living quarters for one or more
families, including modular or prefabricated homes which are supported by
a foundation or are otherwise permanently attached to the land, but not including
hotels, rooming houses or other accommodations used for transient occupancy.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building used by three or more families living independently of
each other and doing their own cooking, including apartment houses, row houses
and townhouses.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building used by one family having only one dwelling unit and having
two side yards.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building used by one family having one side yard, and one parapetted
masonry party well in common with another building (twin).
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building used by two families, with one dwelling unit arranged
over the other and having two side yards.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building used by two families, with one dwelling unit arranged
over the other, having one side yard and one parapetted masonry party well
in common with another building.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
One or more rooms used for living and sleeping purposes and having
a kitchen with fixed cooking facilities arranged for occupancy by one family.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
All schools, including, inter alia, private, public, parochial, religious,
organizational, vocational, technical, business, military, trade school, pre-school,
kindergarten, grade school, junior high school, senior high school, preparatory
schools, colleges, universities and all structures within the complex.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, or not
more than two unrelated persons living and cooking together as a single housekeeping
unit.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
That structure, area or room or a combination of rooms in which a
family or individual lives. This is meant to cover living area only and not
common usage areas in multifamily buildings, such as corridors, lobbies, basements,
etc.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
Fire Marshal of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
A structure with structural designs employing reinforced concrete
or conventional protected steel beam, girder and columns construction or only
such materials and designs as would warrant not less than a four-hour fire-resistant
rating for main load-bearing walls, columns and girders and their supporting
members. The standard three-hour fire-resistant rating is given to floors
constructed of reinforced concrete or its equivalent at least four inches
thick for load-bearing floors and three inches in thickness for roof when
supporting none other than its own load.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A device which detects the infrared or ultraviolet or visible radiation
produced by fire.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
A two-story multifamily dwelling containing one story dwelling units
under one ownership.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A device which detects abnormally a high temperature or rate-of-temperature
rise.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
A building or structure occupied for the storage, manufacture, laundry
and dry-cleaning process or sales of highly combustible or explosive products
or materials which are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or which may produce
or emit poisonous toxic or noxious alkalies, acid or other liquids or chemicals
involving flame, fume, explosive, poisonous, irritant or corrosive cases;
and the storage, process, manufacture or sales of any products or materials
involving explosive mixtures of dust or which result in the division of particulate
matter into fine particles subject to a dust explosion or spontaneous ignition.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
All structures or buildings in excess of six stories or 65 feet in
height above mean grade level.
[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
An institution providing health services, primarily for in-patients,
and medical or surgical care of the sick or injured, including, as an integral
part of the institution, such related facilities as laboratories out-patient
departments, training facilities, central service facilities and staff offices.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building containing 10 or more guest rooms or a group of such buildings
specifically designed for the temporary lodging of transient guests, provided
that no room shall have cooking facilities of any kind. Such establishment
shall make available to the occupants customary hotel services such as room
service for food and beverages, maid service and the furnishing and laundering
of linen.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
The family living unit in single-family detached dwellings, single-family
attached dwellings, multifamily buildings and mobile homes.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
All structures used for the manufacture and/or assembly of wood,
metal, electronic, animal, natural, plastic, glass and synthetic products,
processing or food products, all off-premises storage and warehousing of industrial
raw supplies and finished products, paper products, printing, book binding,
photo engraving and publishing.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building containing fewer than 10 but more than four guest rooms
specifically designed for the temporary lodging of transient guests, provided
that no room shall have cooking facilities of any kind. Such establishment
shall make available to the occupants customary hotel services, such as room
service for food and beverages, maid service and the furnishing and laundering
of linen.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building or a group of buildings within an envelope with sleeping
rooms where persons are housed or lodged and furnished with meals and nursing
care dormitories and which is approved for nonprofit agencies licensed for
profit making operations by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare,
including, inter alia, all homes for the aged and/or retired; retirement homes,
apartments, townhouses, condominiums, rooms and boarding for the aged and/or
retired; hospitals, therapeutic and prophylactic sanitariums; trauma centers
and penal institutions; group home care for the mentally or physically handicapped;
children's day nurseries and child-care centers; schools, animal hospitals
and kennels.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A device with a small amount of radioactive material which ionizes
the air in the sensing chamber, thus rendering it conductive and permitting
a current to flow through the air between two electrodes. This gives the sensing
chamber an effective electrical conductance. When smoke particles enter the
ionization area, they decrease the conductance of the air by attaching themselves
to the ions, causing a reduction in mobility. When the conductance is less
than a predetermined level, the detector circuit responds.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
Malls, retail and department stores and commercial stores affiliated
with retail.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A structure employing the same structural materials as fire-resistive
building, but with supports consisting of structural forms and/or light steel
members commonly referred to as "light steel," "metal lumber," and "bar joists,"
regardless of the fire-resistant ratings. Prestressed concrete shall also
be considered as modified fire relative construction. Modified fire-resistive
construction shall be in general based on materials and designs having not
less than a three-hour fire-resistive rating.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A detached single-family dwelling designed and constructed at another
location and shipped complete, except for minor incidental unpacking and assembly
at a permanent location and set on a permanent foundation. The utilities connection
shall be in compliance with the Building Code of the Township of Abington.[1]
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Single-station devices, two or more of which may be interconnected
so that actuation of one device causes all integral or separate audible alarms
to operate. It may also consist of one single-station device having connections
for other detectors or manual stations.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
The Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
A structure having masonry walls and with floors and roof of noncombustible
construction. Metal walls with steel columns, beams, girders and roof may
be considered as a noncombustible or prefabricated structure.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building designed or used primarily for the affairs of a business,
including, inter alia, professional and engineering offices; realtors, financial,
investment and personal services offices; mental, physical medicine and trauma
treatment offices; municipal utilities, consultations, referral or testing
offices, post offices and banks. No part of the building shall be used for
manufacturing or processing or for a dwelling other than for a watchman or
custodian.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A device that consists of a light source which is projected across
the area to be protected into a photosensing cell. Smoke between the light
source and the receiving photosensing cell reduces the light reaching the
cell, causing actuation.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
A device that contains a chamber with either overlapping or porous
covers which prevent the entrance of outside sources of light but which allow
the entry of smoke. The unit contains a light source and a special photosensitive
cell in the darkened chamber. The cell is either placed in the darkened area
of the chamber at an angle different from the light path or has the light
blocked from it by a light stop or shield placed between the light source
and the cell. With the admission of the smoke particles, light strikes the
particles and is scattered and reflected into the photosensitive cell. This
causes the photosensing circuit to respond to the presence of smoke particles
in the smoke chamber.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
A detecting combination designed to detect one or more products of
combustion. These products may consist of gases, ions, water vapor, invisible
as well as visible smoke particles.
