Chapter 20 - FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

Footnotes:

--- (1) --- State Law reference— State fire safety code, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.1-1 et seq.

ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL#

Sec. 20-1. - Violations of chapter; enforcement.#

Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter, or any regulation, rule or order of the fire division, the penalty for which is not otherwise provided, shall be punished as provided by section 1-12 for each offense, and any police officer may forthwith arrest, without a warrant, and take to the police station, any person so offending. It is hereby made the duty of the chief of the fire division, and of all the members of the police division, to see that the provisions of this chapter are duly observed, and that all offenses against this chapter are promptly prosecuted.

(Code 1973, § 9-8; Code 1994, § 20-31; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-2. - Plan review fees.#

(a)

Every request for plan review, by the state fire marshal's office, under the provisions of the fire code shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed as follows:

Cost of Construction Required Fee

$500.00 or less $25.00

Over $500.00 but not over $1,000.00 $35.00

Over $1,000.00 but not over $2,000.00 $45.00

Over $2,000.00 but not over $500,000.00 (plus $6.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof over $2,000.00) $45.00+

Over $500,000.00 (plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction thereof over ($500,000.00) $3,003.00+

(b)

Plan review fees, not exceeding the amounts listed in subsection (a) of this section may be collected by the fire division as prescribed by said fire code. All such fees shall be utilized exclusively for supporting the operations of the city fire prevention bureau. Said fees shall be set aside in an account or designated by a method (planned by the chief of the fire division and the director of finance) to be used exclusively for fire inspections, fire education and training of personnel to carry out fire prevention duties.

(Code 1994, § 20-8; Ord. of 2-9-2004; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-3. - Fire prevention fee.#

(a)

The fire division shall charge an inspection fee of $100.00 per inspection for any inspection performed by the department pursuant to the provisions of this Code or any provision of the state fire code, or rules and regulations of the state fire marshal.

(b)

The fee shall be waived if, after inspection, no violation of any provision of the ordinances or the state fire code including any rule or regulation of the state fire marshal has been found.

(c)

Each subsequent reinspection shall constitute an inspection for which a separate fee of $100.00 shall be payable. The foregoing fee waiver provision shall not apply in the case of any inspection required by the city council or board of license commissioners (liquor board) for the issuance or transfer of any license under its jurisdiction. No inspection fee shall be charged for any department, board or commission of the city.

(Code 1994, § 20-9; Ord. of 11-29-2004; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-4. - Outdoor fires.#

No person shall kindle or maintain, or authorize to be kindled or maintained, any outdoor fire on any public or private land in the city unless the fire is kindled and maintained solely for the purpose of outdoor cooking.

(Code 1973, § 10-1; Code 1994, § 20-1; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

State Law reference— Outdoor fires, G.L. 1956, §§ 2-12-6—2-12-10.

Sec. 20-5. - Hazardous materials, permit to store and use.#

(a)

All storage of hazardous materials, other than motor vehicles, within the legal limits of the city shall require a permit to store, issued by the chief of the fire division. Such permit shall be issued annually and shall list the type and quantity of the hazardous material on the property.

(b)

The chief of the fire division shall conduct a hazard analysis of the requested storage and may require as a condition of approval of the permit that safety measures be employed to ensure handling and storage of the permitted hazardous materials not inconsistent with state or federal law. Such a permit shall be issued upon a showing that public health and public safety will not be endangered.

(c)

There shall be a required fee for a permit under this section.

(d)

The term "hazardous material" as used in this section shall be defined as those materials listed in the Federal Superfund Reauthorized Act of 1987 hazardous material list.

(e)

The permit required by this section does not alter in any way other federal and/or state regulations regarding the storage and/or transportation of hazardous materials, as may be required.

(Code 1973, § 10-17; Code 1994, § 20-2; Ord. of 5-13-1991(5); Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

State Law reference— Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.20-1 et seq.; explosives, G.L. 1956, § 23-28.28-1 et seq.

Sec. 20-6. - Transporting hazardous materials restricted.#

The city prohibits the use of all city streets except certain public roadways by motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials as defined by the United States Department of Transportation. The restriction shall not apply to vehicles carrying hazardous materials engaged in pick-up and local delivery within the legal limits of the city. The schedule of such streets is on file and available in the city clerk's office.

