Chapter 3

 

Fire Prevention Code; Hazardous Materials

 

 

 

5-3-1               Adoption of International, National and State Codes/Standards.

5-3-2               Onalaska Fire Prevention Local Codes/Standards

5-3-3               Disclosure of Hazardous Materials and Infectious Agents; Reimbursement for Cleanup of Spills.

5-3-4               Recovery of Costs of Extinguishing and Cleaning Up Fires.  Involving Hazardous Materials.

 

 

 

Sec. 5-3-1       Adoption of International, National, and State Codes/Standards.

 

(a)       The following provisions of International, National and State Codes/Standards, as from time to time amended, are incorporated herein by reference:

(1)       International Building Code (IBC)

(2)       National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards which include, but is not limited to, NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code; NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; and NFPA 5000 Building Code

(3)       Chapter 101:  Department of Commerce – Regulations of Industry, Buildings and Safety

(4)       Comm 4:  Signs for Smoking Areas

(5)       Comm 5:  Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

(6)       Comm 7:  Explosive Materials

(7)       Comm 9:  Manufacture of Fireworks

(8)       Comm 10:  Flammable and Combustible Liquids

(9)       Comm 14:  Fire Prevention

(10)     Comm 16:  Electrical

(11)     Comm 18:  Elevators

(12)     Comm 20-25:  Uniform Dwellings (One- and Two-Family Dwellings)

(13)     Comm 28:  Smoke Detectors

(14)     Comm 30:  Fire Department Safety and Health

(15)     Comm 32:  Public Employee Safety and Health

(16)     Comm 35:  Infectious Agents

(17)     Comm 40:  Gas Systems

(18)     Comm 43:  Anhydrous Ammonia

(19)     Comm 50-64:  Building Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

(20)     Comm 61-65:  Commercial Buildings

(21)     Comm 66:  Uniform Multi-Family Dwellings

(22)     Comm 70:  Historic Buildings

(23)     Comm 75-79:  Existing Buildings

 

 

 

 

 

Sec. 5-3-2       Onalaska Fire Prevention Local Codes/Standards

 

(a)       Means of Egress.

(1)       Required exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.

(2)       At every required exit doorway, and whenever otherwise required to clearly indicate the direction of egress, an approved exit sign shall be provided from all areas.

(3)       In the interior stairways, the floor level leading directly to the exterior shall be clearly indicated.

(4)       All exit aisles shall be maintained clear and unobstructed and be a minimum 36 inches wide.

(5)       Exit hardware shall be maintained.

(6)       Every door which serves as a required exit door or an exit access door serving any area, room, public passageway, stairway or building that can accommodate 100 persons, shall have such fastenings or hardware that can be opened from the inside by pushing against a single bar or plate.

(7)       Every exit door, exit access door, and egress paths to those doors shall be free from obstructions.  Doors shall be unlocked when the building is occupied.  No locking hardware requiring a key, padlock, chains, or other non-approved locking devices shall be used.  

(8)       Storage is not permitted on rescue platforms.

(b)       Fire Protection Systems.

(1)       Fire Extinguishers.

a.         Where required.  In all buildings and structures provided for under the fire codes of the State and the City, a minimum size of 3-A: 40-B:C fire extinguisher shall be installed in a visible and easily accessible location.

b.         Fire extinguishers shall be serviced and tagged annually and have the appropriate 6-year maintenance and 12-year hydro test if required.

c.         Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.

d.         Hand held fire extinguishers not housed in cabinets, shall be installed on supplied hangers or brackets.

e.         Fire extinguishers weighing less than 40 lbs shall be installed so that the top is no more than 5 feet above the floor.

f.          Clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor shall never be less than four inches.

            (2)       Fire Alarms and Smoke Detectors.

a.         The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the fire alarm and smoke detection systems are maintained in an operable condition at all times.

b.         Operational tests are required monthly.

c.         Fire alarm panels shall be kept locked at all times to prevent tampering.

d.         Records of testing and maintenance are required to be maintained.

 

 

e.         Landlords shall be responsible for all batteries and maintenance of smoke detectors in their buildings.

f.          As a minimum, at least one smoke detector per floor shall be required in all commercial, industrial, and residential structures.  The Fire Chief may require additional detection devices at his or her discretion.

