[G.O. No. 1804]
(a)
Mandatory rapid access key boxes for automatic fire alarm systems. When a building within the Town of Westfield is protected by an automatic fire alarm system and access to or within any area of such building is unduly difficult because of secured openings, and where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Chief may require a rapid access key box to be installed at the building at such location as set forth in Section 11-61(c) hereof, or as shall be directed by the Fire Chief. The key box shall be a high security, heavy duty box of a UL type and be of such size as is approved by the Fire Chief.
(b)
Mandatory rapid access key boxes for fire suppression systems and standpipe systems. When a building within the Town of Westfield is protected by an automatic fire suppression system or standpipe system, it shall be equipped with a rapid access key box. The key box shall be installed at the building at such location as set forth in Section 11-61(c) hereof, or as shall be directed by the Fire Chief. The key box shall be a high security, heavy duty box of a UL type and be of such size as is approved by the Fire Chief.
(c)
Rapid access key box location. The rapid access key box shall be
located:
(1)
At or near the recognized public entrance, adjacent to the fire
annunciator panel, on the exterior of the building, or above the Fire
Department connection ("FDC"). When a building contains a fire sprinkler
system and has inner control valves and a wall mounted FDC, the key
box location shall be determined as directed by the Fire Chief.
(2)
The key box shall be located at a height of not less than four
feet and not more than six feet above grade.
(d)
Rapid access key box tamper switch. The Fire Chief may, to provide
security for a key box, require that a rapid access key box tamper
switch be connected to a building's automatic fire alarm system if
the building is so equipped. The key box tamper switch shall be of
a UL type and be of such size as is approved by the Fire Chief.
(e)
Security padlocks. When a building is protected by a locked fence
or gate and where immediate access to the building is necessary for
lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Chief may require a
security padlock to be installed at a location approved by the Fire
Chief. The padlock shall be of a UL type and of such size as is approved
by the Fire Chief.
(f)
Security caps. When a building is protected by a fire suppression
system, or standpipe system and the Fire Department connection is
exposed to potential vandalism, tampering or mischief due to its location,
the Fire Chief may require that a Fire Department connection security
cap(s) be installed. The Fire Department connection security cap(s)
shall be of a UL type and of such size as is approved by the Fire
Chief.
[G.O. No. 1804]
The term "building" as used herein means any building or structure
located within the Town of Westfield, whether privately or publicly
owned, including, without limitation, any building owned by the Town
of Westfield, the Westfield Board of Education, the Westfield Housing
Authority or any other public, quasi-public, or private entity or
person, provided however that this article shall not apply to owner-occupied
one and two family dwellings.
[G.O. No. 1804]
The rapid access key boxes shall contain the following:
(a)
Keys to locked points of ingress and egress, whether interior or
exterior of such buildings;
(b)
Keys to locked mechanical rooms, if applicable;
(c)
Keys to locked elevator rooms, if applicable;
(d)
Keys to elevator controls, if applicable;
(e)
Keys to any fence or secured areas, if applicable;
(f)
Keys to any other areas that may be required by the fire subcode,
or fire official (defined by N.J.A.C. 5:70-1.5 or as subsequently
amended);
(g)
A card containing the emergency contact people and phone numbers
for such building:
(h)
Floor plans of the rooms within such buildings as may be required
at the direction of the Fire Chief.
[G.O. No. 1804]
As used herein, "master key" shall mean the instrument used
to gain access to the rapid access key boxes to be utilized as a result
of the provisions of this chapter. The Fire Department shall establish
a system of procedures designed to limit access to any master key(s)
to authorized Fire Department personnel in times of emergency. The
Fire Department shall, to the extent feasible and practical, use the
latest technological advances to preserve and enhance the security
of the master key(s).
[G.O. No. 1804]
(a)
Recordkeeping. The fire official shall record all pertinent data
regarding each building protected by a rapid access key box to the
extent it is deemed necessary to implement the provisions. It shall
be the responsibility of the fire official to maintain such records
for the Fire Department and to maintain the confidentiality of said
information.
(b)
Registration fee. There shall be a $25 registration fee when a rapid
access key box is initially installed.
(c)
The Fire Department shall be in exclusive control of the rapid access
key box system authorization and operation.
(d)
Each rapid access key box system shall utilize approved signature(s)
from the Fire Department for the release of all keys for the boxes
and lock products from the manufacturer.
(e)
Notification. It a lock is changed at any building with a rapid access
key box system, the Fire Chief shall be notified immediately.
(f)
Enforceability. The Fire Department shall enforce the provisions
of this article.
[G.O. No. 1804]
All existing buildings shall comply with this article within
six months from its effective date. All newly constructed buildings
not yet occupied or currently under construction, and all buildings
for which an application for a certificate of occupancy is being made,
shall comply immediately.
[G.O. No. 1804]
Any individual, firm, corporation or other building owner entity
that fails to comply with any provision in this article shall be issued
a summons and shall, upon conviction in Municipal Court, be punished
by a fine not to exceed $500.
[G.O. No. 1804]
This article shall take effect upon final adoption and publication
according to law.
