[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170]
As used in this chapter and in the Fire Prevention
Code adopted herein, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An insurance inspection bureau, department or organization,
such as the American Insurance Association, Factory Insurance Association,
Associated Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Companies, Insurance Service
Offices of Pennsylvania and any other such organization hereafter
duly approved by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.
A story, partially underground, the greater part of which
is above grade. A basement shall be counted as a story unless otherwise
specifically stated but shall exclude any crawl space.
The elected governing body of the Township of Lower Merion.
A story, 1/2 or more of which is below grade.
The Chief of the Lower Merion Fire Department. He is also
the Fire Marshal.
A subdivision within a building which separates the building
into two or more sections with fire walls having a four-hour rating
and with all openings in such walls protected with Underwriters' Laboratories
listed Class A fire doors.
A group of members of the Board of Commissioners appointed
to oversee and regulate Fire Department activities.
A building or structure used for the storage, manufacture
or processing of highly combustible or explosive products or materials
which are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or which may produce
poisonous fumes or explosions; storage or manufacture involving highly
corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalis, acids or other liquids or chemicals
involving flame, fumes or explosive, poisonous, irritant or corrosive
gases; and the storage or processing of any materials involving explosive
mixtures of dust or which result in the division of matter into fine
particles subject to spontaneous ignition.
[Added 6-19-1991 by Ord. No. 3239; amended 4-19-1995 by Ord. No.
3390]
The standard of the International Code Council for determining
fire flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The standard of the International Code Council for determining
fire hydrant locations and distribution.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The standard of the International Code Council for determining
fire apparatus access roads.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The standard of the International Code Council for clarifying
the hazard categories contained in Chapter 27.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The standard of the International Code Council for assigning
the levels of hazards to be applied to specific hazards classes as
required by NFPA 704.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The standard of the International Code Council for determining
the weight and volume equivalents of cryogenic fluids.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
A building, any part of which exceeds three stories in height,
not covered in the definition of "high-rise building."
[Added 6-19-1991 by Ord. No. 3239]
A kitchen with an area of 500 square feet or more in any
building except a single-family or a two-family dwelling.
The Standard of the National Fire Protection Association
for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers.
The Standard of the National Fire Protection Association
for the Care and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems.
The Standard of the National Fire Protection Association
for the Installation of Residential Sprinkler Systems.
The Standard of the National Fire Protection Association
for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.
The Standard of the National Fire Protection Association
for the Installation of Equipment for the Removal of Smoke and Grease
Laden Vapors from Commercial Cooking Equipment.
Any natural person, association, partnership, firm or corporation.
Any substantial structural alteration in or addition to the
supporting or structural members of a building, such as bearing walls,
columns, beams or girders. It shall not include repairs to roofs or
walls, painting, moving or constructing of partitions or repairs to
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. Any structural
change increasing the square footage of a building by 20% or more
is considered a substantial alteration.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170; 2-17-1993 by Ord. No. 3311; 4-19-1995 by Ord. No. 3390; 11-18-1998 by Ord. No. 3500; 5-15-2002 by Ord. No.
3645; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
There is hereby adopted by the Board of Commissioners
of the Township of Lower Merion, for the purpose of prescribing regulations
governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion,
the Code known as the "International Fire Code,” recommended
by the International Code Council, Inc., as now and as hereafter supplemented,
reissued, amended and revised, and with Appendices B, C, D, E, F and
G and related tables cited therein, and their successor codes, and
the Code known as the "Life Safety Code (NFPA 101, 2000),” recommended
by the National Fire Protection Association, both of which are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Fire Prevention Code of the Township
of Lower Merion." Copies have been and now are filed in the Township
Fire Department, and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated
as fully as if set out at length herein. From the date on which this
section shall take effect, the provisions of the Fire Prevention Code
shall be controlling within the limits of the Township of Lower Merion.
[Added 6-17-1981 by Ord. No. 1965; amended 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 4-19-1995 by Ord. No. 3390]
Section 5-2.1.5 of the Life Safety Code (NFPA
No. 101, 1985) as adopted and incorporated in this chapter, is hereby
amended in its entirety to read as follows:
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5-2.1.5. Locks, Latches, Alarm and Releasing
Devices.
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5-2.1.5.1 A door shall be so arranged
as to be readily opened from the side which egress is to be made at
all times. Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key,
tool or other device for operation from the inside of the building.
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|
5-2.1.5.2 A latch or other fastening
device on an exit door shall be provided with a knob, handle, panic
bar or other simple type of releasing device, the method operation
of which is obvious, even in darkness.
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|
5-2.1.5.3 No lock, padlock, hasp
bar, chain or other device or combination thereof shall be installed
or maintained at any time on or in connection with any exit door required
by this Code, if such device prevents or is intended to prevent the
free use of the door for purposes of egress.
