15 FAM 800
FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM
15 fam 810
SCOPE, AUTHORITY AND GENERAL POLICIES
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
(Office of Origin: OBO/OPS/FIRE)
15 FAM 811 SCOPE
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
The Office of Fire Protection (OBO/OPS/FIRE) in the Directorate for Operations, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, has the primary responsibility within the Department for developing, maintaining, and managing the fire protection program abroad. The Office of Fire Protection:
(1) Installs, repairs, upgrades, and modifies fire protection systems, and fire system integration components;
(2) Provides fire and life safety analysis of real property;
(3) Provides training in fire safety, fire systems and fire as a weapon;
(4) Provides fire investigation; fire protection engineering services;
(5) Leads OBO's response to disasters at overseas posts; and
(6) Tests and accepts fire protection systems and life safety features in all new construction and major renovation projects.
15 FAM 812 Authorities
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. The Director of Fire Protection is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for all fire-related life safety matters abroad and is responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, for approving equipment, materials, installations and/or procedures.
b. Authorities include:
(1) Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-596), as amended, 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.;
(2) Executive Order 12196, dated February 26, 1980, as amended, Occupational Safety and Health Programs for Federal Employees;
(3) Basic Program Elements for Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Programs (29 CFR 1960);
(4) Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926);
(5) National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards;
(6) International Code Council Building Codes;
(7) NDAA 2022 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022;
(8) Executive Order 12656, Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities; and
(9) Public Law 100-204, Construction Security Certification.
NOTE: Requests for clarification on the National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards and the International Code Council Building Codes authorities should be directed to OBO/OPS/FIRE.
15 FAM 813 POLICIES
15 FAM 813.1 OBO Disaster Response Plan
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
In accordance with 1 FAM 286.4, OBO/OPS/FIRE coordinates with other OBO offices to develop, maintain and execute OBO's Disaster Response Plan to assist overseas posts in returning to functional and productive status as soon as possible following a major disaster. See 15 FAM 835 for detailed guidance.
15 FAM 813.2 Fire Emergency Action Plan
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
The Office of Fire Protection, (OBO/OPS/FIRE) assists with the development of posts' Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and reviews EAPs during their fire and life safety inspections at posts. See 15 FAM 831 for detailed guidance.
15 FAM 813.3 Fire and Life Safety Inspections
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
a. OBO/OPS/FIRE performs periodic fire and life safety inspections at posts abroad that supplement post fire emergency plans and procedures by:
(1) Inspecting post buildings for fire safety deficiencies, hazards, high-rise mitigation adherence and maintenance items;
(2) Training post personnel on fire prevention strategies, fire evacuation and extinguishing practices;
(3) Reviewing post maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems and emergency procedures;
(4) Evaluating the adequacy of exits, the pathways to exits, and appropriateness of locking devices during fire and life safety inspections, and submitting recommendations to post management for corrective action as necessary;
(5) Evaluating the emergency response services provided by the local fire department; and
(6) Reviewing post's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for fire emergencies and making recommendations where appropriate.
b. When OBO does not conduct a formal inspection and training visit, post must conduct a fire inspection survey using the latest fire inspection report as a basis for the survey. Fire protection systems (i.e., fire alarms, fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and installed kitchen extinguishing systems), fire extinguishers, and egress accessibility and reliability must be checked to ensure they operate and function as installed.
c. Personnel serving in the following roles must work to correct discrepancies on a priority basis:
· Post management officers
· USAID executive officers
· General services officers
· Facility managers
· Regional security officers
· Supporting engineering service offices
· Engineering service centers
d. Any technical or operational fire protection issues must be directed to OBO/OPS/FIRE. The management officer/counselor must certify that a fire/life safety inspection was conducted and submit all results to OBO/OPS/FIRE not later than one year from the date of the last OBO fire inspection visit.
15 FAM 813.4 Fire Prevention Training
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. The principal officer at each post has overall responsibility for the safety and health of post's employees and must ensure the greatest degree of staff participation in the fire prevention training. All employees under chief of mission authority must make attendance a priority. Eligible family members are encouraged to attend.
b. Two critical components of each fire and life safety visit are fire prevention lectures and hands-on fire extinguisher usage training. Fire protection officers closely coordinate the training with post. Training sessions are offered to all personnel at post.
