Being a City Nerd doesn't mean you know every fact off the top of your head. More than anything, it means you can find an answer to a question or know someone who can.That brings us to the latest request... A reader wrote in asking about the numbers that are painted atop the buildings in downtown LA (and actually, throughout the City). Knowing they were helipads, she wanted to know what they were for.
I knew exactly what she was talking about, and though I had a guess about the answer, I knew who would know for sure. So, I did the City Nerd thing, and here's what I found out:
"Pursuant of the City's Fire Code SEC. 57.118.12. EMERGENCY HELICOPTER LANDING FACILITY, the numerics indicate the weight (in thousands of pounds) that the helipad can support. The numbers are to be oriented north."
So, there you have it. And who was this super fire department code nerd? The answer was from the LAFD Nerd himself: Brian Humphrey.
If you've ever wondered why helipads have numbers (as shown above), they're not to identify which is which or the order in which they were built, but the weight capacity. I guess you could think of them as those inspection cards that are placed in elevators that tell you the maximum weight load and number of passengers.
Now, the question is: is Caltrans in violation because theirs is facing south, or does the fact that it's private make a difference? Take a look:
And oh, as for the LAFD Nerd, Brian - cut him some slack. The "other Brian" who was working with him got promoted, so the last week or so he's been doing the work of TWO Brians!
CalTrans Photo via Eric at BlogDowntown.
5 comments:
It feels good to now know this kind of info.
And thanks for the updated link. I love being a novice.
Tim:
I there are to be formal changes within the City of Los Angeles, they will be properly reflected in the Fire Code.
The Fire Code of course (like the remainder of LA's Municipal Code), is a living document that changes over time.
The Fire Department 'Keepers of the Code' work within the Fire Marshal's Research Unit.
If there is an appeal, exemption or amendment on any element of the Fire Code, it is these hard working Inspectors who will be in the know. If you have a particular question of them, please know they always welcome your call at (213) 978-3580.
I hope this information helps.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Once again Brian Humphrey proves he is the City's most valuable employee.
thanks. You know I have been wondering about this .
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