Page 584 - 2018_IFC

APPENDIX J

BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN

The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in
the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.

User note:
About this appendix: Appendix J provides design, installation and maintenance requirements for a Building Information Sign (BIS), a fire
service tool to be utilized in the crucial, initial response of fire fighters to a structure fire. The BIS placard is designed to be utilized within
the initial response time frame of an incident to assist fire fighters in their tactical sizing up of a situation as soon as possible after arrival on
the scene of a fire emergency. The BIS design is in the shape of a fire service Maltese Cross and includes five spaces (the four wings plus
the centerpiece of the cross symbol) in which information is placed about the tactical considerations of construction type and hourly rating,
fire protection systems, occupancy type, content hazards and special features that could affect tactical decisions and operations.

SECTION J101 height of 42 inches (1067 mm) above the walking
GENERAL surface on the address side of the building or struc-
J101.1 Scope. New buildings shall have a building informa- ture.
tion sign(s) that shall comply with Sections J101.1.1 through 3. Conspicuously placed inside an enclosed entrance
J101.7. Existing buildings shall be brought into conformance lobby, on any vertical surface within 10 feet (254
with Sections J101.1 through J101.9 when one of the follow- mm) of the entrance door at a minimum height of 42
ing occurs: inches (1067 mm) above the walking surface.
1. The fire department conducts an annual inspection 4. Inside the building’s fire command center.
intended to verify compliance with this section, or any 5. On the exterior of the fire alarm control unit or on
required inspection. the wall immediately adjacent to the fire alarm con-
2. A change in use or occupancy has occurred. trol unit door where the alarm panel is located in the
Exceptions: enclosed main lobby.
1. Group U occupancies. J101.1.2 Sign features. The building information sign
shall consist of all of the following:
2. One- and two-family dwellings.
1. White reflective background with red letters.
J101.1.1 Sign location. The building information sign
shall be placed at one of the following locations: 2. Durable material.
1. On the entry door or sidelight at a minimum height 3. Numerals shall be Roman or Latin numerals, as
of 42 inches (1067 mm) above the walking surface required, or alphabet letters.
on the address side of the building or structure. 4. Permanently affixed to the building or structure in
an approved manner.
2. On the exterior surface of the building or structure
on either side of the entry door, not more than 3 feet J101.1.3 Sign shape. The building information sign shall
(76 mm) from the entrance door, at a minimum be a Maltese cross as shown in Figure J101.1.3.

(Top)

IIA & IIIA

(Left) MH TC PS (Right)

E, A & M

(Bottom)
FIGURE J101.1.3
EXAMPLE OF COMPLETED BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN

2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ® 551
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