9__PreOccupancyResidentialChecklist.pdf

Version 5/21

Preoccupancy Checklist for New Residential Occupancies

Project:

The following checklist is to be used as a reference to the common safety issues encountered when finalizing One-and Two-Family Residence and Bunkhouse construction. This list is not complete, and the current NFPA 101 (Life

Safety Code) and International Building Code (IBC) need to be referenced for complete details on all requirements.

This is a companion document to the Single-Family Residence and Bunkhouse Design Guides which should have been used during the design and construction phases. Most of the references below can be found in Chapter 24 or 26 of the current NFPA Life Safety Code. Where a block begins with: “Questions:”, this is informational as some elements are recommended rather than required. Questions or unusual situation may be addressed to the

Responsible Safety Manager/Specialist (RSM/S)

SF = Questions pertains only to Single-Family Residence. B = Applies to Bunkhouse installations.

# FIRE ALARM and FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Yes No NA

Every residence must have a fire alarm system. There may or may not be a fire alarm panel in SF.

Hardwired smoke detectors are in each sleeping room. Powered by the building electrical system.

2 Interconnected smoke detectors so that when one device alarms, all devices alarm.

One hardwire detector in a hallway or space adjacent to the sleeping room(s). <21’ of the door

At least one hardwired smoke detector on each building level, including the basement.

Not attic.

No smoke detectors are in bathrooms, garages, or kitchens. (Proper heat detectors are permitted.)

No smoke detectors within 3 feet of a door to a bathroom or kitchen; a supply air vent; or tips of blades of a ceiling fan. Recommend locating detectors 6’ from ceiling light fixtures.

Only permitted types of smoke detectors within 20’ of a cooking appliance (either switched or photoelectric types). NFPA 72, 29.8.3.4

Where fuel fired appliances exist, is there a carbon monoxide detection system? 101, 24.3.4.2

Question: Are there any visible signals (strobes) installed?

B = Visible notification signals (strobes) installed in common areas and sleeping rooms.

10 Question: Are there any heat detectors installed in the system? (Garage, kitchen, etc.)

A test of the fire alarm system indicates all devices, strobes, alarms function when tested?

B = There is at least one Manual Pull Station located near a building exit. Not required in SF. Learn how to reset pull station, if it uses breakable glass rods, ensure extras are on hand.

Question: Is there a dialer installed to automatically alert local fire agency if the alarm sounds? Not required, just need to know if there is one, need to know for testing

An automatic Fire Sprinkler system has been installed. Required in almost all new residences.

A Certification of Completion (per NFPA 13D/R) has been provided by the

Contractor.

Contractor has provided Operations Manual and training for FWS staff on alarms / sprinklers.

17 The required extra fire sprinkler heads are mounted on the wall in a red metal box.

If there is a fire sprinkler system, there must be a flow alarm to sound audible signal if there is water flow. Has the flow alarm been tested and sounds a building-wide alarm signal?

Sprinkler test valve is identified by a tag or label? Must drain/discharge to outside of building.

Fire sprinkler heads are not painted, or damaged, recessed sprinkler heads have appropriate covers.

If the sprinkler system has a Backflow Prevention device, this is tested per state requirements. Tag!

# MEANS of ESCAPE Yes No NA

Every sleeping area and living area will have not less than one primary means of escape and one secondary means of escape. (Secondary means of escape usually not required when there is a door leading directly to the outside from that room, or if there is an automatic fire sprinkler system.)

22 Where mixed occupancies exist, was a RSM/S consulted for standards?

Are egress windows with sills below adjacent ground level provided an appropriate window well?

Is every floor with more than 2000 sq feet provided with more than one primary means of escape?

In the rare instance of a new residence not having an approved fire sprinkler system, the secondary means of escape shall meet the requirements of NFPA 101, 24.2.2.3 Do the secondary means of escape meet standards in all sleeping rooms?

B = In two story structures, upstairs bedrooms have properly sized escape windows, even if there is a sprinkler system. Clear opening >5.7 ft²; > 20” wide; >24” height; and sill

<44” AFF.

Exterior stairs are reasonably protected against blockage caused by fire that would expose both interior and exterior means of escape at the same time.

# DOORS Yes No NA

28 Doors open freely and latches work properly. Dormitory-style locks open in one motion.

Doors in the path of travel of a means of escape are at least 28” wide (24” for bathrooms).

30 Doors in means of escape are at least 6’6” in height.

31 Every closet door latch is such that children can open the door from inside the closet.

Doors in means of escape are not locked against egress and any locks are easily disengaged without the need for tools, keys, or special knowledge.

33 All bathroom doors are designed to be opened from the outside during an emergency.

# ELECTRICAL Yes No NA

GFCI protected outlets are installed within six feet of any sinks, above all kitchen countertops, in bathrooms, garages, crawlspaces, and for all outdoor installations. May need joint AFCI-GFCI. See NEC 210.8.

GFCI outlets function properly when tested, polarity is correct, exterior outlets have In-

Use covers.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (outlets or breakers) are installed to protect outlets where required by NEC – most outlets throughout new residences and those undergoing significant remodeling – except bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, and outdoors.

See NEC 210.12

37 AFCI outlets and/or circuit breakers trip properly when tested, and polarity is correct.

38 All circuit breakers are clearly labeled.

39 Interior outlets are Tamper Resistant in accordance with NEC requirements.

All electrical installations are assembled in a workman like manner, and covers are in place.

# OTHER Yes No NA

The minimum widths of hallways, stairs, landing, balconies, and porches are at least

36”.

The ceiling height in a means of egress in new construction is >90”; hallways and existing ceilings are >84”; and clearance below projections is >80” above the finished floor.

Heating, ventilation, and air condition equipment appear to be properly installed and function when tested. Owners manuals and manufacturer’s literature supplied to Station.

Put in building file.

Any wood stoves are installed with proper clearances and non-combustible apron >18” in front of the firebox.

A minimum of one fire extinguisher is located on every level and one in any attached garage. Minimum size 2A, 10B:C (≈ 5 pound) dry chemical type, mounted to meet standards.

Any sole means of egress is arranged so as not to pass through any non-residential occupancy in the same building. Exceptions need to be addressed with the RSM/S.

47 Residential units are not located above any non-residential occupancy.

48 Grab bars were installed in baths and showers to meet requirements of 101-24.2.8?

LP Gas Detectors are recommended where this gas is used. Are LP Gas detectors installed?

Applicable codes were addressed when installing offices, large storage rooms, maintenance shops, and other occupancies within or next to a residence. Contact RSM/S for questions.

Radon testing will be done in all new and significantly remodeled structures after completion.