(Code 1973, § 10-18; Code 1994, § 20-3; Ord. of 5-13-1991(6), § 1; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-7. - Maintaining a fire hazard.#

No person shall maintain a fire hazard in a residential type structure or place of assembly or school. A fire hazard includes the storage, handling or use of materials that presents a danger or risk of injury to life or property, such as: (1)

Category I; combination of residential type structures, schools and places of assembly.

a.

Charcoal and gas grills used inside buildings or on porches;

b.

Flammable gas or liquid powered equipment inside structures;

c.

Welding, cutting and other hot work inside a structure.

(2)

Category II; schools and places of assembly.

a.

Flammable liquids in non-OSHA-approved cabinets;

b.

Flammable liquids used as a cleaning solvent inside cabinets inside a structure;

c.

Welding, cutting and other hot work inside a structure.

(Code 1973, § 10-19; Code 1994, § 20-4; Ord. of 5-13-1991(2); Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-8. - Portable heaters.#

Portable heaters must be UL approved and not altered. The chief of the fire division may prohibit the use of portable heaters in occupancies or situations in which such use or operation would present a danger to life or property.

(Code 1973, § 10-20; Code 1994, § 20-5; Ord. of 5-13-1991(1); Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-9. - Fire hydrants.#

The location of hydrants shall be under the direction of the chief of the fire division, and the erection and maintenance of hydrants under the direction of the director of public works. The expense incurred in so locating, erecting and maintaining such hydrants shall be paid out of the department of public works appropriation.

(Code 1973, § 9-3; Code 1994, § 20-6; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

State Law reference— Obstructing hydrants, G.L. 1956, § 23-37-4.

Sec. 20-10. - Reports of violations and fire hazards.#

Reports of the violation of existing ordinances and laws and all situations endangering life and property through fire hazard shall be submitted in writing to the chief or deputy chief of the fire division who must, forward such reports to the proper authorities for enforcement according to law.

(Code 1973, § 9-4; Code 1994, § 20-7; Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Sec. 20-11. - Nuisance and false fire alarms.#

(a)

In the event the activation of a fire alarm system is deemed by the fire department to be a nuisance or false fire alarm, the owner shall be provided with a fire alarm activation report by the city, indicating that the activation was deemed to be the result of a nuisance or false fire alarm. An owner shall be in violation of this section whenever any alarm is deemed to be a nuisance or false fire alarm more than twice within a 365-day period. Any person who violates this section shall be punishable by fine determined in accordance with the following schedule:

(1)

The fine for the first nuisance or false fire alarm in excess of the number permitted herein shall be no less than $250.00;

(2)

The fine for the second and each subsequent nuisance or false fire alarm in excess of the number permitted herein shall be no less than $500.00.

(Ord. of 8-7-2019(1))

Secs. 20-12—20-38. - Reserved.#

ARTICLE II. - FIRE DIVISION#

Footnotes:

--- (2) --- State Law reference— Powers of fire companies generally, G.L. 1956, § 23-37-1 et seq.

DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#

Sec. 20-39. - Removal of fire apparatus from city.#

No engine or any part of the apparatus belonging to the fire division shall be taken from the city at any time except for training purposes and except for the purpose of having such apparatus repaired; provided, however, that in case of a fire in a neighboring town or city, the mayor, or in his absence from the city, the chief of the fire division, may order not more than one-half of the fire apparatus of the city to be taken to such town or city, such apparatus to be accompanied by not more than one-half of the members of the division, for the purpose of assisting in the extinguishing of such fire. Such apparatus may also be removed from the city in order to fulfill the requirements of mutual aid agreements.

(Code 1973, § 9-5; Code 1994, § 20-35)

Sec. 20-40. - Fire department vacancies.#

(a)

Legislative findings.

(1)

It is the policy of the city to provide high-quality fire service to our community. Quality fire services are provided by professional, well-trained individuals working together. Selecting the best people to be our community's fire fighters is essential to the make-up of the fire department and the fundamental aim of a recruiting program. A proactive, positive approach to fire recruiting is necessary to attract quality applicants representative of the demographics of the city. Recruiting is conducted when needed to maintain service strength.

(2)

It is the policy of the city to identify and employ the best-qualified individuals to perform the tasks and functions of the fire department without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status or mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability. The department prohibits discrimination against any person in recruitment, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration for reasons of political or religious opinions, affiliations, or because of race, color, national origin, physical disability or age, except where specific age or physical requirements constitute a bonafide occupational qualification necessary to properly and efficiently perform the functions of the job.

