Fire Prevention and Protection

Title:	Fire Prevention and Protection
Publication date:	1/25/2021
Effective date:	1/25/2021

BRIEF

Policy Summary

The Fire Prevention and Protection Program ensures that Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) employees, visitors, and the surrounding public are not harmed by unauthorized, unplanned, or unregulated fires. This is achieved by:

Adhering to applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
Developing and maintaining emergency procedures.
Providing fire protection equipment.
Overseeing the Hot Work Permit Program.
Reviewing and approving all construction and renovation projects.
Properly managing flammable and hazardous chemicals and materials.

Who Should Read This Policy

This policy applies to Berkeley Lab employees, visitors, affiliates, and subcontractors.

To Read the Full Policy, Go To:

The POLICY tab on this wiki page

To Read the Program Details, Go To:

The ES&H Manual, Fire Prevention and Protection

Contact Information

Berkeley Lab Fire Marshal
Security and Emergency Services

Title:	Fire Prevention and Protection
Publication date:	1/25/2021
Effective date:	1/25/2021

POLICY

A. Purpose

The Fire Prevention and Protection Program ensures that Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) employees, visitors, and the surrounding public are not harmed by unauthorized, unplanned, or unregulated fires. This is achieved by:

Adhering to applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
Developing and maintaining emergency procedures.
Providing fire protection equipment.
Overseeing the Hot Work Permit Program.
Reviewing and approving all construction and renovation projects.
Properly managing flammable and hazardous chemicals and materials.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to Berkeley Lab employees, visitors, affiliates, and subcontractors.

C. Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy must be processed in accordance with Section D.2 of this policy

D. Policy Statement

D.1 General

Berkeley Lab is committed to providing a level of fire protection that meets U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requirements and applicable federal, state, and local requirements consistent with the goals of the highly protected risk philosophy of the insurance industry. An effective Fire Prevention and Protection Program is essential to protect the Laboratory and the surrounding community from injuries, death, property loss, and business interruption, and to ensure a safe workplace for employees, affiliates, subcontractors, and visitors.
This policy requires adherence to and compliance with all applicable laws, orders, regulations, codes, standards, guides, policies, and good practices pertaining to fire prevention and protection.
The Laboratory Director is responsible for ensuring a comprehensive and integrated fire protection program. The Security and Emergency Services Division is charged with developing and administering the Fire Prevention and Protection Program and serves as the liaison to external fire- and life-safety agencies. It is the primary responsibility of every employee, affiliate, and subcontractor to place the highest priority on safety to minimize the possibility of a fire or life-safety threat.
The Laboratory's Fire Prevention and Protection Program covers fire prevention, fire protection, emergency response, technical rescue, hazmat mitigation, emergency medical assistance, construction and design review, safety education and training, and the maintenance of all fire-detection, suppression, and life-safety systems.