15 FAM 813.5 Integrity of Fire Protection Features
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. Buildings are provided with a number of features to maintain a level of fire safety for occupants. Such features include, but are not limited to exits, corridors, fire alarms, sprinklers, and other installed systems. Department of State and tenant agency employees must not impair, alter, disable, or remove any of these features without the consent of the post occupational safety and health officer (POSHO). Personnel must notify post management when any such feature is affected and put an alternative plan in place.
b. All fire protection systems (such as fire alarms and automatic sprinklers) that are out of service more than four hours in a 24-hour period must be reported to OBO/OPS/FIRE within eight hours of the impairment. Post is responsible for establishing fire watch procedures during the out-of-service period. OBO/OPS/FIRE will assist post as needed to provide corrective action.
c. To ensure that adequate fire protection and life safety requirements are met, the proponent of any new acquisition, new construction project, reconfiguration or change of use of an existing building or portion thereof must submit design plans in advance, to the Office of Design and Engineering, in the Directorate for Program Development, Coordination and Support, in the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO/PDCS/DE), and to the Fire Protection Engineering Division, in the Office of Fire Protection, in the Directorate for Operations, in the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPE), for review and approval.
15 FAM 813.6 Fire Protection Equipment
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. OBO/OPS/FIRE will provide fire extinguishers for U.S. Government-owned/capital lease (GO/CL) and Department of State-occupied nonresidential space upon request. OBO/OPS/FIRE will assist in procuring, but not funding, this equipment for other agencies that do not occupy Department of State offices. Post will be responsible for conducting the annual inventory, maintenance, and repair of fire safety equipment. Post must request the recommended fire safety equipment from OBO/OPS/FIRE and install it in appropriate locations. (See guidelines in 15 FAM 840 and in 15 FAM Exhibit 843, Fire Extinguisher Type and Placement.) OBO/OPS/FIRE will provide smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and other equipment for use in all residences identified in the Real Property Application (RPA), regardless of the agency that occupies the residence. Post will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of fire-safety equipment.
b. Post must track all OBO-supplied fire extinguishers on approved property records systems in accordance with 14 FAM 414, and inventory as required. Post must account for all stock residential smoke alarms, replacement cartridges, and extinguishing powder under the stock control or the expendable supplies requirements consistent with 14 FAM 411. Post also must validate its current fire extinguisher inventory and submit a completed inventory document to OBO/OPS/FIRE when requesting extinguishers.
15 FAM 813.7 Real Property
15 FAM 813.7-1 Acquiring Real Property
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. The subchapter provides uniform and consistent fire-risk management standards for acquiring high-rise and non-high-rise functional and residential real property. Property acquisition can be through lease or purchase.
b. These standards are part of the Department's integrated risk management strategy (see 2 FAM 030) to manage risk while providing a safe and secure environment to personnel and/or their accompanying dependents who work and/or reside under chief-of-mission (COM) authority, as well as certain other U.S. Government personnel assigned to U.S. Government functional properties or housing based on coordination with their respective agencies and COM.
15 FAM 813.7-2 Fire/Life Safety Risk Management Principles
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. OBO/OPS/FIRE evaluates the fire safety infrastructure of prospective functional and residential facilities using authorities listed in 15 FAM 812. When facilities do not meet fire standards or equivalencies, OBO employs a risk management framework consistent with 2 FAM 030.
b. Fire risk management is the deliberate process of identifying, assessing, and managing risks to enhance decision making. Risk management involves responding to identified risks.
c. The OBO Directorate of Planning and Real Estate (OBO/PRE) will make a good faith effort to identify functional and residential real properties that improve the overseas portfolio and act when market conditions and funding support such transactions. Post and residential real property occupants must understand that fire risk cannot be fully eliminated but risk mitigation strategies provided by OBO/OPS/FIRE, if routinely practiced at post, can help reduce residual fire/life safety risk. Property acquisition strategies designed to minimize fire risk, including leasing or purchasing a single-family home, townhouse, or duplex, or other property meeting the Department fire standard or equivalency criteria, should be prioritized considering post and the Department's requirements, market conditions and available resources.
d. Fire risk response strategies:
(1) Risk Avoidance: Action is taken to stop the event causing the risk. Risk avoidance, when possible, must be the priority when acquiring real property. Fire compliant properties must be selected when available to avoid fire/life safety risks;
(2) Risk Transfer/Share: Action is taken to transfer or share risks across the entity or with external parties. The risk mitigation strategy may be required when the risk transfer/share strategy is employed to determine residual risk needing managing;
(3) Risk Mitigation/Reduction: Action taken to reduce the likelihood or impact of the risk. After mitigating or reducing risk, the residual risk must be assessed and treated; and
(4) Risk Acceptance: No action is taken to respond to the risk based on the insignificance of the risk; or the risk is knowingly assumed to seize an opportunity. Solid justification must be provided when the risk management response is solely risk acceptance.
