Are you prepared for an emergency?
When an emergency responder enters your building, can you ensure that they will be able to communicate with their fellow responders? Actually, yes you can.
To guarantee every communication comes through clearly, Tele-Rad can help you identify which parts of your building skew radio communications and deduce where bi-directional amplifiers can be installed, using signal amplification technology. Not only can you have peace of mind knowing your space is prepared for an emergency, you can rest assured that your building is IFC compliant.
What is the International Fire Code?
The IFC is a set of cautionary provisions that addresses fire prevention and protection, life safety, safe storage, and use of hazardous materials in new and existing buildings, facilities and processes.
How does IFC Section 510 affect you?
Per IFC 510, two-way radio coverage must be a minimum of 95% on each floor of new or existing buildings. If a building passes, a letter is issued to certify IFC 510 compliance. If a building fails, it is the responsibility of the building owner to have an “Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System” (ERRCS). The “ERRCS” is also referred to as a bi-directional or signal amplifier, which is installed and maintained in order to fulfill the required radio coverage per IFC 510. The system must also include a secondary power source capable of operating the ERRCS for a period of at least 24 hours.
Approved radio coverage for emergency responders shall be provided within buildings that meet any one of the following conditions:
- High rise buildings
- The total building area is 50,000 square feet or more
- The total basement area is 10,000 square feet or more
- There are floors used for human occupancy more than 30 feet below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge
- Buildings or structures where the Fire or Police Chief determines that in-building radio coverage is critical because of its unique design, location, use or occupancy
How can you ensure a building has the proper coverage to be in compliance with IFC Section 510?
If you are aware or suspect your building may not be in compliance, the best solution is to amplify the signal allowance within your building. In the event of an emergency, to be certain of effective communication for public safety officials, it is important to increase the coverage within your building. Seeking a professional, such as Tele-Rad, to do an in-depth signal mapping ensures that your building will have coverage in full.
What can Tele-Rad do to help?
By working with the skilled technicians at Tele-Rad, you can be provided with a detailed signal mapping of where the signal is weakest in your facility. Our technicians go on a walk-through of the premises to obtain signal measurements, using radio frequency monitors. We provide our customers with detailed data as to whether the building has passed or failed (as defined by MBC/IFC 2015) as well as a heat map indicating signal strength within their facility. After assessment, if the signal in your building has deteriorated due to obstacles that obscure the signal, bi-directional amplifiers can be used to improve radio communications.
Tele-Rad takes pride in helping our community keep in touch anywhere at any time. Contact us for a quote today!