            (3)       Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

a.         All fire sprinkler systems shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with (IAW) NFPA 25.

b.         Noted deficiencies by contractors shall be corrected.

c.         Complex systems with three or more risers shall have a diagram in the sprinkler room indicating area covered.

d.         Fire Department Connection (FDC) shall have a five-inch storz connector for demands larger than 500 GPM.

e.         FDC shall not be located more than 150-200 feet from a fire hydrant.

f.          All inlets to the FDC shall be installed so that they face the fire apparatus access road.

g.         A weatherproof horn/strobe alarm shall be installed above the FDC connection to indicate a water flow.

h.         All fire sprinkler systems shall be monitored.

i.          All fire sprinkler systems shall be serviced and tagged annually with a copy of the test record in a plastic sleeve at the main riser.

j.          The fire department shall be notified if the system is shut off or impaired.

k.         There shall be a minimum of 18 inches of clearance below all sprinkler heads.

l.          Sprinkler heads shall be kept free of accumulation of dust, dirt, paint or other substances that may impair its operation.

m.        Any defective, painted, or damaged sprinkler heads are required to be immediately replaced upon finding.

n.         Companies installing, servicing, or testing fire sprinkler systems shall submit  records of such work to the Onalaska Fire Department for review on a quarterly basis.

o.         The Fire Chief may approve the removal of a non required system based on his or her discretion. If approved, all components of the system shall be removed.

(4)       Standpipe Systems.

a.         Standpipe systems may be required in new commercial and residential structures that are 3 stories in height and shall be required in structures that are 4 or more stories in height. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (“AHJ”) or his/her designee shall approve all systems.

b.         An automatic water supply for a wet standpipe system shall be designed to provide not less than the flowing capacity from top outlets at not less than 65 psi flowing pressure for a period of 30 minutes; 500 GPM for a single standpipe; 750 GPM for 2 interconnected standpipes; and 1,000 GPM for larger systems.

c.         All standpipe and hose systems shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the NFPA 25 Standard.

(5)       Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Interferences, Tampering or Removal of All Fire Protection Equipment.

a.         Definitions. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words or terms shall apply to this section. “Fire Protection System” means all approved devices, equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire, control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof.

b.         Owner or operators shall be responsible for the condition of all their fire protection systems and any other firefighting equipment.

c.         Owners or operators of all fire protection systems and any other firefighting equipment shall maintain the systems in good operating condition.

d.         All fire protection systems and other firefighting equipment shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the adopted standards and good engineering practices.

e.         The local fire department shall be notified whenever any fire protection system or any other firefighting equipment is shut down or impaired and when it is placed back in service. The owner shall arrange for immediate and continual servicing or repair of the impaired fire protection system or firefighting equipment until it is placed back in operation.

f.          No person shall interfere with, tamper with or remove any fire protection system, emergency lighting system, fire hydrant, or any other firefighting equipment without first obtaining a written approval from the Fire Chief.

(c)       Commercial Cooking Equipment.

(1)       The hood, exhaust, and fire protection systems shall meet the requirements set forth in NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations and the Wis. Adm. Code.

(2)       Cooking equipment involving vegetable oil or animal fats shall be protected by a Class K rated portable fire extinguisher provided within 30 feet travel distance.

(3)       Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be serviced every 6 months and after activation of the system.  All systems shall be tagged and records maintained.

(4)       The actuation of commercial cooking equipment fire suppression system shall automatically shut down the fuel and/or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment and activate the buildings fire alarm system.  Reset shall be manual.  A written record shall be maintained and available to the AHJ.

(5)       Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, and ducts shall be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of grease.  Cleaning shall be recorded and such records shall be maintained on the premises.

(6)       Excess grease and dirt shall not be allowed to accumulate on the equipment or on or in any part of the hood system.

(7)       Companies servicing or cleaning hood systems shall submit the service or maintenance records to the Onalaska Fire Department at least quarterly for review.

(8)       Noted deficiencies by contractors shall be corrected.

 

 

(d)       Electrical.

(1)       Extension cords shall not be substituted for permanent wiring, placed under doors or floor coverings and may not be attached to any building or structure.

(2)       The front of electrical service equipment (panels) shall have a clear working space of not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth, and 78 inches in height.

(3)       Extension cords shall be of a 3 prong U/L approved grounding type when used in conjunction with devices equipped with 3-prong grounding type attachment plugs.

