2013 • Issue 1

4 Tools for Achieving

Code Compliance 6 Inspection of Aircraft
Rescue and Fire Fighting
Vehicles
7 Questions
& Answers

Mass Notification Systems UL2572

Derek Mathews / Senior Staff Engineer

Various tragic events over the last The Mass Notification System (MNS) 72 as Annex material. Then, MNS was
several years have made it apparent concept was first developed by the U.S. incorporated into Chapter 24 of the NFPA
that occurrences other than fire related military with the publication of UFC 72 2010 Edition. The chapter, “Emergency
incidents can cause loss of life. Tragedies 4-021-01 Design and O&M: Mass Communications Systems,” also includes
such as the September 11th attacks and Notification Systems. The U.S. Air Force emergency voice alarm communication
shootings at Virginia Tech University, approached NFPA to develop a life safety systems (EVACS).
standard for mass notification that could
Northern Illinois University and Sandy On October 21, 2008, UL addressed
be used by both military and civilian
Hook Elementary School in Connecticut requests to establish requirements for
applications. In 2007, mass notification
demonstrate the need for action. mass notification equipment by publishing
signaling was introduced into NFPA
continued on page 2

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 [ 2013 • Issue 1 ]

Mass Notification Systems UL2572 (continued from cover)

Subject 2572, Outline of Investigation ANSI/UL2572, Standard for Mass The additions to the first edition of
for Control and Communication Units for Notification Systems, was published on ANSI/UL2572 included an expansion of
Mass Notification Systems. Coinciding October 7, 2011. Similar to UL864, Standard performance requirements for high power
with the addition of mass notification for Control Units and Accessories for Fire speaker arrays (HPSAs) as well as the
signaling to NFPA 72, these published Alarm Systems, UL2572 was written to inclusion of various distributed recipient
requirements were used to assess control align with the performance requirements mass notification systems (DRMNS), such
equipment for both in-building and wide of NFPA 72. The fire alarm system and MNS as: Hosted, Premised-Based, Hybrid, Hybrid-
area mass notification systems. Subsequent must work in a coordinated fashion so not Hosted, and Hybrid-Premise-Based.
editions were issued on March 20, 2009, to confuse people. The end-user and their
ANSI/UL2572 includes requirements for all
and October 8, 2009, to cover high power respective stakeholders consider potential
of the various types of mass notification
speaker arrays (HPSAs) and distributed hazards associated with their location/
services, such as:
recipient mass notification systems facility and then predetermine which type of
(DRMNS) employing dedicated targeted signal has highest priority, Fire or MNS. • In-Building Mass Notification System
individual receiving equipment. A system used to provide information
and instructions to occupants in a
building or other space using voice
communication, visible signaling and
other communication methods.
• Wide Area Mass Notification System
A system which provides real time
IN-BUILDING information to areas, including outdoor,
in a contiguous or non-contiguous
campus, region or global geographical
setting. Wide-area MNS can employ
high-power speaker arrays (HPSA) as the
auditory means for message conveyance

MNS
in outdoor areas.
• Distributed Recipient Mass
Notification System
A system intended to communicate to
Mass Notification targeted individuals that may not be in
Systems a contiguous area via SMS, email, pop-
ups, social media, etc. Note that “DRMNS
alerting is not to be used in place of
WIDE AREA
required audible and visible alerting
mass notification systems, but shall be
integrated with mass notification systems
whenever possible” [NFPA 72].
UL delineates in its Certification Directory
which published document the particular
mass notification product complies with to
bridge the time period when both Subject
2572 and ANSI/UL 2572 are in effect. All
DISTRIBUTED RECIPIENT products will need to meet ANSI/UL 2572
by April 6, 2015. UL’s category control

