Attachment Q - Risk Analysis.pdf

NFPA72 RISK ANALYSIS 100% Submission Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Campus DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 2

MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, COLUMBIA CAMPUS

NFPA 72 RISK ANALYSIS

8169 OLD MONTGOMERY ROAD

ELLICOTT CITY, HOWARD COUNTY,

MARYLAND 21043

NFPA 72 Risk Analysis 100% Submission

October 13, 2021

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 3

TABLE OF CONTE NTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND

B. OBJECTIVES

C. APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

D. EXISTING DRAWINGS

II. RISK ANALYSIS

A. RISK ASSESSMENT

B. NUMBER OF PERSONS

C. OCCUPANCY CHARACTERISTICS

D. RISK PREVENTION

E. STAFF ASSISTANCE

F. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL

G. ANTICIPATED THREATS

H. EXTENT OF NOTIFICATION

I. PROGRAM CONSTRAINTS

III. RISK REDUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS

A. FIRE ALARM NOTIFICATION

B. COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

C. EQUIPMENT

D. ECS LAYER INTEGRATION

E. SOLE-SOURCING FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

IV. CONCLUSIONS

APPENDIX A – NFPA 72 RISK ANALYSIS CHECKLIST

APPENDIX B – ALERTUS PRODUCT DATA SHEETS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 4

I. INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND

HENRY ADAMS, LLC was tasked by the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) to prepare a risk analysis in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, for the Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD), Columbia Campus located in Ellicott City, Maryland. DGS plans to provide a new fire alarm system with integral mass notification system for the MSD Columbia Campus in the future.

The MSD Columbia Campus consists of the following four low rise buildings:

• The Denton Building: The Denton Building is a two-story concrete and masonry structure with an attic. The Denton Building is “L-shaped” and measures approximately 400 feet long and 240 feet wide. Construction of the Denton Building was completed in 1972.

• The Baker Building: The Baker Building is a one-story brick masonry structure that is rectangular in shape and measures approximately 300 feet long and 170 feet wide. Construction of the

Baker Building was completed in 1974.

• Steiner Buildings A and B: The Steiner Building A and Steiner Building B are one-story buildings connected by a communicating walkway between the buildings. Construction of Steiner

Buildings A and B was completed in 1972.

o The Steiner Building A is “T-shaped” and measures 235 feet long and 200 feet wide.

o Steiner Building B: The Steiner Building B is also “T-shaped” and measures 155 feet long and 200 feet wide.

Fire protection features for all buildings include a fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting. The Denton Building is fully sprinkler protected; the Baker Building is unsprinklered; and

Steiner Buildings A and B are partially sprinkler protected (sprinkler protection does not appear to be provided in the cafeteria).

Each building has a fire alarm system with manual pull stations at all exits. Ceiling-mounted smoke detectors are provided throughout the Baker Building and both Steiner Building A and Building B.

Elevator recall smoke detectors are located in elevator lobbies and in the elevator machine room in the

Denton Building. Flow switches for the Denton Building’s sprinkler system also serve as an automatic means of activating the fire alarm system. Fire alarm loudspeakers and strobes are located on all floors of each building.

I. INTRODUCTION

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B. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are to provide DGS and MSD with initial recommendations for the selection of a mass notification system and emergency communications system for the MSD Columbia

Campus based on the conclusions from a risk analysis performed in accordance with NFPA 72.

C. APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

1. NFPA 1, 2018, Fire Code.

2. NFPA 13, 2016. Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

3. NFPA 25, 2017 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire

Protection Systems

4. NFPA 70, 2017, NEC. National Electrical Code.

5. NFPA 72, 2016. National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

6. NFPA 90A, 2018. Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.

7. NFPA 101, 2018. National Fire Protection Association – Life Safety Code.

8. ASME A17.1, 2016. Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

9. Maryland State Fire Prevention Code, October 2019.

D. EXISTING DRAWING

DGS was able to provide several sets of record drawings. The following sets provide relevant information for this project and are being used as tools in preparing the risk analysis.

1. 1971 Original Construction Drawings for the Steiner Buildings dated April 1971 - PDF files.

2. 2007 Fire Alarm Shop Drawings for the Denton Building dates July 2007 – PDF files.

3. 1973 Original Construction Drawings for the Baker Building dated April 1973 - PDF files.

4. 1977 Original Construction Drawings for the Denton Building dated June 1977 - PDF files.

E. ABBREVIATIONS

FACU – Fire Alarm Control Unit MNS – Mass Notification System ECS – Emergency Communication System DRMNS – Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System GUI – Graphical User Interface LED – Light Emitting Diode OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer LOC – Local Operating Console SCADA – Supervisory control and data acquisition

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II. RISK ANA LYSIS F OR MASS NOTIFICAT ION

1. RISK ASSESSMENT

Prior to beginning design for a mass notification system, NFPA 72 section 24.3.11 requires the development of a risk analysis that is specific to the nature and anticipated risks of each facility for which it is designed. Data utilized in this risk analysis was obtained from Howard County’s Office of

Emergency Management Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). Applicable data was selected with respect to the context of this project. Assessment of risks types will determine which risks are highly unlikely to occur due to the location of the campus, the nature of the buildings, and occupant characteristics. Risk assessments for anticipated threats within this risk analysis are limited to the context of geographical location and occupancy types of the buildings.

