Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1255991
50 I ICT TODAY FIGURE 1: Reference guide for public safety codes. IN-BUILDING COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS The 911 calls from the public and in-building first responder communication need proper wireless technolo- gies to function, but local governments have largely been reactive in implementing new public safety and design measures. To ensure the safety and communication of stu- dents and first responders, states and building code com- mittees are constantly implementing and updating laws and requirements for public safety in-building communi- cation devices, thereby urging schools to become more proactive in protecting students and staff. The public safety market's rules and regulations are widely motivated by the International Code Council's International Fire Codes (IFC) 11 and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 12 (Figure 1). The codes are revised every two to three years to offer new in-building safety compliance requirements for building owners. For example, codes such as NFPA 1221-26-2019 set the stan- dard for the installation, performance, operation, and maintenance of public emergency services, communica- tion systems and facilities. Authorities having jurisdic- tion interpret and enforce these codes in their regions, and with every code change, building owners must com- ply and update their wireless communication technolo- gies, such as DAS, repeaters, and passive components. Updated safety codes are generally enforced only on newly constructed buildings and those that are older are grandfathered to previous requirements. With safety incidents gaining media attention, policymakers are begin- ning to no longer allow older buildings to grandfather codes. This action is leading the public safety industry toward upholding the latest standards for all structures. Recently, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) created the UL-2524 standard for in-building two-way emergency communication enhancement systems. 13 It addresses in- building public safety compliance with specific communi- cation device performance requirements for life safety systems in construction and testing in accordance with the IFC-2018 and NFPA 1221-2019 codes. Currently, In-Building Solution Required Pathway Survivability for Coaxial Cable Required Plenum Rated Coaxial Cable Required Lighting Protection Required Isolation of Donor Antenna Required Battery Backup Required Signal Strength & Area Coverage Required Monitoring By Fire Alarm Required Cabinets for Equipment & Battery Backup Required Monitor Antenna Malfunction Required System Acceptance /Testing Lisiting of Equipment Mounting of Donor Antenna