[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
All buildings or areas within a building used as churches, temples,
synagogues, chapels or other places of worship, including affiliated offices,
funeral homes, ceremonies and socials; theaters, auditoriums, cinemas, operas,
musicals, live performances, symphony orchestras and bands; fraternal, religious,
political, patriotic, civic, cultural or private clubs, lodges or organizations;
arenas, rinks, amusement centers, bowling alleys and courts; libraries, police
and fire stations; post offices, telephone and telegraph offices, rail and
bus terminals; YMCA community centers, radio or television studios, art and
dance studios or stations with an audience accommodation.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A place where one or more persons live, including, inter alia, all
multifamily dwelling units and single-family attached dwelling units; bachelor,
garden, kitchenette and studio apartments, hotels, motels, inns, tourist or
boarding houses; rectory convent, townhouses and row homes.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A device that responds to an increase of smoke particles and moisture,
present in products of combustion, which fall on an electrical bridge grid.
As these conductive substances fall on the grid, they reduce the resistance
of the grid and cause the detector to respond.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
A device that consists of tubing distributed from the detector unit
to the area(s) to be protected. An air pump draws air from the protected area
back to the detector through the air-sampling ports and piping. At the detector,
the air is analyzed for smoke particles.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
The area or areas of the family living unit in which the bedrooms
or sleeping rooms are located. Bedrooms or sleeping rooms separated by other
use areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms, shall be considered
as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of this chapter.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
The ownership of a lot or contiguous lots by one or more persons,
partnerships or corporations which ownership is separate and distinct from
that of any abutting or adjoining it.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
An assembly incorporating the detector, control equipment and the
alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in
the unit or obtained at the point of installation.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
A device which detects the visible and invisible particles of combustion.
[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]
Furniture and household goods, lockers, vehicle and equipment lockers.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Any substantial structural alteration in/or addition to the supporting
or structural members of a building or structure, such as bearing columns,
bearing beams or bearing girders, provided that a substantial alteration shall
not include, inter alia, repairs to roof, walls or interior painting or redecorating,
elimination, relocation or construction of nonbearing partitions within an
existing structure, repairs to air conditioning, repairs or replacement of
heating system(s), modernization of existing kitchens or bathrooms, relocation
or replacement of utility lines, including gas, water, sewer or electricity.
[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A building where, for compensation, lodging is provided for at least
four guests but not more than 10 guests on a temporary basis.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Roofs of structures having masonry walls may be accorded special
treatment when the fire-retardent roof deck is at least two inches thickness,
and the beam thickness is at least four inches in thickness, identified by
the Underwriter's Laboratories as having a flame spread classification
of not exceeding 25 inches and showing no evidence of significant progressive
production when subjected to at least 30 minutes test duration. The installation
must be verified by the contractor.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
The Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
All vehicle parking or storage structures, including, inter alia,
all above or below grade private or public vehicle parking or storage structures
or buildings; all open deck private or public vehicle parking or storage structures.
To be considered as an open deck vehicle parking or storage structure 51%
or more of all outside walls must be open between floor and ceiling. If the
roof of an open deck parking, storage or housing structure is used for parking,
it shall be considered a story.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Any area of land, including any structures there on or any building
or part thereof that is used for the retail sale of gasoline, diesel or other
fuel, kerosene oil or accessories for motor vehicles and which may include
facilities used for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning or servicing
such vehicles; self service or full server filling stations; any structure
or part thereof used for the repair, spraying and/or painting of vehicle bodies,
chassis, wheels, fenders, bumpers and/or accessories of automobiles construction,
commercial or pleasure vehicles.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
B.
Words used in the present time include the future tense.
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
C.
The term "shall" is always mandatory. The term "person"
includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an incorporated association
or any other similar entity. The term "used" or "occupied" as applied to any
land or structure shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged
or designed to be used or occupied."
[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A.
The Fire Marshal shall enforce the Fire Prevention Code.
B.
A report of the Fire Marshal shall be made annually and
transmitted to the Secretary of the township. It shall contain all proceedings
under this code, with such statistics as the Fire Marshal may wish to include
therein. The Fire Marshal may also recommend any amendments to the code which
in the Fire Marshal's judgment shall be desirable.
The Fire Prevention Code is amended and changed in the following respects:
A.
F-500.1 shall read as follows:
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F-500.1. Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained from
the Fire Official for bowling lane resurfacing operations involving the use
and application of flammable liquids and materials.
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B.
F-521.0 shall read as follows:
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F-521.0. Lane Resurfacing Operations. Resurfacing operations
shall not be carried on while the establishment is open for business. The
Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be notified 48 hours in advance when alleys
are to be resurfaced. Proper ventilation shall be provided. Heating, ventilating
or cooling systems employing recirculation of air shall not be operated during
resurfacing operations or within one hour following the application of flammable
finishes. All electric motors or other equipment in the area which might be
a source of ignition shall be shut down and all smoking and use of open flames
prohibited during the application of flammable finishes and for one hour thereafter.
