28 Tex. Admin. Code § 34.320 - Guidelines For Assigning Potential Fire Safety Risk

(a) The commissioner adopts the following "Guidelines For Assigning Potential Fire Safety Risk", for use by the state fire marshal in the inspection of state-owned and state-leased buildings.

(b) The state fire marshal will review all available information regarding the potential risk factors stated in paragraphs (1) - (9) of this subsection for a building to determine its inspection priority. The scheduling of inspections will prioritize those buildings that evidence the highest potential risk.

(1) Gross square feet--the total area reported for the building in square feet;

(2) Occupancy classification--the purpose and intended use of a building or portion of the building;

(3) Occupant load--the total number of persons that might occupy a building or portion of the building at any point in time, equal to the usable square footage divided by an occupant load factor. Occupant load factors are commonly assigned for each type of building use under the NFPA 101, "Life Safety Code";

(4) Fire protection features--includes the type of building construction, use of compartmentalization, use of fire-resistive and -rated materials and components, smoke control, and adequacy of means of exit;

(5) Fire protection systems--fire alarm, extinguisher, and sprinkler systems, communications systems, and fire fighter emergency operations equipment;

(6) Stories/Height--the reported height of the building in stories above grade;

(7) Maintenance/Management issues--the building environment, including staff availability and responsiveness, sanitation, deferred maintenance, security, and occupancy;

(8) Replacement cost/Building value; and

(9) Critical nature of facility--the specific use and occupancy of a building that warrants additional consideration because of historical value, the building contents, or the function or operations carried on in the building that are vital to the public health, safety, or general welfare.

Notes

28 Tex. Admin. Code § 34.320

The provisions of this §34.320 adopted to be effective November 8, 2012, 37 TexReg 8835