2. USES AND OCCUPANCIES / OCCUPANT LOAD (NUMBER OF PERSONS)

The Denton Building is a non-separated mixed occupancy building containing the following occupancies:

The Baker Building is a non-separated mixed occupancy building containing the following occupancies:

II. RISK ANALYSIS FOR MASS NOTIFICATION

DENTON BUILDING - USES AND OCCUPANCIES

USE OCCUPANCY SAMPLES

Assembly Group A-1 / Assembly

Group A-2 / Assembly

Group A-3 / Assembly

Group A-4 / Assembly

Auditorium

Student Dining Area

Commons Area, Patio, Library, Gymnasium

Swimming Pool

Business Group B / Business Offices, Lockers

Educational Group E / Educational Classrooms

Industrial Group S-2 / Industrial, Storage

Electrical, Mechanical and Storage Rooms

BAKER BUILDING - USES AND OCCUPANCIES

USE OCCUPANCY SAMPLES

Assembly Group A-3 / Assembly Commons Area, Play Area, Staff Dining

Business Group B / Business Offices, Lockers

Educational Group E / Educational Classrooms

Residential Group R-2 / Dormitories Shared Dormitory Bedrooms

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The Steiner Buildings are non-separated mixed occupancy buildings containing the following occupancies:

Occupant Load: Utilizing occupant load factors from the IBC table 1004.1.2 and NFPA 101 section 7.3.3.1, the estimated, approximate maximum occupant load at any time is as follows:

• Denton Building – 909 occupants

• Baker Building – 205 occupants

• Steiner Buildings A & B – 929 occupants

Typically, the buildings will not be at maximum capacity during normal operations, however, for the purposes of the risk analysis, the maximum capacity of each building has been captured in this section.

3. OCCUPANCY CHARACTERISTICS

As noted in the section above, the main occupants of each building are students, teachers, and administrative and maintenance personnel. Student enrollment ranges from Kindergarten to 8th grade.

Student enrollment for the 2021 school year was approximately 151 students. All students and a majority of teachers are deaf. The MSD Columbia Campus is primarily a commuter campus; a majority of students are dropped off by parents/guardians at the start of the school day and are picked up at the end of the school day. Approximately 30 students remain overnight in the Baker Building dormitories during the

Industrial Group S-2 / Industrial, Storage

Trash Rooms, Mechanical, Electrical and

Storage Rooms

STEINER BUILDINGS A & B - USES AND OCCUPANCIES

USE OCCUPANCY SAMPLES

Assembly Group A-2 / Assembly

Group A-3 / Assembly

Student Dining, Kitchen

Multipurpose Room, Teachers’ Lounge

Business Group B / Business Offices, Lockers

Educational Group E / Educational Classrooms

Industrial Group S-2 / Industrial Trash Rooms, Mechanical, Electrical and

Storage Rooms

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 8 school week. According to MSD, a total of approximately 400 students and staff would be required to be notified of any emergency alerts.

4. RISK PREVENTION

Risk Types

For the purposes of this risk analysis, risk types will be broken into four categories that are based on the estimated chance of occurring in a given year. Estimations are based on historical occurrence and trend forecasting.

Unlikely Risk - An unlikely risk type has no documented historical occurrence in Howard County or the

State of Maryland and has less than 1% chance of occurring annually.

Infrequent Risk - An infrequent risk type has a 1-10% chance of occurrence in Howard County or the State of Maryland annually.

Likely Risk – A likely risk type has a 11-30% chance of occurrence in Howard County or the State of

Maryland annually.

Very Likely - A likely risk type has a greater than 30% chance of occurrence in Howard County or the State of Maryland annually.

Risk Impact

For the purposes of this risk analysis, risk impacts will be broken into four categories that are based on the estimated impact once occurred.

RISK IMPACT

LIMITED SIGNIFICANT CRITICAL CATASTROPHIC

Injuries are manageable with existing resources, no fatalities.

Injuries are manageable, serious injuries are probable.

Multiple deaths and serious injuries are probable.

Multiple deaths and serious injuries exceed jurisdiction response capacity.

Shutdown of school for less than 24 hours.

School is shut down for 1-7 days.

School is shut down for 1-4 weeks.

School is shut down for more than one month.

School resources are adequate to

Local and mutual aid resources are

Local resources are expended and require sustained support

Response capacity is overwhelmed and

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5. STAFF ASSISTANCE

Each classroom is typically provided with one teacher and one teacher’s aide, along with 1-on-1 aides for each student. The average class size is 8-12 students. Teachers and aides perform monthly fire drills with students. In addition, administrative staff are on campus during business hours.