e. Facility Fire and Life Safety Infrastructure Components:
(1) Sprinkler System: Sprinklers provide fire extinguishment, property protection, enhanced life safety, expanded egress safety, and early warning of a fire event. In the absence of a sprinkler system, there is no automatic fire extinguishment, property protection, enhanced life safety, or expanded egress safety;
(2) Automatic Fire Alarm System: Fire alarm systems provide audible and visual early warning of a fire event to allow occupants the opportunity to exit the building during the incipient phase of the fire. In the absence of an automatic fire alarm system, smoke and fire can develop and travel throughout a facility without the occupants' knowledge, compromising life safety;
(3) Enclosed Interior Exit Stairway vs. Unenclosed Interior Exit Stairway:
(a) A stairway is enclosed if it has fire rated construction on all sides with fire rated doors at each floor-level that has approved door closures. All openings in the stair enclosure must be fire rated. Enclosed exit stairways provide protection from the byproducts of combustions for occupants evacuating during a fire emergency; and
(b) An unenclosed interior stairway is open and does not provide protection for egressing occupants. Additionally, the open nature of the stairway allows smoke and byproducts of combustion to travel upwards compromising the exit; and
(4) Multiple Exit Stairways vs. Single Exit Stairway:
(a) Multiple exit stairways consist of two or more exit stairs, which may be interior or exterior, or enclosed or unenclosed. Multiple exit stairs provide the safest egress system. If access to one exit stairway is compromised, occupants can choose a different egress stairway. Stairways must be remotely located from each other; otherwise, they would be considered as one stairway; and
(b) A single exit stair can be interior or exterior, or enclosed or unenclosed. Single exit stairs provide a single egress point from upper levels of a building, which is the least desirable egress arrangement because the only exit from the structure may be compromised by deadly byproducts of combustion.
15 FAM 813.7-3 Fire Standards, Equivalencies, and Exceptions
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. Department fire standards are the mandatory fire requirements adopted from authorities listed in 15 FAM 812 that require compliance unless equivalencies are adopted, or exceptions are approved through OBO/OPS/FIRE.
b. "Fire equivalencies" refers to the acceptable level of variance from the established standard approved through OBO/OPS/FIRE. Fire equivalencies represent an accepted degree of risk tolerance.
c. Fire exceptions may be requested for instances where post deems that application of a fire standard, or fire equivalency, is not obtainable or feasible. Fire exceptions can be broken down into two types:
(1) Post-wide fire exceptions: fire exceptions applicable to all properties at post because a particular standard or equivalency cannot be met. In instances where 25 percent of post's residences or more do not adhere to a standard or guidance, post must request a post-wide exception; and
(2) Property-specific fire exceptions: fire exceptions limited to a particular property.
d. Waivers: OBO/OPS/FIRE does not waive fire and life safety requirements; rather, OBO employs a holistic risk management methodology consistent with 2 FAM 030, the Department's Enterprise Risk Management policy, which may result in fire exceptions and risk mitigation.
15 FAM 813.7-4 Exception to Fire Standard Procedures
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. The appropriate post officer (e.g., General Services Officer (GSO), Facility Manager (FM), Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO), etc.) must recommend the exception to the fire standards or equivalencies; the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) must concur; the EAC must obtain COM concurrence/acceptance of risk for the exception request; and post must submit a cable to OBO requesting approval (see 15 FAM Exhibit 813.7A).
b. OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPA, in consultation with OBO/PRE/OAD/AMD or OBO/PRE/RPL/ML, is responsible for reviewing all exception requests and will prepare the OBO response cable. If OBO approves the request, OBO/OPS/FIRE will provide post with reasonable and cost-effective mitigation strategies.
c. Procedures to Request an Exception:
(1) The appropriate officer (e.g., Regional Security Officer (RSO), GSO, Facility Manager (FM), Management Officer (MGT), etc.) identifies a fire standard or equivalency that post believes it is unable to comply with after searching the local real estate market;
(2) The officer should first discuss the issue with OBO/OPS/FIRE for alternative recommendations in lieu of an exception;
(3) If post decides an exception is warranted, it will hold an EAC meeting to discuss and obtain COM concurrence. EAC discussion should include:
(a) The proposed risk management plan;
(b) Added threats and risks posed, if any, by adopting the proposed exception;
(c) Local constraints (e.g., building codes, zoning laws, ordinances of host country, market conditions);
(d) Practicality;
(e) Cost factors (if applicable);
(f) Local threat environment and risks; and
(g) Other considerations Post deems critical in decision-making;
(4) Post must send a cable to OBO that includes the information requested in 15 FAM Exhibit 813.7-1.
