Minnesota Administrative Rules

7511.7900 AMENDMENTS TO APPENDICES OF INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE.

Subpart 1.

Adoption.

IFC Appendix I, as amended by this part, shall be deemed a part of this code and shall be enforced as such.

Subp. 2.

IFC Appendix H.

The IFC is amended by adding an Appendix H to read:

APPENDIX H

FIRES OR BARBECUES ON BALCONIES OR PATIOS

SECTION 1 - OPEN FLAME AND FUEL STORAGE PROHIBITED

1.1 Open Flame Prohibited. In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no person shall kindle, maintain, or cause any fire or open flame on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground floor patio within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the structure.

1.2 Fuel Storage Prohibited. No person shall store or use any fuel, barbecue, torch, or other similar heating or lighting chemical or device in the locations designated in Section 1.1.

Exception: Listed electric or gas-fired barbecue grills that are permanently mounted and wired or plumbed to the building's gas supply or electrical system and that maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches (457 mm) on all sides, unless listed for lesser clearances, may be installed on balconies and patios when approved by the fire chief.

Subp. 3.

IFC Appendix I.

The IFC is amended by adding an Appendix I to read:

APPENDIX I

SPECIAL LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR GROUP I OCCUPANCIES

SECTION 1 - GENERAL

When approved by the fire chief and where there is a demonstrated safety or security concern for the patients or residents, existing door-locking arrangements conforming to this appendix are permitted in Group I-2 occupancies.

1.1 Arrangement. Each egress path shall have not more than one such locking arrangement.

1.2 Public Use of Space. Public assembly space is not permitted within the secured area.

SECTION 2 - SUPERVISION

Patients or residents shall be supervised by staff personnel at all times. Keys or devices that function like keys to unlock the doors shall be carried by staff at all times.

SECTION 3 - FIRE DETECTION

The building must be provided throughout with an approved fire alarm system having automatic smoke detection installed throughout the exit corridor system.

SECTION 4 - RELEASE OF LOCKING DEVICES

All locking devices shall be designed to fail in the open or unlocked position. The locking devices shall immediately release upon any one or more of the following conditions:

1. Activation of the fire alarm system.

2. Activation of any automatic fire detector.

3. Activation of an automatic sprinkler system.

4. Activation of the fire alarm system's trouble signal.

5. Loss of electrical power to the device or the fire alarm system.

6. Activation of an unlocking arrangement from an approved location within the secured area.

SECTION 5 - RELOCKING OF DEVICES

Relocking of the locking devices can only be by manual means from an approved location within the secured area.

SECTION 6 - TESTING OF DEVICES AND SYSTEMS

Special locking arrangements shall be tested at least monthly in conjunction with the fire alarm system to ensure that they will release under the conditions as set forth above.

SECTION 7 - SYSTEMS NOT IN COMPLIANCE

The use of special locking arrangements and related systems that are found to not comply with the requirements of this chapter shall be immediately discontinued until such time that the necessary repairs or modifications can be made.

Subp. 4.

IFC Appendix J.

The IFC is amended by adding an appendix to read as follows:

APPENDIX J

OPTIONAL HOUSING OR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

SECTION 1 - HOUSING OR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE ADOPTED AS AN OPTION.

The International Property Maintenance Code 2003, as promulgated by the International Code Council, Inc., (Falls Church, Virginia, December 2002) is hereby incorporated as part of the Minnesota State Fire Code for optional adoption by jurisdictions. The International Property Maintenance Code is not subject to frequent change and is available at the State Law Library, 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 299F.011

History:

32 SR 10

Published Electronically:

October 11, 2007