Approximately 30 students remain on-campus in the Baker Building for overnight stays during the school week from Monday to Friday. The Baker Building has dedicated staff for the resident students. Staff typically rotate shifts during the evening and throughout the night.

6. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL

Howard County Police Department

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is the police department having jurisdiction for first response in the Columbia area. HCPD has approximately 479 sworn officers in addition to 15 auxiliary officers. The nearest HCPD station is located approximately 7 miles away in Ellicott City. In addition, the Howard County

Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police Barrack A provide support to HCPD.

The MSD Columbia campus does not retain a school resource officer (SRO). HCPD average response time for calendar year 2018 was 8 minutes and 14 seconds.

Howard County Fire Department

Howard County Fire and Rescue (HCFR) is the fire department having jurisdiction for fire and hazard events. HCFR has 13 stations throughout Howard County with a total of approximately 900 career and volunteer fire and rescue service providers.

support the response.

adequate to perform response, with limited or no state assistance.

from mutual aid partners and/or the state/federal government.

requires significant and long-lasting state and federal government support.

Property damage is less than 5% of infrastructure.

Property damage is

5-25% of infrastructure.

Property damage is between

26-50% of infrastructure.

Property damage is severe, greater than

50% of infrastructure affected.

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The nearest HCFR station is HCFR Station 9, located approximately 2.5 miles away from the MSD Columbia campus.

Howard County Office of Emergency Management

Howard County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for response to meteorological events such as flooding and tropical storms/hurricanes.

7. ANTICIPATED THREATS

Natural Hazards – Meteorological

As outlined in the NFPA 72 Risk Analysis Checklist, meteorological natural hazards are an anticipated threat for the MSD Columbia campus. According to the Howard County Office of Emergency Management

(OEM), there is an 11-30% chance of annual occurrence of a hurricane or tropical cyclone in Howard

County. There is also an 11-30% chance of annual occurrence of a flood in Howard County. Howard County

OEM classifies both events as likely to occur. In addition to the likelihood of occurring, recent meteorological events such as flooding in Ellicott City in 2016, and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 warrant review within this risk analysis. Because of the large range of potential occurrence, the conservative application of risk type for this event is considered to be likely, and the risk impact is critical. It is critical for the Mass

Notification System (MNS) or Emergency Communication System (ECS) to notify occupants to shelter-in-place and notify first responders in the event of a meteorological natural hazard as soon as possible.

Human-Caused Accidental Events

Howard County OEM does not factor human-caused accidental events into its risk analysis. Human-caused accidental events such as hazardous material spill or release is limited to any hazardous materials stored within the MSD Campus buildings. Typical hazardous materials observed during the site walkthroughs were limited to cleaning supplies and mechanical equipment maintenance supplies. The risk type for this event is likely, and the risk impact is limited, however the MNS/ECS should be capable of notifying occupants to evacuate as necessary in the event that the risk impact grows beyond the initial risk assessment.

Human-Caused Intentional Events

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Howard County OEM estimates a 1-30% chance of annual occurrence of an active assailant scenario in

Howard County. Furthermore, 29% of active assailant incidents occur in schools according to the Federal

Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Because of the large range of potential occurrence, the conservative application of risk type for this event is considered to be likely, and the risk impact is critical. It is critical for the MNS/ECS to notify occupants to shelter-in-place and notify first responders in the event of an active assailant scenario as soon as possible.

8. EXTENT OF NOTIFICATION

Fire Alarm Control Units

Denton Building: A Silent Knight IntelliKnight addressable fire alarm and voice evacuation system was installed in the Denton Building in 2007. Occupant warning and evacuation is provided by audible notification in the form of loudspeakers, and visual notification in the form of strobes. Notification is provided in public areas such as corridors, classrooms, large office areas, computer labs and gathering areas. The fire alarm system is provided with a dialer that contacts the central station monitoring service

(SimplexGrinnell).

Steiner Buildings A and B: A Gamewell FCI 7100 addressable conventional fire alarm panel is provided for Steiner Buildings A and B. Occupant warning and evacuation is provided by audible notification in the form of loudspeakers and visual notification in the form of strobes. Notification is provided in public areas such as corridors, classrooms, large office areas, computer labs and gathering areas. The fire alarm system is provided with a dialer that contacts the central station monitoring service (SimplexGrinnell).

Baker Building: A Gamewell FCI 7100 addressable conventional fire alarm panel is provided for the Baker

Building. Occupant warning and evacuation is provided by audible notification in the form of low frequency sounders and loudspeakers, and visual notification in the form of strobes. Notification is provided in public areas such as corridors, classrooms, gathering areas and in private dorm areas. The fire alarm system is provided with a dialer that contacts the central station monitoring service

(SimplexGrinnell).

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All three systems are reportedly in working order and have passed the most recent round of inspections according to the inspection tags found on each fire alarm control unit (FACU).

9. FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS - GENERAL

Fire Pump:

No buildings on campus have a fire pump.

