Interpretation #6559
Published June 25, 2010
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2007
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Building
- Chapter
- 4
- Section
- 423.7.5
- Topic
- Fire Alarms
Question
Is it the intent of Florida Building Code - Building Section 423.7.5 to require all classrooms with manual fire alarm boxes located inside the classroom to remain unlocked from the outside of the room during school hours even if the classroom itself is not in use or occupied?
Answer Published 06/25/2010 at 7:59 AM
Yes. Florida Building Code - Building Section 423.7.5
states, in part that "Sending stations may be located inside
student-occupied spaces, adjacent to the primary exit door
only if the door to the occupied space is unlocked at all
times while the facility is occupied." If the manual fire
alarm pull stations are only in the classrooms, then the
classrooms with manual fire alarm pull stations are required
to remain unlocked any time the facility, or a portion of a
facility is occupied. This is in place so that an occupant
can activate the fire alarm system when a fire occurs. This
includes when the facility is occupied during lunch periods,
after school programs, nighttime use and weekend use.
states, in part that "Sending stations may be located inside
student-occupied spaces, adjacent to the primary exit door
only if the door to the occupied space is unlocked at all
times while the facility is occupied." If the manual fire
alarm pull stations are only in the classrooms, then the
classrooms with manual fire alarm pull stations are required
to remain unlocked any time the facility, or a portion of a
facility is occupied. This is in place so that an occupant
can activate the fire alarm system when a fire occurs. This
includes when the facility is occupied during lunch periods,
after school programs, nighttime use and weekend use.
Commentary
FBC 423.5.6.4 defines "Educational facility" as "consists of
buildings and equipment, structures, and special educational
use areas that are built, installed, or established to serve
primarily the educational purposes and secondarily the
social and recreational purposes of the community." In other
words, it is any and all of the buildings located on a
school campus.