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|
5-2.1.5.4 Exit doors on fire towers,
including doors at the roof level, may be locked from the stairway
side of the door, if the following conditions are met:
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|
(a)
|
The door is held in the locked position by an
electrically energized fail-safe latch.
| |
|
(b)
|
The electrically energized latch shall be interconnected
with the building fire alarm system, which when sounded shall automatically
release the power from the latches, thereby unlocking all doors.
| |
|
(c)
|
If the building is equipped with an automatic
sprinkler system, the automatic sprinkler system shall be interconnected
with the building fire alarm system. In the event of activation of
the automatic sprinkler system, the building fire alarm system shall
automatically sound, which in turn shall automatically release the
power from the latches, thereby unlocking all doors.
| |
|
(d)
|
The emergency electrical power in the building
shall not be supplied to the fail-safe latches. However, the emergency
electrical power shall be supplied to the fire alarm system.
| |
|
(e)
|
Electrical power to energize the fail-safe latches
shall be supplied by a separate circuit without interconnection with
exit signs or any other devices.
| |
|
(f)
|
There shall be a safety switch, located in an
area designated by the Fire Marshal, that shall cut the power to the
fail-safe switches when manually operated.
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5-2.1.5.5 Each elevator lobby on
each floor of the building shall be equipped with a sign, at least
four inches by four inches in size, above the call buttons, that shall
read as follows: IN THE EVENT OF FIRE DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. USE
THE CLOSEST STAIRWAY.
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[Amended 3-19-1980 by Ord. No. 1898; 3-18-1981 by Ord. No.
1951; 4-18-1984 by Ord. No. 2051; 4-1-1991 by Ord. No. 3235; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844; 10-15-2008 by Ord. No. 3866]
A.
No person shall cause, allow, permit or maintain the
open burning of rubbish, refuse, leaves, tree branches or yard trimmings
on a street or on private property, whether in connection with any
building operation, in an open dump or otherwise.
B.
A bonfire, campfire or other unencased recreational
fire is permitted subject to the following:
(1)
A permit issued by the Chief Fire Officer or his duly
authorized representative, for which an application fee shall be charged,
is required before any such burning is permitted. Such permit shall
be valid for the period designated on the permit. Prior to the issuance
of a permit, the Chief Fire Officer or his duly authorized representative
will inspect the grounds of the property for which application for
a permit has been made, and such burning shall be permitted only on
those areas of a property designated as being suitable for the same
by said inspecting authority for the purpose of protecting safety
and health. A safe area for burning is no less than 50 feet from a
combustible structure, 50 feet from the street and 25 feet from the
property line.
(2)
Such burning shall be constantly attended by a competent
adult. During such burning, a water hose attached to an operable water
faucet or equipment capable of covering the fire with earth must be
in immediate readiness for use in extinguishing the fire. A water
hose, if used, must be of sufficient length to extend at least 15
feet beyond the site of the burning.
(3)
Burning shall not be permitted during periods of high
winds, drought or weather inversion or during or in any other situation
deemed hazardous by the Chief Fire Officer or his duly authorized
representatives.
C.
The Chief Fire Officer or his duly authorized representatives
shall have the authority to grant a variance from the provisions of
this section for the following reasons:
D.
Burning in an incinerator or similar device designed
to encase the fire and manufactured for that purpose is permitted.
Fire in devices intended solely for the cooking of food is permitted.
E.
Burning in violation of this chapter is subject to
a minimum fine of $200. If a fire company is dispatched, the minimum
fine is $300.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 2-21-1990 by Ord. No.
3184]
No person making, using, storing or having in
charge or under such person's control any shaving, excelsior, rubbish,
sacks, bags, litter, hay, straw or combustible waste materials shall
fail or neglect to cause all such material which is not compactly
baled and stacked in an orderly manner to be removed from the premises
or stored in fire-resistant enclosures with a rating of at least one
hour or in containers with tight-fitting covers.
A.
The storage of explosives and blasting agents in the
Township of Lower Merion is hereby prohibited.
B.
All blasting operations in the Township of Lower Merion
shall be conducted by persons who are licensed by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
C.
The Fire Marshal shall be notified a minimum of 48
hours prior to the first blast of each day, and all such blasts shall
be supervised by the Fire Marshal, for which a fee will be charged.
[Amended 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
D.
All blasting operations shall be conducted during
daylight hours. The first blast of the day will be no earlier than
9:00 a.m. and blasting operations must be completed by 4:30 p.m.
[Added 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The storage of flammable liquids will be in
compliance with the International Fire Code and the Pennsylvania State
Police Regulations for the Storage, Handling and Use of Flammable
and Combustible Liquids.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gases
will be in compliance with the International Fire Code.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 8-5-1987 by Ord. No. 3060; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170; 6-20-1990 by Ord. No. 3194; 4-19-1995 by Ord. No. 3390]
A.
All new construction, except single-family detached dwellings, twins and duplexes (as defined in Chapter 155, Zoning, of the Lower Merion Township Code), shall be equipped with full fire sprinkler systems.
[Amended 5-15-1996 by Ord. No. 3420; 2-26-2020 by Ord. No. 4184]
(1)
Exception. If a single-family detached dwelling, twin
or duplex is constructed with wooden truss floors or roof supports,
the structure must be sprinklered, as per the appropriate NFPA standard.