15 FAM 813.7-5 High-Rise Property Acquisition
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. High rise buildings are defined as buildings with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. In most cases, that means partial or fully occupied space of the seventh floor and higher. The most accurate means to determine a high-rise is to measure from the lowest exterior ground level to the floor-level of the highest occupied building level. See 15 FAM Exhibit 813.7B.
b. Occupying floors in buildings above 75 feet presents an increased risk of injury or death due to the time it takes to evacuate the facility from the higher floors and the number of occupants throughout the building. For this reason, U.S. building and fire codes mandate prescriptive measures for these buildings to ensure that occupants can safely evacuate the premises in the event of a fire.
c. OBO recognizes it can be difficult finding high-rise properties that meet the Department's fire standards. If posts and OBO/PRE cannot locate suitable high-rise properties that meet the Department's fire standards, they can broaden the property search by applying the minimum levels of equivalency listed below. These minimum levels of equivalency represent OBO/OPS/FIRE's pre-established levels of risk tolerance.
d. Post and OBO/PRE are authorized to acquire functional space and residential units in high-rise buildings that meet the equivalency criteria below with no requirement to employ the exception process noted in 15 FAM 813.7-4:
(1) One exit stair with no fire alarm system and/or no fire sprinkler protection: do not acquire;
(2) One enclosed interior exit stair or one exterior exit stair with a functional fully automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and no fire sprinkler protection: only acquire the third level or below;
(3) One enclosed interior exit stair or one exterior exit stair with a fully operational automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and a fully operational fire sprinkler system with complete coverage, and more than two apartments/functional spaces per floor: only acquire the fourth level or below;
(4) Two enclosed interior exit stairs; or two exterior exit stairs; or one enclosed interior exit stair and one exterior exit stair; with a functional fully automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and no fire sprinkler protection: only acquire the fifth level or below;
(5) One enclosed interior exit stair or one exterior exit stair with a fully operational automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage, and a fully operational fire sprinkler system with complete coverage, and only two apartments/functional spaces per floor: only acquire the sixth level or below; and
(6) Two enclosed interior exit stairs; or two exterior exit stairs; or one enclosed interior exit stair and one exterior exit stair; with a fully operational automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and a fully operational automatic fire sprinkler system with complete coverage: acquire on any level.
e. For existing functional spaces, or residences in high-rise properties that do not meet the Department's fire standards or the equivalencies, post must immediately contact OBO/OPS/FIRE via email to request an exception (see 15 FAM 813.7-4).
f. Post and/or OBO/PRE will make a good faith effort to identify high-rise functional and residential properties that improve the real property portfolio and act when market conditions and funding support such transactions. The risk avoidance strategy must be prioritized by attempting to acquire single family, townhouse, duplex, villa style properties, or in fire compliant apartment buildings when possible and practical.
g. If post or OBO/PRE cannot find suitable properties that meet or exceed minimal equivalency standards, post and/or OBO/PRE must request an exception to standard in accordance with 15 FAM 813.7-4. OBO/FIRE will assist post in developing a fire/life safety risk assessment and risk management plan. The risk assessment and plan must be deliberate and address the following:
(1) Risks (both positive and negative) should be referenced;
(2) Risk response strategy must be addressed;
(3) Risk statements should provide details using objective data points, including cost-benefit, constraints, limitations, and assumptions;
(4) Properties meeting the minimum risk tolerance levels of equivalency should be purchased, when available, unless there are documented risks preventing the purchase, including security, location, size, quality, or cost; and
(5) The cost analysis shall be clear about whether OBO envisions doing a project to address the property infrastructure that is below the Department's fire/life safety standards.
h. As part of the exception request, post must coordinate with OBO’s Fire Protection Analysis Division (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPA), which will provide property specific risk management mitigation measures and assistance in appropriate documentation of the property file. Post must ensure occupants are aware of the risks and are provided the OBO/FIRE risk mitigation strategies.
i. Post EAC must review all exception requests, file them in the Residential Security Directive, review them annually, and ensure occupants are complying with the exception mitigation strategies. Post must also attest that occupants are implementing the mitigation strategies presented by FIRE during its annual management certification statement.
15 FAM 813.7-6 Non-High-rise Property Acquisition
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. Non-high-rise buildings are defined as buildings with an occupied floor located less than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. In most cases, that means partial or fully occupied functional or residential space of the sixth level and lower. The most accurate means to determine a non-high-rise is to measure from the lowest exterior ground level to the highest occupied building level. See 15 FAM Exhibit 813.7B.
b. Non-high-rise residential buildings are required to have the following fire safety infrastructure to meet the Department's fire standards:
(1) Exits: Each apartment unit on each floor must have access to at least two exits or exit stairways. The interior exit stairways must be enclosed; and
(2) Fire Alarm System: Apartments in buildings with four or more levels, or 11 or more units must have a functional complete fire alarm system throughout.
c. Non-high-rise functional buildings are required to have the following fire safety infrastructure to meet the Department's fire standards:
(1) At least two exit stairways from each floor. If the stairs are interior, they must be enclosed with fire rated construction and doors; and
(2) A fully automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage throughout, if any of the following exists: (a) the building is three or more stories in height; (b) the occupancy is subject to 100 or more occupants above or below the level of exit discharge; or (c) the occupancy is subject to 1000 or more total occupants.
d. OBO recognizes it can be difficult finding non-high-rise properties that meet the Department's fire standards. If post and OBO/PRE cannot locate suitable non-high-rise properties that meet the Department's fire standards, they can broaden the property search by applying the minimum levels of equivalency list below. These minimum levels represent the Department's pre-established levels of risk tolerance.
