British Columbia Float Home Standards

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British Columbia Float Home Standards - continued

Section 3.5 Float Home Fire Prevention Measures

3.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers
Placement of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with Chapter 3 of NFPA 10, "Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers." A minimum of one 2A5BC rated portable fire extinguisher shall be placed at the entrance/exit of each float home.

3.5.2 Fixed Fire Extinguishing System
Float homes, located in a marina, shall be protected in accordance with either Option 1 or Option 2 as detailed below, unless deemed to be unnecessary by the authority having jurisdiction.

Option 1

Float homes shall be protected by a fixed automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-and-Two Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes."

Option 2

(a) Wharves, piers and walkways serving the float home shall be constructed of totally non-combustible materials,

(b) wharves and piers shall incorporate a standpipe system installed in accordance with NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe & Hose Systems" and

(c) fire fighting access to float homes must be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Section 3.6 Moorage and Attachments
3.6.1.

(a) Float homes shall be moored in conformance with the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

(b) Sufficient fastenings shall be available to prevent the float home from separating from the wharf, pier or walkway due to list, wind, or grounding.

Section 3.7 Access

3.7.1.

(a) Each float home shall have direct access to an unobstructed walkway or pier leading to shore.

(b) Piers and walkways shall be a minimum of 1.5 m in width.

(c) Walkways shall have a non-slip surface.

(d) Inclined walkways or ramps with a gradient exceeding 1:10 shall have handrails.

(e) Accessible areas shall be illuminated to an average illumination level of 20 lux at walkway level with critical areas such as gates, ramps and safety stations being provided with 50 lux of illumination.

Part 4 - Marina Fire Protection

The float home marina shall meet the fire protection requirements specified in Sections 4.1 to 4.5 of this standard or the fire protection requirements specified in NFPA 303, "Fire Protection Standards for Marinas and Boatyards."
Section 4.1 Management

4.1.1 General Requirements
While design of the float home marina can reduce certain hazards, the fact remains that proper management of the facility is an important element for reducing the risk of fire and other hazards that threaten life and property. The following guidelines are specifically addressed to those management functions where implementation can significantly reduce the specific and overall hazard.

4.1.2 Fire Safety Planning
The marina owner shall adopt procedures to show that facility and equipment comply with the requirements of this standard and to show that maintenance and inspection functions are carried out as specified in this standard. As part of this function, all float home marinas with more than 2 units shall have a fire safety plan in accordance with the Fire Services Act and pursuant Regulations.

4.1.3 Fire Protection of Piers, Wharves and Walkways
Combustible piers, walkways and substructures in excess of 7.6 m in width or in excess of 465 sq m in area, or within 11.4 m of other structures or superstructures required to be so protected shall be protected in accordance with Section 3-3 of NFPA 307, "Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers and Wharves," unless the conditions in exception No. 1 or No. 2 exist.

Exception No. 1: In the case of fixed piers and docks, where the vertical distance does not exceed 0.91 m from the surface of mean high water level to the underside of the pier surface. In the case of floating docks, where the vertical distance does not exceed 0.91 m from the surface of the water to the underside of the dock surface.

Exception No. 2: In existing facilities, where the size of the facility and the adequacy of the water supply render fire protection specified in section 4.1.3 to be clearly impractical for economic or physical reasons.

4.1.4 Cleanliness

(a) The facility shall be maintained at all times in a state of general order and cleanliness. The following list contains examples of conditions that shall be eliminated or controlled:

(i) Uncontained trash, wood scraps, sawdust, rags, etc.

(ii) Used engines and engine parts, miscellaneous metal, unused machinery, and similar items placed other than in a specifically designated and fenced area.

(iii) Open unused paint cans or other flammable fluid.

(iv) Spills of oil, paint or fuel.

(b) Covered metal containers shall be provided at convenient locations in areas used for construction, service or repair for storage of oily and soiled rags and other refuse subject to spontaneous combustion. These containers shall be clearly marked as to their purpose and the contents disposed of frequently and in a safe manner.

(c) Separate metal containers shall be provided in areas used for construction, service or repair for storage of sawdust, wood chips and other residue and trash that is not readily subject to spontaneous combustion. These containers shall be emptied frequently.

(d) Covered containers shall be provided throughout the facility, including locations convenient to moored boats, for garbage and trash. These containers shall be located in areas where ignition of contents will not pose a hazard to the surroundings. Emptying and cleaning of these containers shall be performed regularly.

Section 4.2 Maintenance

4.2.1 General Requirements

(a) A maintenance program that requires periodic inspection, testing and operation of fire fighting equipment and systems and that assures safe access to all parts of the facility for fire fighting personnel shall be adopted by the owner of the marina.

(b) All fire fighting equipment and systems shall be inspected and tested at regular intervals by an independent agency acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. As part of this requirement fire extinguishers shall be emptied at the end of their service period, preferably as part of a training exercise. Similarly, hoses shall be unrolled, inspected and tested (in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions) at least once a year.