(3)

It is the policy of the city to actively encourage women and traditionally under-represented populations to apply for employment in all positions within the fire department. All persons should have equal opportunities in recruitment, selection, appointment, promotion, training, discipline and related areas.

(b)

Whenever a vacancy shall be declared to exist in the permanent fire department of this city, the personnel board shall, through the press, advertise the time and place where a competitive examination shall be held to determine the relative competency of those applicants for the position. Through the human resources department, the personnel board shall make available an application form which a prospective candidate must complete without the aid or assistance of any other person.

(1)

Applications will be made available online to create better accessibility for potential candidates.

(2)

Demographically under-represented and female officers will be depicted in the firefighting role in department publications whenever possible to encourage potential female and demographically under-represented candidates.

(3)

Female officers or officers who are demographically under-represented within the department will, whenever possible, actively encourage recruitment of potential candidates.

(4)

The fire department will participate in information sessions, and career fairs to encourage potential candidates; when possible utilizing female and demographically under-represented officers.

(5)

The fire department will build upon relationships with high schools, colleges, and universities to attract potential candidates.

(6)

The fire department will work with groups in the community representing the community's diversity to build relationships and encourage potential candidates.

(7)

Advertising will be formatted in all languages that are spoken by at least ten percent of city residents as determined by the United States Census Bureau.

(8)

Advertising will include print, web and radio broadcasts on local media outlets.

(9)

Advertising will be distributed to local area businesses in targeted areas of the city.

(c)

Any false statements, evasions, deception or reservations in answering the application questions shall be cause for rejection and if discovered after appointment is cause for dismissal. All applicants' statements relative to eligibility are subject to verification by authentic proof thereof, and applicants shall authorize the personnel board to make legitimate investigations as to residency, citizenship, education and/or other evidence of eligibility. Any person who has been convicted of a crime may be ineligible for appointment to the fire department, and no person shall be appointed unless he or she is a citizen of the United States or has been a legal permanent resident for at least five years. No applicant may be younger than 18 years of age on the date of application. All applicants must be high school graduates or received a GED (general equivalency diploma) as of the date of application. Consistent with the intent of this section, the competitive exam, to determine an applicant's eligibility, shall be established by the following criteria:

(1)

Physical required. Applicants shall be examined by their physician to determine their ability to perform a physical fitness exam without substantial risk of injury. Results of such examination shall be forwarded to the city on a form supplied by the city.

(2)

Physical agility exam required. A physical fitness exam shall be required of all applicants prior to any psychological examination or appointment. This exam shall be consistent with the firefighter physical performance assessment test, sponsored by the state fire chiefs association, or its equivalent. Each candidate participating shall be scored on a pass/fail basis.

(3)

EMT license required. Each candidate shall have a state EMT-basic license upon appointment to the fire department.

(4)

Written examination. A formal written examination of not less than 80 questions shall be given. The written examination shall cover areas of general knowledge and shall not involve technical aspects of any particular academic subject. After correction of the examinations, all applicants shall be assigned numerical grades. The maximum score for the written examination shall be 40, provided that an additional four points shall be awarded for those who have established documented legal residency in the city for at least one year prior to application to the department, an additional two points shall be awarded for any veteran honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, and an additional four points shall be awarded for any person fluent in any second language as spoken by at least ten percent of city residents as determined by the United States Census Bureau for a final, total maximum score for the written examination of 50.

(5)

Oral examination. An oral examination is to be given to the top 25 scores on the written examination by a four member board consisting of the following, or his or her designee: the public safety director, the chief of the fire department, the director of human resources and a woman or active fire fighter who is demographically under-represented, as designated by the fire union of the city. The oral examination shall be recorded on video. The oral examination shall consist of questions designed to test past experience, personality, alertness, confidence, qualifications, diversity awareness, professional bearing, and judgment of the applicant. The members of the board are required to evaluate the applicant on a zero to ten point system for each of the ten interview questions. At no time may any two board members scoring be more than two points apart per question. The candidate's total score for the oral examination shall be computed by dividing the combined scores of the examiners by eight. The maximum score for the oral examination shall be 50.

