Village of Spring Valley, NY Fire Protection Equipment and Markings

When a structure is protected by an automatic fire alarm system or fire and/or fire suppression system and access to or within the structure is unduly difficult because of secured openings and/or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the Inspector shall require a key box to be installed in an approved location.

New and existing businesses.

All new business, mercantile, industrial, storage, assembly and institutional, and three-or-more-story multiple residences, constructed, altered or changed in use after the effective date of this code shall have installed a key box in an approved location. Such key boxes shall be installed before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

All existing business, mercantile, industrial, storage, assembly and institutional, and three-or-more-story multiple residences shall comply with the provisions of this code not later than six months after this code's effective date.

The key box shall be of a type approved by the Inspector, and in order to maintain uniformity throughout Rockland County, order forms for said key box must be obtained from the Fire Inspector.

The key box shall be mounted on the building no higher than six feet above the ground and alongside the front entrance door or other location as directed by the Inspector.

Unless attached, each building or store shall have its own key box.

The owner or managing agent for the occupancy shall immediately notify the Inspector and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed.

The key box shall contain:

Keys to locked points of egress, whether on the interior or exterior of such structure.

Keys to locked mechanical rooms.

Keys to locked electrical rooms.

(d)

Keys to other areas as directed by the Inspector.

(e)

The layout of the building showing the location of the above in Subsection C(4)(a), (b), (c) and (d).

(f)

Other information as requested in writing by the Inspector (floor plan of buildings showing all exits and the location of the equipment on the roof).

All business, mercantile, industrial, storage, assembly and institutional, and three story multiple residences within the Village of Spring Valley protected by fences, gates and similar barriers presently secured by a padlock, electronically operated or automatic gates or other control circuits, shall be equipped with a high-security padlock or key switch as approved by the Fire Inspector.

Fire protection markings.

Premises identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. The numbers should be at least four inches in height and, if possible, made of or coated with reflective material for nighttime visibility.

Multiple dwellings or commercial properties with more than one building on the lot shall have the street address and building number of each premises posted at the right front corner of the building near the roof level unless otherwise directed by the Inspector. All letters and numbers are to be a minimum of six inches in height.

Multiple dwellings, four or more stories in height, shall have the first floor number and letter of the unit on the exterior of the building under the window or on the face of the balcony. The labeling system shall indicate the "line of units" (ex.: 1K). Numbers and letters are be a minimum of three inches and in contrasting color to the exterior surface of the building.

The requirements set forth in Subsection D(1) above shall also apply to newly fabricated and installed awnings and/or signs on the front of commercial use buildings and multiple dwellings and shall apply to § 209-6 of the Spring Valley Code of Ordinances entitled "Signs permitted in all districts."

Shaftways to be marked. Every outside opening accessible to the Fire Department that opens directly on any hoistway or shaftway communicating between two or more floors in a building shall be plainly marked with the word SHAFTWAY in red letters at least six inches high on a white background. Such warning signs shall be so placed as to be readily discernible from the outside of the building.

Stairway markings. Stairways serving three or more stories shall be marked with signs indicating floor level, roof access or no roof access and re-entry locations in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code. (NFPA 101).

Identification of lightweight construction.

Upon inspection and identification of any building, other than a one- or two-family dwelling, made of truss, wood I-beam or other lightweight-type construction, the owner/occupant shall be notified by the Inspector of the requirements of this code.

Upon notification, the owner/occupant shall permanently affix an approved twelve-by-eighteen inch reflective truss construction identification logo on the building. This shall be placed at the right front corner of the building near the roof level unless otherwise directed by the Fire Inspector. The identification logo shall be properly installed within 10 days after receipt of such notice.

The requirements of Subsection D(4)(a) and (b) above, with lettering adjustments made, shall also apply to bowstring or triangular wood truss roofs and lightweight metal truss roofs (in nonsprinklered buildings).

[2]

A sign vendor list and/or sign specification sheet is available from the Inspector.

[3]

Signs shall be maintained legible and clear from a distance of 100 feet.

The Inspector will notify the local Fire Chief of any building constructed with lightweight construction. This information will also be provided to the Rockland County Fire Control Center to be included in the Rockland County computer dispatch system data base.