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C.
F-1000.1 shall read as follows:
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F-1000.1. Permit Required. No person shall engage in the
business of dry cleaning without a permit, which shall prescribe the class
of system to be used. The use of a Class I or Class II system shall be prohibited.
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D.
There shall be added to Article 12, following F-1210.0,
the following:
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F-1210.1. The Fire Official shall have the power to restrict
and regulate the parking of motor vehicles on all parking lots adjacent to
commercial buildings or buildings open to the public, for the purpose of providing
proper egress by occupants in case of fire and access of fire equipment.
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E.
F-1303.2 shall read as follows:
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F-1303.2. The storage of explosives and blasting agents
is prohibited except for temporary storage for use in connection with approved
blasting operations; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply
to wholesale and retail stocks of small arms ammunition, explosive bolts,
explosive rivets or cartridges for explosive-actuated power tools in quantities
involving less than 500 pounds of explosive material.
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F.
Fireworks. F-2700 shall read as follows:
[Amended 6-11-1991 by Ord. No. 1695]
|
F-2700.1. Prohibited Activities. The manufacture, storage,
offering for sale, selling at retail, using or exploding of fireworks is prohibited
within the township, except as provided in Chapter 27 of the BOCA National
Fire Prevention Code/1990, with the further provision that Section F-2701.3,
Exceptions, of said BOCA Code, which permits wholesale, dealer and jobber
sales of fireworks is deleted in its entirety.
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F-2701.1.1. General Requirements for Outdoor Public Display.
|
(1)
The outdoor public display of fireworks shall be permitted
only in compliance with the standards set forth in the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Standard 1123, as amended, and only upon application for
and obtaining of a permit from the township.
(2)
The Code Official shall determine the necessary services
required to be provided by the township, including but not limited to police,
fire, ambulance and public works, and the cost of such services shall be paid
by the applicant for the permit.
(3)
Upon application for a permit, an escrow fee in an amount determined
by the Code Official to be adequate for the payment of all expenses which
may be incurred by the township in the providing of services shall be provided.
[Amended 10-8-1992 by Ord. No. 1719]
G.
F-1500.12. Approved automatic sprinkler equipment required
throughout certain buildings.
[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346; 3-11-1976
by Ord. No. 1420; 3-9-1978 by Ord.
No. 1461; 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657; 7-9-1992
by Ord. No. 1714]
(1)
General requirements.
(a)
Approved automatic sprinkler equipment shall be installed
and maintained throughout buildings and structures as the type set forth below
as hereafter erected, substantially altered or where the use changes to a
more intensive and/or a more hazardous use as determined by the township.
(b)
Exceptions.
[1]
Automatic sprinklers shall not be required to be installed
in structures or buildings of an educational type in accordance with the following:
[a]
The structure shall have a fire separation distance of
no less than 30 feet from any other structure or lot line. The structure shall
be limited in area within surrounding exterior walls to 950 square feet.
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Exception: Individual classrooms limited to 950 square
feet, with a fire separation wall having a minimum fire resistance rating
of two hours, as defined in the Building Code. The total area limit of structures
so erected shall be 3,800 square feet.
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[b]
Each room shall have a minimum of two means of egress
placed a distance apart equal to not less than 1/2 of the length of the overall
diagonal dimension of the area.
[c]
Each room shall have a maximum occupant load of one occupancy
per each 30 square feet net in space. The occupant load shall be so posted
near both doors in a conspicuous location. Occupancy is restricted to persons
seven years of age or older.
[d]
The structure shall be equipped with a fire alarm system
connected to central station service as approved by the Code Official.
[e]
The structure shall not be used for any laboratories,
workshops, cooking, the storage or use of any flammable or combustible liquids,
general storage or similar occupancies.
[f]
The structure shall have a Class I interior wall and
ceiling finish as defined in the Building Code.
(2)
Another approved type of fire protection may be submitted
in a safety deposit or other vault, provided that it meets the approval of
an approved rating bureau and the Fire Marshal.
(3)
Sprinkler protection shall be prohibited in any location,
room, building or structure where the discharge of water will increase the
hazard to life and property. Such location, room, building or structure which
is used for the manufacturing, mixing, processing or storage of highly flammable,
explosive or toxic ducts, powders, chemicals or solids shall be protected
by another approved type of protection as acceptable by an approved rating
bureau and the Fire Marshal.
I.
F-1500.14 shall read as follows:
[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346; 5-11-1989
by Ord. No. 1657]
|
F-1500.14 Approved Sprinkler Plans.
|
(1)
Prior to the installation, revision, addition or alteration
of any sprinkler system and/or other fire protection equipment in any building
or structure, detailed plans shall be first submitted to an approved rating
bureau or agency for approval. Copies of the approved plans must be submitted
and approved by the Fire Marshal. No occupancy shall be established until
the installation, revision, addition or alteration is complete and approved
by the Fire Marshal.
(2)
The automatic sprinkler system shall be connected to
a water supply with sufficient capacity and pressure to sustain the sprinklers
and Fire Department as determined by an approved rating bureau or agency.
Irrespective of the flow determined, the minimum capacity of not less than
750 gallons of water per minute with a minimum residual pressure of 15 pounds
per square inch at the top or end line of sprinklers shall be provided. Any
sprinkler system pipe schedule or hydraulic calculation density change, if
necessary, shall be completed prior to the establishment of a new occupancy
within the sprinklered building or structure.
(4)
Supervised alarm system. In all buildings or structures
where approved central station supervised fire, heat and/or smoke detector
alarm systems are installed such systems shall comply with the latest National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pamphlets Nos. 71, 72-B, 72-D and 74, and
any amendments thereto. A permit must be obtained prior to the installation
of any supervised fire, heat and/or smoke detector alarm system. Upon completion,
the supervised fire, heat and/or smoke detector alarm system must be inspected
for compliance by the Fire Marshal or his (her) representative.
