General educational information
The Fire Safety Handbook, Resource Packages and related materials provide general educational and operational information for residential apartment-building and restaurant fire-safety responsibilities. They are intended to help owners, managers and 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 building or operation and for confirming that information remains current.
Product scope
The Apartment edition is designed primarily for residential apartment buildings up to 12 storeys. The Restaurant edition is designed for practical restaurant fire-safety operations and does not replace site-specific professional review or code analysis. More complex buildings or operations may include additional systems, features and procedures that are not fully addressed.
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 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, restaurant or jurisdiction. Use of the Products does not guarantee legal compliance, AHJ approval, prevention of fire, avoidance of loss, successful emergency outcomes or suitability for a particular building or operation.
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.