Marking for vacant buildings.

Definition. For marking purposes, a "vacant building" is a structure which is completely unoccupied and where all efforts to maintain the building in a livable condition have been abandoned by the owner.

Distinctive markings. All vacant buildings within the Village of Spring Valley shall be marked using the appropriate examples below.

	VACANT — Normal structural stability at time of marking.
	VACANT — Interior hazards exist to such a degree that interior operations may be conducted only after examination and with extreme caution. (Example: a previous fire in the building; several severely charred floors and load-bearing walls or floor joists.)
	VACANT — Severe interior hazards exist. (Example: collapsed floor(s).) Every effort must be made to conduct operations from the exterior.
	RO VACANT — Roof opening.

Description of markings: yellow fluorescent paint 18 inches by 18 inches, two inches wide.

Primary location. Alongside all entrances, approximately 12 inches above the ground and also at eye level.

Fire walls. Fire wall signs shall always be maintained legible and not defaced.

Door markings. All doors (interior and exterior) leading to utility, boiler, compactor, elevator fire panel or fire protection controller device rooms shall be clearly labeled as directed by the Inspector. Letters shall not be less than one inch in height and shall be in contrasting colors to background and, if possible, made of or coated with reflective material for nighttime and/or smoke visibility.

Fire Department connections.

All Fire Department connections shall be painted OSHA color "red" or a bright red equivalent,

A sign reading "FDC" (six-inch red letters on white background) and type of system [SPKR, STD PIPE or SPKR / STD PIPE (one-inch red letters)] shall be installed a minimum of seven feet above the ground in line with the connection.

If the FDC sign is located on the side or rear of a building, additional signs shall be installed on the front of the building to direct the Fire Department to the connection (ex.: FDC- Rear of Bldg.).

All lettering on such additional signs shall be no less than two inches in height (red letters on white background).

Appropriate caps or plugs shall be maintained on the Fire Department connection at all times.

Connection swivels shall be maintained in good working order at all times.

(7)

New sprinkler and/or standpipe installations shall include one five-inch Storz and one-single or double-clapper two-and-one-half-inch connection. Connections shall be located in front of the building, unless otherwise approved by the Inspector.

Exit requirements.

Adequate exits shall be provided in all buildings, structures and premises within the Village of Spring Valley to ensure the safe egress in case of fire or other emergency. The location, number, type and other considerations of exits shall be provided in accordance with requirements of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code and the most current edition of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).

No exit doors, passageways, hallways or stairs leading to the exit shall be locked, bolted or otherwise fastened or obstructed by any means so that the door cannot be opened from the inside by the use of an ordinary door latch or knob by pressure on the device or on a panic release device, and they shall allow the free egress of the occupants from the building or the unobstructed ingress of Fire Department personnel at all times.

The exit doors to the exterior of the building shall be equipped with approved panic hardware, which release when pressure is applied to the release device.

No furnishings, decoration or other objects shall be placed so as to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.

Exit lights (with battery backup), emergency lighting and panic hardware shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Table A.[1] These devices shall be maintained in good working order at all times.

Editor's Note: Table A is included at the end of this chapter.

Occupancy-use-type lofts and mezzanine areas shall be provided with one firefighter/occupant emergency means of egress in addition to the main exit from such space. A window, door or access panel with a clear opening area of not less than 20 inches wide by 24 inches high shall be used. Maximum sill height shall be 36 inches from the floor. Maximum spacing shall not exceed 50 feet from main loft exit. No key or combination lock shall be installed on the opening. A sign with two-inch minimum red letters above opening, "Emergency Exit," shall be posted.

Vacant buildings.

Every person owning or having control of any vacant building or apartment within a building shall remove all combustible waste and refuse therefrom and lock, barricade or otherwise secure all windows, doors and other openings in the building or apartment to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.

Vacant buildings or apartments within a building, unless same is ravaged by fire or approved by the court, shall maintain all required fire detection and suppression systems in service.

All exterior openings to or within a vacant building or vacant apartment within a building shall be sealed within 24 hours of a fire to prevent entry into the building or apartment.

Material data safety sheets. Buildings or occupancies that contain the storage or use of hazardous materials shall place the required data sheets (finished and raw products) in a yellow binder with the word "MSDS" on the front and side cover and place the binder on the wall near the front entrance for Fire Department use.

