Cannabis Operations: Work Flow
1. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW a. Architectural plans are submitted to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) in application for a building permit and certificate of occupancy; i. Architectural plans are then submitted to LAFD Fire Development Services for review with respect to the clearance pending on the above building permit application; ii. Applicant follows all usual steps to obtaining their building permit and Certificate of Occupancy; b. Specific hazards particularly to be checked include: i. Occupancy classification: typically a Group F-1 Occupancy, but may constitute a Group H based upon storage of hazardous material(s) as compared to MAQ(s). Other occupancy group(s) in the same building must also be identified. ii. Whether or not sprinklers are required iii. Whether or not a fire alarm is required iv. Whether or not storage constitutes high pile combustible storage, which would require a separate plan check v. Proper egress considerations, including whether or not any egress doors are blocked by card readers or otherwise c. Approval of architectural plans is prerequisite to entertaining any equipment plans. 2. CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT a. CNG Burner (compressed flammable gas combustion process) i. Fire Permit Required (Industrial Oven, 3001.2 LAFC) ii. Fire Permit Required (Gas Detection: CNG and CO, 3805.1 LAFC) 1. Alarm signal at the lesser of 25% LEL or OSHA Personnel Exposure Limit for CNG and CO, set point to be supported by calculation 2. Alarm signal at 18.5% ambient oxygen 3. Alert signal at 3,000 ppmv CO2 and evacuation alarm signal at 30,000 ppmv 4. Audio/Visual notification required, to be separate and distinct from any fire alarm notification devices iii. Fire Permit Required (Central Station for gas detection, 105.7.1.6 LAFC) iv. CNG, CO2, CO, and low-O2 detectors with monitored alarm v. CNG and CO detectors must be UL 2075 or CSA C22.2 No. 152 listed vi. Other detectors must be NRTL listed (UL or similar) vii. Connection to plumbed in CNG line requires approval by LADBS Mechanical Test Lab, which requires testing by an approved third-party test lab upon agreement with LADBS and a resulting Modification approved by LADBS. viii. Mechanical ventilation is required at a rate not less than 1 CFM per square foot of the subject fire area 1. Requires LADBS Mechanical Plan Check approval