(d)

Those candidates who attain the highest combined total score for the written, oral and physical exams shall be placed on the eligibility list numerically. Only candidates with a combined final score of 70 or higher shall be eligible for the eligibility list. Candidates, at the discretion of the chief of the fire department, shall undergo a physical examination by a doctor designated by the personnel board. The candidates must also take a battery of psychological tests and undergo a comprehensive background investigation at the direction of the chief of the fire department. If any of the candidates fail to qualify physically or psychologically or as a result of their background investigation, as determined by the director of public safety, they shall be ineligible for referral to the personnel board for hiring and removed from the eligibility list. After the required number of candidates has been determined to pass the physical and psychological examinations and background investigation, the chief of the fire department shall make a recommendation of hiring from the candidates who are ranked one, two or three to the personnel board who shall make the appointment to the fire department from the eligibility list. The eligibility list shall be valid for a maximum of two years from the date of the personnel board's decision, unless the director of public safety grants a six-month extension, and shall extinguish sooner upon no qualified candidates remaining on the list.

(e)

A training program up to one year, paid for by the city, shall be held for all new members of the fire department, leaving the choice of the training to the discretion of the chief of the fire department. The training program shall include all necessary classes for the proper certification and licensing for state EMT (cardiac). During the one-year period, each new member of the fire department shall be on probationary status and, at the end of said one year, shall be subject to termination if the proper certification and licensing for state EMT (cardiac) are not obtained. The director of public safety may grant a six-month extension to this one-year deadline upon a showing of good cause.

(f)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the director of public safety shall have the authority to establish a procedure for the hiring of a lateral transfer applicant, defined as a firefighter in good standing, with at least three years experience and having all necessary certifications and licensing.

(g)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the eligibility list has been exhausted prior to the two-year termination date and there is more than one vacancy in the division, the director of public safety shall have the emergency authority to authorize the chief of the fire division and the director of human resources to advertise and accept applications to the fire division, subject to the terms and conditions of sections (c) and (e) of this chapter. Within three months of the exercise of this authority, the city shall commence a hiring campaign pursuant to sections (a) through (e) of this chapter to effectuate a new eligibility list.

(Code 1973, § 19-35; Code 1994, § 20-37; Ord. of 4-23-2014(1); Ord. of 9-28-2015, § 2; Ord. of 12-11-2017(1), § 2; Ord. of 5-16-2022(2), § 1; Ord. of 8-6-25(1), § 1)

Secs. 20-41—20-68. - Reserved.#

DIVISION 2. - LABOR RIGHTS#

Footnotes:

--- (3) --- State Law reference— Firefighters arbitration act, G.L. 1956, § 28-9.1-1 et seq.

Sec. 20-69. - Bargaining agent recognized.#

In accordance with the firefighters arbitration act (G.L. 1956, § 28-9.1-1 et seq.), the city hereby recognizes Local 1485 of the International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for the city fire division.

(Code 1973, § 9-9; Code 1994, § 20-46)

State Law reference— Recognition of bargaining agent, G.L. 1956, § 28-9.1-5.

Sec. 20-70. - Bargaining committee.#

(a)

Created; membership; chairman. A collective bargaining committee to represent the city in its negotiations with the bargaining agent of the members of the fire division is hereby created and shall consist of the mayor or his representative, the finance director, the city solicitor, the president of the city council and the chief of the fire division. Any agreement reached between the collective bargaining committee and the bargaining agent shall be subject to the approval of the city council. The mayor is hereby designated as chairman of the collective bargaining committee, and in his absence, the president of the city council shall preside.

(b)

Meetings. Bargaining meetings shall be held within ten days after receipt from either party of the request for a meeting for collective bargaining purposes. In matters requiring appropriations of money, notice of request for collective bargaining shall be made at least 120 days before the last day on which money can be appropriated by the city to cover the contract period which is the subject of the collective bargaining procedure. Request for a meeting for collective bargaining shall be made by written notices addressed to the city council and to the mayor and to the secretary of the bargaining agent.

(c)

Authority. The collective bargaining committee of the city shall have the authority, subject to the approval of the city council, to enter into written agreements with the bargaining agent; provided, that no such written agreement or contract shall exceed the term of one year.

(Code 1973, §§ 9-10—9-12; Code 1994, § 20-47)

Sec. 20-71. - Time off granted to fire division representatives to participate in negotiations.#

Those representatives appointed by the bargaining agent for the purpose of negotiating a contract with the city who are members of the fire division shall be granted time off without loss of pay for the purpose of participating in such negotiations.

(Code 1973, § 9-13; Code 1994, § 20-48)

Sec. 20-72. - Failure to reach agreement on contract to be resolved by city council or arbitrators.#

If the bargaining agent and the collective bargaining committee are unable within 20 days of meeting to reach an agreement on a contract, the unresolved issues shall be submitted to the city council for consideration. If the bargaining agent and the city council are unable to reach an agreement within ten days, any and all unresolved issues shall be submitted to arbitration. The decision of the arbitrators shall be advisory to the bargaining agent and the city.

(Code 1973, § 9-14; Code 1994, § 20-49)

State Law reference— Arbitration of unresolved issues, G.L. 1956, § 28-9.1-7 et seq.

Sec. 20-73. - Removal of chief from the collective bargaining unit.#

Notwithstanding the removal of the chief of the fire division from the collective bargaining unit, he shall heretofore remain as a member of the established classified pay plan for the city and receive the same privileges, benefits and wages which inure to and were enjoyed by the holder of that classified position prior to its removal from the collective bargaining unit.

(Code 1994, § 20-50; Ord. of 11-6-2000)

Sec. 20-74. - Regulations for the employment of chief of fire division.#

(a)

A chief of the fire division for the city, appointed under the regulations of this Code, shall be retained either under a contract of employment not to exceed 60 months, or as an at-will employee whose employment may be terminated at any time without cause.

(b)

Every contract shall commence on the second Monday in January.

(Ord. of 4-14-2008(1), § 20-51)

Secs. 20-75—20-91. - Reserved.#

DIVISION 3. - RESERVED#

Footnotes:

--- (4) --- Editor's note— Ord. of 8-19-2019(2), § 2, repealed division 3, §§ 20-92—20-103, which pertained to firefighters' pension and derived from Code 1973; Code 1994; and Ord. of 8-10-2016(1).

Secs. 20-92—20-134. - Reserved.#

ARTICLE III. - FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS#

Sec. 20-135. - Maintenance; false alarm fees; acts of God; disconnection after three false alarms.#

(a)

All fire alarm systems connected to the fire division shall be maintained in good operating condition at all times.

(b)

If a fire alarm system connected to the fire division transmits an alarm signal condition to the fire division through a mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or negligence of the user, his employees or agents, the fire chief may assess the owner a false alarm nuisance service fee of $100.00 for each false alarm in excess of three false alarms occurring within a calendar year. All fees assessed hereunder shall be paid to the finance director for deposit into the special fire equipment fund.

(c)

False fire alarms caused by acts of God, including, but not limited to, power outages, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, thunderstorms or adverse weather or atmospheric disturbances shall not be deemed to be a false fire alarm.

(d)

The chief of the fire division may authorize the disconnection of any fire alarm system from the municipal fire alarm system if, after three false alarms, such system in the opinion of the fire chief, is not maintained in good operating condition.

(Code 1994, § 20-101; Ord. of 5-13-1991(4), § 9-9; Ord. of 5-14-2018(2), § 1)

Sec. 20-136. - Annual fee.#

(a)

There shall be assessed by the fire division an annual fee of $200.00 for each privately owned fire alarm box. The annual fee shall be charged for the privilege of maintenance and connection to the city's fire alarm system. Such fee shall be due and payable in full on the first day of July of each year, but provided that if the service is applied for during the year, the applicant shall pay only that portion of the fee which the unexpired portion of the year bears to the full fee. The city solicitor may also record a lien against the real property for any unpaid charges or fees under this chapter, and the lien shall be enforced in the same manner provided or authorized by law for enforcement of common law liens on personal property. An exemption for financial hardship may be granted by either the director of public safety or by a majority vote of the city council.

(b)

The assessed fees collected from the owner of the fire boxes shall be deposited into a special fire equipment account fund, the account fund to be administered by the chief of the fire division accountable to the director of public safety.

(Code 1994, § 20-102; Ord. of 5-13-1991(4), § 9-10; Ord. of 12-19-2011(4); Ord. of 5-14-2018(2), § 1)

Sec. 20-137. - In-building radio specifications.#

(a)

Generally. The fire division, fire alarm division, has the authority to waive the fire division communication system and substitute a radio communications system to achieve effective fire division radio communications throughout the protected premises. Voluntary adoption of this alternative is subject to the specifications contained within this section.

(b)

Radio coverage. For purpose of this section, adequate radio coverage shall include all of the following:

(1)

A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm available in 95 percent of the area of each floor when transmitted from the fire division.

(2)

A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm received at the fire division system from 95 percent of the area of each floor of the building.