e. Post and OBO/PRE are authorized to acquire functional space and residential units in non-high-rise buildings that meet the equivalency criteria below with no requirement to employ the exception process noted in 15 FAM 813.7-4:
(1) One enclosed interior exit stair with no fire alarm system and/or no fire sprinkler protection: do not acquire the functional space or unit;
(2) One enclosed interior exit stair or one exterior exit stair with a functional fully automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and no fire sprinkler protection: acquire the third level or below;
(3) One enclosed interior exit stair or one exterior exit stair with a fully operational automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and a fully operational fire sprinkler system with complete coverage, and more than two units/functional spaces per floor: only acquire the fourth level or below;
(4) Two enclosed interior exit stairs; or two exterior exit stairs; or one enclosed interior exit stair and one exterior exit stair; with a functional fully automatic fire alarm system with complete coverage and no fire sprinkler protection: acquire any floor level in the non-high-rise building; and
(5) Two enclosed interior exit stairs; or two exterior exit stairs; or one enclosed interior exit stair and one exterior exit stair; with a fully operational automatic fire alarm with complete coverage acquire any floor level in the non-high-rise building.
NOTE: Enclosed Stairway: A stairway is enclosed if it has fire rated construction on all sides with fire rated doors at each floor-level that has approved door closures. All openings in the stair enclosure must be fire rated.
f. For existing functional spaces or residences in non-high-rise properties that do not meet the Department's fire standards or minimal equivalencies, post must immediately contact OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPA via email to request an exception (see 15 FAM 813.7-3).
g. Post and/or OBO/PRE will make a good faith effort to identify non-high-rise functional and residential properties that improve the real property portfolio and act when market conditions and funding support such transactions. The risk avoidance strategy must be prioritized by attempting to acquire single family, townhouse, duplex, villa style properties, or in fire compliant apartment buildings when possible and practical.
h. If post or OBO/PRE cannot find suitable non-high-rise properties to acquire that meet the Department's fire standard or equivalency, post must request an exception in accordance with 15 FAM 813.7-3. OBO/OPS/FIRE will assist post in developing a fire/life safety risk assessment and risk management plan. The risk assessment and plan must be deliberate and address the following:
(1) Risks (both positive and negative) should be referenced when advocating for a particular purchase;
(2) Risk response strategy must be addressed;
(3) Risk statements should provide details using objective data points, including cost-benefit, constraints, limitations, and assumptions;
(4) Properties meeting the minimum risk tolerance levels of equivalency must be purchased when available unless there are documented risks preventing the purchase, including security, location, size, quality, or budget; and
(5) The cost analysis shall be clear about whether OBO envisions doing a project to address the property infrastructure that is below the Department's fire/life safety standards.
i. As part of the exception request, post must coordinate with OBO’s Fire Protection Analysis Division (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPA), which will provide property specific risk management mitigation measures and assistance in appropriate documentation of the property file. Post must ensure occupants are aware of the risks and are provided the OBO/FIRE risk mitigation strategies.
j. Post EAC must review all exception requests, file them in the Residential Security Directive, review them annually, and ensure occupants are complying with the exception mitigation strategies. Post must also attest that occupants are implementing the mitigation strategies presented by FIRE during its annual management certification statement.
k. The guidance contained in the table below is intended to be used in conjunction with the Non-High-Rise Decision Matrix to assist in post’s property acquisition/leasing decisions.
15 FAM 813.8 Fire Stations and Fire Fighting Operations
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
a. Firefighting is an inherently hazardous activity that involves the risk of injury or death. Posts are expected to rely on the host nation’s firefighting capability.
b. Fire stations at any post will only be authorized on an exceptional basis, as determined by the Director of OBO in consultation with the Under Secretary for Management and the Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security. All such determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. The regional bureau must provide all funding for ongoing operations, including salaries and equipment maintenance and replacement, for the life of the fire station. The lack or inadequacy of local firefighting capability is not by itself sufficient justification for a fire station.
c. Posts may not acquire firefighting equipment or establish ad hoc firefighting vehicles, fire stations or fire brigades utilizing local staff. Posts that have approved fire stations may use only equipment that has been inspected and certified by OBO/OPS/FIRE and meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
d. For posts with approved contract fire stations, OBO/OPS/FIRE will not serve as COR for or otherwise administer the contracts for such fire stations but will provide input into the standards and requirements that must be incorporated in any contract for firefighting services.
e. OBO/OPS/FIRE inspects posts regularly and posts are expected to comply expeditiously with the OBO/OPS/FIRE recommendations.
