Security Dealer & Integrator

JUN 2017

Find news and information for the executive corporate security director, CSO, facility manager and assets protection manager on issues of policy, products, incidents, risk management, threat assessments and preparedness.

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e requirement of a PUSH TO EXIT sign is what suddenly caught the inspector's attention. Maybe this inspector recently attended a code update class and this issue was brought to the forefront. e existing pull-boxes are actually more of a deterrent than a pushbut- ton would be. It takes a commitment from someone to pull a handle and break a glass rod; on the other hand, it takes much less nerve (impulse control) to push (accidently lean against) a big button. When responding to the inspec- tor and/or a written citation, I would tactfully give the inspector an out. Show them Chapter One of the Fire Code, section 104.11, where they have been given discretion to give the thumbs up to any "design or method of construction [that] is satisfactory and complies with the intent and pro- visions of this code" as below: "e provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of June 2017 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com / Security Dealer & Integrator 47 construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety." Of all the above counterpoints, the first sentence in section 104.11 should do it. If nothing else, the installation clearly has existing, approved equipment that meets OBC/OFC 104.11. Wildfire Worries Perhaps you are aware of the wild forest fires in recent years – mostly in our western states. While the issue of property loss/damage is not my primary focus, the safety of lives is of grave concern. A reader recently asked: "We have a high fire danger weather alert on the news – this is a common occur- rence and it seems we are headed for a very dry summer. Are there any systems available that could be put on the perimeter of a property to alert the homeowners that a fire is near in the event they do not smell the smoke?" I am interested about the various methods readers may have used to address this growing safety concern. Please email me at greg@firealarm. org, or contact SD&I; Editor in Chief Paul Rothman (prothman@secdealer. com) with details – both successes and failures – of any installations you have tried. I will share them in a future column. ■ » Greg Kessinger (greg@firealarm. org) has been SD&I;'s fire alarm and codes expert and a regular contributor for more than 15 years. Built Tough for 22 Years Built with SONY & Panasonic Inside Choose Analog / HD-SDI / IP 866-301-CCTV www.ruggedcams.com Plant Floor Outdoor Indoor RUGGED CAMS RUGGED CAMS Beyond Industrial Grade www.SecurityInfoWatch.com/11625087 Six years after installing this type of Emergency Door Release, one fire alarm company had to deal with some code issues raised by the local fire inspector.

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