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Department Phone: (614) 645-8673
Department Website: https://www.columbus.gov/public-safety/fire/inspec
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Code Compliance Guideline
Rapid Key Entry Program
In an effort to provide both fire department emergency access and building security, the Columbus Division of Fire has selected the Knox Box Public Safety Key Box System to accomplish these goals. This is a system that will allow the Division of Fire access to a key for nondestructive entry into a building.
This is a system for commercial establishments within the City of Columbus, as well as all commercial and residential gates. In this program the building owner / occupant orders the correct device(s) to install on the building to secure keys for use by the fire department in an emergency.
The Knox Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out, or there is any emergency, the Knox Box Rapid Entry System allows firefighters and paramedics immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store keys, access cards, gatekeys, etc. in high security boxes mounted near building entrances. Each device purchased by a property owner is keyed to a master key controlled by the Division of Fire.
In addition to key boxes and vaults; padlocks and key switches operate with the same master key. This allows fire department access to gated communities, storage areas, and elevators.
1.0 Buildings - Rapid Entry Access Box:
When an occupancy chooses to install a key box, a model 3200 or 4400 hinged (single core) series box may be purchased from the Knox Company or authorized Knox retailer. Where installation allows, a recessed box is recommended.
The purchaser installs the empty box according to the included installation guidelines. Once the Knox key box or device is installed, the building owner should contact the Columbus Division of Fire Prevention Bureau at (614) 221-3132 to schedule an inspection of the installation for compliance with the installation guidelines and to have the building keys placed inside the rapid entry access box. Future access to add or remove a key from the box should be coordinated by calling (614) 221-3132 to make an appointment. The rapid entry access box is designed to contain only the key to the main entrance of the building and life safety systems. As an additional security precaution for residential buildings, a building-wide pass key or master key is not recommended for placement in any building access key box.
1.1 Location of Rapid Entry Access Box:
1.2 Contents of Rapid Entry Access Box:
The owner / occupant or person in control of the building or facilities are required to have the following contents within the rapid entry key box system. All contents of the box must be marked for ease of identification.
1.3 Quantity of Keys for the Rapid Entry Access Box:
Most Buildings — Two sets of keys (see list above) shall be provided.
High Rise Buildings — Four sets of keys (see list above) shall be provided
Buildings over 250,000 sq. ft. — Four sets of keys (see list above) shall be provided
2.0 Elevator Key Box:
When an occupancy chooses to install an elevator key box, a model 1400 series box, with dual drop key holder, may be purchased from the Knox Company or authorized Knox retailer.
The purchaser installs the elevator box according to the included installation guidelines. Once the elevator box is installed, the building owner should contact the Columbus Division of Fire Prevention Bureau at (614) 221-3132 to schedule an inspection of the installation for compliance with the installation guidelines and to have the elevator keys placed inside the elevator box. Future access to add or remove a key from the box should be coordinated by calling (614) 221-3132 to make an appointment. The elevator box is designed to contain only the key for the operation of the elevator and access to the related elevator equipment.
2.1 Contents of Elevator Box:
The owner / occupant or person in control of the building or facilities described within are required to have the following contents within the elevator key box. All contents of the box such as keys must be marked for ease of identification for use.
2.2 Quantity of Keys for the Elevator Key Box:
Three sets of keys (see list above), and two drop keys shall be provided.
3.0 Hazmat Cabinet:
Any facility required to comply with the rapid entry program that uses, maintains, distributes, or destroys hazardous materials or hazardous waste may install a Hazmat Cabinet (Knox Cabinet 1300 Series Dual Lock). The purchaser installs the cabinet according to the included installation guidelines. Once the hazmat cabinet is installed, the building owner should contact the Columbus Division of Fire Prevention Bureau at (614) 221-3132 to schedule an inspection of the installation for compliance with the installation guidelines.
3.1 Contents of Hazmat Cabinet:
3.2 Location of Hazmat Cabinet:
The Hazardous Material Cabinet shall be located on the premises to the front of the building on a metal post or appropriate structure erected for the Hazmat Cabinet. It shall be located at the furthest point away from the building that is accessible to the emergency responders. The Hazardous Material Cabinet should be mounted between four to six feet from the ground.
4.0 Gates and Barriers:
Gates that are electric or chained will require a Knox Electric Key Switch or a Padlock.
4.1 Manual (non-automatic) Gates and Barriers:
All barriers placed across fire access roadways are determined to be obstructions and are therefore prohibited unless specifically approved by the Division of Fire. Manual gates shall be provided with an approved method for emergency access. Approved methods shall consist of one of the following; high security padlock (Knox brand) keyed to Columbus Division of Fire emergency access keyway, or the installation of a Knox rapid access key box containing the gate key.
4.2 Automatic Gates and Barriers:
All automatic access gates across fire access roadways shall be equipped with an emergency agency approved Knox electric key switch, which overrides all commands and allows safe passage through the gate. When an occupancy chooses to provide gate access, a Knox Key Switch #3502 may be purchased from the Knox Company or authorized Knox retailer.
4.2.1 Key Switch Function and Location:
An approved (Knox) electric key operated switch shall be installed at the entry control panel for fire department and emergency medical use. Activation of the switch shall over-ride all functions and open the gate(s). Panel location must be approved by the fire department.
5.0 Access Control Devices:
When access points (Main Entry Doors) are secured with magnetic locks or electric strikes, a Knox Key Switch #3502 is required in conjunction with the above noted requirements. The key switch is to be located within 12 inches of the security card key reader.
6.0 Pedestrian Gates:
When the primary access point has a pedestrian gate, the gate will be required to have a means for Fire Department access. This access may be provided with a Knox Key Switch #3502, or Knox Box 3200 Series (Hinged Door) if manual gate.
7.0 Locking FDC Caps:
In an effort to improve Homeland Security, the vulnerability of automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems, and the potential compromise of Fire Department Connections (FDCs), the Columbus Division of Fire will require the use of locking FDC caps.
The locking FDC cap was developed to protect fire sprinkler and standpipe connections from accidental damage, vandalism, and physical attack. Installation of the locking FDC caps ensures sprinklers / standpipes reliability and building safety, by preventing foreign objects from entering the sprinkler system.
Locking FDC Caps, with swivel guard, or StorzGuard caps are required for all fire sprinkler and standpipe systems. These caps prevent debris from entering and damaging the system and obstructing water flow. When an occupancy chooses or is directed to provide locking FDC caps, the locking FDC caps may be purchased from the Knox Company or authorized Knox retailer.
In an effort to provide both fire department emergency access and building security, the Columbus Division of Fire has selected the Knox Box Public Safety Key Box System to accomplish these goals. This is a system that will allow the Division of Fire access to a key for non-destructive entry into a building.
The Knox Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out, or there is any emergency, the Knox Box Rapid Entry System allows firefighters and paramedics immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store keys, access cards, gate keys, etc. in high security boxes mounted near building entrances. Each device purchased by a property owner is keyed to a master key controlled by the Division of Fire.
The purchaser installs the empty box according to the included installation guidelines. Once the Knox key box or device is installed, the building owner should contact the Columbus Division of Fire Prevention Bureau at (614) 645-7641 to schedule an inspection of the installation for compliance with the installation guidelines and to have the building keys placed inside the rapid entry access box. Future access to add or remove a key from the box should be coordinated by calling (614) 645-7641 to make an appointment. The rapid entry access box is designed to contain only the key to the main entrance of the building and life safety systems. As an additional security precaution for residential buildings, a building-wide pass key or master key is not recommended for placement in any building access key box.
The box shall be installed in a location within five feet of the main entrance of the structure, at a height of approximately five in a half feet from the ground, and clearly visible on either side of the doorway. This height makes the box much easier to access for a majority of people. The box may be external or flush mount depending on the choice of the owner / occupant and the recommendations of the manufacturer. Every effort should be made to follow installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Any deviation from the published installation instructions must be pre-approved by the Fire Marshal of the Columbus Division of Fire.
If the riser room is not located on the same side of the building where the rapid entry access box has been installed, a separate lock box shall be installed adjacent to the exterior riser room access door.
Most Buildings - Two sets of keys (see list above) shall be provided.
High Rise Buildings – Four sets of keys (see list above) shall be provided
Buildings over 250,000 sq. ft. - Four sets of keys (see list above) shall be provided
The purchaser installs the elevator box according to the included installation guidelines. Once the elevator box is installed, the building owner should contact the Columbus Division of Fire Prevention Bureau at (614) 645-7641 to schedule an inspection of the installation for compliance with the installation guidelines and to have the elevator keys placed inside the elevator box. Future access to add or remove a key from the box should be coordinated by calling (614) 645-7641 to make an appointment. The elevator box is designed to contain only the key for the operation of the elevator and access to the related elevator equipment.
Any facility required to comply with the rapid entry program that uses, maintains, distributes, or destroys hazardous materials or hazardous waste may install a Hazmat Cabinet (Knox Cabinet 1300 Series Dual Lock). The purchaser installs the cabinet according to the included installation guidelines. Once the hazmat cabinet is installed, the building owner should contact the Columbus Division of Fire Prevention Bureau at (614) 645-7641 to schedule an inspection of the installation for compliance with the installation guidelines.