MAINTENANCE

109.1 Maintenance of safeguards. Where any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this code, or otherwise installed, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with this code and applicable referenced standards.

109.2 Testing and operation. Equipment requiring periodic testing or operation to ensure maintenance shall be tested or operated as specified in this code.

109.2.1 Re-inspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the fire code official for inspection and testing.

109.3 Recordkeeping. A record of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other operations and maintenance shall be maintained on the premises or other approved location for not less than 3 years, or a different period of time where specified in this code or referenced standards. Records shall be made available for inspection by the fire code official, and a copy of the records shall be provided to the fire code official on request. The fire code official is authorized to prescribe the form and format of such recordkeeping. The fire code official is authorized to require that certain required records be filed with the fire code official.

109.3.1 Reporting. Maintenance and testing shall be reported to the fire code official through the Harris County Commissioner Court approved reporting platform. All installations, testing and maintenance, and yellow or red tag notifications shall be reported through this online platform to the fire code official to be
considered as the appropriate notification to the AHJ as ordered through the State mandated rules.

109.4 Supervision. Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who shall ensure that such maintenance and testing are conducted at specified intervals in accordance with this code.

109.5 Rendering equipment inoperable. Portable or fixed fire-extinguishing systems or devices, and firewarning systems, shall be provided with ready access and shall not be rendered inoperative, except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing.

109.6 Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, on finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or on finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected or require removal of occupants at a location when actual occupancy exceeds the permitted or posted occupant load. A person commits an offense if he refuses to obey an
order to vacate.