The Fire Marshal ensures that Fire Hazard Analyses and Facility Assessments of the Laboratory's structures are performed as prescribed by code, and together with the Facilities Division, EH&S Division, and funding approved by senior lab management, drives for correction of shortcomings (Work Process A).
The Fire Marshal manages requests for and records of equivalencies and exemptions for the Laboratory (see Section D.2 for policy and Work Process B for procedure).
The Fire Marshal oversees inspection and maintenance of fire protection equipment (Work Process C).
The Fire Marshal defines and manages the Manual Fire Suppression Program (Work Process C).
Inspection, testing, and maintenance of the Laboratory's fire protection systems are conducted by the Facilities Division under the guidance of the Fire Marshal (Work Process C).
The Fire Marshal defines and implements the Impairment Program (Work Process D) which is applied to properly manage and correct the risks associated with impairing fire protection and alarm systems when they are damaged or taken out of service.
Building Emergency Plans are established in cooperation with the Emergency Management Program for all buildings owned or leased by the Laboratory (Work Process E).
The Fire Marshal defines and implements the Hot Work Permit Program (Work Process F) for work with open flames, spark producing machinery, and welding not otherwise controlled by facility design.
The Fire Marshal defines and oversees the use of combustible materials (Work Process G).
Divisions are responsible for the proper storage, dispensing, and use of combustibles and hazardous materials (Work Process H) within the limits of the building design.
Personnel may use and maintain only safe portable space heaters and other portable heating devices (Work Process I).
The Facilities Division must maintain mechanical equipment and fan rooms (Work Process J) for fire protection.
The Fire Marshal must review and approve all designs for construction and renovation projects. The Facilities Division has responsibility to carry out the Fire Marshal's instructions (Work Process K).
The Fire Marshal defines the requirements for emergency egress lighting in buildings (Work Process L).
The Fire Marshal defines the requirements for exit signs in buildings (Work Process M).
The Fire Marshal identifies the use of luminous egress path markings for egress in buildings (Work Process N).
The Fire Marshal defines the allowable uses of exit corridors in buildings (Work Process O).
The Fire Marshal defines the use of lockers and cabinets in exit corridors (Work Process P).
The Fire Marshal defines the use of seasonal decorations (Work Process Q).
The Fire Marshal defines the training requirements for fire prevention and protection (Work Process R).
The Fire Marshal defines procedures for smoking at Berkeley Lab in accordance with the Lab's Nonsmoking Policy (Work Process S).

D.2. Exemptions and Equivalencies

Exemptions and equivalencies for situations governed by DOE fire safety requirements or mandatory codes or standards must follow specific processes set forth in DOE Order 420.1C. Those exemptions and equivalencies for situations falling under only University of California fire safety requirements or mandatory codes or standards may be addressed by the Laboratory Fire Marshal.
An exemption is written authority to deviate from a DOE fire safety requirement or mandatory codes or standards because compliance cannot be achieved directly or via equivalency (defined below). Fire protection exemptions must be processed in accordance with Berkeley Lab's Fire Prevention and Protection Program, Work Process B. The exemption for situations governed by DOE requirements must be submitted to the Laboratory Fire Marshal and to the Laboratory's Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for fire safety. Two completed exemption request applications must be submitted for review. Requests are analyzed for completeness and sent to the Director of Fire Protection Engineering at the DOE for a final decision.
An equivalency is an approved, alternate means of satisfying the technical provisions of the applicable fire protection code or standard. Fire protection equivalencies must be processed in accordance with Berkeley Lab's Fire Protection Program, Work Process B. For situations governed by DOE requirements, the proposed facility design or operations equivalency must demonstrate an equivalent or higher level of safety (e.g., meets or exceeds the level of protection) and must have the concurrence of the Berkeley Lab Fire Marshal and the approval of the Laboratory's AHJ for fire safety.

