Knox-Box__Access.pdf

Policy 706 Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/29, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Knox-Box® Access - 1 Knox-Box® Access 706.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide information about the Knox-B...

Policy 706 Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/29, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Knox-Box® Access - 1 Knox-Box® Access 706.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide information about the Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System and the roles and responsibilities of department members with regard to Knox-key security, storage, access and accountability. This policy shall apply to all buildings or sites within the Chesapeake Fire Department jurisdiction where it has been determined that a Knox-keyed device is needed or has been provided for accessibility for emergency responders (Fire Code 506). Knox-Boxes will be required in businesses with a required fire alarm panel and/or a sprinkler system or where the structure or facility is secured by a gated/fenced compound. 706.1.1 DEFINITIONS Definitions related to this policy include: Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) premise information file - A file entered in a CAD system to automatically notify responding units of certain information, including the presence of a Knox-Box, about a facility to which they have been dispatched. Key tag - Attached to each key in a Knox-Box to identify its function. Knox-Box - A locked box used for securely storing the keys to a gate, building or rooms within a building. Knox cabinet - A locked data cabinet used for storing information pertinent to the operation of a building, such as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) data and plant shut-down procedures. Keys to the facility can also be located within the cabinet. Knox Company - The manufacturer/vendor of Knox-Box, cabinets, key switches, padlocks and related accessories. This is the only company whose products can be accessed by the Chesapeake Fire Department. Knox master key - A key carried on all fire apparatus which enables department members to access any Knox-keyed device within the jurisdiction. 706.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Chesapeake Fire Department to be registered with the Knox Company to participate in its rapid entry system, providing safe and secure nondestructive emergency access to commercial and residential properties. Participation minimizes potential budget impacts caused by forcible entry during an emergency and allows a building to be re-secured quickly and easily by members. The Fire Chief or the authorized designee shall appoint a Knox program coordinator, who shall be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the program are administered in accordance with state fire code, local ordinance and Knox Company requirements. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Knox-Box® Access Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/29, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Knox-Box® Access - 2 706.3 KNOX KEY ACCOUNTABILITY No individual member shall be issued a Knox master key with the exception of sworn inspectors/ investigators assigned to the Fire Marshal's Office who are authorized to carry Knox master keys as required to complete Fire and Life Safety Inspections. Appropriate fire apparatus shall be equipped with key secure boxes that are accessed by an individual pin code. Once the Knox master key is released, it should be used to access the Knox-keyed device at the location of the emergency and be immediately returned to the key secure box. The Fire Chief is ultimately accountable for Knox master keys issued to the Department. Any missing master key shall be immediately reported verbally to a supervisor and followed up with a written explanation to the Fire Chief or the authorized designee by the end of the applicable/ assigned shift. Maintenance and security of the Knox master keys is essential to the credibility of the program. Any loss of a master key shall be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action initiated. If the key cannot be recovered, all Knox master keys in the jurisdiction may have to be replaced at department expense. 706.4 SITE INSTALLATION AND TESTING It is a property owner’s responsibility to order Knox-keyed devices and ensure that they are installed securely in a manner and location approved by the Department, in accordance with local building codes and ordinances. The reflective alert decal included with each Knox-Box should be mounted on the door or door frame adjacent to the Knox-Box. It is intended to alert fire companies to the presence of a Knox-Box. Knox-Boxes should be installed near the main entrance to the building at a height not to exceed six feet. This height has proven ideal as it enables members to access the Knox-Box quickly without deploying a ladder, yet is high enough to discourage tampering. Knox-key switches should be installed by a certified electrician familiar with these devices. 706.5 KEYS IN KNOX-BOXES Every access key placed in a Knox-Box should be identified with a sturdy key tag. Each set of keys should be grouped together on a key ring. Tags and key rings may be purchased from the Knox Company at the time the Knox-Box is ordered. The keys being installed will be at the discretion of the property owner but should be selected based on the access needs of emergency responders. Keys typically installed in a Knox-Box include: • Main entrance • Grand master • Elevator control • Mechanical room • Fire alarm panel Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Knox-Box® Access Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/29, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Knox-Box® Access - 3 • Electrical room • Roof access • Other secured areas deemed appropriate by the owner and/or the Department 706.6 LOCK-UP OF KEYS IN KNOX-BOXES Knox-Boxes are shipped to the property owner in the open position. After the box has been installed, the property owner must contact the Chesapeake Fire Department to request a lock-up of the box. Fire prevention staff will assist the property owner in arranging for a lock-up. All keys should be tagged and ready for placement in the Knox-Box upon the arrival of the prevention staff. Members receiving requests for lock-up should refer the owner to the appropriate prevention staff member or get the owner’s contact information. All requests shall be forwarded to the appropriate prevention staff member.