SECTION F-409 SHELTERING IN PLACE

F-409.1 General. All occupancy groups and buildings that are required to have a fire safety and evacuation plan shall also prepare and maintain a specific plan for sheltering occupants in place (inside the building). The plan shall be placed into effect when notified by local, state or federal officials that an outdoor hazardous materials or biological emergency exists that makes it unsafe for occupants to leave buildings.

F-409.2 Shelter-in-place plan. Shelter-in-place plans shall provide for the safety of building occupants from outdoor contaminants. Building managers shall identify suitable pre-determined shelter rooms or areas with as few windows, vents and doors as possible. Shelter areas shall contain a water supply for both drinking and toilet facilities. Plans shall require that all doors and windows be shut (and locked where locking provides a tighter seal) and all air handling equipment (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems) be shut down. To provide necessary protection, sealing windows, doors and vents with tape is permitted.

F-409.3 All clear announcement. When an all clear message is announced, building managers shall direct people in shelter areas to proceed to the exterior of the building, open all windows and doors and turn on air handling equipment to facilitate exhausting any contaminants that have infiltrated the building. Further instructions will be available via radio and television broadcasts.

F-409.4 Training. A copy of the shelter-in-place plan shall be given to all employees and tenants. Employees required to assist in carrying out the plan shall receive training at least annually. A record of all training shall be maintained at the building.

F-409.5 Shelter-in-place drills. A shelter-in-place drill shall be conducted once annually for all occupancies required to have a plan and twice annually for Group E occupancies. Each required shelter-in-place drill for Group E occupancies can be substituted for one fire drill.