Fire Main:

The Denton and Steiner Buildings are served by a separate 4-inch fire main. The Baker Building does not appear to be provided with a separate fire main.

Standpipes:

The buildings are not provided with a standpipe system.

Sprinkler Systems:

Denton Building: The Denton Building is currently provided with sprinkler protection throughout the building.

Steiner Building: The Steiner Building is provided with partial sprinkler protection (only within the kitchen).

Baker Building: The Baker Building is provided with partial sprinkler protection (only in storage rooms).

All sprinkler systems are wet pipe systems utilizing pendant and upright heads.

10. PROGRAM CONSTRAINTS

Emergency preparedness priorities are difficult to quantify beyond a rough order of magnitude of probability due to the inherent complexity in prediction of their occurrence. Furthermore, identification and management of risk through preventative measures does not guarantee removal of risk. This risk analysis was limited to identifying strong areas of risk for the MSD Columbia Campus and providing solutions for potential prevention. Providing a robust mass notification or emergency communications system can help reduce risk occurrence and risk impact.

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III. RISK REDUCTION RECOM MENDA TIONS

INTRODUCTION AND RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY

The Risk Reduction Recommendations section of this report details the recommended methods for reducing the risks outlined in the previous Risk Analysis section of this report. DGS and MSD tasked Henry

Adams with providing two (2) design options for an emergency communications system (ECS) that incorporates an in-building fire alarm system with a distributed recipient mass notification system

(DRMNS) to provide multiple layers of occupant and stakeholder notification.

A brief summary of the recommendations is as follows:

Design Option #1 – Emulation of the Existing ECS Configuration at MSD Frederick Campus

• Provision of a new fire alarm system in each building with a graphical user interface (GUI) enabled workstation that is sole-sourced from a fire alarm system manufacturer that has multiple quality distributors in the Columbia area that is compatible with the AtHoc DRMNS hardware and software.

• Use of fire alarm notification devices with a strong emphasis on visual notification including clear/amber lens strobes with textual LED signs.

• Incorporation of lessons learned from the MSD Frederick ECS project including programming priority of signals, minimizing message activation and response delays by selecting proprietary notification devices and providing a larger network server.

Design Option #2 – New Fire Alarm and Emergency Communications System with Different ECS/DRMNS

Vendor

• Provision of a new fire alarm system in each building with a GUI enabled workstation that is sole-sourced from either a fire alarm system manufacturer that is compatible with the Alertus DRMNS hardware and software, or directly from Alertus.

• In addition to using traditional fire alarm notification and textual LED signs, use proprietary Alertus notification devices to augment occupant notification.

• Provision of secure desktop or mobile methods of system activation from authorized administrative personnel.

III. RISK REDUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS

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• Incorporation of lessons learned from the MSD Frederick ECS project including providing a DRMNS vendor who would better handle programming priority of signals, minimizing message activation and response delays by selecting proprietary notification devices, and providing a larger network server.

The risk reduction recommendations have been broken out into six subsections that detail the major components of the fire alarm, ECS and DRMNS systems.

A. Fire Alarm System Notification B. Distributed Recipient Mass Notification System C. Communications Network D. ECS and DRMNS Equipment E. ECS Layer Integration F. Sole Sourcing Fire Alarm Systems

IN-BUILDING NOTIFICATION SYSTEM OPTIONS

A. FIRE ALARM NOTIFICATION

The majority deaf and hard of hearing population on the MSD Columbia Campus necessitates specific selections for indoor notification to meet the goal of effectively communicating emergencies to building occupants. Providing strobes in accordance with NFPA 72 is an effective method to alert the deaf and hard of hearing population to an emergency event, but does not provide the occupants with any additional information. DGS and MSD have indicated that usage of digital signage throughout the Columbia campus buildings to augment the strobe notification for deaf and hard of hearing occupants is a critical component of the school’s emergency communications strategy.

Visual Message Notification

Visual messages can be provided to occupants within buildings at fixed locations. This may be accomplished through a variety of methods including predefined textual or graphic signs that illuminate upon signal, video displays (such as a television), or digital signage that can display messages sent from various locations. Typically, these signs or displays will be located at primary assembly areas where students and teachers are located during school hours, such as corridors and classrooms.

Predefined textual or graphic signs

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An example of a predefined text sign application can be found in the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) §4-

021-01. The U.S. Navy requires text signs to be located over the door leading into exit stairs. Dry contact relays from mass notification or fire alarm equipment can be used to initiate illumination of the text signs.

The text sign shown in Figure 1 can have the “announcement” or “evacuate” text illuminated depending on the situation. This type of text sign is relatively inexpensive and easy to install (typically requiring a power source and connection to a dry contact relay) compared to video displays or digital signage. The communications capability of predefined textual signs is limited to the fixed messages or symbols on the faceplates.

Figure 1. Predefined Textual Sign Example (Cooper Product).