(2)
Purchasers of newly constructed single-family detached
dwellings, twins and duplexes not required to be sprinklered must
be offered a residential sprinkler system as an option by the builder
or developer.
B.
Existing buildings. An existing building or occupancy
which, if newly constructed, would be required to have a full fire
sprinkler system installed shall have such a system installed and
maintained throughout the building under the following circumstances:
[Amended 7-19-1995 by Ord. No. 3398; 5-15-1996 by Ord. No.
3420]
(1)
If 50% or more of the interior walls and/or partitions
thereof have been removed during remodeling, rehabilitation or alteration.
(2)
If the building area or an occupancy's area of operation
for a particular use is expanded by 20% or more through the acquisition
of additional property, expansion, remodeling, rehabilitation or alteration.
(3)
If the occupancy is changed to any one or more of
the following:
(a)
High-hazard occupancy buildings.
(b)
Hospitals and medical centers, including outpatient
buildings.
(c)
Sanitariums, nursing homes, convalescent homes
and homes for the aged, housing either bed or ambulatory residents.
(d)
Bowling alleys.
(e)
Educational buildings and dormitories.
(f)
All enclosed and/or underground parking garages.
(g)
Hotels and motels.
(h)
Apartment houses and apartment hotels.
(i)
Churches, chapels, synagogues and other places
of worship.
(j)
Motion-picture theaters and buildings used for
theatrical, operatic or musical performances.
(k)
Buildings used as places of public assembly,
designed for the gathering of 50 or more persons for purposes such
as civic, social or religious functions, recreation and/or food or
drink consumption.
C.
Full fire sprinkler systems must be maintained in
good working condition at all times in all required buildings. If
the system is shut down for repairs or for any other reason, the Fire
Marshal's office will be notified immediately. An approved fire watch
may be required until the system is back in service.
[Amended 5-15-1996 by Ord. No. 3420]
D.
Full fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in
all existing basement areas exceeding 2,500 square feet and in such
areas of lesser size if, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, an unreasonable
risk to fire fighters is present. The Fire Marshal may authorize the
sprinkler requirement for basements to be satisfied by the installation
of a system of piping with sprinkler heads to be supplied by a Fire
Department connection at the front of the building, provided an approved
smoke detection system is installed.
[Amended 5-15-1996 by Ord. No. 3420]
E.
Sprinkler system connection.
(1)
All sprinkler intake system connections shall be five-inch
Storz-type connections fitted with a blind cap with an eighteen-inch
stainless steel cable or chain, or other type caps approved by the
Fire Marshal. Existing buildings shall comply with these requirements
prior to January 1, 2007.
[Amended 3-20-2002 by Ord. No. 3637]
(2)
The number, location and interconnections of seamless
connections shall be as directed by the Fire Marshal; provided, however,
that buildings that face on two streets shall have minimum of two
siamese connections interconnected with the sprinkler system. The
sprinkler system siamese connections shall be located approximately
two feet above ground level or as otherwise directed by the Fire Marshal.
F.
Dry standpipe fire lines shall be required in certain
buildings. Dry standpipe fire lines shall be installed and maintained
in all new and existing buildings and in underground parking garages,
in accordance with the International Fire Code as adopted as the Building
Code of the Township of Lower Merion[1] and the standards set forth in the National Fire Protection
Association No. 14; provided, however, that dry standpipe fire lines
shall not be required in the following:
[Amended 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
G.
Wet standpipe fire lines shall be required in certain
buildings. Approved wet standpipe systems shall be installed in all
buildings exceeding 50 feet in height. However, the Fire Marshal may
require wet standpipe systems in buildings less than 50 feet in height
if, in the Fire Marshal's opinion, there is a distinct hazard to life
or property. Wet standpipes shall be installed in accordance with
standards set forth in National Fire Protection Association No. 14;
provided, however, that wet standpipe fire lines shall not be required
in the following:
H.
Location and size of sprinkler heads, valves, pipes
and water supply. The location and size of sprinkler heads, pipes
and other fire-extinguishing equipment, appliances and devices shall
comply with the standards set forth in the National Fire Protection
Association No. 13. Such equipment shall be connected to an adequate
water supply as determined by a licensed professional engineer or
a NICET Level 3 or Level 4 technician and the Fire Marshal.
I.
Before any full fire sprinkler systems, standpipes
or hydrants are installed or altered, detailed plans thereof shall
be submitted to and approved, in writing, by a professional engineer
or a NICET Level 3 or Level 4 technician, and thereafter said plans
shall be submitted to and approved, in writing, by the Fire Marshal.
All sprinkler plans shall be hydraulically designed. All flow test
information shall include the date and time of the test. Nothing contained
herein shall be construed to prevent the installation of types of
full fire sprinkler systems other than those specified herein when
such system is approved, in writing, by a licensed professional engineer
or a NICET Level 3 or Level 4 technician and the Fire Marshal.
[Amended 5-15-1996 by Ord. No. 3420]
(1)
When, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, any plan
submitted for review constitutes or is in need of such a level of
advanced design or engineering criteria to accomplish the purposes
of these regulations, the Fire Marshal may require an engineering
design analysis to be provided by the owner, developer, architect,
engineer or submitting person.