(4)       Multi-outlet assemblies, surge protectors and re-locatable power taps may not be attached to any structure or permanently mounted to any surface unless listed for the purpose.  Multi-outlet assemblies, surge protectors and re-locatable power taps may not be daisy chained.

(e)       Knox Box.

(1)       A Knox box shall be installed on all new mercantile, commercial, & business occupied buildings. Multi-unit residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to living units shall be equipped with a Knox box approved by the Fire Department.

(2)       The Knox box shall be installed in a location that is approved by the Fire Department and shall be installed prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit.

(3)       Location:  The Knox box shall be at or near the recognized public entrance of a building, 5-7 feet from the ground.  No steps, displays, signs, or other fixtures, structures, or protrusions shall be located around or under the box as to limit its access.

 

 

 

(f)        Fire Doors.

(1)       Listed closing devices and hardware shall be maintained on all fire doors.

(2)       All horizontal or vertical sliding and rolling fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually to check for proper operation and full closure.

(3)       Resetting of the release mechanism shall be done IAW the manufacturer’s instructions.

(4)       A written record shall be maintained and shall be available to the AHJ.

(g)       Miscellaneous.

(1)       Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner.

(2)       Grills:

a.         Charcoal grills shall not be allowed on or within 10 feet of combustible materials.  Charcoal grills are prohibited on combustible balconies.

b.         LP cylinders having a water capacity greater than 2 ½ pounds shall not be located on balconies above the first floor that are attached to multiple family dwellings of three or more living units. In short, 20-pound LP cylinders are prohibited on balconies unless the balcony is served by an outside stairway that would be used to transport  the cylinders to such a balcony.

(3)       Flammable liquids are not allowed to be stored in basements.

(4)       Exterior doors shall be labeled when hazardous materials or conditions are present to alert emergency personnel.

(5)       The AHJ may require signs labeling interior doors, e.g. mechanical rooms (utilities).

(6)       Large Box Commercial:

a.         For all large retail, wholesale, and warehouse commercial facilities that exceed 20,000 square feet. A floor plan shall be approved by the fire department showing the locations of wing stacks, end caps, or other islands of product that may be positioned in aisles.

(7)       Fire Wall Identification Sign Requirements:

a.         General.  The sign shall consist of three circles arranged vertically on the exterior wall, marking the location of the firewall and centered on the firewall. The circles shall either be affixed directly to the surface of the building or may be placed on a background that is affixed to the building.

b.         Size of circle.  Each circle shall be the same size. The diameter of the circle shall be at least  1 ½ inch (38 mm), but no greater than 2 inches (51 mm).

c.         Spacing.  The circles shall be spaced an equal distance apart. The distance measured from the top of the uppermost circle to the bottom of the lower most circle shall be no more than 12 inches (305 mm).

d.         Color. The color of the circle shall be red, amber (orange – yellow) or white.  The color of the circle shall contrast with the color of the background.

(8)       Pallets and Combustible Storage:

a.         Pallets shall not be stored closer than 30 feet from a building or in piles higher than 20 feet.

b.         The owner or occupant of any commercial property shall have an approved plan for outside storage of combustible/salvage materials.

 

(h)       Application.  All non-residential structures in the City of Onalaska are subject to Section 5-3-2(a)-(g) and (j).

(i)        Application to Residential Rental Properties With Three Or More Units.

(1)       All residential rental properties are subject to Section 5-3-2(a)-(g) and (j).

(2)       Residential rental properties shall also comply with the following:

a.         Dryers shall be vented outside with rigid or semi-rigid pipe.

b.         Dryer pipes shall be cleaned and inspected annually or as needed.

c.         Self-closing fire doors shall be tested and maintained.

d.         Required Knox boxes by the AHJ shall have keys to access the building and alarm panel. At no time shall an alarm panel door be left unlocked.

(j)        Violations.

(1)       Citations shall be issued by the Fire Department for failure to comply with any of the   City’s fire prevention codes and ordinances.

(2)       Violation of fire prevention codes and ordinances:

a.         1st offense:  Written warning with discrepancies and required compliance date.

b.         2nd offense:  $100.00

c.         3rd and subsequent offenses:  $200.00

(3)       Any person, business, corporation or other entity having violated the City’s fire prevention codes and ordinances at one or more locations shall pay to the City the appropriate charges outlined in subparagraph 9.2 for each calendar year for each location.

