Category V Criterion 5B: Fire Prevention/Life Safety Program The agency operates an adequate, effective, and efficient program directed toward fire prevention, life safety, hazard risk reduction, the detection, reporting, and control of fires and other emergencies, the provision of occupant safety and exiting, and the provisions for first aid fire fighting equipment 1. NOTE: Fire Investigations are covered in Criterion 5D. Summary: Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical is committed to reducing the incidence and severity of fire loss through public education, code inspection, plan reviews, and investigations. The City currently has adopted the 2009 International Fire Code and has amended it as contained in Chapter 8, Article 2 of the Code of the City of Lawrence. The City is in the process of reviewing the 2012 International Fire Code for adoption in next code cycle. Additional programs include building plan reviews, multi-family residence fire inspections, and nighttime public assembly inspections (night consultants). 1 For more information about first aid firefighting equipment, reference NFPA 10 and the current International Fire Code 1
Performance Indictors: CC 5B.1 The authority having jurisdiction has an adopted fire prevention code. The Department, by City ordinance, has adopted the 2009 International Fire Code and it is the basis of its fire prevention code. This code, supplemented and amended by the Fire Code Board of Appeals, addresses issues specific to Lawrence, Kansas. Some of these amendments require installation of fire sprinklers in existing congregate living structures (fraternities, sororities, etc.) and smoke detectors in all dwellings. The review of Department s codes and amendments occurs as needed, and at the publication of new Fire Codes. The Fire Code Board of Appeals, comprised of a representative from the IAFF Local 1596 and four citizens at-large appointed by the Mayor, conduct the review. The Department will continue in its commitment to fire safety and prevention through the adoption and amendment of codes as needed to address public fire safety issues. A review of the 2012 International Fire Code is in process and being prepared for adoption. 2009 International Fire Code Ordinance No. 8055, 8072 adopting the 2009 International Fire Code Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas Chapter 8, Article 2 City of Lawrence Fire Code Board of Appeals Roster Fire Code Board of Appeals Rules and Regulations Review SOP 302.10 Inspections SOP 303.10 2
Prevention Referrals and Complaints SOP 303.11 3
CC 5B.2 The code enforcement program is designed to ensure compliance with applicable fire protection law and agency objectives. The Department s Prevention Division ensures compliance with all fire safety, prevention, and related building codes. This division receives support from Operations Division personnel, and together they provide annual inspections of schools, businesses, daycares, multi-family dwellings, and other properties. The Prevention Division works jointly with the City of Lawrence s ning & Development Services Department with site planning, building, mechanical, and electrical code inspections. The building occupancy type determines the frequency of fire inspection for code enforcement with consideration for a specific level of fire safety. Re-inspection of occupancies occurs to ensure adequate compliance with codes and often requires support from other City departments. The Department will continue to review the enforcement program to determine the types and frequency of inspections needed based on specific occupancy hazards. 2009 International Fire Code Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas Chapter 8, Article 2 Review SOP 302.10 Inspections SOP 303.10 4
CC 5B.3 The program has adequate staff with specific expertise to meet the fire prevention/life safety program goals and objectives. The Department s Prevention Division is staffed by a Division Chief serving as Fire Marshal as required by City Ordinance. One Captain and one Lieutenant serve as plan reviewer, fire inspectors, and investigation program managers. In addition, all Operations Division members operate in the capacity of fire inspectors on a daily basis. Operations Division members complete annual and biannual inspections. At times, the use of Operations Division members limits response readiness. The Firehouse software assists in meeting the goal of improved efficiency. We are currently in the process of implementing the use of Apple ipads and Firehouse Inspector for Prevention Fire Inspectors. This will improve the efficiency in reporting of inspection results. The current staff levels and reorganization of the division has identified the need for additional personnel to conduct the required inspections. The Department will continue to use the Prevention Division along with Operations Division members to meet fire safety and prevention goals. The Department is reviewing the organization and management of the fire inspection program with the goal of improving efficiency and time management. The division is also exploring avenues of allocating staff to assist in completing the required inspections. Department Organization Chart Firehouse Firehouse Inspector 5