(c) Walkways, piers, access roads and other parts of the facilities shall be maintained free of obstructions at all times so as to provide safe and reasonable access to all parts of the facility by fire fighting personnel and equipment.

4.2.2 Fire Department Liaison
The owner of the marina shall assist the local fire authority in pre-fire planning for:

(a) Entries and access routes for equipment within the premises,

(b) location, construction, use and accessibility of all float homes and all their subdivisions including storage lockers, etc.,

(c) location and extent of outside working areas,

(d) location and means of access to both dry and in the water boat storage areas,

(e) type and capacity of water lines on piers and walkways, including all points where connection of hydrant or pumper supplies can be effected,

(f) types and capacities of facility equipment, including work or tow boats, portable pumps, pier-mounted hose cabinets, all portable fire extinguishers, etc. and

(g) voltages and capacities of electrical systems and location of electrical disconnecting means.

Section 4.3 Fire Protection Equipment Installation

4.3.1 General Requirements
Due to the high concentration of combustibles and the presence of ordinary combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids, (Class B), and electrical (Class C) fire hazards in virtually every area of the facilities covered by this standard, the placement and maintenance of both fixed and portable fire extinguishing equipment are extremely important.

4.3.2 Planning
Careful planning in the placement of fire extinguishing equipment shall be made in cooperation with the local fire authority at least annually in order to accommodate changing conditions and personnel responsible for the fire control in the facility.

4.3.3 Portable Fire Extinguishers
Placement of portable fire extinguishers on piers and along bulkheads to which float homes or vessels are moored or may be moored shall be as follows:

(a) Extinguishers listed for Class A, B and C fires shall be installed at each end of a pier and bulkhead that exceeds 7.6 m in length, and on piers exceeding 15.2 m in length, such that a distance of not more than 15.2 m separates extinguishers.

(b) All extinguishers installed on piers shall meet the rating requirements set forth in Chapter 3 of NFPA 10, "Portable Fire Extinguishers," for ordinary (moderate) hazard type.

(c) In vessel storage areas portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in aisle ways such that a distance of no more than 15.2 m need be traveled to reach an extinguisher (30.4 m maximum separation). The first extinguisher shall be installed at the entrance to each aisle way exceeding 7.6 m in length.

(d) All portable fire extinguishers shall be maintained in accordance with Chapters 4 and 5 of NFPA 10, "Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers," and shall be clearly visible and marked.

4.3.4 Fire Standpipe Systems (Applicable to piers and buildings on piers only)

(a) Standpipe systems, when required, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems."
Exception: Hose racks, hoses, and standpipe cabinets shall not be required on piers.

(b) Buildings and buildings on piers shall be provided with standpipe systems.

(c) Class II standpipe systems shall be installed on all piers in excess of 61 m in length extending from the shoreline.

(d) Class III standpipe systems shall be installed on all piers in excess of 157.4 m in length extending from the shoreline.

4.3.5 Hydrants and Water Supplies
Hydrants and water supplies for fire protection in float home marinas shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 13, "Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems," NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems," and NFPA 24, "Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances."

Section 4.4 Maintenance of fire Protection Equipment
4.4.1 General Requirements
Portable fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems and water supply facilities shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, "Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers," NFPA 13A, "Recommended Practice for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems," NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems," NFPA 20, "Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps" and NFPA 24, "Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances."

Section 4.5 Transmittal of Fire Emergency
4.5.1 General Requirements
All float home marinas shall have a means to rapidly notify the fire department in the event of an emergency. If a telephone is used for this purpose it shall be available for use at all times and shall not require the use of a coin.

Part 5 - Existing Structures
5.1.1.
Float homes which existed prior to the date of adoption of this standard by the authority having jurisdiction shall meet all of the following conditions:

(a) The float home owner must provide proof of occupation and actual use as a dwelling unit prior to the date of adoption of this standard by the authority having jurisdiction.

(b) The floatation system or device of the float home shall be certified by a Professional Engineer as providing adequate buoyancy.

(c) The superstructure of the float home shall be certified as to its structural integrity by a Professional Engineer.

(d) The internal layout of the float home, including physical, electrical, gas and plumbing arrangements, shall be certified by a Professional Engineer as to its integrity for the intended life of the structure. Proposals for equivalency shall be submitted to the building official for approval.

(e) All chimneys, fire places and solid fuel burning appliance shall be inspected and accepted by the authority having jurisdiction as being in compliance with the B.C. Building Code in force at the time of installation.

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(a)	Wharves, piers and walkways serving the float home shall be constructed of totally non-combustible materials,
(b)	wharves and piers shall incorporate a standpipe system installed in accordance with NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe & Hose Systems" and
(c)	fire fighting access to float homes must be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

(a)	Float homes shall be moored in conformance with the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
(b)	Sufficient fastenings shall be available to prevent the float home from separating from the wharf, pier or walkway due to list, wind, or grounding.