(2)
The cost of such an engineering design analysis shall
be the responsibility of the owner, developer, architect, engineer
or submitting person.
(3)
The required engineering design analysis shall provide
a complete and documented report as to the compliance of the proposal
with the required features and measures of fire protection.
(4)
The required engineering design analysis shall be
prepared by and shall bear the seal of a registered fire protection
engineer.
J.
Exemptions. Nothing herein contained shall be construed
to require the installation of automatic sprinkler and/or standpipe
equipment in:
(1)
Safe deposit or other vaults.
(2)
Rooms or buildings used for the sale, manufacture
or storage of aluminum powder, calcium carbide, calcium phosphate,
metallic sodium, potassium quicklime, magnesium powder, sodium peroxide
or like substances to which the application of water will cause or
increase the fire hazard.
(3)
Any other location where the installation of such
equipment may, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, increase the hazard
to life or property or for any other reason be impractical due to
existing conditions.
K.
Detailed requirements for dry standpipes. Detailed
requirements for dry standpipes shall be as follows:
(1)
Class of system: dry.
(2)
Number and location of risers: one riser per fire
tower.
(3)
Number and location of outlets: one outlet valve at
each floor level, including the basement and subbasement, located
in each fire tower and at each exit on every level of an underground
garage. Roof outlets may be required by the Fire Marshal.
(4)
All outlets shall be two-and-one-half-inch National
Standard Thread (N.S.T.) male couplings with a reducer to one-and-one-half-inch
N.S.T. and a thread protective cap. All standpipe risers shall be
interconnected at their base.
[Amended 3-20-2002 by Ord. No. 3637]
(5)
The number and location of the Fire Department siamese
connections shall be located approximately two feet above ground level
or as otherwise directed by the Fire Marshal.
(6)
Each Fire Department siamese connection shall be provided
with a conspicuous, durable and permanently legible sign reading "Dry
Standpipe and Fire Department Use Only."
(7)
The Fire Department standpipe connection shall be
a five-inch locking Storz-type connection fitted with a blind cap
with an eighteen-inch stainless steel cable or chain, or other type
caps approved by the Fire Marshal. Existing buildings shall comply
with these requirements prior to January 1, 2007.
[Amended 3-20-2002 by Ord. No. 3637]
L.
Detailed requirements for wet standpipes. Detailed
requirements for wet standpipes shall be as follows:
(1)
Class of system: wet, Class II.
(2)
Number and location of risers: The number of hose
stations in each building and each section of a building divided by
fire walls shall be such that all portions of each story of the building
are within 30 feet of a nozzle when attached to not more than 100
feet of hose. Equipment shall be so arranged as to permit directing
the discharge from the nozzle into all portions of important enclosures,
such as closets and like enclosures.
(3)
Number and location of outlets: one outlet valve at
each floor level, including the basement and subbasement, located
in each fire tower and at each exit on every level of an underground
garage. Roof outlets may be required by the Fire Marshal.
(4)
All outlets shall be two-and-one-half-inch National
Standard Thread (N.S.T.) male couplings with a reducer to one-and-one-half-inch
N.S.T. and a thread protective cap. All standpipe risers shall be
interconnected at their base.
M.
Fire protection equipment. In all buildings under
construction in which standpipes are required, stairways and standpipes
shall be carried up as the construction progresses in such a manner
that they will always be ready for Fire Department use at the topmost
floor that has been installed. In addition, the siamese connection
and each hose outlet must be provided with an illuminated red light
during the hours of darkness, and all stairways must be illuminated.
N.
The building owner shall annually certify in writing
to the Township Fire Marshal that the automatic sprinkler system has
been tested and maintained in accordance with the procedure of National
Fire Protection Association Standard No. 25, Testing and Maintenance
of Water Based Fire Protection Systems. Additionally, certification
is required in writing to the Fire Marshal whenever any work on the
sprinkler system is performed. Any person servicing, testing or maintaining
any sprinkler system must have adequate knowledge of the operations
of sprinkler equipment and meet one of the following requirements
to obtain a license and permit in Lower Merion Township:
(1)
A licensed master plumber with proof of actual experience
with installing sprinkler systems or one who can demonstrate knowledge
of requirements and installation of sprinkler systems.
(2)
A licensed professional engineer or fire protection
specialist who has designed and/or supervised installations of sprinkler
systems or who can demonstrate knowledge of requirements for installation
and testing of sprinkler systems.
(3)
An established sprinkler installation contractor.
(4)
A contractor licensed and certified to conduct fire
sprinkler testing in Philadelphia.
O.
Sprinkler system retrofit for existing buildings.
In addition to those requirements set forth in this section, existing
high-rise buildings and low-rise buildings shall be required to retrofit
according to the following standards:
(1)
All existing high-rise buildings as defined in § 78-11 of this Code will retrofit with automatic sprinkler equipment according to the following standards:
(a)
All existing commercial high-rise buildings
will install a full sprinkler system in accordance with the current
National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA No. 13).