J.
F-1500.15 shall read as follows:
[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346; 10-12-1978
by Ord. No. 1474]
|
F-1500.15. Smoke Detectors.
|
(1)
A basic approved, listed and labeled smoke detector shall
be installed to protect each separate sleeping area and at the head stairway
leading to an occupied area in all residential (single-family, duplex and
townhouse) dwelling units. Each detection device shall cause the operation
of an alarm which will be clearly audible in all bedrooms over the background
noise levels with all intervening doors closed. The tests of audibility level
shall be conducted with all household equipment, which may be in operation
at night, in full operation. All alarm-sounding devices shall have a minimum
rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet.
(2)
Approved, listed and labeled smoke detectors shall be
installed throughout all hallways, corridors, basements, subbasements, crawl
spaces, trash rooms, storage rooms, locker rooms, stairwells and recreation
rooms in all institutional, educational, custodial and medical occupancies
and apartments, including, inter alia, apartments, schools, colleges, dormitories,
libraries, gymnasiums, nursing and convalescent homes, homes for the aged,
including apartments for the aged, rooms and boardinghouses for the aged,
hospitals and therapeutic and prophylactic sanatoriums, and children's
nurseries, including day-care nurseries, and medical and health centers. All
smoke detectors shall be interlocked so that the alarm will be transmitted
throughout the entire premises.
(3)
A basic approved, listed and labeled smoke detector shall
be installed to protect each separate sleeping area in all apartments, dormitories,
nursing and convalescent homes, homes for the aged, including apartments for
the aged, rooms and boardinghouses for the aged and therapeutic and prophylactic
sanatoriums, medical and health centers or any other facility, not including
hospitals, where sleeping facilities are provided. Each detection device shall
cause the operation of an alarm which will be clearly audible in all bedrooms
over the with all intervening doors closed. The tests of audibility level
shall be conducted with all household equipment which may be in operation
at night in full operation. All alarm-sounding devices shall have a minimum
rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet.
(4)
Approved, listed and labeled smoke detectors shall be
installed and maintained throughout the entire premises in all places of public
assembly, including, inter alia, restaurants, bowling lanes and associated
occupancies within the same structure, shopping malls, shopping centers, including
merchandising marts, indoor places of amusement, including sports arenas or
rinks, clubs, lodges or fraternal organizations, YMCA or similar occupancies,
lumber yards and builder's supply and all other office, commercial or
industrial properties having a ground floor area in excess of 2,900 square
feet.
(5)
General requirements.
(a)
All smoke detectors, except detectors in single-family
or duplex dwellings or townhouses, shall be installed in a standard manner
with a two-source power supply. Both supplies must be sufficient to operate
the alarm(s) for at least four continuous minutes each.
(b)
Smoke detectors shall be capable of detecting gray smoke
having a minimum smoke obscuration of 4% per foot (optical density of 0.0177
per foot).
(c)
On smoke detectors requiring a light source for operation,
failure of the light source shall result in an audible trouble signal. The
failure of the light source shall not cause an alarm signal. The audible trouble
signal shall be produced at least once every one minute for seven consecutive
days.
(d)
For each smoke detector requiring a light source, at
least one spare light source bulb shall be provided with the detector and
mounted conveniently in or on the unit or associated control unit.
(e)
All electrical installations must conform to the National
Electrical Code, NFPA Pamphlet No. 70 and all local ordinances.
(f)
The location and spacing of all smoke detectors shall
conform to NFPA Pamphlet Nos. 72A, 74 and 74E.
(g)
All smoke detector installations in single-family, duplex
or townhouses shall comply with at least level four of NFPA Pamphlet No. 74.
(h)
All detectors shall be tested semiannually in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions, and a permanent record showing
all details of the test results shall be kept on the premises for at least
five years. Cleaning and maintenance of the detectors shall be performed per
the manufacturer's instructions.
(i)
The following smoke detectors shall be replaced or tested
by a recognized laboratory:
[1]
Detectors on systems restored after disuse.
[2]
Detectors that are perceptibly corroded.
[3]
Detectors that were painted in the field or cleaned of
paint.
[4]
Detectors that were subject to mechanical injury or similar
abuse.
[5]
Detectors on circuits that have been subjected to surges
by over-voltage or lightning damage.
[6]
Detectors subjected to other conditions, such as grease
or other deposits or corrosive atmospheres.
(j)
Location of Smoke Detectors.
[1]
Smoke detectors shall be so located and adjusted to operate
reliably in case of smoke at any part of the area protected. The location
of detectors shall be based upon an engineering survey of the application
of this form of protection to the area under consideration. These features
include air velocity, number of detectors to provide adequate coverage of
cross-sectional areas of the space with respect to travel, diffusion or stratification
of smoke; location of detectors with respect to exhaust, intake or circulating
blowers; air-conditioning facilities, temperature variations and the like.
Such conditions vary with different installations and should be dealt with
on the experience in the service.
[2]
Special consideration shall be given to the storage of
the contents of a protected space to provide unobstructed openings for the
travel of smoke to the smoke detector.
[3]
Where air-conditioning or ventilating equipment serves
the space to be protected by a smoke detector, particular attention shall
be given to the intake, exhaust and circulation of smoke under any condition
of operation of the equipment to ensure prompt detection.
[4]
Photoelectric light beams shall be so located or enclosed
or otherwise arranged that movement of objects within the space will cause
no signal.
[5]
Light-sensitive equipment shall be so located or shielded
that light from any other source other than that intended to be applied to
the equipment will have no effect upon the detector. The opening of any enclosure
during normal servicing shall cause no smoke alarm signal. A smoke detector
shall be so installed as to minimize the possibility of operation due to accumulation
of dust, moisture, deterioration of equipment or any other condition of system
operation not associated with fire or smoke.
