Keys for Fire Department Use

THE REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE KEYS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT USE COMES FROM BC BUILDING CODE AND BC FIRE CODE

HIGH RISE BUILDINGS (OVER 6 STORIES)
3.2.6.4. Emergency Operation of Elevators (B.C. BUILDING CODE)

1. Manual emergency recall shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey.
2. Key-operated switches for emergency recall required by Sentence (1) shall be provided in a conspicuous location at
   1. each elevator lobby on the recall level, and
   2. the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.7.
3. In-car emergency service switches shall be proved in all elevator cars.
4. Keys to operate the switches required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall be
   1. provided in a suitable identified box conspicuously located on the outside of an elevator hoist way near the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.7., and
   2. kept at the central alarm and control facility.
   3. elevator firefighter phone (if applicable) - 3 copies

2.8.1.3. Keys and Special Devices (B.C. FIRE CODE)

1. Any keys or special devices needed to operate the fire alarm system or provide access to any fire protection systems or equipment shall be readily available to on-duty supervisory staff.
   This could include access to:
   1. sprinkler system - 4 copies of master key for service rooms and common areas
   2. alarm panels in electrical rooms
   3. locked roof top hatches
   4. access to Fire Safety Plan
   5. cross over floors (if applicable) - 4 copies

Note: On-duty supervisory staff. The inspector will ask how building management intends to make keys available and have them deal with this question. The box and key(s) belong to the building and that the Fire Department accepts no responsibility for keys or boxes, but will insist meeting the minimum requirement of the Building Code and Fire Code. Building managers should be aware that sec. 1.1.1.1. (1) places responsibility for carrying out provisions of the fire code on the owner or owners agent and that sec. 1.1.1.2. (2) of the BC Fire Code gives responsibility of enforcement to inspectors and local assistants and may write orders to ensure compliance where necessary.

Items to consider

• outside lock boxes - abloy or mul-t-lock (cylinder style) is recommended
• flush/mounted lock boxes for inside buildings (Foyer)
• keys provided should not be of master type
• no private entry keys to be accepted
• keys in lock boxes should be color coded (Fire Dept. will color code)
• boxes shall be conspicuous and identified - F.D.
• keys provided in boxes outside should operate one (1) lock only
• Elevator phone cabinet (1)
• Fire extinguisher box (1)
• FOBS/Magnetic Card (1)