5 Ways to Prepare for NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 Enforcement

Authorities Holding Jurisdiction (AHJs) across the country are announcing initiatives to either start enforcing or expand enforcement of NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 fire codes for in-building Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS) - also called Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Whether AHJs are only enforcing on newly constructed commercial buildings and additions, or they require indoor signal enhancement systems in original, existing structures when additions are built, or they are exercising retroactive enforcement, we can help you navigate these fire code requirements. By preparing for NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement, you can plan for the associated impact on your building designs, construction timelines, budgets and inspections.

NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 are necessary life safety measures that require adequate indoor signal levels for public safety radio communication transmissions INSIDE large commercial and public-use buildings.  In-building signal enhancement systems are often needed to “boost” or “amplify” inbound and outbound signal throughout and beneath structures. These fire codes ensure first responders can communicate via two-way radios with each other and with dispatch, while they are responding to emergencies.

While NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement has been commonplace on the East Coast and West Coast for several years, AHJs throughout the rest of the country are quickly gaining momentum as they announce active enforcement initiatives. These newly enforced fire codes are catching many commercial building developers unaware in the middle of projects – impacting construction timelines, budgets and certificates of occupancy. The best way to prepare is to understand the code requirements and learn about the solutions.

The Solution Has Many Names & Many Acronyms

VeriDAS Technologies specializes in in-building wireless communications systems for large commercial buildings (the crux of NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement). These code-required systems go by many different names and acronyms:

• Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
• Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS)
• First Responder Radio Coverage Systems (FRRCS)
  
• Antenna Repeater Systems (ARS)
• Bi-Directional Amplification Systems (BDAs)
• Signal Enhancement Systems
• Signal Boosters
• Signal Amplifiers

The bottom line is, AHJs across the country require acceptable levels of public safety radio network signal INSIDE newly built commercial buildings (including underground structures and additions). Some AHJs are taking enforcement farther by requiring original, existing structures also demonstrate acceptable signal coverage when additions are built. And other AHJs are implementing retroactive enforcement by requiring all existing commercial buildings in their jurisdictions demonstrate acceptable in-building signal levels.

The experts at VeriDAS can help you navigate NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement on your current and future construction projects (regardless of location or jurisdiction) – we will travel to any site.

Here are 5 ways we can help you can prepare and comply with these fire codes:

1. REGULATORY REPORTS: We research local fire codes, assess jurisdiction public safety radio network specifications & liaise with local AHJs. This stage will determine if and how your project will be affected  by NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement:
   – new construction
   – additions only
   – existing structures + additions
   – retro enforcement on all existing buildings
   – annual re-certification
2. BUILDING PLAN REVIEWS: We review building plans to determine the likelihood a Public Safety DAS will be necessary to achieve acceptable indoor RF signal coverage. We will base our recommendations on the site location, proximity to the nearest public safety radio tower, surrounding structures and terrain, building orientation and configuration, and building materials. This stage also helps predict the scope of a Public Safety DAS if a signal enhancement system is required.
3. RF SITE SURVEYS: We conduct benchmark RF site surveys to measure & map unamplified indoor RF signal coverage. If the structure has acceptable signal, we can certify it and provide the AHJ with a Letter of Compliance along with supporting reports/ documentation. If not, we will make recommendations for a signal amplification system based on the survey findings.
4. DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM INSTALLATION: We engineer, design, install, commission & certify Public Safety DAS systems that meet NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement requirements. We will conduct a 20-grid test (on each floor) to confirm acceptable signal coverage & levels throughout the facility (including underground structures and common signal dead-zones).
5. AHJ ACCEPTANCE TESTING: We facilitate AHJ inspections & Acceptance Testing (required for sign-off and Certification of Occupancy). Additionally, we provide the AHJ and building owner/developer with a DAS Certification/Letter of Compliance as well as system Submittals.

NFPA 1221 & IFC 510 enforcement is continuously changing. Some jurisdictions and AHJs are enforcing for the first time, while others are expanding the scope of their enforcement requirements. As a dedicated distributed antenna systems integrator, VeriDAS stays on top of these fire codes. Let us be your resource for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS). We can help you identify which projects will require signal enhancement systems, and if they do, we’ll design, install and certify a Public Safety DAS that meets code.

Please contact us for a complimentary consultation. We’re ready to serve as your trusted resource.