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www.ul.com/fsa

number (CCN) for mass notification systems different categories with each of them have with smoke detectors. With the
is PGWM. providing various levels of protection: unpredictability of human actions, tornadoes
• Communication Security: Level 0 – 3 and other quick onset type events, there is
The Mass Notification Systems types
• Stored Data: Level 0 – 2 little to no detection. MNS events such as
referenced above can also interface to
a gunman or hostage event have potential
each other to create an extensive and • Access Control Security: Level 0 – 3
to be dynamic and can last several hours. It
comprehensive MNS that can reach a • Physical Security: Level 0 – 3
is critical for the MNS to have the ability to
large populace. • Audit Control: Level 0 – 3 convey messages in a real-time manner.
Mass Notification Systems “are intended The MNS manufacturer must specify a level Mass notification is a very dynamic concern
to communicate critical information within for each area and UL testing will confirm and UL remains active in identifying issues
buildings and/or outdoor areas about compliance with the specification. Certain as well as solutions. UL is participating in
emergencies including but not limited to installations and/or AHJs may require a and helping sponsor a research project
terrorist activities, hazardous chemical higher level of security protection; therefore, between U.S. Department of Homeland
releases, severe weather, fire, and other a review of the UL Certification Directory Security and National Institute of Standards
situations that may endanger the safety will reveal each product’s respective level to and Technology (NIST) in which an in-depth
of the occupants of an area or facility. determine if the product meets the risk level study is being conducted with a focus on
Communication is through voice and visual for the particular application. three factors: what to say, when and how to
instructions, as well as alert and evacuation
Another aspect of UL2572 is Section 36 – say it, and to whom. The goal of the research
signals” [ANSI/UL2572].
Interfaces, where four different Technical project is to develop guidance on emergency
Even though ANSI/UL2572 is a Life Safety Configurations (TCs) are defined with communication strategies for buildings —
standard, security aspects had to be respective performance criteria. Since NFPA specifically regarding human responses/
considered in regards to an attack on or 72 Chapter 24 permits the interconnection behavior during an emergency — and basic
hacking of the MNS in order to prevent of Life Safety equipment with other non- message templates as well as guidance on
notification or signaling of an emergency performance based systems, UL2572 developing appropriate messages. The intent
event reaching intended recipients with provides requirements as well as guidance is to either include the information as annex
the intent of causing more damage and on how this can be achieved without material of NFPA 72 or at least reference it in
harm. UL2572 adopted specific security impacting the integrity of a certified Life NFPA 72 for owners or AHJs to use.
requirements from existing UL security Safety system. For additional information please contact
standards, such as encryption of certain
Mass Notification Systems do not have the Derek Mathews at +1.847.664.2928 or at
communication paths and protection of
advantage of early detection for all types of Derek.D.Mathews@ul.com.
stored information. Section 40, Security
and Data Protection, breaks down into five emergency events like fire alarm systems

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 [ 2013 • Issue 1 ]

