California Fire Alarm System Sales Checklist

When getting ready to price out a fire alarm system, keep the following in mind:

1. Check with you local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) and local ordinances for their codes and regulations.
2. Define the Occupancy Use Group - Found in CBC California Building Code section 302.
3. Determine if the building is sprinklered - CFC California Fire Code section 903.
4. Define Special Occupancies, if any. - Found in CBC California Building Code section 402.
5. Define mixed uses and separation, if any. - Found in CBC California Building Code section 508.
6. Evaluate Fire and Smoke Protection - Found in CBC California Building Code section 701.
7. Determine Fire Alarm Requirements. - Found in CFC California Fire Code section 907.2.
8. Determine Occupant Load. - Found in CBC California Building Code.

This list should help you acquire the necessary information to start putting a fire life safety system bid together.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in California

It's finally coming to California!  A code legislation that requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors Kidde KN-COPP-B Front Load Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display in residential applications.  Carbon Monoxide poisoning (CO), is responsible for more than 400 Americans deaths from unintentional poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 hospital visits due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.  CO is commonly found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by vehicles, gasoline engines like those of a back-up power generator, stoves, lanterns, areas for burning charcoal and/or wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. Since Carbon Monoxide is colorless and orderless, it kills without warning.  This is where it gets its alias The Silent Killer.

California as of January 1, 2011 will require the installation of these Carbon Monoxide detectors (example Kiddie carbon monoxide detector) in the following facilities:

• New one-two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories.  Where work requiring a permit occurs in existing dwellings.  Reference Section R315 of the 2010 California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5
• New commercial buildings (I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3).  Where a permit required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000.  Reference section 420 of the 2010 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2 (2 Volumes Parts 8 & 10)

In both of these applications use the following installation guidelines:

Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.