General educational information
The Fire Safety Handbook, Resource Package and related materials provide general educational and operational information for residential apartment buildings. They are intended to help owners, property managers, building managers, facility managers, superintendents and building staff better understand common fire- and life-safety responsibilities and organize routine activities.
Not professional or site-specific advice
The Products are not legal advice, engineering advice, architectural advice, fire-protection design advice or a substitute for services provided by qualified professionals. They do not replace legislation, regulations, codes, standards, approved Fire Safety Plans, emergency procedures, manufacturer instructions, contractual obligations or directions issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (“AHJ”).
Requirements vary
Fire- and life-safety requirements vary by jurisdiction, occupancy, building age, height, design, construction, installed systems, approved equivalencies and local enforcement practices. Purchasers and users are responsible for identifying and complying with the requirements that apply to their own property and for confirming that information remains current.
Building scope
The Products are designed primarily for residential apartment buildings up to 12 storeys. Much of the guidance may also be useful in taller buildings; however, taller or more complex buildings may include additional systems, features and procedures that are not fully addressed, including emergency voice or alarm communication, smoke-control or pressurization systems, specialized elevator and firefighter operations, and other high-building provisions.
Qualified work and emergency response
Inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, alteration and emergency activities must be performed by qualified, trained or authorized persons where required. Users must follow the building’s approved procedures and AHJ direction. The Products do not authorize any person to investigate a fire, enter smoke, delay evacuation, operate specialized equipment or perform regulated work without the necessary training and authority. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or the applicable emergency service and follow official instructions.
No guarantee
Reasonable care has been taken in preparing the Products, but completeness, accuracy and continued currency cannot be guaranteed for every property or jurisdiction. Use of the Products does not guarantee legal compliance, approval by an AHJ, prevention of fire, avoidance of loss, successful emergency outcomes or suitability for a particular building. Users must apply professional judgment and obtain site-specific advice where appropriate.
Third parties and endorsement
References to fire departments, authorities, standards, manufacturers, software or other organizations are descriptive only and do not imply sponsorship, approval or endorsement. Third-party requirements and resources may change independently of the Products.