TOOLS FOR ACHIEVING

CODE COMPLIANCE
UL Certifications and UL Evaluation Reports
Most products used in building construc- UL Evaluation Reports provide guidance to on which Authorities Having Jurisdiction
tion are required by the model codes code authorities, architects, designers, con- can determine that a product or system,
(building, fire, mechanical, and energy tractors, and installers in determining code as described in an Evaluation Report, is
conservation) to be tested and/or certi- compliance of products to model codes, in found to be at least equivalent to what is
fied by an approved third party certifier in instances where code requirements exceed prescribed in the code in respect to qual-
accordance with specific standards. Code the scope of individual UL product safety ity, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance,
compliance can be determined using UL certifications. These Evaluation Reports do durability, and safety. Wherever possible,
product safety certified products. Several not address building commissioning or field the test methods are those specified in the
free, easy to use online tools help locate inspections of buildings. model code, or is a recognized test standard.
these certifications, including:
Requirements UL uses its vast testing experience, knowl-
• UL Code Correlation Database edge of the product and test standards
UL Evaluation Reports are based on the
www.ul.com/codelink referenced within the model codes, and
requirements in the model installation
Correlate specific model code section full involvement with the model code
codes, such as the International Building
numbers with applicable UL certification development processes in evaluating
Code (IBC), International Mechanical
information products. Throughout the lifetime of an
Code (IMC), International Fire Code (IFC),
• ULtimate Fire Wizard Evaluation Report, UL regularly audits a
International Residential Code (IRC) and
www.ul.com/firewizard manufacturer’s production facilities and
other standardized requirements.
Locate a fire resistance rated assembly products to determine continued compli-
Where the product is not addressed in the ance with the requirements.
that meets design specifications and
model codes and/or the model installa-
code requirements
tion codes do not identify specific and clear Content of reports
• UL Online Certifications Directory requirements for the product, the applicable Each UL Evaluation Report contains the
www.ul.com/database International Code Council (ICC) Acceptance following information:
Locate a UL Listing or Classification. Criteria (AC) is used, as identified in the
• Report holder name and contact
However, some products are not addressed UL Evaluation Report. Where the model
information
in the model codes, or the model codes do codes have clear requirements, but there
are multiple requirements for the product • Scope of Evaluation — Includes the model
not identify specific and clear requirements
(i.e. not covered by a single standard) or the code(s) and identifies the properties
for certain products, or the model codes
requirements are contained in various sec- evaluated
have multiple requirements for a product
not covered by a single standard. In these tions of the code, the appropriate codes and • Referenced Documents — A list of the
situations, additional technical evidence standards referenced in the model installa- codes, standards and acceptance criteria
may be needed to determine if a new or tion codes are used, as identified in the UL used to evaluate the product
alternative material, product, design or Evaluation Report.
• Product Use and Description — What the
method of construction complies with the The test methods used are considered to product is and how it is used
intent of the model codes. UL Evaluation meet the intent of the provisions of the • Performance Characteristics — A sum-
Reports are intended to provide that techni- model codes identified in an Evaluation mary of the testing performed and the
cal evidence. Report. The overall purpose of an Evaluation results of the tests
Report is to provide sufficient information

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www.ul.com/fsa

Evaluation Reports
Category CSI MasterFormat® UL Awards First UL
Name Division Number Standards
Evaluation Report to AFM
Thermal Protection 07 20 00 ULEX
UL has awarded its first UL
Weather Barriers 07 25 00 ULEY Evaluation Report to AFM
Steep-slope Roofing 07 30 00 ULEZ Corporation for its Foam-Control
EPS thermal insulation and geofoam
Membrane Roofing 07 50 00 ULFB products. UL’s Evaluation Report
Roof and Wall Specialties and Accessories 07 70 00 ULFD service was launched as a commit-
ment to its customers to help meet
Fire and Smoke Protection 07 80 00 ULFE
their ever increasing need for fast,
Plaster and Gypsum Board 09 20 00 ULFP efficient, cost effective and market
accepted code compliance reports.

• Installation and Conditions of Use — roof coverings. Membrane Roofing (ULFB) “Having an Evaluation Report from
Information on how the product is to be includes built-up, fluid-applied, and roll UL will provide code authorities,
installed and any limitations on the use roofing. Roof and Wall Specialties and architects and other built environ-
of the product Accessories (ULFD) includes roof special- ment decision makers the confidence
• Supporting Evidence — Cross-reference ties, roof accessories, roof pavers, and wall and information they need to
to product certifications and reports that specialties. Fire and Smoke Protection determine code compliance of our
were reviewed to determine compliance (ULFE) includes applied fireproofing, board Foam-Control products. Most impor-
fireproofing, firestopping, smoke seals, and tantly, UL was able to complete
• Identification — A summary of product
smoke-containment barriers. Plaster and our Evaluation Report quickly and
markings for identification of these
Gypsum Board (ULFP) include plaster and cost effectively, making the process
products.
gypsum board assemblies, supports for very smooth. Another benefit of our
The products described in each UL plaster and gypsum board, backing boards UL Evaluation Report is that it will
Evaluation Report are identified by a and underlayments, and gypsum board. provide recognition for our Foam-
marking bearing the manufacturer’s name, Control products internationally”
For more information on UL’s Evaluation
the product type, and the UL Evaluation said Todd Bergstrom, Vice President
Service, please visit www.ul.com/
Report Number. of AFM Corporation.
evaluationreports.
Location of reports
UL Evaluation Reports can be found on
UL’s On-Line Certifications Directory at
www.ul.com/database.