[6]
The conditions of occupancy of each space protected by
a smoke detector shall be arranged to avoid operation of the detector due
to the use of fumigants or any other type of fog or mist-producing materials,
sweeping and cleaning resulting in dust circulation and the like.
[7]
The smoke detection combination shall be able to withstand
110% of the rated voltage continuously without injury during the normal supervisory
condition and shall operate successfully during the normal signaling condition
at the increased voltage and also at 85% of normal voltage.
[8]
All smoke detecting equipment shall be secured reliably
in place. The security of separate photoelectric light source and receiver
units shall ensure against the change of adjustment due to vibration, change
in alignment of supporting surfaces or the like.
[9]
Provision shall be made to afford adequate protection
of smoke detection equipment from mechanical injury.
(k)
Approved Plans.
[1]
Prior to the installation, revision, addition to or alteration
of a supervised and approved central station fire protection device, such
system must conform to the latest edition of the following National Fire Protection
Association pamphlets: No. 71 (Central Station Signaling Systems), No. 72B
(Auxiliary Signaling Systems), No. 72D (Proprietary Signaling Systems), No.
72E (Automatic Fire Detectors) and No. 74 (Household Warning Equipment) and
any amendments thereto.
[2]
When the cost of installation exceeds $100, a permit
must be obtained prior to the installation of any fire, heat and/or smoke
detector alarms in all occupancies. All fire detection devices shall be approved
for the purpose for which they were intended and shall be installed per specifications.
[3]
Upon completion of the installation, a satisfactory test
of the detector(s) shall be made in the presence of the Fire Marshal or his
representative, and the installing contractor shall furnish a written statement
to the effect that the detectors have been installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications.
(m)
Nothing in this subsection is intended to prevent the
use of new methods or device(s), provided that sufficient data is submitted
to the Fire Marshal or his representative to demonstrate that the new method
or device is equivalent in quality, effectiveness, durability and safety to
that prescribed by this subsection.
(n)
At the enactment of this subsection, all new construction,
structures substantially altered, any structures that suffered a loss of life
due to fire, any structure that suffered a property loss in excess of $1,000
from fire or any change of ownership or occupancy in any structure shall comply
with this subsection immediately. All other structures and occupancies shall
comply with this subsection within two years of the enactment of this subsection.
K.
F-1500.16 shall read as follows:
[Amended 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]
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F-1500.16 Special provisions for all high-rise multiple-occupancy,
office, dwelling, institutional, educational or storage buildings with an
elevation of more than six stories or 65 feet in height above the mean grade
level: These buildings shall conform to the requirements of this section in
addition to all other requirements of the codes of the Township of Abington.
Requirements are listed as follows:
|
(1)
Elevators. The use of capacitance or photoelectric
operation of elevator doors shall be prohibited.
(a)
Provide products-of-combustion detectors in all elevator
shafts.
(b)
Provide emergency power and lighting in all elevators.
(c)
Provide voice communication with fire command station,
which shall be interlocked with detectors in all elevators.
(d)
Provide emergency control which will return all elevators
to the fire command floor upon activation of any products-of-combustion or
other fire alarm. During emergencies, all elevators shall be under the control
of the fire command station.
(e)
All elevators shall be enclosed within smokeproof towers
of at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating. Elevators may not be located
within the same enclosures as stairs.
(2)
Stairs.
(a)
All stairs shall be enclosed in shafts or towers of at
least a two-hour fire-resistance rating.
(b)
Emergency telephones shall be installed on not less than
every fourth floor in each stair enclosure.
(c)
All stair enclosures shall be provided with an approved
intercommunication system interlocked with the fire command station.
(d)
All stair enclosures shall be smoke-proof or provided
with any other means that will prevent smoke from entering the stair enclosure.
(e)
All stair enclosures shall be provided with fire doors
approved for Class B openings. Doors shall be provided with products-of-combustion
closures as a means of positive closing and shall be interlocked with the
fire command station during emergencies. All interior stair doors shall remain
unlocked except on the street floor or where a fail-safe electric door lock
is activated by the detector.
(3)
Manual Fire Alarm Box. A manual fire alarm
box shall be located adjacent to exits into stairway enclosures and in every
elevator lobby. This alarm box shall be interlocked with the fire command
station and also with the voice communication system. The system shall be
designed in accordance with the latest issue of the National Fire Protection
Association standards according to Pamphlets Nos. 71, 72A and 72B.
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NOTE: In cases where the elevator shaft and stairs are
adjacent to each other, only one fire alarm box is sufficient.
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(4)
Voice Communication System.
(a)
There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically
supervised voice communication systems; one system shall be used as a Fire
Department communication system and one system shall be used as a public voice
communication system between the fire command station and the following areas:
(b)
When approved, the Fire Department system may be combined
with the public voice communication system.
(c)
Both the detection system and the alarm system shall
activate a voice alarm system capable of being operated from the fire command
station on both the general and the selective basis and dependent upon the
compartmentation involved. The alarm shall be designed to be heard by all
occupants within the building or the designated portions thereof, as specified
for the public voice communication system. The elevator lobby shall also be
connected to this system.
(5)
Fire Command Station. A cutoff fire-resistive
fire command station used strictly for Fire Department operations shall be
provided in a location approved by the district fire company and the Fire
Marshal. The fire command station shall be provided with the following:
(a)
All voice communication panels.
(b)
Fire alarm and detection panels.
(c)
Public and inter-building telephones.
(d)
Standby power controls.
(e)
Sprinkler valve tamper and water flow detectors.
(f)
Direct transmission to central station or Fire Department.
(g)
Status indicators and controls for elevators and air-handling
systems.
(h)
Means to control all sounding devices throughout the
building.