 

Sec. 5-3-3       Disclosure of Hazardous Materials and Infectious Agents; Reimbursement for Cleanup of Spills.

 

(a)       Application.

(1)       All persons, firms or organizations using, researching or producing hazardous materials and/or infectious agents shall notify the Fire Department as prescribed by this Section.

(2)       The provisions of this Section shall apply to all persons, firms or organizations using, researching, producing or storing hazardous materials and/or infectious agents on and after the effective date of this Section.

(b)       Definitions.

(1)       "Infectious agent" is a bacterial, mycoplasmal, fungal, parasitic or viral agent known to cause illness in humans which is used, researched, produced or stored within or on premises.

(2)       "Hazardous materials" are those materials that can cause death or disabling injury from brief exposure; those materials that could cause a lost‑time injury from exposure; and those materials that could cause temporary disability or injury without permanent effects which are used, researched, produced or stored within or on premises except those household consumer products used at the point of consumption and not used for commercial or experimental purposes. This definition of hazardous materials shall include radioactive materials.

(c)       Information Required.

(1)       Any person, firm or organization using, researching, producing and/or storing any hazardous materials shall provide in writing to the Fire Department the following information:

a.         Address, location of where hazardous materials are used, researched, stored or produced;

b.         The trade name of the hazardous material;

c.         The chemical name and any commonly used synonym for the hazardous material and the chemical name and any commonly used synonym for its major components;

d.         The exact locations on the premises where materials are used, researched, stored and/or produced;

e.         Amounts of hazardous materials on premises per exact location;

f.          The boiling point, vapor pressure, vapor density, solubility in water, specific gravity, percentage volatile by volume, evaporation rate for liquids and appearance and odor of the hazardous material;

g.                     The flash-point and flammable limits of the hazardous substance;

h.         Any permissible exposure level, threshold limit value or other established limit value for exposure to a hazardous material;

i.          The stability of the hazardous substance;

j.          Recommended fire extinguishing media, special firefighting procedures and fire and explosion hazard information for the hazardous material;

k.         Any effect of over-exposure to the hazardous material, emergency and first aid procedures and telephone numbers to call in an emergency;

1.         Any condition or material which is incompatible with the hazardous material and must be avoided;

m.        Any personal protective equipment to be worn or used and special precautions to be taken when handling or coming into contact with the hazardous materials; and

n.         Procedures for handling or coming into contact with the hazardous materials.

(2)       Any person, firm or organization using, researching, producing and/or storing infectious agent and/or carrier of an infectious agent shall provide in writing to the Fire Department the following:

a.         The name and any commonly used synonym of the infectious agent;

b.         Address/location where infectious agents are used, researched, stored and/or produced;

c.         The exact locations where infectious agents are used, researched, stored and/or produced;

d.         Amount of infectious agent on premises per exact locations;

e.         Any methods of route of transmission of the infectious agents;

f.          Any symptoms of effect of infection, emergency and first aid procedure and a telephone number to be called in an emergency;

g.         Any personal protective equipment to be worn or used and special precautions to be taken when handling or coming in contact with the infectious agent;

h.         Procedure for handling, clean‑up and disposal of infectious agents leaked or spilled.

(d)       Reimbursement for Cleanup of Spills.  Any person who possesses or controls a hazardous material or infectious agent which was discharged or caused the discharge of a hazardous material or infectious agent shall reimburse the City for actual and necessary expenses incurred by the City or its agent to contain, remove or dispose of the hazardous substance or infectious agent or take any other appropriate action which is deemed appropriate under the circumstance.

 

Sec. 5-3-4   Recovery of Costs.

 

(a)       Every person, firm or corporation, storing, handling or transporting flammable or combustible liquid, chemicals, gasses or other hazardous materials shall comply with the requirements of OSHA 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910, EPA 40 Code of Federal Regulations 311, and Chapter Comm. 10, WI Administrative Code, as the same are now in force and may hereafter form time to time be amended.

(b)       Every person, firm or corporation using, storing, handling or transporting (whether by rail or on the highways) flammable or combustible liquids, chemicals, gasses or other hazardous materials shall be liable to the City for the actual cost of labor and materials associated with the use of any specialized extinguishing agent, chemical, neutralizer or similar material or equipment employed to extinguish, confine or clean up any such hazardous material which is involved in any accidental spill or in threat of any fire or accidental spill.