La. Admin. Code tit. 55 § V-2913

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section V-2913 - Equivalency for Existing Buildings; Locking Cabinets; Lock Boxes

A. The following equivalency applies only to existing buildings constructed before January 1, 2009.

B. If the local certified fire prevention bureau determines that it is technically, financially, or physically impossible to bring a building's elevators into compliance with this rule, the local certified fire prevention bureau may accept as an alternative the installation of an approved high security locking cabinet. The locking cabinet must be keyed with a single, jurisdiction specific, non-duplicable keyed rapid entry system and be UL 1037 listed. The locking cabinet shall be installed in accordance with this section.

C. The local certified fire prevention bureau's decision regarding the alternative measure may be appealed by the building owner to the State Fire Marshal whose decision shall constitute final agency action for purposes of Louisiana Statutes. An appeal may be instituted by the appellant writing a letter to the Office of State Fire Marshal, 8181 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

D. Installation of Locking Cabinets

1. The locking cabinet is permitted to be installed surface or recess-mounted.

2. The locking cabinet's front cover shall be hinged on the right side and shall be permanently labeled with the words "Fire Department Use Only-Elevator keys."

3. The locking cabinet shall be mounted at each elevator bank at the lobby nearest to the lowest level of fire department access.

4. Locking cabinets are required to be mounted 5'6" above the finished floor to the right side of the elevator bank.

5. Contents of the locking cabinet are limited to the master elevator key, additional elevator access tools and/or keys and information pertinent to emergency planning or elevator access as deemed necessary by the local fire department having jurisdiction.

E. Multiple Elevator Banks

1. In buildings subject to these alternative provisions which house two or more different elevator banks, a single, approved locking cabinet may be used when such banks are separated by not more than 30 feet.

2. In the buildings specified in Subsection A with elevators or elevator banks separated by more than 30 feet, separate approved locking cabinets must be used for each individual elevator or elevator bank so separated.

3. In situations of multiple elevators or elevator banks or in situations of space constrictions or content needs, the local certified fire prevention bureau may approve use of a high security, lock box or cabinet where it is deemed necessary. The approved lock box or cabinet must utilize the same single, jurisdiction specific, non-duplicable keyed rapid entry system as the locking cabinet and be UL 1037 listed. Lock boxes or cabinets are to be mounted in accordance with the above outlined specifications for locking cabinets.

F. Owner shall provide one key for the lock box or cabinet if it exists and provide up to two keys to the local fire department.

La. Admin. Code tit. 55, § V-2913

Promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of the State Fire Marshal Code Enforcement and Building Safety, LR 35:2467 (November 2009).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:1582.