(i)
All panels shall have visual display lamps or systems
and a means of testing same.
(j)
Individual manual operation of each air supply and each
exhaust system unless provided in the mechanical control center and in the
room containing the affected fans.
(6)
Firesafety Directors. There shall be at
least one Firesafety Director in each building, who shall supervise at least
one qualified Fire Warden on each floor. Mandatory fire drills shall be held
monthly on various floors of the building. At least two meetings, with records,
shall be conducted each month between the Firesafety Director and the Fire
Wardens.
(7)
Standpipes and Hand Hose. All structures
in excess of six stories or 65 feet in height above mean grade and not more
than 250 feet in height shall be equipped with not less than six-inch standpipes.
Requirements for standpipes shall be as follows:
(a)
Standpipes shall be located with outlets within hose
cabinets.
(b)
Standpipes shall be protected from freezing and mechanical
and fire damage.
(c)
Standpipes shall be installed progressively with the
erection of the building.
(d)
When more than one standpipe is required in a structure,
they shall be interconnected at their bases and every 10 stories by pipes
of a size equal to that of the largest riser.
(e)
Each standpipe riser shall be equipped with O.S. &
Y. valves so as to permit each section to be taken out of service if damaged
or broken without interrupting the water supply to other sections or risers.
(f)
Standpipes shall be equipped with a two-and-one-half-inch
hose connection and a one-and-one-half-inch hose connection with valves and
threads conforming to the Township of Abington's standard, located not
more than five feet above the floor.
(g)
Standpipes located inside structures shall have not less
than 100 feet of one-and-one-half-inch diameter hose and approved spray nozzle
and couplings conforming to the requirements of the Township of Abington's
standards at each outlet and suspended in an approved rack or cabinet. All
hose shall be capable of withstanding at least 100% in excess of the pressure
on the risers with fire pumps in service.
(h)
Each standpipe shall be equipped with an approved siamese
Fire Department connection constructed of approved corrosion-resistive metal,
located in an area as prescribed by the district fire company and the Fire
Marshal and not less than 18 inches nor more than three feet above grade.
(i)
All standpipe installations and piping not covered in
this section shall conform to the latest edition of Pamphlet No. 14 according
to the National Fire Protection Association and ordinances of the Township
of Abington.
(8)
Public Water Supply. There shall be a looped
water main around the building to supply the required water hydrants and required
supply within the building. Mains shall be of the required size but in no
case less than six inches. Location of hydrants shall conform to the designation
of the district fire company and the Fire Marshal. At least one hydrant shall
be located within 100 feet of the Fire Department connection for the sprinklers
and standpipe supply. All threads for the fire protection shall be National
Standard type.
(9)
Sprinkler Protection. Sprinkler protection
shall be provided throughout the entire building and the sprinkler system
shall be equipped with the following:
(a)
Complete central station supervisory service, including
valve tamper, water flow, low air, pump operation or any other protection
required.
(b)
Shutoff valves and water flow devices shall be provided
on each floor.
(c)
The sprinkler system shall be looped between the standpipe
risers at the bottom, top and mid-height in all buildings with a maximum of
10 stories served by any loop. Check valves shall be installed at each loop
level.
(d)
A minimum of two approved fire pumps independently driven
shall be provided and sized for the sprinkler demand and for a minimum of
500 gallons per minute for Fire Department standpipe operations.
(e)
There shall be a two-source water supply for the sprinkler
system and standpipe system in the building. The primary supply must be capable
of supplying at least 1,000 gallons per minute with a twenty-pound residual
pressure. The secondary supply must be equal to a one-hour demand or 30,000
gallons on a combination sprinkler system and standpipe operation, whichever
is greater. The secondary supply shall be available automatically if the primary
supply falls.
(f)
A sprinkler system that is hydraulically designed using the parameters as set forth by Chapter 8 of National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 13 may be provided as an alternative to the standard sprinkler installation pending the approval of an approved rating bureau, district fire company and the Fire Marshal only in a building that is occupied solely for office occupancy.
(10)
Compartmentation. Compartmentation shall
be provided throughout every building to assure areas of refuge for the building
occupants. Areas shall be provided as follows:
(a)
No compartment shall exceed 10,000 square feet.
(b)
Compartmented areas shall be provided with approved detectors.
(c)
Compartment separations shall be of at least a two-hour
fire-resistance rating.
(d)
Horizontal exits into each compartment shall be of the
approved type with approved doors suitable for Class B openings.
(e)
All stairwells from compartments shall be provided with
smokeproof enclosures or any other means that will prevent the passage of
smoke from one compartment to another.
(f)
When openings in exterior walls are located vertically
above one another, compartmentation is also required between stories by either
horizontal or vertical flame barriers at the exterior walls. All flame barriers
shall extend at least 30 inches beyond the exterior wall in the plane of the
floor.
(11)
Detectors. An approved system which will
provide for automatic detection of the products of combustion other than heat
shall be installed in the following locations:
(a)
All hallways and corridors.
(b)
All high-hazard occupancy areas.
(c)
All mechanical equipment rooms.
(d)
All lobbies, stair and elevator enclosures.
(e)
All rooms in excess of 5,000 square feet.
(f)
All areas used for the manufacture, sale, process or
storage of combustible products.
(g)
All return-air portions of each air-conditioning and
mechanical ventilation system that serves floors other than the floor on which
the equipment is located.
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Sensitivity of the detectors shall be set to operate within the proper
limitations so that the greatest sensitivity is achieved without transmission
of false alarms.
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(12)
Smoke Control. Mechanical ventilation for
the removal of the products of combustion shall be provided in each story
and shall consist of the following:
(a)
An approved shaft through which smoke and heat can be
mechanically vented to the outdoors. The size of the shaft shall be uniform
throughout and of such dimensions as to provide 60 air changes per hour in
the largest compartment anywhere in the building. Openings into the shaft
shall be protected with an automatic single-piece shutter located as high
as possible in the room and designed to vent the entire compartment. Under
fire conditions, the return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the
outside without any recirculation to other sections of the building. Actuation
shall be by the detection system or the sprinkler system.