Digital signage

Digital signage is another method to provide visual messages to occupants. This type of sign is capable of displaying messages of varying length generated at various locations including a predetermined command center. These signs typically require communication with ECS control equipment and can be limited by the ECS equipment vendor selected. The signage varies by size, number of display lines, characters, the ability to scroll text, the communications method, and whether or not it is an LED or LCD screen.

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Figure 2. LCD digital signage (AlertUS product). Figure 3. Digital scrolling LED sign (Alertus product).

Figure 4. Proprietary fire alarm system digital scrolling LED sign (Notifier OAX2-24V2 product).

Digital signage offers greater communications ability than the textual or graphic signs as the messages are typically configurable from a command center. Installation effort depends on the communications method; wireless and wired options are available. These types of signs are generally more expensive than predefined textual or graphic signs but not as expensive as video displays. Placement of LED signs would likely be focused in classroom and staff office areas.

Figure 2 shows an example of a proprietary Alertus “Beacon” digital LCD sign and Figure 3 shows an example of a proprietary Alertus scrolling digital LED marquee sign. The Alertus Beacon can be operated on a separate communication pathway than the fire alarm notification devices to allow for additional redundancy. Ideal placement would be near teacher or staff desks or working areas to allow emergency information to be quickly disseminated from the Beacon to the teacher and then to the students. For the

Alertus LED marquee signs, Alertus product representatives note that the typical installation would require increasing the number of pings per second from the LED marquee to the panel to ensure that any emergency messages are displayed within 10 seconds.

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Figure 4 shows an example of a proprietary Notifier LED sign (OAX2-24V2), which would integrate with a new Notifier fire alarm system more smoothly than a 3rd party sign. The Notifier LED sign has listed response time of 8 seconds. Preliminary discussions with fire alarm product distributors indicated that the cost of proprietary fire alarm signs may be higher than 3rd party signage. Other ECS equipment vendors also typically provide digital signage options.

Video displays

In addition to digital and textual signage, video displays can be used to deliver visual messages to building occupants. When part of an ECS, video displays are typically used to deliver other information in non-emergency situations. For example, in a non-emergency situation a video display can function as a flight information display in an airport, a closed-circuit display in an arena concourse, or a television provided for the general public. During an emergency, the video displays broadcast messages from a command center in varying configurations such as fixed messages or streamers carrying text. This option can be more expensive per unit and more complicated to install than predefined text or digital messages as they may require more advanced communications equipment than other options. Cost may be reduced if ECS software providers integrate visual and text alerts to classrooms with existing smart blackboards. The amount of information capable of being provided to occupants may not be more than digital signage but the display units typically fulfill another role as previously mentioned and would be installed for said role regardless of ECS design.

Alertus provides digital signage override software that is customizable to display a full-screen message and can be integrated with the Alertus Beacon in areas where the Beacon and digital signage such as smart blackboards are located together.

This visual message notification option is typically used to augment audio notification methods as it does not typically meet applicable codes or standards on its own, including accessibility standards. Typically, visual messages are not provided where all building occupants would normally see the messages immediately. Deaf and hard of hearing occupants should be alerted by ADA compliant strobes, at which point they could move to a location with visual messages for further instructions.

Video message notification summary

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Based on the occupancy type and occupant characteristics, visual message notification method is important to provide an additional notification layer to the ECS, especially for the deaf and hard of hearing occupants, but it should not be prioritized over more comprehensive options for indoor notification such as strobe and loudspeaker notification. HENRY ADAMS recommends using digital signage in public areas and all classrooms and offices. Digital signage is less expensive than video displays. If installed throughout the campus, digital signage can typically be included in an indoor notification system network, and can provide significantly more information than predefined text or graphic signs. Care is required for the design process to ensure compatibility with the indoor notification system and to ensure proper location.

For example, digital signage should not be located in direct sunlight or near ducts, and the placement should be consistent with the risk analysis.

Strobe Notification

The majority of building occupants are deaf and hard of hearing. The deaf and hard of hearing population must be taken into consideration when selecting the indoor notification option to meet the DGS and MSD requirement to effectively communicate with building occupants. Providing strobes in accordance with

NFPA 72 is an effective method to alert the deaf and hard of hearing population to an emergency event but does not provide them with any additional information. Usage of digital signage throughout the building to augment the strobe notification for the deaf and hard of hearing will be necessary. Strobes that are installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 meet the visual notification requirements of the Maryland Accessibility Code and NFPA 72 section 24.5.1.6.

Options for designing the indoor notification system with a strobe notification system that meet the

Owner’s requirements include utilizing existing fire alarm system strobes or installing new strobe systems.

Existing Fire Alarm System Strobes

Existing fire alarm systems in the MSD Campus buildings typically include strobes located in accordance with recent editions of NFPA 72. Strobes used for both fire alarm and emergency communication systems are required to be labeled with “ALERT” (in lieu of “FIRE”) or not labeled at all. The existing strobes in campus buildings are typically labeled with “FIRE.” The option for the ECS indoor notification system to utilize existing fire alarm strobes is viable and relatively inexpensive to implement. In accordance with

MSD’s design requirements, new fire alarm strobes with amber lenses would still have to be installed

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 19 adjacent to every existing fire alarm strobe to signal emergency notification other than fire. In addition, new clear lens and amber lens strobes would be installed on the building exterior side that faces a parking lot or public way.