General information is covered under the

product category for UL Evaluation Reports
(ULER). The initial individual categories for
specific Evaluation Reports are:

Thermal Protection (ULEX) includes ther-

mal insulation, roof and deck insulation,
and exterior insulation and finish sys-
tems. Weather Barriers (ULEY) includes
vULEX.GuideInfo ULEX Active 20130124
20130125 vapor retarders and air barri-
ers. Steep Slope Roofing (ULEZ) includes
shingles and shakes, roof tiles, and natural

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 [ 2013 • Issue 1 ]

UL Offers In-Service Inspection of Aircraft Rescue

and Fire Fighting Vehicles
As a result of requests from airport fire departments to conduct in-service testing of
pump systems on Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles and performance
testing of other ARFF vehicle systems, UL now offers in-service testing of ARFF vehicles
based on requirements from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1911.
NFPA 1911 ARFF vehicle requirements ground sweep, and under truck nozzles are 1. Engine Speed Test
include Standard for the Inspection, operating simultaneously. The rated capac- 2. Priming System Test
Maintenance, Testing and Retirement of ity of the ARFF fire pump is much greater
3. In lieu of standard NFPA 1911 pump-
In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus; NFPA than the total flow of the outlets that
ing tests: Pump discharge capacity
414, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire- would be used for structural firefighting.
is determined by size and number of
Fighting Vehicle; and NFPA 412, Standard for To provide an NFPA 1911 like pump test, UL
hand line outlets:
Evaluating Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting offers the following in-service pump test for
Foam Equipment. ARFF vehicles: • 20 minutes at 100 percent of discharge
outlet capacity at 150 psi net pump
UL has a long history of working with the Fire Pump Performance Tests (based on
pressure
fire service for inspecting and testing of NFPA 1911):
in-service fire apparatus. In-service inspec-
tion and testing of aerial devices and
pumpers is also conducted in accordance
with NFPA 1911.

The NFPA 1911 standard provides minimum

requirements for maintenance, testing and
inspection of urban fire apparatus when
placed in service. While there is no specific
standard for in-service ARFF vehicles, some
airport fire departments have elected to test
their ARFF vehicle pumps and water towers
(‘Extendable Turret’) to the requirements
of NFPA 1911. It should be noted that the
scope of NFPA 1911 in-service pump test is
designed primarily for structural firefight-
ing apparatus built per NFPA 1901 and is
not applicable for numerous ARFF vehicles
configured without a structural firefighting
pump system. Fire pumps on ARFF vehicles
are not typically configured to provide full
structural firefighting capabilities.

Newly manufactured ARFF Vehicles are

designed, built and tested under require-
ments described in NFPA 414. The pump is
sized to provide full stream pattern distance
and pressure when all turrets, hand lines,

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www.ul.com/fsa

• 10 minutes at 70 percent of discharge Option 2 — Foam Delivery Inspection purpose of conducting the following test(s)
outlet capacity at 200 psi net pump Package on in-service ARFF vehicles is to verify that
pressure This option consists of the following tests the vehicle is still operating at the same per-
• 10 minutes at 50 percent of discharge conducted in accordance with NFPA 414 formance levels demonstrated when it was
outlet capacity at 250 psi net pump and NFPA 412. manufactured.
pressure • Agent Discharge Pumping Test • Fire Pump Performance Test

