Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition

This chapter establishes fire safety requirements for structures during construction, alteration, or demolition, covering aspects from temporary heating to fire suppression systems and access for firefighting.

1401 — General

1401.1 Scope. This chapter shall apply to structures in the course of construction, alteration or demolition, including those in underground locations. Compliance with NFPA 241 is required for items not specifically addressed herein.

1401.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.

Worked example

Scenario: A contractor is building a new 10-story office building. What general fire safety standards apply?

Explanation: This chapter dictates fire safety measures during construction. Beyond specific sections in IFC Chapter 14, the project must also comply with NFPA 241, 'Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations', for any fire safety aspects not explicitly covered here.

1402 — Definitions

1402.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.

1403 — Temporary Heating Equipment

1403.1 Listed. Temporary heating devices shall be listed and labeledin accordance with the International Mechanical Code or the International Fuel Gas Code. Installation, maintenance and use of temporary heating devices shall be in accordance with the terms of the listing.

1403.2 Oil-fired heaters. Oil-fired heaters shall comply with Section 603.

1403.3 LP-gas heaters. Fuel supplies for liquefied-petroleum gas-fired heaters shall comply with Chapter 38 and the International Fuel Gas Code.

1403.4 Refueling. Refueling operations for liquid-fueled equipment or appliances shall be conducted in accordance with Section 3405. The equipment or appliance shall be allowed to cool prior to refueling.

1403.5 Installation. Clearance to combustibles from temporary heating devices shall be maintained in accordance with the labeled equipment. When in operation, temporary heating devices shall be fixed in place and protected from damage, dislodgement or overturning in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1403.6 Supervision. The use of temporary heating devices shall be supervised and maintained only by competent personnel.

Worked example

Scenario: During winter construction, a contractor needs to use temporary heating units on site.

Explanation: Any temporary heating devices must be listed and labeled according to the International Mechanical Code or International Fuel Gas Code. Their installation, maintenance, and use must strictly follow the terms of their listing to ensure safety.

1404 — Precautions Against Fire

1404.1 Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited except in approved areas. Signs shall be posted in accordance with Section 310. In approved areas where smoking is permitted, approved ashtrays shall be provided in accordance with Section 310.

1404.2 Waste disposal. Combustible debris shall not be accumulated within buildings. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material shall be removed from buildings at the end of each shift of work. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material shall not be disposed of by burning on the site unless approved.

1404.3 Open burning. Open burning shall comply with Section 307.

1404.4 Spontaneous ignition. Materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition, such as oily rags, shall be stored in a listeddisposal container.

1404.5 Fire watch. When required by the fire code officialfor building demolition that is hazardous in nature, qualified personnel shall be provided to serve as an on-site fire watch. Fire watch personnel shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their sole duty shall be to perform constant patrols and watch for the occurrence of fire.

1404.6 Cutting and welding. Operations involving the use of cutting and welding shall be done in accordance with Chapter 26.

1404.7 Electrical. Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations used in connection with the construction, alteration or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities shall comply with NFPA 70.

Worked example

Scenario: Workers on a construction site sometimes smoke during breaks.

Explanation: Smoking is generally prohibited on construction sites. If smoking is allowed, it must be in specifically approved areas with appropriate signage and approved ashtrays provided, as detailed in Section 310.

1405 — Flammable and Combustible Liquids

1405.1 Storage offlammable and combustible liquids. Storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Section 3404.

1405.2 Class I and Class II liquids. The storage, use and handling of flammable and combustible liquids at construction sites shall be in accordance with Section 3406.2. Ventilation shall be provided for operations involving the application of materials containing flammable solvents.

1405.3 Housekeeping. Flammable and combustible liquid storage areas shall be maintained clear of combustible vegetation and waste materials. Such storage areas shall not be used for the storage of combustible materials.

1405.4 Precautions against fire. Sources of ignition and smoking shall be prohibited in flammable and combustible liquid storage areas. Signs shall be posted in accordance with Section 310.

1405.5 Handling at point of final use. Class I and II liquids shall be kept in approved safety containers.

1405.6 Leakage and spills. Leaking vessels shall be immediately repaired or taken out of service and spills shall be cleaned up and disposed of properly.