If existing fire alarm system strobes are used as part of the ECS indoor notification system, then it would be economical to also utilize existing fire alarm system loudspeakers, which are typically controlled by the same fire alarm control unit. The primary downside to this option is the requirement for the ECS to interface with the existing fire alarm systems (see Existing Fire Alarm System Loudspeakers below for more discussions regarding the technical challenges of interfacing emergency communications systems with existing fire alarm systems).

Installing New Strobe Devices

The compliant alternative to using the existing fire alarm system strobes is installing a separate strobe system throughout buildings. This method is currently employed in many modern ECS indoor notification system designs. For example, the US Air Force and Army require the installation of amber strobes for the

ECS system and clear strobes for fire alarm systems. A benefit to a separate strobe system is the lack of a required interface with existing fire alarm systems. An audible notification method would still be required.

Figure 4 for an example of multiple strobe systems at an army base.

Figure 4. Example of Dual Strobe System.

HENRY ADAMS also recommends this option for the MSD Columbia Campus as it is currently being utilized at the MSD Frederick Campus. Although it would be more costly to install and maintain a redundant strobe

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 20 system, and the amber strobe is not typically recognized by the deaf and hard of hearing community as indicative of anything related to an ECS notification, MSD administrative staff would be familiar with the training process for teaching Columbia campus teachers and students how to recognize white and amber strobe signals for ECS notifications from prior experience with the Frederick campus training.

Strobe Notification Summary

HENRY ADAMS recommends installing new fire alarm system strobes in addition to installing new amber strobes as part of the indoor notification system. This will provide visual notification meeting the Owner’s requirements and will be nearly compliant with the applicable codes (which may be further addressed in the future if existing strobes will be unlabeled or labeled with “ALERT” instead of “FIRE”). Although utilizing existing equipment would be less costly than installing and maintaining a separate ECS strobe system throughout each building, MSD and DGS have indicated that reduction of integration

Existing Fire Alarm System Loudspeakers

All four MSD Campus buildings currently employ addressable fire alarm systems with loudspeaker notification appliances. Based on the campus walkthrough performed by HENRY ADAMS, system loudspeakers are typically spaced for audibility requirements but not for intelligibility requirements.

While these loudspeakers can be used to provide indoor communications to occupants, they may not be easily understood in all locations throughout the buildings. However, due to the deaf and hard of hearing campus population, intelligibility has limited importance as it would only affect hearing personnel and visitors. If considered to be a priority by DGS, MSD or Howard County, the existing fire alarm systems can be augmented to provide intelligible notification for areas normally occupied by hearing personnel and visitors.

As mentioned in the Strobe Notification discussion above, the primary downside to this option is the requirement for the ECS to interface with the existing fire alarm systems. This arrangement may present significant technical challenges for MSD. In many campus environments, fire alarm systems are sole-sourced. A single equipment vendor providing fire alarm systems of a common manufacturer in each building allows for a significantly simpler ECS integration. A single method of interfacing the ECS with the

FACU will typically work for all buildings with similar FACUs. Alternatively, the fire alarm equipment itself may function as both the ECS system, and the fire alarm system throughout the campus buildings.

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MSD Campus buildings contain two different models and brands of fire alarm control panels. This arrangement requires a different method of ECS interface for each manufacturer’s system and precludes directly integrating existing FACUs with each other for the delivery of live voice.

HENRY ADAMS has determined that the existing voice fire alarm system FACUs can be utilized to provide indoor voice notification from an external source with programmable priority levels for various audio signals. The difficulty and exact method of implementing these capabilities vary for each model FACU.

For example, some panels may have an existing auxiliary line level audio input and some panels may require the addition of a card or other equipment. It may be necessary to replace older equipment in some cases. The programming required to adjust priority levels varies significantly by model. The specific interface requirements should be developed at the design document phase of the project.

An anticipated technical challenge of interfacing with the existing fire alarm systems is the potential for differing audio levels used by ECS equipment manufacturers. As such, the ECS equipment supplying the auxiliary audio input to the FACUs must be adjustable. This will enable the ECS system to provide comparable volume levels as the fire alarm systems.

It should be noted that the option of interfacing with existing FACUs will require the successful ECS

General Contractor (GC) to sub-contract fire alarm contractors that are certified to work on each existing panel where interface is required and to have sound and communications experience. Some local fire alarm contractors have a poor track record of satisfying contract requirements. This may prove to be a challenge during the construction phase based on which local equipment distributors are selected by the successful ECS GC.

