Fire Alarm Requirements in Houston During Building Construction

Maintaining fire alarm safety systems during building construction in Houston is critical to keeping workers and building occupants safe. There are specific processes that building managers must follow in order to ensure the highest degree of system safety and functionality while on a construction site. Building sites are prone to accidents and fire events, making it vitally important for fire alarms to be well-maintained, properly installed, or replaced with upgraded systems.

Fire Alarm System Installation & Replacement Requirements During Houston Building Construction

According to Houston Fire Code, Section 901.6, the following options are approved for use during full or partial construction of floors within a building outfitted with the required fire alarm systems:

• Installation of molded plastic cups over smoke detectors
• Installation of bags over smoke detectors
• Replacement of smoke detectors with rate-of-rise heat detectors

Should these three modifications be made to the fire safety systems located at the construction site, specific processes will need to be communicated in order for them to be considered compliant.

Written Processes Required by Building Management

If cups or bags are installed, the building management must create a written process and include it within the building’s Constructions Rules and Regulations to ensure the following:

• Cups and bags are installed properly
• Cups and bags are removed properly whenever the area is unoccupied, with follow-up processes in place to verify removal
• Maintenance of daily documentation of involved locations, including contact information and names
• Designation of appropriate persons on the construction site to active fire alarms, call the Houston Fire Department, and contact building management should a fire event take place

It’s important to note that under Houston Fire Code, Section 901.6, heat detectors are not acceptable for use in elevator lobbies. Instead, these areas must have cups or bags installed on smoke detectors. The Houston Fire Department also does not allow alarm systems to be disabled either in their entirety or by device, zone, or floor.

Steps to Take During Demotion for Houston Fire Alarm Systems

Should your construction project include the demotion of floors or removal of fire alarm systems, building management must:

• Notify the Houston Fire Department office of emergency communications by calling (713) 884-3143.
• Identify temporary alternatives with assistance from a trusted fire alarm safety system company, like Kauffman Co.
• Ensure that minimum requirements are satisfied with a temporary standpipe and two exits from the building.

Violating these regulations comes with serious consequences, including fines between $500 and $2,000, for each violation. Building managers who fail to satisfy these requirements may also be subject to additional fines for violation of the False Fire Alarm Ordinance.

Remain Compliant With Houston’s Fire Safety Construction Codes at Kauffman Co.

Have questions regarding the fire and life safety equipment needed for your Houston-area building construction? Kauffman Co. has the knowledgeable fire safety technicians you need to ensure compliance with local and state fire codes during building construction. Allow our team to help you stay safe on the job through our powerful fire safety system solutions and expert fire safety guidance.

Contact Kauffman Co. by calling (713) 893-1090, and consult with our fire safety team today!