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By Barbara Shultheis

The California Health and Safety Code requires local fire departments to inspect multiunit residential buildings for compliance with applicable codes. In San Francisco, that duty is delegated to fire companies (engine or truck crews) working within their first alarm districts (in the general vicinity of the firehouse). San Francisco currently provides annual inspections for multiunit buildings with nine units or more. High-rise buildings are inspected annually by fire inspectors within the Bureau of Fire Prevention. This discussion is specific to buildings with nine or more units that are not high-rises.

In general, the fire department verifies that life-safety systems and construction features required when the building was built are maintained, and that other fire hazards have not been introduced into the building.

Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms must be provided in all residential units, specifically in sleeping rooms, in the hallway outside of sleeping rooms and on every level of the unit. Most manufacturers recommend that smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years.

Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Systems
Companies will insure that the fire alarm system is turned on (green power light is on), and that no abnormal conditions exist (no yellow lights are on to indicate trouble conditions). Additionally, they will verify that there is evidence that the system has been maintained as required by the fire code.

For buildings with 16 units or more, Underwriter’s Laboratories Certification must be posted. For smaller buildings, proof in the form of a maintenance tag or sticker must be posted by a licensed C-10 (electrical) contractor.

If a sprinkler system is present, companies will verify that: the valve is in the open position (water is on) and it is locked open or electrically supervised; appropriate testing and maintenance has been done by a licensed C-16 contractor (fire protection); sprinkler heads have not been painted; and adequate clearance of sprinklers in storage areas is provided.

Exits
Exits must be clear and unobstructed (including fire escapes). They must not be locked in the direction of exit travel. Exit signs and emergency lighting must be maintained in a lit condition (where required).

Open-Flame Cooking Devices (Barbecues)
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. There are two exceptions: one and two family dwellings; and where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by automatic sprinkler systems.

LP-gas (propane) burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 lbs. shall not be within 10 ft. of combustible construction. (This is a very small container like the kind used for a camping stove.) There is one exception: one- and two-family dwellings.

Storage of Combustibles
Storage of combustibles must only be in appropriate locations (storage rooms). The storage of combustibles is prohibited in electrical rooms, boiler rooms, elevator machine rooms and exit enclosures. Storage must be neat and orderly, and separated from heaters or heating devices. Storage must be maintained two feet below ceilings in unsprinklered buildings and 18 inches below sprinkler-head deflectors in sprinklered buildings.

Flammable and combustible liquids in excess of 10 gallons must be stored in liquid storage cabinets (specially constructed cabinets). Maximum quantities must be in compliance with the fire code, but under no condition should there be more than
necessary for the maintenance or operation of equipment. Propane (LPG) should never be stored inside the building or carried through a building.

Bars on Windows
At least one rescue window must be provided in all sleeping rooms. Bars on these windows must be operable from the inside and must be approved prior to installation. A building permit is required to install them.

Address Marking
All buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a location that is plainly legible from the street.

Elevators
Where elevators are provided, at least one must be maintained in an operable condition at all times.

Heating Equipment
Unvented fuel-fired heaters are prohibited in R1 and R2 occupancies (apartment buildings, condo buildings, hotels and motels).

Fire-Resistive Construction
Required fire-resistive construction must be maintained (no holes in the sheetrock). Fire-resistive assemblies must be maintained in an operable condition (fire-rated doors are maintained self-closing).

Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be present in common areas, and they must be appropriately maintained by a licensed C-16 contractor, as indicated by a service tag that shows they have been serviced within the past year. If the extinguisher was newly purchased within the past year, a receipt of purchase will suffice. Additionally, the gauge on the top of the extinguisher must show the arrow in the green zone of the gauge (which shows the extinguisher has not been discharged). The minimum rating of the extinguisher is 2A10BC.

When the companies complete their inspections, violations found will be referred to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for follow up by a fire inspector. Where necessary, a Notice of Violation may be issued by the inspector, which could result in reinspection fees. Egregious violations that are not corrected in a reasonable period of time could result in referral to the City Attorneyfor further action.

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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of SFAA or SF Apartment Magazine. Barbara Schultheis is the fire marshal of San Francisco. Building owners or managers who desire more information may contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 415-558-3300. Copyright © 2008 by SF Apartment Magazine. All rights reserved.