15 FAM 814 OBO/OPS/fire PERSONNEL CERTIFICATIONS
15 FAM 814.1 Fire Protection Specialist Certifications
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. Personnel assigned to OBO’s Office of Fire Protection (OBO/OPS/FIRE) must hold professional qualifications/certifications by an accredited agency in the National Professional Qualifications System or by the National Fire Protection Association.
b. Certifications at the GS-13 level are Fire Inspector II; Fire Instructor II; Fire Officer II; and Hazardous Materials Awareness.
c. Certifications at the GS-14 level are Fire Inspector III; Fire Instructor III; Fire Officer III; and Hazardous Material Awareness.
d. Certifications at the GS-15 level are Fire Inspector III; Fire Instructor III; Fire Officer IV; and Hazardous Material Awareness.
15 FAM 814.2 Fire Protection Systems Technician Certifications
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. Personnel assigned as systems technicians in OBO’s Fire Protection Systems Division (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPS) must hold professional qualifications/certifications as listed below.
b. Fire Suppression Technician: Certification as a Fire Suppression Systems Technologist Level II through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), and also be trained as a Federal Acquisition Contracting Officer's Representative.
c. Fire Detection/Alarm Technician: Certification as a Fire Detection/Alarm Technologist Level II through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), or as an Interior Fire Alarm Technician Level II through the International Municipal Signaling Association (IMSA); and be also a Certified Federal Acquisition Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC/COR) Level II.
15 FAM 814.3 Fire Protection Engineer Certifications
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
Personnel assigned as fire protection engineers in OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPE must hold a fire protection engineering degree from a university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or be licensed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and registered as a professional fire protection engineer in any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam or Puerto Rico.
15 FAM 814.4 Fire Protection Instructor Certifications
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
Personnel assigned to the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) to instruct fire as a weapon-sessions must hold professional qualifications/certifications by an accredited agency in the National Professional Qualifications System or by the National Fire Protection Association at the following levels: Fire Inspector II, Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer II, and Hazardous Materials Awareness.
15 FAM 815 Requirements and Responsibilities for OBO Contracted Architectural and Engineering (A&E) Fire Protection Designer of Record (FPDOR)
(CT:OBO-95; 11-29-2019)
a. When required, OBO contracted architectural and engineering Firms (A&Es) must provide a fire protection designer of record (FPDOR) who meets the requirements of a qualified fire protection engineer (QFPE) as listed in 15 FAM 814. The FPDOR must be involved in every aspect of the design, construction, and testing/acceptance as it relates to fire protection and life safety. This includes, but is not limited to:
· building code analysis
· life safety code analysis
· design of automatic fire alarm
· detection and suppression systems
· water supply analysis
· a multi-discipline review of the entire project
NOTE: Utilization of multiple QFPEs on the same project is permitted; however, only a single FPDOR is permitted.
b. Projects involving structures included on OBO's List of Significant Properties should also retain a QFPE with previous experience working with sensitive historic buildings. Historic buildings must be evaluated by performance-based design methods (structural fire design) including, but not limited to computer modeling.
c. The FPDOR must review all fire and life safety related design drawings and specification submittals, documenting in writing that the design is in compliance with established building and fire codes/standards, as well as all applicable fire protection and life safety design criteria. The FPDOR must verify that all items listed in the design analysis are correctly shown on the drawings and in specifications. They also must list any approved equivalencies to the International Building Code, International Fire Code, and the National Fire Protection Association Code and Standards. This design compliance document must be included in the Issued for Construction (IFC) submission as part of the design analysis and must bear the signature and professional seal of the FPDOR.
d. Architects and engineers should note that due to the unique nature of our diplomatic missions overseas, OBO amended the International Building Code and the International Fire Code. All design services and equipment related to fire protection systems and life safety features must be sourced in the United States and installed by qualified/certified technical staff.
15 FAM 816 office of fire protection organization and functions
(CT:0BO-114; 02-13-2023)
a. The OBO Fire Protection Office (OBO/OPS/FIRE) is comprised of three divisions: Fire Protection Analysis and Field Engineering, Fire Protection Systems, and Fire Protection Engineering, each with specific responsibilities, but working in concert to achieve division goals.
b. OBO/OPS/FIRE has a staff of professional fire protection officers to accomplish its mission. These are fire service professionals with extensive backgrounds in fire protection. Most served as chief officers or fire marshals in metropolitan fire departments across the country. Fire protection engineers and several fire protection systems technicians augment the staff in order to manage the diverse elements of fire protection required in Department facilities.
