What are the Tampa emergency responder radio coverage system requirements? Do I need a BDA system? If you’ve been asking your magic eight-ball these questions, trust us on this one – you’re not getting the answers you need. It’s a good thing you found DynaFire.
An emergency responder radio coverage system (ERRCS), often referred to as a BDA (bi-directional amplifier) system, is a series of antennas distributed throughout a building. These antennas take outside radio signals and disperse them in the building, ensuring adequate signal coverage in each area.
Why do you need a Tampa emergency responder radio coverage system? Radio signals from the handheld radios first responders use to communicate during an emergency are strong and clear outside, but they don’t mix with building materials. These materials block radio signals from passing through concrete walls, underground structures, metal, and similar building components.
Tampa Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System Requirements
We know this is the big question on your mind. What are the requirements for building signal coverage in my building? Like many cities, Tampa has adopted NFPA 72 (National Fire Protection Association) standards for public safety radio communications coverage in buildings.
The International Fire Code (IFC) requires buildings to maintain a minimum of 95% signal coverage for buildings in the United States. The NFPA requires 99% signal coverage in critical areas of a building with 90% coverage for general areas like storage areas or parking garages.
If your occupancy type requires adequate coverage and you’re not getting it, you’ll need a Tampa emergency responder radio coverage system.
When you’re looking for specifics, the best place to go for the most current and accurate information is straight to the authority having jurisdiction or your local Fire & Life Safety professionals (that’s us). Our capable BDA team will be happy to help you keep your building in compliance with regulations in your area.
Do All Occupancies Need BDA Systems?
Not all occupancies will require a BDA system. If your occupancy type does not need to meet the requirements of the NFPA 72 code, you won’t need to be concerned with these systems.
Other occupancy types will require them, but the buildings are small enough or close enough to transmitter locations that they won’t need them. These properties still need to meet minimum requirements, and an RF (radio frequency) survey can tell you what the coverage on your property is like.
Common applications for BDA systems include:
- Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, large medical offices, and nursing homes
- High-rise apartment buildings and offices
- Warehouses and large data centers
- Arenas and stadiums
- Educational campuses and schools
Do You Need An Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System to Get a Certificate of Occupancy?
In Tampa, all commercial, multi-unit residential, governmental, and educational occupancies must have reliable in-building public safety radio communications coverage that meets the requirements of NFPA 72.
New construction properties that fall into this category will need to have adequate coverage to receive a CO. Many existing properties that fall into these occupancy types will need to retrofit their buildings by certain dates to stay in compliance with local codes.
If this is all as clear as mud, you need to call DynaFire. Our FCC GROL-certified technicians are here to help. Contact us today to get started.