(b)
All existing residential high-rise buildings
will retrofit with a partial sprinkler system. A partial sprinkler
system consists of full coverage in basements, subbasements, cellars,
hallways, corridors, commercial areas, storage areas, common areas
other than protected fire towers and the installation of one sprinkler
head opposite the center of and inside any living unit door opening
into the corridor. Exception: The sprinkler head inside the living
units may be omitted if the door to the living unit has a fire protective
rating of at least 20 minutes and is self-closing.
(c)
A wet standpipe system meeting NFPA Standard No. 14 and Chapter 78 of the Township of Lower Merion Code must be maintained in the building. Exception: When a standpipe system is approved for use as a sprinkler system riser, all risers will be interconnected and the standpipe system will have sufficient water and pressure to flow 100 gallons per minute at the top outlet at 15 pounds. If a fire pump is required, a second source of power for the pump is required.
(d)
Plans for compliance with the requirement must
be approved and on file in the Fire Marshal's office by July 1, 1993.
Installation of the required sprinkler system will be completed by
July 1, 1996, unless otherwise agreed to by the Fire Marshal.
(2)
All existing low-rise buildings as defined in § 78-11 of this Code will partially retrofit with automatic sprinkler equipment and wet standpipes as outlined below:
(a)
All areas except residential units, corridors,
hallways and protected fire towers will retrofit with fire sprinklers.
This includes retail commercial spaces, basements, subbasements, cellars,
storage rooms, meeting rooms and unprotected vertical openings. Exception:
Basements less than 2,500 square feet in occupancies that are one-hundred-percent
residential may be protected as per Section 7-7.1.2 of NFPA Standard
101, the Life Safety Code.
(b)
A wet standpipe system meeting NFPA Standard No. 14 and Chapter 78 of the Township of Lower Merion Code must be maintained.
(c)
Plans for compliance with this requirement must
be approved and on file in the Fire Marshal's office by July 1, 1993.
Installation of the required sprinkler system will be completed by
July 1, 1996, unless otherwise agreed to by the Fire Marshal.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170; 1-19-2002 by Ord. No. 3629; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
The following requirements for an approved fire
alarm system are hereby established and are in addition to the requirements
of the International Fire Code, Life Safety Code of the National Fire
Protection Association and the requirements of the Department of Labor
and Industry of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the provisions of
which are incorporated herein by reference. Additional requirements
may be imposed by either the Fire Marshal or the Director of the Department
of Building and Planning when more stringent regulations are deemed
necessary.
A.
An approved system of smoke detection is required
in all multifamily apartment houses, rooming houses, group homes,
lodging houses and residential occupancies above a business or commercial
occupancy.
B.
All detectors used in fire alarm systems or installed
as individual detectors shall be of the photoelectric type unless
specific approval is given by the Fire Marshal to use a different
type.
C.
Fire alarm plan approval.
(1)
Two copies must be submitted to the Township Electrical
Inspector with the manufacturer's cut sheets of the equipment.
(2)
The plan shall indicate that it meets all National
Fire Protection Association standards and local codes.
(3)
A rough wiring inspection and a final wiring inspection
are required. A list of approved electrical underwriters will be supplied
at permit applications.
(4)
Manual stations will be the double-action type.
(5)
A system of four or more zones will have verification
capability.
(6)
A sufficient number of sounding devices shall be installed
to ensure that the system can be heard throughout the building by
all occupants.
(7)
In certain situations, strobe lights may be required,
in addition to bells, for the hearing impaired.
(8)
Testing and final approval will be completed by the
Fire Marshal's office.
D.
Buildings with more than one occupancy or tenant may
not have more than one fire alarm system that notifies or calls the
Fire Department. Individual tenancies may have local fire protection.
E.
After-ring fire alarm. All coded fire alarm systems
required by the Department of Labor and Industry of the commonwealth,
except presignal systems, shall be provided with a relay that will
sound all alarm devices automatically and continuously after the code
cycle is completed and until the system is turned off manually at
the main control panel.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No.
3844]
A.
Private fire hydrants supplied by an eight-inch-or-larger main shall be provided in new real estate subdivisions, on new streets and in shopping centers, educational institutions, apartment complexes and similar occupancies at the direction of the Fire Marshal, who shall consult with an approved rating bureau and the water company before directing such installations; however, a six-inch main may be installed in lieu of an eight-inch main, if approved by the water company, an approved rating bureau and the Fire Marshal. When hydrants are installed on new streets, and it is the intent of the developer to offer to dedicate such streets to the Township as public streets, the cost of the hydrant(s) rental will be borne by the Township on and after acceptance of dedication of such streets by the Township. The escrow provisions of Chapter 135 of this Code regarding fire hydrants shall apply to all such hydrants which are placed on streets contemplated for dedication.
B.
Private fire hydrants shall adhere to the following
specifications:
(1)
Maximum pressure: 200 p.s.i.
(2)
Inlet connection: six-inch M.J. Base with accessories
to accept six-inch ductile iron pipe.
(3)
Nozzles (three-way): two, two-and-one-half National
Standard thread hose nozzle with caps and chains. Pumper nozzle with
an opening of 4 1/2 inches and external National Standard hose
threads, nozzle cap, and chain.