E. Roles and Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Laboratory Director	Sets Berkeley Lab fire prevention and protection policy consistent with applicable codes, regulations, and DOE orders. Provides and maintains the necessary fire protection program/services to maintain an adequate level of fire and life safety as well as property protection.
Security and Emergency Services Division	Is charged by the Laboratory Director to develop and administer the Laboratory's Fire Prevention and Protection Program. Establishes and defines the requirements that will provide an acceptable degree of life safety to protect Laboratory personnel and the public from fires at Berkeley Lab or any off-site facility. Serves as the liaison to external fire- and life-safety agencies. Provides technical expertise to achieve DOE fire protection goals and requirements. Provides and maintains the necessary staff and resources to ensure the implementation and documentation of the fire protection program.
Fire Marshal	Is responsible for the overall Fire Prevention and Protection Program. Enforces, interprets, applies, and implements the Berkeley Lab Fire Prevention and Protection Program. Has the authority to suspend unsafe operations or activities. Ensures Laboratory-wide compliance with fire prevention and protection requirements. Delegates to members of the Berkeley Lab Fire Department responsibility and authority for enforcement of the Berkeley Lab Fire Prevention and Protection policy. Along with his or her authorized representatives, serves in cooperation with the DOE AHJ in the enforcement and application of the Berkeley Lab Fire Prevention and Protection policy. The DOE Berkeley Area Site Office (BASO) retains authority to grant equivalencies, exemptions, or variances.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)	Is assigned to the DOE Field Office (that is, DOE BASO) by DOE Order 420.1C. The AHJ roles and responsibilities may be delegated by the Field Office. Determines the interpretation and application of fire prevention and protection requirements. Has the authority to grant equivalencies and variances. Collaborates with the Berkeley Lab Fire Marshal and staff on fire prevention and protection matters.
Fire Department	Prevents and controls fires. Provides emergency response services to protect people and property from fires, explosions, and other hazardous events. Investigates the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires and explosions. Responds to all calls received by the Berkeley Lab Fire Dispatch Center. Provides first-response rescue and transportation services in medical emergencies. Inspects fire extinguishers.
Fire Protection Engineer	Reviews Facilities Division projects to ensure Berkeley Lab's compliance with fire- and life-safety requirements for the storage, handling, and use of explosives and flammable, combustible, toxic, corrosive, and other hazardous materials. Provides guidance for fire safety in the design, processes, and equipment used in experiments and research projects. Conducts facility assessments and fire hazard analyses, and makes recommendations based on findings. Inspects and supervises the testing, repair, and maintenance of automatic fire protection and alarm systems. Manages the maintenance and testing program for fire extinguisher and fixed fire suppression systems. Supports the Fire Marshal in ensuring Laboratory-wide compliance with the Fire Prevention and Protection Program and policy.
Facilities Division Management	Ensures compliance with all fire safety, inspection, and protection requirements for planning, designing, constructing, and installing buildings, structures, systems, and utilities. Ensures that all architectural and engineering projects are reviewed by the appropriate EHS Division authorities, including the Fire Marshal. Inspects, tests, and maintains the water supply, fire alarms, and fixed fire extinguishing systems.
Supervisors	Notify the Fire Department when changes in operation increase the risk of fire or related perils. Ensure their employees receive appropriate fire safety training to work safely and protect Berkeley Lab assets.
Employees	Complete all requisite training before working without supervision. Conduct operations with minimum risk of fire. Report fires, smoke, and potential fire hazards to the Fire Department immediately,
EHS Division	Provides the chemical inventory system and tools to enable the divisions and the Fire Marshal to effectively manage hazardous materials inventories and to track compliance with fire control area limits.

F. Definitions/Acronyms

Term	Definition
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)	An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard or for approving equipment, materials, an installation or a procedure
Equivalency	An alternative means of providing an equal or greater degree of safety than that afforded by strict conformance to prescribed codes and standards
Exemption	The process mandated by the DOE to request deviation from compliance to DOE Order 420.1C or established national and state codes and standards. The process pertains to buildings or situations governed by DOE requirements.
Fixed equipment	Detectors and alarms, automatic fire sprinklers, fire doors and dampers, attached fire hoses, and fire hydrants
Hot work	Work with open flames or sparks
ITM	Inspection, test, maintenance. Fire protection systems must undergo ITM on a periodic basis, set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other standards.
NFPA	National Fire Protection Association
Portable equipment	Fire extinguishers

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

The following records must be maintained and be accessible to persons supporting the Laboratory's Fire Protection Program:

Hot work permits.
Impairment records.
Fire extinguisher records.
ITM records.
Records of exemptions and equivalencies.

