Fire & Building Codes Instituted to Enhance Emergency Response
In the interest of public health, safety, and welfare, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and International Fire Code (IFC) establish codes for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion, and dangerous conditions in buildings. Beginning in 2013, the NFPA and ISC began publishing a series codes designed to ensure the availability of reliable radio communication in buildings during event an emergency. These codes outline the use of bi-direction amplifier systems to ensure strong and consistently distributed radio coverage. Today, building and fire codes in nearly all jurisdictions require Emergency Response Radio Signal (ERRS) strength and coverage be regularly measured in all new and many existing buildings.
NFPA & IFC CODE REFERENCE LINKS
NFPA 72 – 2013 | NFPA 1221 – 2016 | IFC 510 – 2015 | IFC 510 - 2018
What is a BDA?
A variety of materials used in the construction of buildings, such as glass, steel, wood, and concrete, impede and degrade the strength and consistency of radio communication signals. Bi-directional amplifiers are critical components of an Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement System (ERCES). Bi-directional amplifiers enable a building ERCES to powerfully distribute a broad range of two-way radio signals across the interior of buildings - ensuring uninterrupted communication between emergency responders both inside and outside of buildings.
DSC Services for Emergency Radio Communication Systems (ERCES)
DSC offers a comprehensive range of bi-directional amplifier services. Services include system design, engineering, training. DSC can assist in maintaining your compliance with fire and building codes with managed maintenance agreements, emergency system service, and support.
As a part of both initial site evaluations and annual inspections, DSC also offers radio signal testing and mapping. At the conclusion of this testing, DSC life safety technicians provide clients with a floor-by-floor visual “heat map” indicating radio communication strength of every area of your building - allowing for the simplified assessment your facilities BDA requirements.