Storage/shipping trailers: shall be maintained a minimum distance of 10 feet from any structure and lot line. A current inventory list of items stored inside the trailer shall be maintained and made available to the Inspector or Fire Chief upon request. A special use permit may be required in accordance with zoning or other established regulations.

§ 82-32 Sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems required.

All new commercial structures, multiple dwellings, schools and institutions shall be equipped with an approved sprinkler system and fire detection alarm system connected to the municipal alarm board in Pomona, New York, i.e., 44-Control. The sprinkler system must meet the requirements of NFPA-13, Installation of Sprinkler System and/or NFPA-13R, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, in Residential Occupancies Up To and Including Four Stories in Height (NFPA, current edition).

All new one and two family dwellings using lightweight construction (for example, but not limited to, wood trusses, wood I-beams, etc.) must be equipped with an approved sprinkler system and fire detection alarm system. The sprinkler system must meet the requirements of NFPA-13D, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings (NFPA, current edition.)

All sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the most current edition of the National Fire Protection Association standard for sprinkler systems (NFPA-13, 13R and 13D) or the appropriate NFPA standards for special occupancies, whichever is applicable. Hydraulic and/or pipe schedule drawings with approved summary cover sheet shall be submitted to the Inspector for approval by the sprinkler contractor of record for any new, altered or otherwise modified systems prior to starting on-site work. The same shall apply for standpipe systems (NFPA 14) and fire pumps (NFPA 20). A fire hydrant shall be provided within 100 feet of a fire department connection serving a new sprinkler or standpipe system unless otherwise approved the Inspector.

All sprinkler systems, standpipe systems and fire pumps are to be tested in accordance with NFPA 25 standards. A written report of inspection and testing from a qualified testing firm or person shall be forwarded to the Fire Inspector's office on not less than an annual basis, or when requested by the Inspector, on forms approved by the Inspector. The name, address and telephone number of the current sprinkler service company shall be affixed to the system piping.

All buildings and structures other than one-family and two-family residences shall be equipped with fire detection and alarm systems as described in Table A.[1]

Installation, maintenance and testing.

All fire detection and alarm systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the most current edition of the National Fire Protection Association Fire Alarm Code (NFPA-72).

All fire detection and alarm systems shall be tested quarterly, and a written report shall be submitted to the Fire Inspector.

The fire alarm installer shall, either before or at the time of the witness test for final approval, provide to the Inspector the following:

Completed NFPA Record of Completion Form.

[2]

One hundred percent Acceptance Test Form (provided by the Inspector).

[3]

Automated Fire Alarm Account Status Code Addendum Sheet, including make, model of fire panel and communicator.

(d)

Failure to provide the completed forms as stated in § 82-32E(1)(c) can delay the fire alarm system from having a witness test performed and/or system being approved.

(e)

Unless authorized by the Inspector, a new fire alarm system left in service prior to final inspection which results in a false alarm will result in the issuance of a court appearance ticket.

(f)

Prior to testing or servicing a fire alarm or fire suppression system connected to a fire alarm system, the technician shall notify Fire Control 44 or, if applicable, the central station to prevent an unwarranted alarm from being transmitted. Before leaving the premises, the technician shall notify Fire Control 44 or the central station to place the fire alarm system back on line.

Copies of all fire alarm service, repair, inspection and testing reports shall be forwarded to the Fire Inspector's office within 10 days after completion of such service, repair, inspection or testing by the fire alarm company of record. Report forms shall be approved for use and/or a standardized form supplied by the Fire Inspector.

When a fire alarm or sprinkler system has been activated, the alarm company must respond within two hours of being notified. Failure to respond within this time frame, unless excused, will constitute a violation of this code, and a summons will be issued.

When a system technician determines that the fire alarm and/or sprinkler system cannot be restored to normal operation and needs to be placed out of service, the systems technician shall, without delay, advise Fire Control 44 who, in turn, shall notify a chief officer of the Spring Valley Fire Department and the Inspector. The Inspector shall then order the owner and/or other person responsible for the premises to immediately post at the building and continuously maintain there an approved watchmen's service (also known as "firewatch"), in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 601, until such time as the fire alarm and/or sprinkler system is restored to normal operation. The requirement to post and maintain an approved watchman is also applicable when a chief officer of the Spring Valley Fire Department or the Inspector places a fire alarm or sprinkler system out of service.