H. Implementing Documents

Document Number	Title	Type
07.11.001.001	Fire Prevention and Protection	Program
07.11.001.002	Work Process A, Fire Hazard Assessment / Fire Protection Assessment	Work Process
07.11.001.003	Work Process B, Equivalencies and Exemptions	Work Process
07.11.001.004	Work Process C, Use of Fire Protection Equipment	Work Process
07.11.001.005	Work Process D, Impairments to Fire Protection Equipment	Work Process
07.11.001.006	Work Process E, Building Emergency Plan	Work Process
07.11.001.007	Work Process F, Hot Work Permits	Work Process
07.11.001.008	Work Process G, Use of Combustible Materials	Work Process
07.11.001.009	Work Process H, Use of Hazardous Materials	Work Process
07.11.001.010	Work Process I, Use of Portable Heating Devices	Work Process
07.11.001.011	Work Process J, Use of Mechanical Equipment & Fan Rooms	Work Process
07.11.001.012	Work Process K, Construction / Renovation	Work Process
07.11.001.013	Work Process L, Use of Emergency Lighting	Work Process
07.11.001.014	Work Process M, Use of Exit Signs	Work Process
07.11.001.015	Work Process N, Egress Path Markings	Work Process
07.11.001.016	Work Process O, Exit Corridors	Work Process
07.11.001.017	Work Process P, Use of Lockers & Cabinets	Work Process
07.11.001.018	Work Process Q, Use of Seasonal Decorations	Work Process
07.11.001.019	Work Process R, Fire Protection Staff Development and Training	Work Process
07.11.001.020	Work Process S, Smoking	Work Process

I. Contact Information

Berkeley Lab Fire Marshal
Security and Emergency Services Division

J. Revision History

Date	Revision	By Whom	Revision Description	Section(s) Affected	Change Type
1/2/2012	0	G. Piermattei	Rewrite for wiki (brief)	All	Minor
11/18/2013	1	G. Aus	Rewrite for wiki (policy)	All	Minor
7/18/2014	1.1	G. Aus	Update to include Equivalency, Exemption, and definition for AHJ	Sections C, D.1, D.2, E, F	Minor
1/25/2021	1.2	T. LaBerge	Updates to Work Processes to coordinate with ES&H Manual; Updates to SES Division	Sections D.1, E, H	Minor

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Title:	Fire Prevention and Protection
Document number	07.11.001.000
Revision number	1.2
Publication date:	1/25/2021
Effective date:	1/25/2021
Next review date:	1/25/2024
Policy Area:	Fire Protection
RPM Section (home)	ESH
RPM Section (cross-reference)	none
Functional Division	Security and Emergency Services
Prior reference information (optional)	PUB-3000, Chapter 12

Source Requirements Documents

10 CFR 851, Worker Health and Safety Program
DOE Order 420.1C, Facility Safety, Attachment 2, Chapter II, Fire Protection

Other Driving Requirements

CAC, Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code
National Fire Codes, NFPA
CAC, Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code
CCR Title 8, California Construction Safety Orders
29 CFR 1910, General Industry Safety Orders
29 CFR 1926, OSHA Construction Industry Standards

Implementing Documents

Document Number	Title	Type
07.11.001.001	Fire Prevention and Protection	Program
07.11.001.002	Work Process A, Fire Hazard Assessment/ Fire Protection Analysis	Work Process
07.11.001.003	Work Process B, Equivalencies and Exemptions	Work Process
07.11.001.004	Work Process C, Use of Fire Protection Equipment	Work Process
07.11.001.005	Work Process D, Impairments to Fire Protection Equipment	Work Process
07.11.001.006	Work Process E, Building Emergency Plan	Work Process
07.11.001.007	Work Process F, Hot Work Permits	Work Process
07.11.001.008	Work Process G, Use of Combustible Materials	Work Process
07.11.001.009	Work Process H, Use of Hazardous Materials	Work Process
07.11.001.010	Work Process I, Use of Portable Heating Devices	Work Process
07.11.001.011	Use of Mechanical Equipment & Fan Rooms	Work Process
07.11.001.012	Work Process K, Construction / Renovation	Work Process
07.11.001.013	Work Process L, Use of Emergency Lighting	Work Process
07.11.001.014	Work Process M, Use of Exit Signs	Work Process
07.11.001.015	Work Process N, Egress Path Markings	Work Process
07.11.001.016	Work Process O, Exit Corridors	Work Process
07.11.001.017	Work Process P, Use of Lockers & Cabinets	Work Process
07.11.001.018	Work Process Q, Use of Seasonal Decorations	Work Process
07.11.001.019	Work Process R, Fire Protection Staff Development and Training	Work Process
07.11.001.020	Work Process S, Smoking	Work Process

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