(c)

Amplification system allowed. Buildings and structures shall be equipped with any of the following, in order to achieve the required radio coverage: a radiating cable system or an internal multiple antenna system with FCC Type Accepted Bi-Directional UHF Amplifiers as needed to encompass CFFD UHF frequencies 483/486 (Channel 1). The system shall be capable of operating on an independent battery and/or generator system for a period of at least 12 hours without external power input. In order to use an emergency generator in lieu of a battery back-up system, the generator must be an oil-fired generator. The battery system, if installed, shall automatically charge in the presence of external power input. The amplifier fault circuit shall be connected to a trouble fault in the fire alarm panel. An audible alarm shall be present at the fire alarm panel to indicate a fault in the amplifier.

(d)

Acceptance test procedures.

(1)

Acceptance testing for an in-building radio amplification system is required, upon completion of installation. It is the building owner's responsibility to have the radio system tested to ensure that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is a minimum of 95 percent. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of approximately 20 equal areas.

(2)

A maximum of one area will be allowed to fail the test per floor. A spot located approximately in the center of a grid area will be selected for the test. Once the spot has been selected, prospecting for a better spot within the grid area will not be permitted. Field strength testing instruments are to be recently calibrated (one year) and of the frequency selective type incorporating a flexible antenna similar to the ones used on the hand held transceivers. All compliance testing is to be done with 50 ohm loads in place of the antenna to avoid interference to fire alarm. The fire division, fire alarm, is to be notified prior to any testing. Talk back testing will be conducted by the fire division, fire alarm personnel during sample testing of the accuracy of the BDA compliance test report. All test results and as-built drawings are to be supplied at the time the sample testing is requested.

(3)

The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the results kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified each year during the annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner will be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.

(e)

Annual tests. When an in-building radio system is installed, the building owner shall test all active components of the system, including but not limited to amplifier, power supplies, and backup batteries, a minimum of once every 12 months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load for a period of one hour to verify that they will operate during an actual power outage. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturer's specifications for the intended purpose.

(f)

Five-year test. In addition to the annual test, the building owner shall perform a radio coverage test a minimum of once every five years to ensure that the radio system continues to meet the requirements of the original acceptance. The procedure set forth in subsection (e) of this section shall apply to such tests.

(g)

Qualifications of testing personnel. All tests shall be conducted, documented, and signed by a person in possession of a current FCC general radio telephone operator license. All test records shall be retained at the inspected premises by the building owner and a copy submitted to the fire division, fire alarm division.

(h)

Fire division inspections. Fire department personnel, after providing reasonable notice to the owner or his representative, shall have the right to enter onto the property to conduct field testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present.

(i)

Property owner letter. At final acceptance the applicant shall supply a letter to the Central Falls fire division, fire alarm division, 150 Illinois St., Central Falls, RI 02863, accepting the property owner's responsibilities. These responsibilities are as follows: upgrades to system as directed by the fire division, maintenance contract in place with name of contractor, who will provide a 24-hour by seven-day emergency response within two hours after notification, and contact personnel with phone numbers. This letter is to be on company letterhead signed by the property owner or a legal representative.

(j)

Request for waiver. A waiver from the fire division, fire alarm division, is required for radio equipment usage in lieu of a telephone system in high rise occupancies. The applicant shall make a formal request in writing to the Central Falls Fire Division, Fire Alarm Division, 150 Illinois St., Central Falls, RI 02863. The request shall state address of property, property owner (responsible party), radio equipment vendor, contact personnel with telephone numbers, radio system drawings with technical parameters, and equipment specifications shall accompany the waiver request. Applicants will receive a written reply within 30 days. This waiver is the initial step in this procedure and required before proceeding.

(k)

Required form. All required forms can be obtained from the Central Falls Fire Division, Fire Alarm 150 Illinois St., Central Falls, RI 02863.

(1)

Equipment location notification form.

(2)

BDA compliance test report.

(l)

Cabinet. The cabinet shall be a NEMA 4 painted steel cabinet. The color will be fire engine red and bear the lettering as follows: "CENTRAL FALLS FIRE DEPT. RADIO" in bright yellow. The maintenance vendor and telephone number will be marked on the cabinet. The cabinet will have a lock mechanism to keep the unit secure.

(m)

Primary power. Connection to primary power can be done in two manners. The first, a cord set with twist lock plug and receptacle or with metallic conduit. Each bi-directional amplifier shall be powered by its own 20 ampere circuit.

(Ord. of 5-14-2007)