(a)	Each float home shall have direct access to an unobstructed walkway or pier leading to shore.
(b)	Piers and walkways shall be a minimum of 1.5 m in width.
(c)	Walkways shall have a non-slip surface.
(d)	Inclined walkways or ramps with a gradient exceeding 1:10 shall have handrails.
(e)	Accessible areas shall be illuminated to an average illumination level of 20 lux at walkway level with critical areas such as gates, ramps and safety stations being provided with 50 lux of illumination.

(a)	The facility shall be maintained at all times in a state of general order and cleanliness. The following list contains examples of conditions that shall be eliminated or controlled:
	(i)	Uncontained trash, wood scraps, sawdust, rags, etc.
	(ii)	Used engines and engine parts, miscellaneous metal, unused machinery, and similar items placed other than in a specifically designated and fenced area.
	(iii)	Open unused paint cans or other flammable fluid.
	(iv)	Spills of oil, paint or fuel.
(b)	Covered metal containers shall be provided at convenient locations in areas used for construction, service or repair for storage of oily and soiled rags and other refuse subject to spontaneous combustion. These containers shall be clearly marked as to their purpose and the contents disposed of frequently and in a safe manner.
(c)	Separate metal containers shall be provided in areas used for construction, service or repair for storage of sawdust, wood chips and other residue and trash that is not readily subject to spontaneous combustion. These containers shall be emptied frequently.
(d)	Covered containers shall be provided throughout the facility, including locations convenient to moored boats, for garbage and trash. These containers shall be located in areas where ignition of contents will not pose a hazard to the surroundings. Emptying and cleaning of these containers shall be performed regularly.

(a)	A maintenance program that requires periodic inspection, testing and operation of fire fighting equipment and systems and that assures safe access to all parts of the facility for fire fighting personnel shall be adopted by the owner of the marina.
(b)	All fire fighting equipment and systems shall be inspected and tested at regular intervals by an independent agency acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. As part of this requirement fire extinguishers shall be emptied at the end of their service period, preferably as part of a training exercise. Similarly, hoses shall be unrolled, inspected and tested (in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions) at least once a year.
(c)	Walkways, piers, access roads and other parts of the facilities shall be maintained free of obstructions at all times so as to provide safe and reasonable access to all parts of the facility by fire fighting personnel and equipment.

(a)	Entries and access routes for equipment within the premises,
(b)	location, construction, use and accessibility of all float homes and all their subdivisions including storage lockers, etc.,
(c)	location and extent of outside working areas,
(d)	location and means of access to both dry and in the water boat storage areas,
(e)	type and capacity of water lines on piers and walkways, including all points where connection of hydrant or pumper supplies can be effected,
(f)	types and capacities of facility equipment, including work or tow boats, portable pumps, pier-mounted hose cabinets, all portable fire extinguishers, etc. and
(g)	voltages and capacities of electrical systems and location of electrical disconnecting means.

(a)	Extinguishers listed for Class A, B and C fires shall be installed at each end of a pier and bulkhead that exceeds 7.6 m in length, and on piers exceeding 15.2 m in length, such that a distance of not more than 15.2 m separates extinguishers.
(b)	All extinguishers installed on piers shall meet the rating requirements set forth in Chapter 3 of NFPA 10, "Portable Fire Extinguishers," for ordinary (moderate) hazard type.
(c)	In vessel storage areas portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in aisle ways such that a distance of no more than 15.2 m need be traveled to reach an extinguisher (30.4 m maximum separation). The first extinguisher shall be installed at the entrance to each aisle way exceeding 7.6 m in length.
(d)	All portable fire extinguishers shall be maintained in accordance with Chapters 4 and 5 of NFPA 10, "Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers," and shall be clearly visible and marked.

(a)	Standpipe systems, when required, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems." Exception: Hose racks, hoses, and standpipe cabinets shall not be required on piers.
(b)	Buildings and buildings on piers shall be provided with standpipe systems.
(c)	Class II standpipe systems shall be installed on all piers in excess of 61 m in length extending from the shoreline.
(d)	Class III standpipe systems shall be installed on all piers in excess of 157.4 m in length extending from the shoreline.

(a)	The float home owner must provide proof of occupation and actual use as a dwelling unit prior to the date of adoption of this standard by the authority having jurisdiction.
(b)	The floatation system or device of the float home shall be certified by a Professional Engineer as providing adequate buoyancy.
(c)	The superstructure of the float home shall be certified as to its structural integrity by a Professional Engineer.
(d)	The internal layout of the float home, including physical, electrical, gas and plumbing arrangements, shall be certified by a Professional Engineer as to its integrity for the intended life of the structure. Proposals for equivalency shall be submitted to the building official for approval.
(e)	All chimneys, fire places and solid fuel burning appliance shall be inspected and accepted by the authority having jurisdiction as being in compliance with the B.C. Building Code in force at the time of installation.