Separate Loudspeaker Systems

To meet the majority of the risk analysis objectives, the alternatives to using the existing fire alarm system loudspeakers is to use a dedicated ECS loudspeaker system or a non-dedicated loudspeaker system in each building. A dedicated ECS loudspeaker system is installed solely for the use of ECS notification and would require a complete system installation throughout campus buildings. While this option could provide a high-performance level with reduced technical challenges, it is significantly most costly than using an existing fire alarm loudspeaker system or an existing non-dedicated loudspeaker system.

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The method of using a non-dedicated loudspeaker system to provide ECS notification is typically only employed where a high-quality public address (PA) loudspeaker system is being installed for other purposes. For example, stadiums, arenas, race tracks, department stores, cruise ships, and other high-occupancy venues have high-quality loudspeaker systems in place for paging and/or entertainment functions. A benefit to this form of loudspeaker notification is that these systems are typically designed with better audibility and intelligibility qualities than fire alarm system loudspeakers.

The loudspeaker circuits on PA systems are usually not electrically supervised (although some systems can be modified to provide this feature) but they are typically used more often than fire alarm system loudspeakers for their primary roles. Because these systems are exercised more frequently, the act of normal use can serve as some level of supervision. This arrangement can be considered compliant with the supervision requirements of NFPA 72 section 24.5.4.1 if approved by the AHJ.

PA systems are currently installed in the Denton Building. Where installed, the loudspeakers of these systems are typically spaced for intelligibility but are not provided throughout the entire building. The control equipment and loudspeakers vary by make and manufacturer, which precludes a single means of interface to the ECS system and will present similar technical challenges as utilizing existing fire alarm system loudspeakers. Reportedly, MSD does not plan to comprehensively provide PA systems throughout the other buildings or to expand the existing systems throughout the Denton Building. As such, utilizing

PA systems for ECS notification is not a viable option.

In addition, PA systems are not typically designed with visual notification components arranged to comply with NFPA 72 or accessibility standards. In order to meet the Owner’s requirements and the applicable codes, a separate strobe notification system may have to be added with the PA loudspeaker systems in buildings or a separate interface to each existing fire alarm system may have to be made to utilize existing strobes throughout buildings.

Loudspeaker Notification Summary

HENRY ADAMS recommends installing new fire alarm system including new loudspeakers to deliver the audio indoor building notification component of the ECS from a performance standpoint. Utilizing existing fire alarm system loudspeakers is the preferred method to deliver the audio indoor building notification component of the ECS from a cost standpoint, however, there will be increased technical challenges and

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 23 past project experience has reportedly been difficult. The in-building supervision inherent to fire alarm systems coupled with the performance and minimal maintenance benefits of a new fire alarm loudspeaker system makes incorporation of the fire alarm system into the ECS optimal.

Tactile Notification for Sleeping Areas

To augment and provide additional notification to deaf and hard of hearing students who reside in the

Baker building, HENRY ADAMS recommends providing a form of tactile notification in the form of bed shakers or pillow shakers in conjunction with low frequency (520 Hz) loudspeakers and both clear and amber lens strobes throughout sleeping areas in the Baker building. HENRY ADAMS also recommends providing fire alarm system monitor relay modules to monitor power outlets where the shaker devices draw power from to ensure that shaker devices are operational at all times.

B. COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

The indoor notification system component of MSD’s ECS will include a network to provide system communications between the equipment located in the command center and equipment located in the campus buildings. The media type and configuration for ECS networks varies greatly by brand and product line. The Owner’s requirements specify redundant network communications with different media. This approach is not required by the applicable codes but will provide improved survivability and is common where pathway survivability is a concern.

NON-DEDICATED PHYSICAL NETWORK

Most of the major ECS manufacturers produce equipment capable of communicating through a variety of network protocols commonly used in computer networks. Options can include XML, XMPP, and UDP but the standard models typically communicate with Internet Protocol (IP). The ECS equipment can communicate over typical Ethernet local area networks (LANs) or virtual local area networks (VLANs). If a VLAN is available on campus, the campus would reportedly be able to operate a VLAN for the ECS.

Conversations with ECS manufacturers indicated that the VLANs are typically setup and maintained by IT departments. During the construction phase, the manufacturers (with or through contractors) work with the IT departments to assist with the VLAN setup with areas such as firewall and switch configuration.

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A benefit to this option is the limited amount of new dedicated equipment required. The fiber optic cable, copper conductors, and associated network equipment required would already be installed to serve other functions. In many cases, the additional equipment required will be limited to an Ethernet connection. This would be significantly less costly than installing a dedicated network.

A drawback to this approach is the ECS equipment would be communicating on the same network as other systems and as such, susceptible to communications failures associated with these networks.

Despite the high reliability of the main network architecture, the reliability of network equipment located in buildings is dependent on the building infrastructure and the department(s) occupying the building. For example, a loss of building power would lead to a loss of the network equipment throughout the building. It likely is not reasonable to install a UPS or other backup power capability to each piece of network equipment throughout campus buildings. Additional steps can be explored to increase the reliability of this option. For example, the Ethernet cable used for the ECS equipment could be protected and it may be possible to connect to the network equipment as it enters the building instead of using an Ethernet drop from the closest switch.

