Public Safety Codes and Signal Booster Solutions

Before obtaining certificates, licenses, and permits for occupying commercial buildings and property, several building codes must meet federal requirements and/or municipal zoning laws.

In general, these guidelines range from structural, electrical, mechanical, fuel/gas, plumbing, drainage, landscaping, accessibility, health, and fire safety.

Failing to comply with these requirements may lead to rejected building permits, a re-approval process, and even penalties if the building is occupied for use while failing to address the prerequisites.

Let's focus on one of the fastest evolving standards for commercial buildings: Fire & Public Safety Radio Communication Codes.

Why Fire & Public Safety Radio Codes are Becoming a Bigger Priority

During times of emergency, especially without power, instant communication is an absolute necessity.

Think of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the rise in number of mass shootings, and the devastation of natural disasters. Without clear communication, chaos ensues. People in dire need of safety aren’t able to relay critical information. First responders, like police and firefighters, aren’t able to prioritize rescue areas, and emergency support & recovery efforts are severely delayed.

In times of crisis, communication is a life-saving absolute. Any delay in response, even a few seconds can erase a life.

Compliance with building safety codes is Step One in promoting every opportunity for all of us, and our families, to live, work and play in safe surroundings.

Top Organizations Setting Standards & Regulations

Three organizations that have the most widely adopted codes and/or influence are:

National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)

Founded in 1896, the NFPA is a leading organization in defining fire, electrical, and other safety hazards. More than 300 NFPA codes and standards are in place, with 200+ of those backed by the American National Standards Institute.

Here are 5 of their top modal codes:

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code

NFPA 72 provides modern benchmarks to the installation, performance, and maintenance of fire detection systems, emergency communications, and mass notification systems.

Such benefits include 99% cellular coverage in all critical areas of a building with a strong signal (minimum -95 dB) with backed-up battery power lasting at least 24 hours.

NFPA 70: National Electric Code (NEC)

NFPA 70 endorses guidelines to safe electrical wiring design and installation across all 50 states. Although not a law, it is the de facto standard of electrical requirements in America.

NFPA 70e: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

NFPA 70e establishes safety requirements and warnings to help companies and employees avoid workplace injuries from shock and/or electrocution. It covers current requirements for safety-related work practices and maintenance.

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 13 determines industry specification for automatic fire sprinkler systems inclusive of design, installation, and component options.

NFPA 701: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response

NFPA 701 provides testing methods to determine the flammability/flame retardancy of various textiles such as curtains, window shades, and other fabrics used in architectural structures.

International Code Council (ICC)

Established in 1994, ICC codes are internationally accepted across the globe. More than a dozen international codes (I-Codes) address building, zoning, fire, residential and energy conservation codes.

Here are 2 codes that are widely used in the US.

International Fire Code (IFC) of 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009, 2006, etc.

The IFC (reviewed every 3 years) establishes up-to-date fire safety codes and conditions to safeguard public health and safety in all buildings, structures, and premises. Currently, IFC codes are used in 42 states including the District of Columbia, New York City, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

International Building Code (IBC) of 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009, 2006, etc.

The IBC (reviewed every 3 years) provides current building design and installation codes to preserve public welfare with provisions to encourage newer smart technologies. IBC codes are used in all 50 states including, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, New York City, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet):

Created in 2012, FirstNet is the country’s first attempt to build a nationwide wireless broadband public safety network to be operated by AT&T. FirstNet allows jurisdictions to share one network and avoid incompatible radio networks and equipment.

Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN)

NPSBN is the country’s first unified public safety network to serve first responders (police, firefighters, US marshals, etc.), EMS (ambulances, paramedics, technicians, etc.) and other public safety workers. By having everything under one umbrella nationwide, NPSBN unifies over 10,000 separate first responder radio networks. It modernizes thousands of organizations and empowers public safety workers at the local, state, and federal levels.

Departments that Complete Building Inspections

After plans are reviewed, approved, and construction completed, Authorities Having Jurisdiction check for building code enforcement. Code compliance spans mechanical, electrical, plumbing, storm drainage, and all other conditions needing approval.

Generally the local fire marshalls approve fire code compliance, a key component to thus helping with obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy for any building.

For example, the State of Texas requires a minimum of the 2006 International Fire Code. The city of San Antonio adopted the 2015 standard while Houston still uses the 2012 version. Austin, however, uses the 2012 guidelines but with amendments unique to Austin.

Consult I-Codes by States to find municipal websites and the details of how each participates in being NFPA-compliant.

The Biggest Evolution in the Public Safety Industry

Reliable cellular coverage is now in the regulatory spotlight.

As with mandatory compliance with codes for plumbing, fire sprinkler systems, and building accessibility, reliable cellular coverage is no longer an optional feature. Measureable, reliable cellular coverage is an essential component to everyday work and life standards.

Newly established guidelines generally require a baseline for:

• Adequate cellular coverage and signal strength
• Reliable equipment
• Dedicated frequency bands for public safety coverage

The bar for cellular coverage compliance is now quite high, considering the growing number of commercial buildings and multi-story properties across the nation, having 95 to 99% radio coverage indoors.

The challenge to maintain a quality incoming/outgoing signal in a commercial setting is complex, involving a number of variables.

Radio signal connectivity is affected by:

• Weather
• Cell tower distance
• Outside interference
• In-building interference, including concrete, thick walls, metal shielding, and energy efficient construction choices

These challenges to a strong, consistent signal can lead to limited service, or worse - no in critical locations such as elevators, parking garages, and stairwells.

NFPA and ICC mandates address the gravity of these common issues, and have set -95 dBm as the acceptable standard for public safety frequencies.

Solutions for Improved Cellular Signal to Meet Fire & Public Safety Compliance

One of the fastest-growing answers to signal coverage compliance is an in-building Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Basically, a DAS system is a network of antennas with a central amplifying system that enhances First Responder public safety frequencies.

While there are many different types of DAS technologies, the two leading Public Safety DAS solutions for in-building cellular amplification types are Active DAS and Passive DAS.

While both have the same objective to boost public safety radio frequency, there are key differences between the two systems.

Active DAS:

Active DAS requires connecting to each of the carrier networks, thus resembling a mini-cell tower. This leads to a much improved signal, but also carries significantly higher costs for specialized equipment and cabling. Further, the time required to get the required approvals for each carrier can be a long bureaucratic process.

At $5-$10 per square foot of coverage, Active DAS solutions can be very expensive in terms of design, approvals, equipment, and installation. In general Active DAS is your solution for large signal coverage areas of over 500,000 sq ft, such as airports and stadiums.

Passive DAS:

Passive DAS (also known as bidirectional amplifiers or repeaters) take existing outside signal, amplify it, and rebroadcast the boosted signal indoors. Unlike Active DAS, carrier permission is much quicker to obtain, usually requiring just an online FYI form to carrier with no response needed. Cost per sq ft is substantially lower at $1-$2 per sq ft.

For coverage under 500,000 sq ft, Passive DAS is a much more cost-effective and faster deployment option.

Notable Public Safety DAS Solutions: