In-Building Radio Coverage
The Boston Fire Department requires that high-rise buildings, and certain other structures, provide reliable radio communications for firefighters.  The In-Building Radio specification and related forms are available in the In-Building Radio Section.

 

 

 

 

 


 Building Code

In-Building Radio Systems

780 CMR 403.6 Section 1;

Fire department communication system:

A two-way fire department communication system shall be provided for fire department use. The communication system shall operate between the fire command station and every elevator, elevator lobby and enclosed exit stairway. Acceptable types of fire department communications shall include:

1. Telephone or fire department radio in lieu of a dedicated system, where approved by the fire department; and

2.  Intercom or two-way public address system complying with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A.

11/27/98     780 CMR - Sixth Edition

BFD In-Building Radio Specification
As of April 7, 2010 a revised BDA specification has been established

Local Option
As an item where an option is provided, the Boston Fire Department is exercising its authority under 780 CMR (State Building Code) to guide the use of fire department communication system.

The State Building Code specifies "Acceptable types of fire department communications system shall include:
"Telephone or fire department radio in lieu of a dedicated system, where approved by the fire department; and"

The Boston Fire Department takes the opinion that the fire department radio in lieu of a dedicated system should be strictly utilized as a fire department communications system.  The fire department communications system shall be a bi-directional amplification system that meets the current Boston Fire Department In-Building Radio Specification.  This policy was enacted on March 1, 2005.