1406 — Flammable Gases

1406.1 Storage and handling. The storage, use and handling of flammable gases shall comply with Chapter 35.

1407 — Explosive Materials

1407.1 Storage and handling. Explosive materials shall be stored, used and handled in accordance with Chapter 33.

1407.2 Supervision. Blasting operations shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 33.

1407.3 Demolition using explosives. Approved fire hoses for use by demolition personnel shall be maintained at the demolition site whenever explosives are used for demolition. Such fire hoses shall be connected to an approvedwater supply and shall be capable of being brought to bear on post-detonation fires anywhere on the site of the demolition operation.

1408 — Owner's Responsibility for Fire Protection

1408.1 Program superintendent. The ownershall designate a person to be the fire prevention program superintendent who shall be responsible for the fire prevention program and ensure that it is carried out through completion of the project. The fire prevention program superintendent shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided, the superintendent shall be responsible for the guard service.

1408.2 Prefire plans. The fire prevention program superintendent shall develop and maintain an approved prefire plan in cooperation with the fire chief. The fire chief and the fire code official shall be notified of changes affecting the utilization of information contained in such prefire plans.

1408.3 Training. Training of responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the fire prevention program superintendent.

1408.4 Fire protection devices. The fire prevention program superintendent shall determine that all fire protection equipment is maintained and serviced in accordance with this code. The quantity and type of fire protection equipment shall be approved.

1408.5 Hot work operations. The fire prevention program superintendent shall be responsible for supervising the permit system for hot work operations in accordance with Chapter 26.

1408.6 Impairment oCfire protection systems. Impairments to any fire protection system shall be in accordance with Section 901.

1408.7 Temporary covering oCfire protection devices. Coverings placed on or over fire protection devices to protect them from damage during construction processes shall be immediately removed upon the completion of the construction processes in the room or area in which the devices are installed.

Worked example

Scenario: A developer is overseeing the construction of a large residential complex.

Explanation: The developer, as the owner, must appoint a dedicated fire prevention program superintendent. This individual is solely responsible for ensuring the fire prevention program is effectively implemented and maintained throughout the entire construction project.

1409 — Fire Reporting

1409.1 Emergency telephone. Readily accessible emergency telephone facilities shall be provided in an approvedlocation at the construction site. The street address of the construction site and the emergency telephone number of the fire department shall be posted adjacent to the telephone.

Worked example

Scenario: A construction site needs to establish a method for emergency communication.

Explanation: The site must have an emergency telephone readily available in an approved location. Adjacent to this phone, a clear sign must display the construction site's street address and the local fire department's emergency telephone number.

1410 — Access for Fire Fighting

1410.1 Required access. Approvedvehicle access for fire fighting shall be provided to all construction or demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided to within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of temporary or permanent fire department connections. Vehicle access shall be provided by either temporary or permanent roads, capable of supporting vehicle loading under all weather conditions. Vehicle access shall be maintained until permanent fire apparatus access roads are available.

1410.2 Key boxes. Key boxes shall be provided as required by Chapter 5.

Worked example

Scenario: A new hospital is under construction on a large, undeveloped parcel.

Explanation: Approved vehicle access for firefighting apparatus must be provided to the site. This access, either temporary or permanent, needs to reach within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of any temporary or permanent fire department connections.

1411 — Means of Egress

[B] 1411.1 Stairways required. Where a building has been constructed to a buildingheight of 50 feet (15 240 mm) or four stories, or where an existing building exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm) in buildingheight is altered, at least one temporary lighted stairwayshall be provided unless one or more of the permanent stairways are erected as the construction progresses.

1411.2 Maintenance. Required means of egress shall be maintained during construction and demolition, remodeling or alterations and additions to any building.

Exception: Approved temporary means of egress systems and facilities.

Worked example

Scenario: Construction of a 6-story apartment building has reached the fifth floor.

Explanation: Since the building has exceeded 50 feet (15 240 mm) in height and is over four stories, at least one temporary, lit stairway must be provided for workers' egress, unless permanent stairways are already installed and operational.

1412 — Water Supply for Fire Protection

1412.1 When required. An approved water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be made available as soon as combustible material arrives on the site.

Worked example

Scenario: Lumber and other combustible materials are being delivered to a new housing development site.

Explanation: As soon as these combustible materials arrive on site, an approved water supply for fire protection, either a temporary system or a permanent connection, must be made available and ready for use.

1413 — Standpipes

1413.1 Where required. In buildings reqUired to have standpipes by Section 905.3.1, not less than one standpipe shall be provided for use during construction. Such standpipes shall be installed when the progress of construction is not more than

40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Such standpipe shall be provided with fire department hose connections at accessible locations adjacent to usable stairs. Such standpipes shall be extended as construction progresses to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.