(b)
Approved panels or windows installed in the exterior
walls shall be opened from an approved location other than the fire floor.
Such venting facilities shall be provided at the rate of 20 square feet per
50 lineal feet of exterior wall in each story, whichever is greater, and distributed
around the perimeter at not more than fifty-foot intervals. Such panels shall
be identified clearly as required by the Fire Department. The use of tempered
glass in lieu of openable panels is prohibited.
(c)
Any other approved design which will produce equivalent
results.
(13)
Standby Power Generator. A permanently installed
standby power generator system conforming to Pamphlet No. 70 of the National
Fire Protection Association shall be provided. The system shall be equipped
with a suitable means for automatically starting the generator set upon failure
of the normal electrical service and for the automatic transfer and operation
of all required electrical functions at full power within 60 seconds of such
normal-service failure. System supervision, with manual start and transfer
features, shall be provided at the fire command station. An on-premises fuel
supply sufficient for not less than two hours' full-demand operation
of the system shall be provided. All power, lighting, signal and communication
facilities provided under the requirements of this section shall be transferable
to the standby power system. The power requirements shall be determined so
as to provide service to, but not limited to, the following:
L.
There shall be added to Article 17, Section F-1700.0,
the following:
(1)
Location with respect to property lines. The minimum
distance of any part of an aboveground tank for the storage of flammable liquids
other than crude petroleum to the nearest line of adjoining property which
may be built upon shall be not less than the distance indicated in the following
table:
|
Capacity of Tank
(gallons)
|
Class of Flammable Liquid
|
Minimum Distance
(feet)
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
0 to 275
|
III
|
5
| |
|
276 to 550
|
III
|
10
|
M.
F-1700.1 shall read as follows:
[Amended 12-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1366]
|
F-1700.1. The storage, handling and processing of liquids
with a flash point below 200° F., and of liquids with a flash point above
200° F. which, when heated, will assume the characteristics of liquids
with flash points below 200° F., except as provided in Section F-110.2.
| ||
|
(a)
|
The storage, handling or use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids
in a dwelling or other place of human habitation shall be prohibited.
| |
|
(b)
|
The storage, handling or use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids
in any other building or occupancy shall be limited to five gallons. This
amount must be stored in and dispensed from approved safety cans suitable
for that purpose.
| |
|
(c)
|
The storage, handling or use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids
in aboveground tanks inside or outside of buildings is prohibited. The storage,
handling or use of Class III flammable liquids in aboveground tanks with a
capacity of more than 550 gallons outside or inside of buildings shall be
prohibited.
| |
|
(d)
|
No Class I, Class II or Class III flammable liquid bulk plant shall
be constructed within the limits of the Township of Abington.
| |
|
The storage or use of flammable liquids in the fuel tank of a motor
vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant shall
be permitted.
| ||
|
The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar mixtures when
such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for
a period of not more than 30 days shall be permitted.
| ||
|
The sale, storage and use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in
portable containers exceeding five gallons capacity shall be prohibited and
only approved containers shall be used for this amount.
| ||
|
The sale of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in portable containers
to any person, firm or corporation shall be limited to one five-gallon approved
container.
| ||
N.
There shall be added to Article 22, Section F-2200.0,
the following:
|
Bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas shall be provided except in
PI-zoned districts.
|
O.
F-2200.1 shall read as follows:
[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]
|
F-2200.1 Permits and Reports of Installation. A permit
shall be obtained from the Fire Official for each installation of liquefied
petroleum gas employing a container or an aggregate of interconnected containers
of over 125 gallons water capacity, and for each permanent installation, irrespective
of size of containers, made at buildings in which people congregate for civic,
political, educational, religious, social or recreational purposes. Such buildings
shall include schools, churches, hospitals, institutions, hotels and restaurants,
each having a capacity of 20 or more persons. Prior to making such installation,
an installer shall submit plans to the Fire Official, and if compliance with
the requirements of this code is shown by said plans, a permit shall be issued.
|
P.
F-2200.11 shall read as follows:
[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]
|
F-2200.11. Records. The Fire Official shall maintain a
record of all liquefied petroleum gas installations employing a container
or an aggregate of interconnected containers of over 125 gallons water capacity
(not including installation of gas-burning appliances and replacing of portable
cylinders).
|
Q.
F-2210.3 shall read as follows:
[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]
|
F-2210.3. Location of Containers. Distribution plants whose
primary purpose is the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas are prohibited
in all zones. An installation of liquefied petroleum gas employing a container
or an aggregate of containers in excess of 1,200 gallons water capacity shall
be prohibited, except that in particular installations this capacity limit
may be altered at the discretion of the Fire Official after consideration
of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy
and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed tanks, degree of private
protection to be provided and facilities of the local Fire Department.
|
R.
F-2210.4 shall read as follows:
[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]
|
F-2210.4. Pressures Inside of Buildings. Gas for fuel purposes
in either the liquid or vapor phase shall not be piped into any building at
pressure in excess of 20 pounds per square inch gauge except as follows:
|
(1)
Buildings or portions of buildings separated from other
portions by walls, partitions and floor and ceiling assemblies of noncombustible
material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours, used
exclusively to house internal-combustion engines or industrial processes.
(2)
Buildings or portions of buildings separated from other
portions by walls, partitions and floor and ceiling assemblies of noncombustible
material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours, used
exclusively for research and experimental laboratories.
S.
[5]F-2210.5 shall read as follows:
[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]
|
F-2210.5 Containers Inside Buildings. Containers and first-stage
regulating equipment shall be located outside of buildings other than buildings
provided for this purpose, except containers and regulating equipment may
be used indoors under the following conditions:
|
(1)
If temporarily used for demonstration purposes and the
container has a maximum water capacity of 12 pounds.