The Inspector shall be notified, in writing, prior to the installation of any fire alarm or fire-detection system. Such notification shall consist of plans sufficient to determine compliance with the fire code.

New fire alarm or fire-detection systems shall have an annunciator or fire panel located at or near the main entrance of the building. Such annunciator shall show the location and type of alarm. The location of any existing annunciator or panel not clearly visible upon entry through the main entrance of a building shall be identified with a sign posted on the wall next to the main entrance, indicating the location of the annunciator or panel.

Upon activation of a fire alarm, the persons in charge of a premises shall cause the premises to be evacuated, unless an evacuation plan, preapproved by the Inspector and Fire Department, is in place. In such case, the provisions of the plan shall be followed.

(7)

No fire system shall be reset from an alarm condition, unless approved by the Inspector or Fire Department officer in charge. A sign stating such shall be provided on all fire alarm panels capable of resetting an alarm.

(8)

Fire alarm or fire detection system panels and/or communicators shall be UL approved for commercial fire alarm use.

(9)

New or existing systems shall have, next to the annunciator and the fire panel, a chart with descriptive zone identification panel location, alarm code and the name and telephone number of the service company number.

(10)

An approved cover guard shall be installed on all types of manual pull stations when ordered by the Fire Inspector.

(11)

Audible and visual notification appliances (also known as "horn/strobe units") shall be installed on fire alarm systems in conformance with NFPA 72 and/or as directed by the Inspector.

(12)

A horn/strobe unit shall be installed at the top of the stairwell or inside the living space, as directed by the Inspector, that is located above a commercial use occupancy.

(13)

The fire alarm system shall have the capability to be silenced at the fire panel as well as by the annunciator panel near the front door.

(14)

Fire panels (new install or transferred accounts) shall be programmed and formatted to four by two standard full (with full fire zone, individual troubles and supervisory descriptions) or contact ID programming.

Editor's Note: Table A is included at the end of this chapter.

False fire alarm. It shall be the responsibility of a Village of Spring Valley Fire Chief to report any and all false fire alarms to the Village of Spring Valley Fire Inspector. These reports are to be received by the Fire Inspector within 48 hours after the occurrence of any false fire alarm.

§ 82-33 Fire extinguishers and extinguishing systems.

Commercial establishments generally. All commercial establishments, regardless of size or usage, shall be required to have at least one fully operative fire extinguisher at all times. All such fire extinguishers shall:

Be inspected and tagged yearly by a qualified company or replaced with a new purchase with the sales receipt taped to the extinguisher.

Be placed at a location designated by the Inspector.

Be installed and maintained as per the most recent edition of NFPA 10.

Include a sign that reads "Fire Extinguisher" placed on the wall seven feet above the floor and in line with the extinguisher.

Restaurants. Restaurants shall be required to have at least one fully operative fire extinguisher in its kitchen and one fully operated fire extinguisher located in the service area. Additional extinguishers shall be provided for each additional 2,500 square feet of service area or multiple thereof. The type of extinguisher shall be determined by the Inspector and shall be inspected yearly.

Extra-hazardous commercial operations. All dry-cleaning, paint and hardware stores, print shops and other similar extra-hazardous commercial operations as determined by the Inspector, shall have extinguishers, in addition to the one required in Subsection A, for every 1,000 square feet of building occupancy.

Protection of cooking equipment and ductwork.

All commercial cooking appliances, exhaust removal systems, ductwork and related equipment shall be protected by an automatic fire-extinguishing system installed and maintained in compliance with the most current applicable National Fire Protection Association Standard (current edition) and New York State Fire Code as applicable.

Fire extinguishing systems shall be inspected by an approved service firm on a semi-annual basis. To insure proper inspection, a copy of the completed service report shall be forwarded to the Fire Inspector's office within 10 days after completion of the inspection.

To evidence that a proper inspection has occurred, an inspection tag indicating the month and year the fire extinguishing system was inspected shall be placed on the system activation pin or the chemical storage tank.

