N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 304: Section EBC 304: Fire Protection

304.1 Fire protection systems.

Except as otherwise provided by this section, alterations, repairs, changes of occupancy, and additions made to existing buildings and systems shall be governed by Chapter 9 of the New York City Building Code and this code.

304.1.1 Additions, alterations or repairs of existing systems.

Additions, alterations or repairs of existing fire protection systems shall conform with Section 804 or Sections 505 and 506, as applicable for limited sprinkler and standpipe alterations.

304.1.2 Requirements based on change of occupancy or use.

Fire protection systems shall be provided for the space or building subject to change of occupancy or use in accordance with Section 1004.

304.1.3 Requirements for building additions.

Fire protection systems shall be provided for the addition or the entire building in accordance with Section 1104.

304.1.4 Requirements based on level of alterations.

Fire protection systems shall be provided to buildings and spaces based on the level of alteration in accordance with the provisions of Sections 804 and 904 of this code.

304.2 Painting requirements for sprinkler systems.

Sprinkler systems shall be painted in accordance with Sections 304.2.1 through 304.2.3.

Exception: Where otherwise not required by Section 903.6 of the New York City Building Code.

304.2.1 Alterations.

Cross connections and risers for independent (stand-alone) existing sprinkler systems that are exposed during alterations shall be painted red and the handles of valves serving such existing sprinkler systems shall be painted green. Where the alteration requires a hydrostatic pressure test, such painting shall be completed prior to such test.

304.2.2 Combination standpipe and sprinkler systems.

Where a standpipe system is used as a combination standpipe and sprinkler system, the sprinkler risers and cross connections that are also used for the standpipe system shall be painted red and the handles of valves serving such combination system shall be painted yellow.

304.2.3 Certification of completion of system painting.

For all buildings where sprinkler and combination sprinkler and standpipe systems are not subject to a special inspection pursuant to Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code, a licensed master plumber, licensed master fire suppression piping contractor, registered design professional or an individual holding an appropriate certificate of fitness from the Fire Department for the operation and/or maintenance of such system shall certify on forms provided by the Department that all required painting has been completed in accordance with Section 304.2. Such certification shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by the Department and the Fire Department.

304.3 Painting requirements for standpipe systems.

The painting requirements for standpipe systems shall be in accordance with Sections 304.3.1 through 304.3.3.

Exception: Where otherwise not required by Section 905.11 of the New York City Building Code.

304.3.1 Alterations.

Existing handles of valves serving existing standpipe systems and existing unpainted standpipe risers that are exposed during alterations shall be painted red. Where the alteration requires a hydrostatic pressure test, such painting shall be completed prior to such test.

304.3.2 Combination standpipe and sprinkler systems.

Where a standpipe system that is used as a combination standpipe and sprinkler system is required to be painted, the sprinkler risers and cross connections that are also used for the standpipe system shall be painted red, and the handles of valves serving such combination standpipe and sprinkler system shall be painted yellow.

304.3.3 Certification of completion of system painting.

For all buildings where standpipe and combination sprinkler and standpipe systems are not subject to a special inspection pursuant to Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code, a licensed master plumber, licensed master fire suppression piping contractor, registered design professional or an individual holding an appropriate certificate of fitness from the Fire Department for the operation and/or maintenance of such system shall certify on forms provided by the Department that all required painting has been completed in accordance with Section 304.3. Such certification shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by the Department and the Fire Department.

304.4 Fire Department connections.

Wherever the Fire Department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the Fire Department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the letters “FDC” not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. Such signs shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Department.