This option would meet the Owner’s requirement to provide a redundant network using separate media if combined with a wireless network. However, it would not provide a redundant pathway if combined with a dedicated network as the same duct banks and service tunnels would likely be used (and the loss of one such path may create a break in both networks) for some segments. If the non-dedicated physical network option is employed, HENRY ADAMS recommends using the server-based DRMNS system as a backup.

DEDICATED PHYSICAL NETWORK

An alternative to using existing network equipment is to provide a dedicated physical network for the

ECS equipment. A properly maintained dedicated physical network can offer high reliability for communications as there is less equipment (possible points of failure) in the network and other systems are not communicating on the same network. The ECS dedicated physical network could consist primarily of fiber optic cables connecting ECS equipment with some amount of network equipment.

During the design phase, IT personnel would need to determine if there is a preference between single-mode fiber optic cables in lieu of copper conductors or multi-mode fiber optic cables. Copper

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 25 conductors can be less expensive but enable shorter distances between nodes than fiber optic cable and are susceptible to shorts caused by various sources, ground faults and transient voltage. Fiber optic cables are categorized as multi-mode or single mode. Single-mode fiber will permit significantly more distance between ECS nodes than multi-mode fiber. For example, Notifier’s NFS2-3030 network is limited to 3,000 feet between nodes for copper conductors, 3.3 miles between nodes for multi-mode fiber, and 18.75 miles between nodes for single-mode fiber. These numbers vary by each manufacturer but the trend is the same. As such, HENRY ADAMS recommends that single-mode fiber optic cables be used as the communications media if a dedicated physical network is used for the ECS.

It should be noted that many of the manufacturers that HENRY ADAMS researched do not have Listed (fire protection) single-mode fiber modems but HENRY ADAMS does not believe this will negatively impact the system performance. This is typically because of the limited number of applications requiring excessively long network node runs in fire alarm applications. Therefore, it is not lucrative for the fire alarm manufacturers to pay for the Listing of a component that does not greatly increase the products marketability. From a technical standpoint, single-mode fiber modems are readily available and extremely reliable. Large telephone and data networks use extremely high reliability single-mode fiber modems regularly demonstrating the technical feasibility and stability of the non-Listed components.

The required network equipment will depend on the ECS equipment brand selected. There are typically two types of networks that ECS systems use, SCADA system and peer-to-peer network. The SCADA type systems are typically manufactured by mass notification system vendors (e.g. Federal Signal, American

Signal, and ATI) and include a central control with a user interface communicating with remote terminal units (RTUs). For a dedicated physical network at MSD, this would be arranged as a control station at

Denton, an RTU in Baker and Steiner, and a LAN connecting the components in a bus configuration. Two fibers will need to connect each RTU and the controller to the LAN equipment (such as a fiber switch).

The LAN equipment can be located anywhere in the network but locating it in the center of the star may result in the least amount of fiber required; an IT contractor or MSD IT staff would need to assume the network scope of the network design.

The peer-to-peer type ECS systems are typically manufactured by fire alarm system vendors (e.g.

Notifier, EST, Siemens, SimplexGrinnell, and FCI) and include intelligent control panels communicating to each other in a loop network. For a dedicated physical network at MSD, this would be arranged as a

DGS Project Number AH-000-200-001 PAGE | 26 control panel at each building with a user interface connected to the control panel at Denton. No network equipment is necessary in a loop configuration if the network nodes are close enough. Two fibers will typically need to connect each peer (node) to each other. If a star network is desired, four fibers will be necessary to be installed to each building from the star center. Fiber patch panels may be used in the star center for termination management; again, an IT contractor or MSD IT staff would need to assume the network design scope.

SCADA type equipment would require a separate LAN if connected through a dedicated physical network. This LAN would require network equipment that would likely have to be operated and maintained by ITS. ITS has indicated that it is not permitted to operate a separate, dedicated network and it does not have the staff or funding to support the maintenance involved with maintaining another network. Peer-to-Peer type ECS equipment is capable of direct connection without additional network equipment but is typically not capable of redundant wireless communications. As previously mentioned, a redundant physical network is not practical due to the existing infrastructure so Peer-to-

Peer type ECS equipment may not be able to satisfy the Owner’s requirements if required by MSD or

DGS.

NETWORK SUMMARY

Utilizing a dedicated physical network as the primary means of communication with a secondary dedicated physical network as a backup means of communication satisfies MSD’s requirements for a highly survivable redundant means of communications using different media but may not be practical due to cost and operational, maintenance, and infrastructure constraints.

Utilizing IP communication through a VLAN with existing network equipment as the primary means of communication with use of the mass notification back-end system through cell phones or laptop computers serving as a backup means of communication will provide redundant means of communications using different media. As such, this option may provide significant cost savings with the same or slightly less reliability as dedicated physical network options.

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATIONS

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ECS equipment options…