The entire exhaust system (filters, duct, roof ventilator, etc.) shall be cleaned and inspected by a properly trained, qualified, and certified company or person in accordance with the following schedule:

	Type or Volume of Cooking Frequency	Frequency
	Systems serving solid fuel operations	Monthly
	Systems serving high-volume cooking operations such as twenty-four-hour cooking-char-broiling or wok cooking	Quarterly
	Systems serving moderate-volume cooking operations	Semi-annually
	Systems serving low-volume cooking operations, such as religious houses of worship, day camps, seasonal businesses or senior citizen centers	Annually

A copy of the completed cleaning / inspection service report form shall be forwarded to the Fire Inspector's office within 10 days after completion of the cleaning / inspection. The form shall also note any deficiencies with the exhaust removal system.

After cleaning the exhaust system, the approved cleaning service firm shall place on the front of the exhaust hood a label indicating the date cleaned, the name, address and phone number of the servicing company and any areas not cleaned.

(7)

Exhaust system filters shall be cleaned at least monthly, by the business owner, or when ordered to do so by the Inspector. This requirement does not relieve the owner or other responsible person from complying with § 82-33D(3).

Special extinguishing systems. Whenever deemed necessary for the protection of a special hazard, the Inspector may require the installation of a special extinguishing system. Any such special extinguishing system shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the most current applicable National Fire Protection Association Standard (current edition).

Access to fire protection equipment.

Parking of any vehicle within 15 feet of any fire hydrant or Fire Department siamese connection is prohibited.

Shrubs, dumpsters or other items that may obstruct the view of and access to any fire hydrant or Fire Department siamese connection are prohibited.

Strobe lights. In order to notify responding firefighters of conditions within a building or structure equipped with sprinkler systems or fire alarm systems or containing hazardous materials or other hazards to firefighters, identification strobe lights shall be installed on the exterior of the buildings or structures as follows.

Red strobe light: two such lights are required. One shall be located above the Fire Department siamese connection and one as specified in Subsection G(4) below in a sprinklered building to indicate activation of the water flow alarm.

Yellow strobe light: installed to indicate activation of a pull station, smoke detector, heat detector or other alarm device.

Blue strobe light: installed to indicate the presence of hazardous materials, hazardous conditions or other danger to firefighters.

Unless otherwise stated in this code or otherwise directed by the Inspector, the strobe lights shall be installed above the front entrance door leading to the annunciator and/or in the immediate vicinity of the key box.

Hazardous materials.

Where identification of buildings and structures containing hazardous materials is required in accordance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the National Fire Protection Association Hazardous Materials Identification System (NFPA-704) shall be utilized.

The discharge of any classified hazardous material as identified in the most current publication of NFPA 704, in any quantity, into any sewer system (interior or exterior / public or private) or storm drainage system is prohibited.

§ 82-34 Maintenance of equipment.

Standpipe system, sprinkler system, fire alarm system and other fire protective or extinguishing systems or appliances which have been installed in compliance with any permit or order or in accordance with any law shall be maintained in operative condition at all times, and it shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant to reduce the effectiveness of the protection so required; except that this shall not prohibit the owner or occupant from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the protection, where necessary, in order to make tests, repairs, alterations or additions, but not otherwise. The Inspector and the fire alarm company (if applicable) shall be notified before such tests, repairs, alterations or additions are started. Except as otherwise required by this code, all systems shall be checked at least annually by an authorized person and properly tagged.

All electrical appliances, fixtures and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the current edition of the National Electric Code (NFPA-70). All electrical appliances, fixtures and wiring shall be maintained so as not to be a fire hazard or a source of ignition for combustible or hazardous substances, materials or devices.

Gas fuel appliances, fixtures and piping systems.

All gas fuel appliances, fixtures and piping systems shall be installed in accordance with the current edition of the National Fuel Code (NFPA 54).

All gas fuel appliances, fixtures and piping shall also be maintained so as not to be a fire hazard or source of ignition for combustible or hazardous substances, materials or devices.

All gas fuel space heating and water heating appliances utilizing electric shall have an electrical disconnect switch in plain view, with red cover plate; location of switch to be determined by the Fire Inspector.