904.1.2 Installation acceptance testing.

All fire extinguishing systems shall be subject to acceptance test conducted at the owner's risk by his or her representative before a representative of the department. The owner's representative shall furnish the necessary equipment required to conduct the test. A discharge test may be required as set forth in the applicable installation standard or as required by the department when there is evidence that the system will not provide the necessary level of protection.

904.1.3 Additional safeguards.

If an area is protected by a fire extinguishing system which uses an extinguishing agent that will make the protected area hazardous by its discharge or thermal decomposition, suitable safeguards shall be provided to ensure prompt evacuation, to prevent entry into such atmospheres, and to provide means for prompt rescue of any trapped personnel. Such safeguards shall include establishment of a trained brigade, equipped with and qualified in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus with 30-minute minimum supply, for prompt search of the protected area.

   Exception: Self-contained breathing apparatus shall not be required for a clean agent fire extinguishing system installation if:

      1.   The installation is provided with an alarm system that is connected to an approved central station.

      2.   The protected area is provided with an approved fixed emergency forced ventilation system able to expel the extinguishing agent. Such emergency forced ventilation system shall have a capacity sufficient to effect at least twenty air changes per hour.

      3.   The protected area is of a size, design and/or occupied in such a manner that egress will not be impeded.

      4.   The protected area is not normally occupied by any individual requiring assistance in evacuation.

904.1.4 Prohibited fire extinguishing systems.

It shall be unlawful to install carbon dioxide, halon and clean agent fire extinguishing systems as set forth in FC 904.1.4.1 through 904.1.4.3.

904.1.4.1 Existing carbon dioxide systems.

It shall be unlawful to install or continue to maintain total flooding carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems within normally occupied areas, including commercial kitchens. Total flooding carbon dioxide systems installed in normally occupied areas prior to July 1, 2008 were required by this code to be removed by July 1, 2013. Existing total flooding carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems in such areas shall be removed and a replacement fire extinguishing system installed, where required, in accordance with the Building Code, this code or other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

904.1.4.2 Existing halon systems.

It shall be unlawful to install a halon system in any building or occupancy. Lawfully existing halon fire extinguishing systems shall be maintained in accordance with FC 904.5. If a lawfully existing system cannot be maintained under the laws, rules, regulations, standards and design and installation approvals under which it was installed, such system shall be removed and replaced with a type of fire extinguishing system complying with this code.