Fire Safety News
NFPA ends Involvement with the ICC International Fire Code
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has ended its involvement in the development of a single national/international fire code. In 1996, the NFPA and the International Code Council (ICC) began a joint effort to develop the International Fire Code. However, on February 19, 1998, the NFPA ended this effort, citing a difference in philosophy. The NFPA feels that the ICC code development process would not allow representatives from the fire service (e.g. fire official) to participate at an appropriate level.
In 1996, the NFPA and the ICC began working together in order to develop a consensus standards-making process for the single fire code. Regional committees were formed so that all parties, including the fire service, could voice their opinions on code issues. However, as the process progressed, it was apparent that the fire service was not going to get the level of involvement desired.
The NFPA will continue to maintain and update their own fire code (NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code) along with the complete set of NFPA Codes and Standards. Many of these codes and standards will be referenced within the ICC International Fire Code, as they are currently in all building codes.
FSES Survey
Harrington Group just completed a Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) survey of a major hospital located in the southeast.
The FSES for health care occupancies (Chapter 3 of NFPA 101A, Guide on Alternative Approaches to Life Safety, 1994 Edition) is a measuring system that compares the level of safety provided by an arrangement of safeguards that differ from those prescribed by the Life Safety Code to the level of safety provided by a building that strictly conforms to the Code. The FSES was used to analyze options for upgrading this 460,000 s. f. existing hospital building such that the level of safety within the building would be equivalent. A cost estimation was performed on each option and the most cost-effective and least invasive (to the hospital operations during renovation) option was chosen.
What are seismic joints and why do Fire Protection Engineers care?
Seismic joints are formed by the physical separation between buildings or portions/wings of a building. This separation is necessary so that in the event of an earthquake, each "building" is able to move or sway independently, preventing damage due to the collision of the two structures. Fire Protection Engineers care about seismic joints because the presence of unprotected seismic joints can be a major factor in the vertical spread of heat and smoke. This factor contributed to the loss of 85 lives in the MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas in 1980. Non-listed joint protection systems or improperly installed systems could be a serious detriment to life safety in a building. Seismic joints are critical for building survivability in areas where earthquakes are likely. Likewise, proper fire protection of seismic joints is extremely important for life safety in the event of a fire.
When is emergency power required for fire pumps?
When a "reliable" source of electrical power is not available, NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps (1996 Edition), requires that a secondary power source be provided.
A "reliable" source is one that does not experience frequent disruptions from natural or man-made conditions. It is important to keep in mind that just because you are hooked to the utility service does not mean that you automatically have a "reliable" source. The reliability of the power supply is a factor that must be explored during the design phase, not during the construction phase.
Harrington Group specifies, designs, approves and tests many fire pump installations each year and takes pride in our thoroughness and excellent service to our clients.
ESFR sprinklers can go higher thanks to Central Sprinkler Company.
Central Sprinkler Company recently introduced their new Ultra K-25 pendent ESFR sprinkler. This sprinkler is capable of protecting cartoned, unexpanded plastic commodities, as well as Class I, II, III, and IV commodities (encapsulated or unencapsulated) when stored up to 40 feet in a 45 foot high building. The typical ESFR sprinkler is limited to 40-foot high buildings at pressures up to 75 psi. This sprinkler has a k-factor of 25 and requires less pressure (20 to 50 psi depending on storage/ceiling heights). However, the flow rate from the sprinkler is enormous (approximately 177 GPM at 50 psi), often resulting in larger pipe sizes and the need for a fire pump. It is evident, however, that the need for a fire pump could be eliminated in smaller buildings with lower ceiling heights. Accurate cost estimation and precise hydraulic calculations are essential when considering using this new, innovative sprinkler.
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