(2)
If used with a completely self-contained gas hand torch
or similar equipment and the container has a maximum water capacity of 21/2
pounds.
(3)
In use as a motor fuel.
|
All liquefied petroleum gas tanks in excess of 125 gallons water capacity
shall be provided with an enclosure consisting of at least a six-foot-high
industrial-type fence. Each tank shall be provided with suitable devices which
can be locked in place and prevent the unauthorized operation of any container
appurtenances, system valves or equipment.
| |
|
All permitted liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be regulated
by National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 58, 1972 Edition, and
any future amendments thereto.
|
[5]
Editor's Note: These references refer to the 1970 edition.
T.
There shall be added to Article 26, Section F-2630.0,
the following: "All pot-type and gravity-feed heating and cooking appliances
are prohibited in the Township of Abington."
U.
F-2918.0 shall read as follows:
|
F-2918.0: In all buildings where automatic fire extinguishing
systems are required in kitchens or areas where food is prepared by cooking,
a metal grease hood with metal filters and metal ductwork leading to the outside
and above the roof line shall be installed according to National Fire Protection
Association Regulation No. 96. Such hood and filters shall be kept clean at
all times. In such installations, automatic shutoff valves shall be installed
on gas-heating appliances used for cooking, and automatic cutoff switches
shall be installed on electrical appliances used for cooking. Such valves
and switches shall shut off the heat source when the fire extinguishing system
is activated.
|
V.
Permit and inspection fees shall be designated by resolution
of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington, which fees shall
be established from time to time. A permit shall not be issued until the designated
fees have been paid. Failure to pay designated fees shall be considered a
violation of this code.
[Added 10-8-1992 by Ord. No. 1719]
W.
F-319.0 shall read as follows:
[Added 4-14-1994 by Ord. No. 1741]
|
SECTION F-319.0 KEY BOXES
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|---|---|---|
|
F-319.1 Installations. When access to a property or structure
or access to an area within that property or structure is unduly difficult
because of secured openings and where immediate access may be necessary for
lifesaving and/or fire-fighting purposes, the property owner or occupant may
obtain a permit to install a key box or boxes as approved by the Fire Marshal.
| ||
|
F-319.2 Application. This section shall apply to the following
properties or structures:
| ||
|
(1)
|
All new and existing office, storage, institutional, commercial and
manufacturing buildings.
| |
|
(2)
|
All new and existing residential buildings.
| |
|
(3)
|
Any other structure or premises.
| |
|
F-319.3 Promulgation of Rules and Regulations; Compliance.
All key boxes installed pursuant to this section shall be of a type approved
by the Fire Board. The Fire Board may promulgate reasonable rules and regulations
to implement this section relating to key boxes. Violations of the rules and
regulations shall be considered a violation of this code.
| ||
|
F-319.4 Contents of Key Boxes. Key boxes should contain:
| ||
|
(1)
|
Keys and/or magnet cards to locked points of ingress, whether on the
interior or exterior of such property.
| |
|
(2)
|
Keys and/or magnet cards to locked mechanical equipment rooms.
| |
|
(3)
|
Keys and/or magnet cards to locked electrical rooms or panels.
| |
|
(4)
|
Keys and/or magnet cards to locked elevator rooms or controls.
| |
|
(5)
|
Keys and/or magnet cards to other areas as directed by the Fire Marshal.
| |
|
(6)
|
Hazardous materials information, as defined in Section F-2902.0.
| |
|
F-319.5 Custody of Keys.
| ||
|
(1)
|
Keys to key boxes shall be held only by the Fire Marshal and authorized
personnel of the Fire Department.
| |
|
(2)
|
Keys issued to the Fire Department for key boxes will be kept on the
apparatus or in the possession of authorized Fire Department personnel.
| |
|
(3)
|
The Fire Marshal shall retain custody of a key for the purpose of emergencies
or placing new or replacement items in the key boxes.
| |
[Amended 10-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1684; 5-13-1993
by Ord. No. 1729]
A.
Modification. The Board of Commissioners shall have power
to modify any of the provisions of the Fire Prevention Code upon application,
in writing, by the owner or lessee or the duly authorized agent of either,
when there are practical difficulties in the way of carrying out the strict
letter of the code, provided that the spirit of the code shall be observed,
public safety secured and substantial justice done. The particulars of such
modification when granted or allowed and the decision of the Board of Commissioners
thereon shall be entered upon the records of the Board of Commissioners, and
a signed copy shall be furnished the applicant.
[Amended 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]
Whenever the Fire Marshal shall disapprove an application or refuse
to grant a permit applied for or when it is claimed that the provisions of
the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have
been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the
decision of the Fire Marshal to the Township Manager within 30 days from the
date of the decision appealed.
[Amended 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]
The Township Manager shall determine and specify, after giving affected
persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancies
which shall require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in said code.
The Fire Marshal shall post such list in a conspicuous place in the Fire Marshal's
office and distribute copies thereof to interested persons.
[Amended 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]
A.
Any persons who shall violate any of the provisions of
the code hereby adopted or fail to comply therewith or who shall violate or
fail to comply with any order made thereunder or who shall build in violation
of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved
thereunder or any certificate or permit issued thereunder and from which no
appeal has been taken or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed
or modified by the Board of Commissioners or by a court of competent jurisdiction,
within the time fixed therein, shall, severally, for each and every such violation
and noncompliance, be liable, on conviction thereof, to a fine of not more
than $300 and, in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment for not more
than five days. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not
excuse the violation or permit it to continue, and all such persons shall
be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable
time; and, when not otherwise specified, each day that prohibited conditions
are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.
B.
The application of the above penalty shall not be held
to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.
