[Adopted 4-14-1986 ATM by Art. 37 (Ch. 71, Art. III, of the 1989 Code)]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALARM ACTUATING
Any device, such as a smoke detector, heat detector, pull station or sprinkler flow valve, that causes the alarm to sound.
AUTOMATIC DEVICE
A fire protection device that requires no manual operation.
FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL
The electrical and electronic center of a system that detects alarm conditions, sounds signals, provides power and supervisory features.
FIRE ALARM SERVICE COMPANY
A commercial firm that specializes primarily in the installation and service of fire alarm devices.
FIRE WATCH
A Hull firefighter having knowledge of fire safety rules and regulations and having the ability and knowledge to properly sound an alarm and one who tours the property being protected for the event of fire.
MANUAL DEVICE
A fire alarm pull station or other device that requires manual activation for operation.
OWNER
Every person who, alone or severally with others, has legal title to any dwelling, dwelling unit or building; has care, charge or control of any dwelling, dwelling unit or building in any capacity, including but not limited to agent, executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the holder of legal title; mortgagee in possession; agent, trustee or other person appointed by the courts; or any officer or trustee of the association of unit owners of a condominium. Each such person is bound to comply with the provisions of these minimum standards as if he were the owner. "Owner" means every person who operates a rooming house or lodging house.
SIGNALING CIRCUIT
The electrical circuit that connects and operates all fire alarm system horns, bells or other sounding devices.
STANDBY BATTERY
An emergency power supply in case of loss of commercial power to the fire alarm system.
TYPE I SYSTEM
A total fire alarm system that includes detecting devices, annunicator, signals, power supply and control panel that sounds the local signals at the structure being protected and trips a master fire alarm box connected to the Fire Department.
TYPE II SYSTEM
Same as a Type I system, except that no direct connection to the Fire Department is required.
All buildings that are required to be equipped with a Type I or Type II fire alarm system as described and determined by the Massachusetts State Building Code Regulations, Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations or Town of Hull Code and shall have all fire alarm system devices tested no less than two times each calendar year by a qualified fire alarm service company. 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. 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. 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 Town of Hull. Fire alarm service organizations or individuals must be licensed for work under this article by the appropriate regulatory agencies.
[Added 11-28-1989 STM by Art. 8]
A. 
When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult due to secured openings, or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Chief may require a key box installed in an accessible location. The key box shall be a type approved by the Fire Chief or his designee and shall contain keys and such paperwork and information as required by the Fire Department. The key box shall be used by the Fire Department solely for the purposes stated.
B. 
This section shall also apply to all Class One and Class Two Fire Alarm Systems.
A. 
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.
B. 
All residential structures of three 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 as required by law.
A. 
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 in service within 24 hours of the discovery of the fault by the owner, service company or Town of Hull public safety official. Notification of such fault to the owner or his representative may be written or verbal.
B. 
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, nursing homes, schools, day-care centers or nurseries, it is the responsibility of the owner to have the system in proper operation or, at his expense, provide a Hull 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 Department shall determine when a life hazard exists. When such hazard exists, the Chief of the Department or his representative shall determine when the fire watch will be removed.