(4)
Operating nut: one-piece bronze casting with or without
a ductile iron weather shield. The operating nut should be a Pentagon
of 1 1/2 inches, measured point to flat at base nut and 1 7/16
inches at top.
(5)
Direction of opening: right (clockwise).
(6)
Depth of bury: four feet six inches (four feet when
required).
(7)
Size of main valve: 5 1/4 inches.
(8)
Basic Valve Style: compression.
(9)
Barrel and stem type: breakaway or traffic safety
feature with valve remaining closed upon vehicular impact. Upper and
lower barrels joined approximately two inches above the ground line
by a separate and breakable swivel flange, providing 360° rotation
of the upper barrel.
(10)
Main valve assembly. The drain valve assembly shall
be fully automatic. Valve seat ring and drain ring shall be provided
with not less than two openings and shall be capable of draining the
barrel at a rate of not less than 5 G.P.M.
(11)
Drain way: all bronze.
(12)
Seat ring: thread into a bronze drain ring. Pressure
seals shall be rubber gaskets or O rings.
(13)
Main valve and seat ring: to be removable through
the upper barrel from above ground.
(14)
Hydrant: to be dry top design. The chamber shall contain
a lubrication of grease or oil, which is injected through the top
of the operating nut, or provide an external means to lubricate the
operating mechanism.
(15)
Color: aluminum color for portion of hydrant above
the ground line.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 78-21, Dry
fire hydrants, was repealed 6-18-1986 by Ord. No. 3016.
[Amended 9-21-1977 by Ord. No. 1802; 11-15-1978 by Ord. No.
1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No. 3016; 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
All use of liquefied petroleum gas shall comply
with the International Fire Code and the National Fire Protection
Association Standard No. 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gases, Storage and
Handling.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 6-18-1986 by Ord. No.
3016; 11-18-1998 by Ord. No. 3500]
A.
General requirements.
(1)
All institutional, school and commercial kitchen hood
cooking equipment and exhaust duct systems shall be protected against
grease fires by an approved kitchen hood and duct system meeting the
requirements of NFPA Standard No. 96, Ventilation Control and Fire
Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.
(2)
All required commercial kitchen hood and duct systems
shall be protected by an approved automatic suppression system meeting
the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories Standard 300.
(3)
Fire extinguishing systems shall be designed, installed
and maintained in accordance with NFPA Standard 96.
(4)
The exhaust fan in said duct system shall be either
automatically turned off when the system is activated or allowed to
continue operating in accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer
and approval of the Fire Marshal.
(5)
The operation of any extinguishing system shall automatically
shut off all sources of fuel and heat to all cooking equipment except
for the fuel supply to provide gas pilots. A manual operation shall
be required to reestablish the fuel or heat supply. When gaseous fuels
are used, a permanent notice shall be posted at the reset device cautioning
the operator to shut off the gas at all appliances before resetting
the device.
B.
Permits. A permit shall be required from the Township
of Lower Merion Building and Planning Department before the installation,
addition or alteration of any automatic kitchen protection.
[Amended 1-19-2002 by Ord. No. 3629]
C.
Approval of plans. Detailed plans of the automatic
kitchen protection installation shall be submitted to and approved,
in writing, by the Fire Marshal. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed to prevent the installation of other types of automatic
fire protection restaurant equipment than as specified herein, when
such equipment is approved by the Fire Marshal.
D.
Inspection, maintenance and tests. The standard for
the Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking
Operations of the NFPA Standard No. 96 shall be followed for the inspection,
maintenance and testing of equipment.
E.
On matters not detailed in this section pertaining
to restaurant fire protection, all equipment installed, altered or
extended shall be in conformance with NFPA Standard No. 96.
A.
Whenever the Fire Marshal shall determine that the
parking of motor vehicles upon any public or private street, lane,
alley or driveway or upon any shopping center, educational institution,
apartment complex or similar occupancy is liable to interfere with
the operations of the Fire Department or seriously hamper egress of
occupants from a building in case of fire, he shall post signs reading
NO PARKING BY ORDER OF THE FIRE MARSHAL on such street, lane, alley
or driveway or upon such shopping center, educational institution,
apartment complex or similar occupancy.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839]
B.
The Fire Marshal is hereby given authority to adopt
and enforce temporary parking regulations to cover emergencies or
special conditions on any public or private street, lane, alley or
driveway or on any shopping center, educational institution, apartment
complex or similar occupancy if the Fire Marshal shall determine that
the parking of motor vehicles is liable to interfere with the operations
of the Fire Department or seriously hamper the egress of occupants
from a building in case of fire. In exercising the authority provided
by this subsection, the Fire Marshal shall post signs reading NO PARKING
-TEMPORARY FIRE REGULATION - BY ORDER OF THE FIRE MARSHAL OF LOWER
MERION TOWNSHIP on such street, lane, alley or driveway or on such
shopping center, educational institution, apartment complex or similar
occupancy.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839]
C.