5B.4 A plan review process is in place to ensure that buildings and infrastructure (e.g., hydrants, access, street width, etc.) are constructed in accordance with adopted codes and ordinances. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical s Prevention Division takes an active role in reviewing the site plan, building design, and technical features of all proposed building construction. This occurs at an early stage in the process and continues throughout the construction period to ensure the planning and installation of appropriate fire and life safety features. These include adequate numbers of fire hydrants, access into and around the building for fire apparatus, fire detection and alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, and other fire protection systems. The Prevention Division works closely with codes enforcement, zoning, and building inspection personnel from the ning and Development Services Department in order to have all issues relating to fire and life safety addressed. The system of plan review from its early beginning stages through to a final inspection for occupancy has ensured that all buildings constructed in the City of Lawrence receive review for the appropriate and necessary fire prevention and safety features. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical s Prevention Division will continue reviewing and evaluating all new building construction plans and will require all appropriate fire prevention and safety features necessary to ensure the occupant s life and fire safety. Cooperation between The Department and the City of Lawrence s ning and Development Services Department will continue to provide the most efficient and effective review. s Review Job Aid Review SOP 302.10 6
5B.5 The agency defines and provides appropriate and adequate equipment, supplies and materials to meet the fire prevention/life safety program needs. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical s Fire Prevention Division generates periodic status reports along with year-end reports to confirm satisfaction of established goals. The Department provides annual training, computer hardware and software, paper forms, and various supplies to ensure effective delivery of services. The Department utilizes the resources of other City departments, such as Information Services and Neighborhood Resources, in assessing fire prevention issues. The Department provides adequate resources and personnel to complete the fire prevention function and to meet its goals. The program activities of fire inspections, plan reviews, and code development occur on an on-going basis throughout the year. With the use of Firehouse, department members have realized greater efficiency and accuracy in data entry and reporting. The use of Operations Division personnel, along with the resources of other City departments, will continue. The department will implement the use of Firehouse Inspector within the Prevention Division to improve the efficiency of reporting inspection results. a. Firehouse b. Firehouse Inspector 7
5B.6 Current standard operating procedures or general guidelines are in place to direct the fire prevention/life safety program. The Department has standard operating procedures for the fire prevention and life safety programs. Checklists guide members in completing a variety of inspection and building review activities. Standardized forms assist in the collection of data in a uniform manner, in data entry into the records management system. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical s standard operating procedure provides members with sufficient information to ensure a thorough and consistent inspection process. The Department will continue to review the SOP as it relates to electronic field data collection for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the program. Public and Workplace Smoking Restriction SOP 303.12 Burning and Blasting Permits SOP 301.10 Inspections SOP 303.10 s Review Job Aid 8
5B.7 The agency s information system allows for documentation and analysis of the fire prevention program. Personnel enter all prevention activities, including all types of fire inspections and plan reviews, into a centralized computer program known as Firehouse TM. Personnel can track the progress of these activities to ensure proper completion and processing. The Firehouse TM software system provides an effective method of recording fire prevention activities and transactions. However, a system or procedure to determine the effectiveness of its fire prevention program and its efforts in risk reduction is lacking due to the difficulty in tracking events that did not occur as a direct result of prevention efforts. The Department will continue to research and evaluate methods to determine the effectiveness of the fire prevention program and its efforts in risk reduction. Firehouse TM 9
CC 5B.8 An appraisal is conducted, at least annually, to determine the effectiveness of the fire prevention program and its efforts in risk reduction. The Department utilizes two methods to manage hazards and risks and match each to the appropriate suppression capability. Personnel first identify and document potential and existing hazards and code infractions, and then verify compliance. The second process involves a risk analysis incorporating the 13 planning zones defined in Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical s Standard of Coverage to identify the life hazard, protection systems and firefighting water requirements for targeted structures within the City. Quarterly managers meeting, with all Executive Staff members and Captains, include discussion of issues related to balancing fire hazard risk against suppression capabilities. The appraisal conducted using the Standard of Coverage risk assessment model identifies target hazards enabling The Department to balance the fire hazard risk against the fire suppression capabilities. Identification and analysis of hazards results in response recommendations aimed at achieving Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical s response target for first-in and second-in units. The Department should continue to review and update its risk assessment information in an effective and timely manner. Standard of Coverage Program Guide 10