[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Quincy
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-17-1993 as
Ch. 8.04 of the 1993 Code]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any device such as a smoke or heat detector, pull station
or sprinkler flow switch that causes the alarm to sound.
A fire protection device that requires no manual operation
during activation.
The electrical and electronic center of a system that detects
alarm conditions, sounds signals and provides power and supervisory
features.
A commercial firm that specializes primarily in the installation
and service of fire alarm devices.
A Quincy firefighter having knowledge of fire safety rules
and regulations, and having the ability and knowledge to properly
sound an alarm, who tours the property being protected in the event
of fire.
A fire alarm pull station or other device that requires manual
activation for operation.
An individual having extensive knowledge in the repair and
maintenance of fire alarm systems, such as an electrician who specialized
in signaling systems.
The electrical circuit that connects and operates all fire
alarm system horns, bells or other sounding devices.
A self-contained fire protection device equipped with all
features of a system within a small housing unit, such as a battery-operated
smoke detector (i.e., detector, power supply and signal).
An emergency power supply in case of loss of commercial power
to the fire alarm control panel.
Any fire alarm circuit that passes a small current through
a device and detects a fault on that circuit such as a ground, open
or short.
A total fire alarm system that includes detecting devices,
annunciator, signals, power supply and control panel that sounds the
local signals at the structure being protected.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
The same as Type I system, except no direct connection to
the Fire Department is required.
A.
All buildings that are required to be equipped with a Type I or Type
II fire alarm system as determined and described by the Massachusetts
State Building Code Regulations, Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations
or City of Quincy ordinance shall have all fire alarm system devices
tested in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code and
the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
B.
Where required. Lodging homes having 13 or more tenants shall be
equipped with a Type I system. Lodging homes having 12 or fewer tenants
shall be equipped with a Type II system.
A.
Devices to be tested are all alarm actuating (automatic or manual),
signaling, supervisory circuits, standby battery supplies, and other
system and single station units within the structure installed for
the purpose of fire protection.
B.
The Chief of the Quincy Fire Department, his representative, or the
Quincy Wire Inspector shall determine the qualifications of the fire
alarm service organization or individual.
A.
Recordkeeping;
inspection. The building owner shall be responsible for maintaining
proper written records of the tests, indicating dates, time, and signature
of the qualified tester, and such records shall be available to be
viewed by any public safety representative employed by the City.
B.
Maintenance
contract required; contents; information posting.
(1)
The owner shall have written proof of a maintenance contract or agreement
with a qualified fire alarm service company, and such agreement or
contract shall indicate that the service company is on twenty-four-hour
call and will respond within 24 hours for maintenance or repair of
the fire alarm system.
(2)
The name and emergency telephone number of both the owner and the
qualified service organization shall be posted in a conspicuous place,
preferably on the fire alarm control panel.
C.
System
repair. Should a fire alarm system require maintenance or repair,
it is the responsibility of the owner or his representative that such
system be repaired and placed back into service within 24 hours of
the discovery of the fault by the owner, service company or Quincy
public safety official. Notification of such fault to the owner or
his representative may be written or verbal.
D.
Structures
where life hazard exists. Should the system provide protection for
a structure where a life hazard exists, including but not limited
to apartments (six units or more), hotels, motels, lodging houses,
hospitals, nursing homes, schools, day-care centers or nurseries,
it is the responsibility of the owner to have the system in proper
operation within the twenty-four-hour period or, at his expense, provide
a Quincy firefighter during the nighttime hours or when a life hazard
exists. Those failing to comply shall be considered in violation of
this article. The Chief of the Fire Department shall determine when
a life hazard exists. When such conditions exist, the Chief or his
representative shall determine when the fire watch will be removed.
E.
Evacuation
of physically challenged residents during emergency.
[Added 7-26-1993 by Order No. 93-093]
(1)
All owners of residential structures of six or more units shall provide
a diagram of the floor and apartments and indicate on said diagram
where physically challenged individuals reside. This diagram, which
shall be approved by the Chief of the Fire Department, or his designee,
shall be filed with the Fire Department. Such information shall remain
confidential and is intended for Fire Department use only, to assist
in an evacuation during an emergency situation.
(2)
This subsection shall apply forthwith to all new construction. All
other existing structures shall comply with the provisions of this
subsection within 12 months of its effective date.
F.
Violations
and penalties. Any owner to be found in violation of this article
shall be fined the sum of $300 per day for each day of violation until
the fire alarm system is placed in service to the satisfaction of
the Chief or his representative.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
All residential structures of five units or fewer are exempted
from the requirement to procure a formal maintenance contract. However,
it is the responsibility of the owner of such structure to properly
maintain and keep in good working order all fire protection and fire
alarm devices.