Whenever the Fire Marshal shall determine that NO
PARKING BY ORDER OF THE FIRE MARSHAL signs on any public or private
street, lane, alley or driveway or on any shopping center, educational
institution, apartment complex or similar occupancy will not clearly
indicate the area in which parking is prohibited, he is authorized
to establish fire lanes by painting lines four inches in width on
the roadway surface indicating the area in which parking is prohibited.
In addition, he shall paint the words "fire lane" in letters three
feet in height on the roadway surface at intervals he deems necessary.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839]
D.
Whenever the Fire Marshal shall determine that the
parking of motor vehicles upon any public or private street, lane,
alley or driveway or on any shopping center, educational institution,
apartment complex or similar occupancy is liable to interfere with
the operations of the Fire Department or seriously hamper the egress
of occupants from buildings in case of fire, he is hereby authorized
to establish fire lanes by painting lines four inches in width on
the roadway surface indicating the area in which parking is prohibited
without posting signs reading NO PARKING BY ORDER OF THE FIRE MARSHAL
on such street, lane, alley or driveway or on such shopping center,
educational institution, apartment complex or similar occupancy. The
Fire Marshal shall have the words "fire lane" in letters three feet
in height painted on the roadway surface at intervals he deems necessary
within the prohibited parking area.
[Amended 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839; 3-19-2008 by Ord. No.
3844]
E.
Any person parking a motor vehicle in disregard of
any sign or fire lane erected by the Fire Marshal as provided herein
shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter and subject to the
fines and penalties hereinafter specified. Except that, in any case
where the Fire Marshall, police or meter attendant has given notice
of violation of a fire lane parking regulation by either handing to
the offending driver or fixing to the vehicle in question a ticket
on which is noted the time, place and nature of the violation charged,
the owner of such vehicle may, within 48 hours after the time such
notice was handed to the offending driver or affixed to or placed
on the vehicle in question, pay by mail or at police headquarters,
as a guilty plea and as a penalty for and in satisfaction of each
such violation, the sum of $15 for any such violation.
[Amended 9-19-2001 by Ord. No. 3620]
[Amended 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170]
Model rockets will comply with the National
Fire Protection Association No. 1122, the Standard for Unmanned Rockets.
[Added 6-18-1986 by Ord. No. 3016[2]]
A.
EXISTING BUILDING
HIGH-RISE BUILDING
NEW BUILDING
Definitions. As used in this section, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any structure erected prior to the adoption of this code,
or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.
[Amended 4-19-1995 by Ord. No.
3390]:
Any structure erected after the adoption of this code, or
which is not defined as an existing building.
B.
Conformance required: application.
(1)
New high-rise buildings shall conform to the International
Fire Code published by the International Codes Council, currently
adopted as the Building Code of the Township of Lower Merion, and
all applicable provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
(2)
Existing high-rise buildings shall conform to the
provisions of this chapter. Applications for permits necessary for
compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be submitted
to the Building and Planning Department prior to the expiration of
six months after the effective date of this section.
[Amended 1-19-2002 by Ord. No. 3629]
C.
Exit requirements.
(1)
In all high-rise buildings, there shall be not fewer
than two approved independent exitways serving every story.
(a)
Exception No. 1. Any living unit which has an
exit directly to the street or yard at ground level or by way of an
outside stairway, or an enclosed stairway with a fire-resistive rating
of one hour or more serving that apartment only and not communicating
with any floor below or other area not a part of the occupancy served,
may have a single exit.
(b)
Exception No. 2. A building with not more than
four living units per floor with a smokeproof tower or outside stair,
in accordance with the definition of smokeproof tower in § 5-2.3
of the Life Safety Code, NFPA No. 101, as the exit, immediately accessible
to all living units served thereby, may have a single exit. "Immediately
accessible" means that there is not more than 20 feet of travel distance
from the entrance door of any unit to the exit.
(c)
Exception No. 3. One exit is permitted from
existing high-rise buildings, provided that the exit is enclosed with
construction having a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating with
unobstructed, continuous and direct egress to a permanent unobstructed
open space providing safe access to a street and the building is equipped
throughout with an approved fire-suppression system with an approved
smoke-detection system installed in the common areas.
(2)
In all high-rise buildings, interior exitway stairways
shall be enclosed with construction having a two-hour fire-resistive
rating.
(3)
In all high-rise buildings, interior exitway stairways
shall discharge directly to a street, alley, park, yard, court or
other permanent, unobstructed space open to the sky, providing safe
access to a street. In existing high-rise buildings, interior exitway
stairways may discharge through the lobby or similar area at the level
of discharge, provided that:
(a)
Discharge is to a free and unobstructed way
to the exterior of the building which is readily visible and identifiable
from the point of stairway discharge; and
(b)
The floor into which the exit discharges is
provided with automatic sprinkler protection and any other areas with
access to the level of discharge are provided with automatic sprinkler
protection or separated from it by construction having a two-hour
fire-resistance rating.
(4)
In all high-rise buildings, stairways which continue
beyond the floor of discharge shall be interrupted at the floor of
discharge by partitions, doors or other effective means of preventing
persons from continuing past the floor of discharge while egressing.
(5)
In all high-rise buildings, emergency lighting shall
be installed in all exitways.