15 FAm 817 FIRE PROTECTION OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS
(CT:0BO-114; 02-13-2023)
a. Develops and manages the Department’s fire protection program abroad, under the direction of the OBO managing director for operations, to ensure proper life safety and property protection for personnel and facilities abroad.
b. Performs fire safety evaluations of all foreign service posts to identify and assist in the correction of fire safety deficiencies and hazards, conducts training for post personnel in fire prevention and fire extinguisher use, and assesses the capability of the host country fire protection service.
c. Monitors the status and ensures the integrity of fire protection systems and equipment at posts abroad and provides on-site training for system operation and maintenance purposes.
d. Holds software licenses for each fire protection system and controls their operation and modification to ensure the integrity of fire protection systems abroad.
e. Develops, in conjunction with OBO’s Project Development and Coordination Office, fire protection criteria, standards, and policies for conducting fire safety evaluations and for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of installed fire protection systems for posts abroad.
f. Develops operational and maintainability criteria for fire protection systems abroad and features to ensure functionality throughout their design service lives.
g. Inspects facilities abroad to identify and evaluate fire protection requirements, and sets priorities, coordinates, and initiates special maintenance and repair improvements for posts.
h. Manages a dedicated fire protection system rehabilitation program to provide essential life safety features to facilities abroad.
i. Investigates fires at posts abroad when the incidents result in injury or death, arson is suspected, mission capability is interrupted, a large monetary loss is experienced, or when in the best interests of the Department.
j. Provides certain fire safety equipment to post based on fire safety evaluations.
k. Maintains representation in professional fire protection organizations and participates in model fire protection code development, interpretation, and enforcement, and maintains a reference library of codes, standards, and fire protection methodologies for use throughout the Department.
l. Consults with other subject matter experts and provides technical expertise on fire protection related matters to posts and other OBO customers.
15 FAM 818 Requirements and Responsibilities for OBO/OPS FIRE DIVISIONS
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
15 FAM 818.1 FIRE PROTECTION ANALYSIS AND FIELD ENGINEERING DIVISION
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. The Fire Protection Analysis and Field Engineering Division (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPA) is responsible for fire and life safety inspections of all Department facilities worldwide. Branch personnel are fire service professionals with extensive background and experience in fire prevention with the ability to make sound recommendations designed to enhance the fire safety of Department property and employees.
b. The FPA has the following responsibilities: conducting fire and life safety inspections of Department occupied buildings and producing detailed fire inspection reports containing recommendations for corrective action; monitoring compliance to fire safety recommendations following completed inspections; providing technical and financial assistance to assist post compliance efforts; and providing fire safety training programs during inspection visits to posts and to a variety of Department employee groups in Washington, D.C. prior to or between overseas assignments.
15 FAM 818.2 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING DIVISION
(CT:OBO-114; 02-13-2023)
a. The Fire Protection Engineering Division (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPE) is responsible for the planning, designing, and reviewing construction documents to confirm compliance with the adopted building codes and standards as supplemented by OBO. OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPE performs fire protection engineering surveys at posts to provide technical information to contractors, architects, engineers and building officials to ensure acceptable fire protection standards are included in any construction project.
b. OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPE performs tasks that include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Reviews design drawings for proposed new construction as well as renovation/remodeling projects to determine adequate fire and life safety features are incorporated. Fire Protection Engineers will provide written comments identifying issues that require additional designer attention;
(2) Conducts field visits of construction projects to inspect fire protection system and life safety feature installations, evaluates quality of workmanship, compliance with authorized standards, approved plans, and specifications; renders staff assistance to the project managers; and prepares formal written reports on findings and recommendations;
(3) Identifies fire protection and life safety components that warrant special degrees of control because of potentially critical effect these could have on building systems (e.g., special fire protection and building construction requirements for computer rooms and hazardous materials storage);
(4) Prepares required documentation and approved criteria for changes to fire protection features, equipment and systems (once they have entered into phases of development and implementation); coordinates these materials with other OBO offices (i.e., on architectural, mechanical, electrical, and/or interior design and furnishings components) to ensure they adequately address program requirements and promote the achievement of program goals in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner;
(5) Conducts fire protection engineering assessments of new designs, special materials, programs, and operating methodologies to define the effects on building fire safety for projects requiring special considerations; evaluates materials compatibility and identifies areas of concern (e.g., work with testing laboratories to determine best test methods and criteria suited to meet the Department’s special mission requirements). Develops and proposes changes in design, engineering, program implementation methodologies and planned operating procedures as necessary in order to enhance the fire protection compatibility of new materials; and
(6) Develops requirements, contributes to the development of Statements of Work, reviews proposals, contributes input to source selection and ensures that contract requirements are met.
15 FAM 818.3 Fire Protection Systems & Engineering Division
(CT:OBO-114; 02-13-2023)
a. The Fire Protection Systems and Engineering Division (OBO/OPS/FIRE/FPS) is responsible for the support of post's fire protection systems. The scope of the responsibility includes the technical assistance to contractors during the installation of systems, acceptance upon completion, and assisting posts with maintenance and field changes to existing systems during renovations.
b. FPS also manages the OBO/OPS/FIRE funded retrofit installation of fire systems within deficient mission buildings. This responsibility involves all aspects of a fire system from design through installation and support of post needs after installation and to ensure system reliability.
c. FPS must also be consulted on reconfiguration of office spaces, space usage or any such changes which can severely limit or negate the effectiveness of the building’s fire protection systems.
