Utility of Firemen Access Panels on Exterior?

11/19/2021

What is your take on Firemen Access panels to provide on the exterior side of a building, for firefighter access into the building?

The code reference from NFPA is stating required clearances from the interior of the building, or in a room having these panels. I'm just not sure about their utility and why they're required.

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5 Comments

Dave

11/19/2021 11:40:02 am

Please clarify which section and what code or standard you are referring to. Are you perhaps referring to IBC Section 3206.7 and Table 3206.2?

Dave

11/19/2021 11:41:33 am

(Sorry, I meant IFC not IBC)

Michael Payne

11/19/2021 01:00:42 pm

As a career firefighter and schooled in fire protection engineering, I can say that building access is almost always an issue, unless 24hr on-site personnel are able to coordinate and assist with entry. Commercial Incidents requiring FD are not normally during business hours.

The access road limitations of 150ft are due to aerial apparatus (ladder truck) ladders and water streams having limited reach. Any further away (especially with wind) and those streams will be ineffective and would require the strict use of ground ladders to gain access to the roof.

The access doors with outside, nearby, and well marked key boxes make FD entry much smoother and take less time. We have forcible entry tools, but this causes further damage to the property and takes valuable time, as the fire continues to grow and structural members further weaken. Roof collapse in commercial structure fires is common.

The interior limit of 150’ is due to the length of attack hose-lines we make entry with. They are normally no longer than 200’, mainly due to friction loss, and those streams need to be able to reach the far corners and be stretched around rack storages and barriers.

Hope this helps to see the requirements from our perspective and best of luck on your project.

Alex

11/20/2021 09:37:16 pm

Hi,

I don’t believe I’m truly understanding the question. By Firefighter access panels, do you mean points of entry to the building (like a man door) on the side of a building? Or are you referring to an actual removable panel?

Either way, fire fighter access is normally discussed during the site evaluation completed by the architect and civil engineer. This is then reviewed by the Fire Department / State Fire Marshal. During this review period, the fire department would confirm there is adequate site access or points of entry.

I personally haven’t seen removable access panels installed before.

Sorry I can’t be much help here.

Alex

sean

12/31/2021 06:42:29 pm

you seem to be talking about firefighter access doors.

many departments will consider this essential

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Utility of Firemen Access Panels on Exterior?

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