(6)
In all high-rise buildings, a sign shall be provided
at each landing in all interior stairways designating the floor level
above the floor of discharge. Letters and numerals shall be a minimum
of six inches in height.
D.
Fire alarm system. All high-rise buildings, both new
and existing, shall be equipped with a supervised, annunciator-type
fire alarm system in accordance with the applicable occupancy chapter
of the Life Safety Code No. 101, NFPA and the Fire and Panic Regulations
of the State of Pennsylvania. (Exception: existing buildings with
an approved operating supervised coded or selective code type fire
alarm system.) A system which, when operated, will cause sounding
devices to signal a predetermined number of strokes, which is indicative
of the location of the activated alarm system, shall be considered
a coded or selective code system.
E.
Fire-suppression systems. All existing high-rise buildings
shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-suppression system
in the following areas:
(1)
Basements.
(2)
Rooms used for the storage of combustibles when the
floor area of the room exceeds 120 square feet.
(3)
Any occupancy other than residential, when located
below a residential occupancy.
(4)
Trash and incinerator chutes and rooms.
(5)
Commercial kitchens and other special hazard areas
as determined by the Fire Department or the Building and Planning
Department.
[Amended 1-19-2002 by Ord. No. 3629]
(6)
Assembly and mercantile occupancies as defined in
the Life Safety Code, NFPA No. 101.
F.
Smoke control.
(1)
In all high-rise buildings, smoke detectors approved
for duct installation shall be installed and arranged in air-conditioning
systems to automatically shut down the fans. Detectors shall be placed
in the following areas:
(a)
At a suitable location in the return airstream
prior to exhausting from the building or being diluted by outside
air.
(b)
At a suitable location in the main supply duct
on the downstream side of the filters.
(c)
Where required by regulations of the Building
and Planning Department.
[Amended 1-19-2002 by Ord. No. 3629]
(2)
Automatic fan shutdown shall not be required where
an engineered smoke-control system has been approved by the Building
and Planning Department.
[Amended 1-19-2002 by Ord. No. 3629]
G.
Fire evacuation and training and firesafety procedures.
(1)
The registered owner, his agent or designated representative
responsible for the operation of all high-rise buildings shall prepare
and submit a firesafety plan and evacuation procedure to the Fire
Department for approval.
(2)
Firesafety plan. The firesafety plan, including a
floor diagram, shall be distributed to the tenants and all building
service employees after review and approval by the Fire Department.
(3)
Evacuation procedure. Evacuation procedures shall
be reviewed and approved by the Fire Department and shall be distributed
and/or posted as required by the Fire Department.
(4)
Responsibility to update firesafety plan. It shall
be the responsibility of the registered owner, his agent or designated
representative responsible for the operation of all high-rise buildings
to promptly update the firesafety plan and evacuation procedures upon
changes in occupancy, use or physical arrangement.
The owner of any building or structure shall,
whenever the same becomes vacant or unoccupied, remove therefrom all
papers or other combustible waste materials accumulated therein or
upon any part of the premises. All doors, windows or other openings
into such buildings or structures shall be kept closed and locked
while the same remain unoccupied. In the event that windows, doors
or other openings are broken, they shall be immediately replaced or
boarded up in such a manner that will prevent entrance by the public.
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
A.
Draw water from a fire hydrant for any purpose without
permission from the water company and the Fire Marshal.
[Amended 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
B.
Willfully permit water from a fire hydrant to be wasted.
C.
Damage or break a fire hydrant.
D.
Hinder or obstruct any firefighter or any vehicle
of the Fire Department from passing along the streets to or from a
fire or from conducting fire-fighting operations at a fire.
[Amended 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
E.
Erect any sign containing the words "Fire Marshal"
without the authorization of the Fire Marshal.
[Added 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839]
F.
Hinder or prevent any firefighter from performing
his/her functions, powers or duties as a firefighter.
[Added 11-15-1978 by Ord. No. 1839;
amended 3-19-2008 by Ord. No. 3844]
G.
Leave any part of the piping or oil tank or oil fill
when removing an oil burner or taking the burner out of service in
any structure in Lower Merion Township.
[Added 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170]
The Fire Committee of the Board of Commissioners
shall act as a Committee to determine, specify and approve, after
giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials,
processes and occupancies in addition to those now enumerated in the
Fire Prevention Code. The Fire Marshal shall list such approved new
materials, processes and occupancies in a conspicuous place in his
office, and distribute copies thereof to interested persons.
[Added 11-15-1989 by Ord. No. 3170;
amended 9-21-2005 by Ord. No. 3756]
A.
No charcoal- or propane-fired cooking equipment, fireplaces
and/or fire container shall be used on the patio or patio balcony
in any individual unit or covered common area or under any overhanging
portion of a multifamily dwelling unit in Lower Merion Township.
B.
Charcoal, charcoal lighter fluid and/or propane shall
not be stored in any multifamily dwelling in Lower Merion Township.
C.
Charcoal- or propane-fired cooking units, fireplaces
and/or fire containers may be used in multifamily dwellings if they
are on the ground and 15 feet from any building.