15 fam 819 unassigned
15
FAM Exhibit 813.7(A)
Exceptions to Standards Template
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
 |
Template
Exceptions to Standards Template
UNCLASSIFIED
SBU
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Info Office:
MRN: |
OPS_FIRE |
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Date/DTG: |
Apr 13, 2023 / N/A |
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From: |
SECSTATE WASHDC |
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Action: |
WASHDC, SECSTATE ROUTINE |
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E.O.: |
13526 |
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TAGS: |
AMGT |
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Captions: |
SENSITIVE |
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Pass Line: |
DEPARTMENT FOR OBO/OPS/FIRE |
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Subject: |
U.S. Embassy XXXXX – Fire Exception to Standards Request |
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On (Date) U.S. (Embassy/Consulate) Emergency Action Committee (EAC) convened to discuss (…….). The EAC concurred with (RSO’s, GSO’s, FM’s MO’s etc.) recommendation to seek an exception(s) to Fire Standards in 15 FAM 813.7, Acquiring High-Rise and Non-high-Rise Property.
2. (SBU) Background: Provide a narrative explaining the issue, results of the EAC discussion, and any other background information as needed.
3. (SBU) U.S. (Embassy/Consulate) (RSO, GSO, FM MO etc.) request to operate below established fire standards as outlined below:
a. (SBU) 15 FAM 813.7: High-rise residences do not have sprinkler system, fire alarm system, or two enclosed fire stairways.
b. Post EAC Justification: (Why?).
c. EAC Mitigation (Post will request property specific mitigation strategies from OBO/FIRE. The EAC will ensure all occupants adhere to the strategies).
4. (SBU) (RSO’s, GSO’s, FM’s MGT’s etc. Statement): The (RSO, GSO, FM, MO etc.) supports the [exceptions or an exception] to the Fire standard(s) for [list the standard(s) – e.g., lack of sprinkler system, lack of fire alarm system, and no enclosed stairways etc.] with the understanding that OBO/FIRE will provide mitigation strategies and post will manage the residual risk. [State why the requested Fire exception(s) are justified – e.g., “The local real estate market does not have properties that comply with the department’s fire standards.”] The (RSO, GSO, FM, MO etc.) acknowledges that Residence Descriptor will not fully comply with the requirement(s) [and/or] standard(s) but believes that the OBO/FIRE provided mitigation strategies will sufficiently mitigate the risk(s).
5. (SBU) [COM/PO] CONCURRENCE: I acknowledge responsibility for the security of this [mission/post] and its personnel. I support [exceptions or an exception] to the fire standard(s) for [list the standards – e.g., lack of sprinkler system, lack of fire alarm system, and no enclosed stairways etc.]. I acknowledge that if this request is approved, Residence Descriptor will not meet the relevant Fire standard(s) and that this poses [a] potential safety and security risk(s), but concur with the (RSO’s, GSO’s, FM’s MO’s etc.) and EAC’s proposed strategy to mitigate the risk(s).
NOTE: The COM statement must be included as written or the exception will be disapproved. The Concurrence Statement language was furnished to PCD by L and is intended to convey the COM’s understanding of the liability that COM undertakes when approving the submission of any Exceptions package. Hence, it is important that all COMs be held to the same standard; the uniform language ensures this. Also reference President’s Letter of Instruction (see 2 FAH-2 H- 116)].
6. (U) Point of contact for this request is (RSO, GSO, FM, MO etc.)
15
FAM Exhibit 813.7(B)
Determining if a Building is a High-Rise and Determining the Floor Level
(CT:OBO-145; 03-28-2024)
a. High-Rise- A building where the floor of an occupiable story is greater than 75 ft (23 m) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
b. Determining if a building is a High-Rise
(1) Locate the lowest entry/access into the building. NOTE: The lowest entry/access may be different than the main entry/access if the building is built on a sloped terrain.
(2) Measure from the floor of the lowest entry/access into the building to the floor of the highest occupiable floor in the building. If the measurement exceeds 75 ft (23m), the building is considered a high-rise. NOTE: As a rule of thumb, buildings with occupiable floors above the 7th floor level are typically a high-rise building.
c. Determining Floor Level
(1) Locate the lowest entry/access into the building. NOTE: The lowest entry/access may be different than the main entry/access if the building is built on a sloped terrain.
(2) Count building story staring at the lowest entry/access as “1”, the next level is “2,” then “3,” and “4,” …NOTE: The “Common Floor” level may be different from the floor level identified on the “Elevator Call Pad” level.
built on a sloped terrain.
(3) Elevator Call Pad Levels: B = Basement; G = Ground; M = Mezzanine Levels "1," "2," “3.” NOTE: The “Common Floor” level may be different from the floor level identified on the “Elevator Call Pad” level.