3.05 Fire Alarm High-Rise Relocation PolicyReference: SFFD High Rise Manual, C.B.C. 907.2.12.2, C.F.C. 907.2.12.2 & 2002 NFPA 72
NEW BUILDINGS (EXCEPT TOURIST HOTELS)
It is the policy of the San Francisco Fire Department that when the fire alarm control panel is installed in a new high rise building, the following relocation procedure shall be followed. Any initiating device will cause four floors to go into alarm: the fire floor (floor of initiating device activation), two floors below the fire floor and the floor above the fire floor. The occupants on each of these floors will be instructed to relocate down four floors. The building's Life Safety Program must include evacuation signage and the emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
EXISTING BUILDINGS (EXCEPT TOURIST HOTELS)
When a new fire alarm panel is installed in an existing building the same relocation procedure shall be followed if the building is equipped with the following:
1. An automatic sprinkler system throughout,
2. Two code complying enclosed exit stairs,
3. An occupant voice notification system,
4. A smoke control system that was code compliant at the time of installation,
5. Vertical shafts that are enclosed per Chapter 7 of the California Building Code.
All other high-rise buildings shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking these buildings will require complete evacuation unless the Fire Marshal determines life safety would be better served with an alternative plan of action.
TOURIST HOTELS-NEW AND EXISTING
Tourist hotels will require complete evacuation. Proposals regarding this policy may be made to the Fire Marshal, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
