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1900 Powell Street Building Life Safety Features

Sprinkler System and Fire Pump and Hoses

1900 Powell building has an automatic sprinkler system with water flow and tamper alarms in all areas. An electric fire pump located at the east end of the first floor of the building provides system water pressure as needed throughout the building. On activation of any sprinkler head, an alarm will sound in the building and will also summon the alarm monitoring company 24 hours per day and building security and building engineering personnel during normal working hours. Note: Do not store materials on shelving or cabinets higher than 18 inches from end of the ceiling sprinkler head.

Fire Alarm, Strobe Lights and Smoke Detection

The activation of any alarm device does not connect directly to the Fire Department. The building alarm monitoring company, as well as building staff and tenants notifies the Fire Department with the event of an alarm. Smoke detectors are located in all elevator lobbies. Smoke detected in elevator lobbies will recall all elevator cars to the first floor.
 

Standpipes

The building has both wet standpipes and risers. Standpipes are utilized by the Fire Department to connect their fire hoses to fight a fire.

Extinguishers

ABC fire extinguishers are located throughout the building. Notify the building management if you have used an extinguisher so that a full replacement can be secured.

Public Address

A public address system offers one way communication between the Fire Control Room and any individual or any floors in combination or all floors including stairwells and elevators.
 

Fire Control Room/FCC

The fire control panel is located at the east end of the building. There is a pull station in the FCC. The fire alarm system is monitored by an outside alarm monitoring company.
 

Door Release System

Doors on some floors, including those in some elevator lobbies and located in fire-rated corridors are equipped with magnetic hold-open devices. If any device on the floor is tripped, these devices will release the doors on that floor, impeding the spread of fire and/or smoke.
 

Emergency Lighting

A 150 Kw emergency generator is located in an exterior room south of the loading dock at the building’s east end. This generator will support all fire alarm, detection and protection equipment; emergency lighting in corridors and stairways; one elevator and the PA system when electrical power is lost. The diesel generator tank holds 250 gallons of fuel.
 

Stairwells and Emergency Telephones

Fire rated doors and walls within the stairwells affords occupants required exit protection. Know the location of both stairwells in the building. Both stairwells are enclosed with signage noting floor.

Emergency phones that dial down to the FCC are located on the 12th, 8th and 4th floors of each stairwell. Fire department phone jacks are located on every stairwell landing and elevator lobby.

 

Stairwell/Escape

Location

Services

Stairwell One

East end exits to first floor service corridor

1st – Roof

Stairwell Two

West end has vestibule, exits on north side of building

1st - roof

 

Elevator Recall and Emergency Service

There are four elevators in the building. All elevators will recall to the main lobby if any smoke device is activated in the building.

 

Elevator Car Number Service Area
1, 2, 3, 4                                 

Lobby – 12th Floor

 

Elevators are a dangerous place to be in a fire. Accordingly, the following systems have been installed to protect persons using or attempting to use the elevators during a fire:

  • Automatic Recall: Throughout the building there are smoke detectors that activate this system. If any of these devices sense smoke, all elevators will close doors and return to the ground floor, where they will remain with doors open, until released by building or fire department personnel. This system may also be activated or bypassed manually from a key switch.
  • Emergency (Firefighter's) Service: In the event an elevator/s recall has occurred, elevators may be put into emergency service. This action will allow operation of the elevator with normal operation or by using the "open - close door" control buttons. This service is for use by the fire department for purposes of fire fighting and other emergency services.
  • Elevator Earthquake Response: In the event of a moderate or severe earthquake, the movement could trigger the elevator seismic switches, located in the elevator shaft. If the movement exceeds a preset maximum set point, the elevator car stops. It then moves in the opposite direction from its counter- weight, stops at the next floor, and opens its doors. It will remain in this condition until it is thoroughly examined and put back into service by an elevator mechanic.
  • Each elevator cab is equipped with an emergency call button which connects to ThyssenKrupp; after normal hours the call will roll over to an answering service.
  • Elevators will recall if smoke is in the elevator lobby.
     

Emergency Evacuation Signage

Emergency evacuation signage is posted in each elevator lobby and at both stair entrances and has instructions to follow in an emergency.
 

Roof, Boilers

Chiller, 4 supply shafts with ducted return, fans and elevator equipment room are located on the roof.
 

Chemical Storage

Chemical are stored/in-use on the roof. The chemicals are used for the treatment of non- potable water systems. An eyewash station is located in the same storage area.

 

Smoke Control System

Any alarm will shut down all air conditioning within the building.

 

Utility Information

Equipment Location
Fire Pump First Floor - East End
Sprinkler water First floor fire pump room at east end and served from PIV on West side exterior of building
Domestic water  Shut off is located in southwest corner underground and additional shutoff is located in the domestic pump room
Main electrical First floor service corridor
Natural gas (with seismic shut-off) 

Enclosed area north of loading dock at east end

 
Emergency Duties of Fire Safety Director and Staff

The Fire Safety Director (FSD) is the person responsible for coordinating the efforts of police and fire departments while on the property. The Fire Safety Director at 1900 Powell is the Chief Engineer.

 

  1. Main Responsibility - a)  Ensure that the Emeryville Fire Department (EFD) has been notified via the 9-1-1 emergency phone system. Upon hearing the fire alarm or receiving a report of fire or smoke, activate the fire alarm if not yet activated. b)  Ensure elevators have been recalled to the ground level.
  2. Ensure that building keys, maps of all floors (roof included) and updated list of persons in need of evacuation assistance is available for the Fire Department. (These items shall be readily available at the fire panel.)
  3. Secure building entrances for responding emergency units: a) Prop open front doors. b) Keep area clear of tenants, visitors, or onlookers. c) Keep phone lines clear. Trapped or injured tenants, residents, or guests maybe trying to call.
  4. Relay known information to Fire Department Officer in Charge: a) Location of fire, smoke, medical emergency or alarm b) Location of fire alarm panel c) Location of any known trapped persons d) Location of anyone in need of evacuation assistance (Disabled or elderly) e) Notify Fire Department of number of occupants left in the building, including which floors they are on f) Public phone numbers to front desk (This number shall be labeled on back of emergency key ring.