4. Pressure Control Test • Pump and Maneuver Test • Acceleration Test

• Close all discharge valves with relief • Primary Turret Flow Rate Test • Top Speed Test
valve set at 150 psi while pumping at • Brake Operational Test
• Foam Proportioning Accuracy or Foam
full discharge capacity
Concentration Test • Air System / Air Compressor Test
• Close all discharge valves with relief
Option 3 — Pump and Foam System Tests • Electrical Charging System Test
valve set at 250 psi while pumping at
50 percent of discharge capacity The following tests are conducted in accor- • Pump and Maneuver Test
dance with NFPA 1911 and NFPA 414. • Primary Turret Flow Rate Test
5. Vacuum Test
• Fire Pump Performance Test (NFPA 1911) • Agent Discharge Pumping Test
6. Gauge Test: Verify accuracy of pump mas-
ter gauge and discharge gauges • Foam Proportioning Accuracy Test (NFPA • Foam Proportioning Accuracy Test
1911, Par. 20.3) or Foam Concentration
• Foam Concentration Test
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Test (NFPA 414, Sec. 6.4.11).
Fighting Inspections Option 4 — Ala Carte
For questions regarding UL’s in-
UL offers four inspection packages for service inspection program for ARFF
Under this option, the owner of the ARFF
ARFF vehicles. vehicles or other fire apparatus inspec-
vehicle(s) selects any of the following tests
tion programs, please contact Tom
Option 1 — Fire Pump Performance based on their needs. The ARFF vehicle
Hillenbrand at +1.847.664.2603 or at
Inspection Package in-service evaluations are based on NFPA
Thomas.A.Hillenbrand@ul.com; or Pat
In-service pumps are tested as described 414, Section 6.4 Operation Tests. NFPA
Ginnaty-Moore at +1.847.664.2633 or at
above based on NFPA 1911 414 requires that operational tests listed
Patrick.T.Ginnaty-Moore@ul.com.
in Section 6.4 be conducted on every new
vehicle at the time of manufacture. The

Questions & Answers

What Is The Process for Fire Door nonconformance will be documented and to close is the most common failure of fire
Inspections and Why are Annual UL staff will work with you to bring the doors during a fire. Codes now requiring
Inspections Required? product into conformance. annual inspection of fire doors have led
building owners to seek qualified fire door
The fire door inspection process Why are annual inspections of inspectors like UL to carry out detailed fire
Inspections are conducted to the exact- fire doors so important? door inspections to assure their buildings
ing requirements of NFPA 80 and result Fire doors and door hardware are subject are in compliance with NFPA 101 and
in an inspection report and UL inspection to failure due to their constant use in high NFPA 80 requirements.
certificate that state the requirements of traffic areas such as busy corridors and
For more information on UL’s Fire Door
the local authority, building official, insur- stair towers in hospitals, hotels, schools
Inspection Service, please contact us at
ance carrier and the Joint Commission on and office buildings. Constant use can lead
1.877.854.3577 or email us at:
Healthcare have been met. If any doors are to failure of the door to close in the event
fieldevaluations@ul.com
found not to meet the code requirements, of a fire. NFPA statistics indicate inability

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WHAT’S HOT UL presenting at the 2013 NFPA World Safety

Conference and Exposition
UL will participate in the 2013 NFPA World Safety Conference and Exposition.
Besides an exposition booth (#923), and participation in the Technical
Committee Report Session, NFPA has accepted 10 UL presentation topics.
The topics cover several important fire, building and electrical issues in the
built environment. Some of the topics that UL will be covering include:
• Smoke Alarm Response and Tenability in Residential Structures
• Residential Fire Dynamics
• What Is the Latest from UL on Gasoline/Ethanol Blends?

Please visit UL at booth 923. For additional information on the topics,

schedules and other presentations being given by UL staff at the NFPA
VISIT UL AT NFPA BOOTH 923 Conference, visit our website at www.ul.com/NFPA2013.

The Fire & Security Authority®

Published by the Regulatory Services Department Managing Editor — Darlene Knauss Address changes and additions —
and the Building Materials/Life Safety and Security T: 1.847.664.3985 Diane Fonzino
Industries of UL E: Darlene.Knauss@ul.com E: Diane.E.Fonzino@ul.com
A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Editor — Kristin Davis
T: 1.847.664.2670
W: ul.com/codeauthorities
E: Kristin.P.Davis@ul.com
T: 1.800.595.9844
E: ULRegulatoryServices@ul.com

UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2013. BDi 30413

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