1413.2 Buildings being demolished. Where a building is being demolished and a standpipe is existing within such a building, such standpipe shall be maintained in an operable condition so as to be available for use by the fire department. Such standpipe shall be demolished with the building but shall not be demolished more than one floor below the floor being demolished.

1413.3 Detailed requirements. Standpipes shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 905.

Exception: Standpipes shall be either temporary or permanent in nature, and with or without a water supply, provided that such standpipes comply with the requirements of Section 905 as to capacity, outlets and materials.

Worked example

Scenario: A 12-story high-rise office building is under construction, which will eventually require standpipes.

Explanation: Since the finished building will require standpipes per Section 905.3.1, at least one standpipe must be installed for use during construction as the building progresses upwards. The section indicates an installation deadline relative to construction progress, which is not fully included here.

1414 — Automatic Sprinkler System

1414.1 Completion before occupancy. In buildings where an automatic sprinklersystem is required by this code or the International BUilding Code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system installation has been tested and approved, except as provided in Section 105.3.4.

1414.2 Operation of valves. Operation of sprinkler control valves shall be allowed only by properly authorized personnel and shall be accompanied by notification of duly designated parties. When the sprinkler protection is being regularly turned off and on to facilitate connection of newly completed segments, the sprinkler control valves shall be checked at the end of each work period to ascertain that protection is in service.

Worked example

Scenario: A commercial building requires an automatic sprinkler system per the International Building Code.

Explanation: It is illegal to occupy any part of this building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system has been fully installed, tested, and approved by the authority having jurisdiction, unless specific exceptions are provided elsewhere in the code.

1415 — Portable Fire Extinguishers

1415.1 Where required. Structures under construction, alteration or demolition shall be provided with not less than one approved portable fire extinguisher in accordance with Section 906 and sized for not less than ordinary hazard as follows:

At each stairway on all floor levels where combustible materials have accumulated.
In every storage and construction shed.
Additional portable fire extinguishers shall be provided where special hazards exist including, but not limited to, the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.

Worked example

Scenario: A small retail space is undergoing interior renovations.

Explanation: For this alteration project, at least one approved portable fire extinguisher, sized for not less than ordinary hazard, must be provided in accordance with Section 906.

1416 — Motorized Equipment

1416.1 Conditions of use. Internal-combustion-powered construction equipment shall be used in accordance with all of the following conditions:

Equipment shall be located so that exhausts do not discharge against combustible material.
Exhausts shall be piped to the outside of the building.
Equipment shall not be refueled while in operation.
Fuel for equipment shall be stored in an approved area outside of the building.

Worked example

Scenario: A forklift powered by an internal combustion engine is used inside a partially enclosed building under construction.

Explanation: The use of such equipment must adhere to specific conditions, typically involving ventilation, exhaust controls, and fuel storage, to prevent fire hazards and ensure safety, though the full conditions are not detailed in this snippet.

1417 — Safeguarding Roofing Operations

1417.1 General. Roofing operations utilizing heat-producing systems or other ignition sources shall be conducted in accordance with Sections 1417.2 and 1417.3 and Chapter 26.

1417.2 Asphalt and tar kettles. Asphalt and tar kettles shall be operated in accordance with Section 303.

1417.3 Fire extinguishers for roofing operations. Fire extinguishers shall comply with Section 906. There shall be not less than one multipurpose portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 3-A 40-B:C rating on the roof being covered or repaired.

Worked example

Scenario: Workers are installing a new roof on an existing building using torches for modified bitumen application.

Explanation: This heat-producing roofing operation must be conducted according to the safety guidelines specified in Sections 1417.2 and 1417.3, and further requirements in Chapter 26, to prevent ignition of materials or the structure.

Frequently asked questions

What are the general fire safety requirements during construction?

Chapter 14 applies to structures under construction, alteration, or demolition, requiring compliance with NFPA 241 for items not specifically addressed, along with provisions for temporary heating, material storage, and site access.

Who is responsible for fire prevention on a construction site?

The owner must appoint a fire prevention program superintendent responsible for overseeing and enforcing the fire prevention program throughout the entire project.

When are standpipes and sprinkler systems required on a construction site?

Standpipes are required where mandated by Section 905.3.1 and must be installed as construction progresses. Automatic sprinkler systems must be tested and approved before any portion of the building can be occupied if required by code.