SECTION 554.337. Fire Protection Systems

(a) Fire protection systems include detection, alarm, and communication systems; fixed automatic extinguishment systems; and portable extinguishers. These systems must meet the requirements of NFPA 101, and of this section. Components must be compatible and laboratory listed for the use intended.

(b) Fire protection systems must meet the requirements of all applicable NFPA standards, such as NFPA 72 for alarm systems, as referenced in NFPA 101. Wiring and circuitry for alarm systems must meet the applicable requirements of NFPA standards including the NFPA 70 for these systems.

(c) Requirements of emergency electrical systems must be in accordance with §554.341 of this chapter (relating to Electrical Requirements). Requirements for sprinkler systems must be in accordance with §554.340(4) of this chapter (relating to Mechanical Requirements).

(d) Partial sprinkler systems (those provided only for hazardous areas) must be interconnected with the fire alarm and comply with NFPA 101. Each partial system must have a valve with a supervisory switch to sound a trouble signal, water flow switch to activate the fire alarm, and an end-of-line test drain.

(e) Fire alarm systems must be installed, maintained, and repaired by an agent having a current certificate of registration with the State Fire Marshal's office, in accordance with state law. A fire alarm installation certificate must be provided as required by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(f) The fire alarm system must be designed so that whenever the general alarm is sounded by activation of any device (such as manual pull, smoke sensor, sprinkler, or kitchen range hood extinguisher), the following must occur automatically:

(1) smoke and fire doors which are held open by approved devices must be released to close;

(2) air handlers (air conditioning or heating distribution fans) serving three or more rooms or any means of egress must shut down immediately;

(3) smoke dampers must close; and

(4) the alarm-initiating-device location must be clearly indicated on the fire alarm control panel(s) and all auxiliary panels.

(g) Fire alarm bells or horns must be located throughout the building for audible coverage. Flashing alarm lights (visual alarms) must be installed to be visible in corridors and public areas including dining rooms and living rooms in a manner that will identify exit routes.

(h) A master control panel indicating the location of all alarm, trouble, and supervisory signals, by zone or device, must be visible at the main nurse station. Fire alarm system components must be laboratory-listed as compatible. Alarm and trouble zoning must be by smoke compartments and by floors in multi-story facilities.

(i) Remote annunciator panels, indicating location of alarm initiation, by zone or device, and trouble indication, must be located at auxiliary or secondary nurse stations on each floor, and will indicate the alarm condition of adjacent zones and the alarm conditions at all other nurse stations.

(j) Manual pull stations must be provided at all exits, living rooms, dining rooms, and at or near the nurse stations.

(k) The sprinkler system must be monitored for flow and tamper conditions by the fire alarm system.

(l) The kitchen range hood extinguisher must be interconnected with the fire alarm system. This interconnection may be a separate zone on the panel or combined with other initiating devices located in the same zone as the range hood is located.

(m) Portable fire extinguishers must be provided throughout the facility as required by NFPA Standard 10 and as determined by the local fire department and the Texas Department of Human Services. The following requirements are applicable to fire extinguishers:

(1) Extinguishers in resident corridors must be spaced so that travel distance is not more than 75 feet. The minimum size of extinguishers must be either 2 1/2 gallon for water type or 5 pound for ABC type.

(2) Extinguishers must be installed on hangers or brackets supplied or mounted in approved cabinets. Recessed cabinets are required for extinguishers located in corridors.

(3) Extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to physical damage must be protected from impact or dislodgement.

(4) Extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds must be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than five feet above the floor. Extinguishers having a gross weight greater than 40 pounds must be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 3-1/2 feet above the floor. In no case may the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor be less than four inches.

(5) Portable extinguishers provided in hazardous rooms should be located as close as possible to the exit door opening and nearest the latch (knob) side.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.337 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 4408; amended to be effective July 1, 2002, 27 TexReg 5245; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871; amended to be effective January 2, 2022, 46 TexReg 9037