HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompliance Agreement with Meridian Bowling Lanes, Inc.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made this /!f!!;.ay of April, 2007, and entered into by and
between the City of Meridian, a municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Idaho, hereinafter referred to as "CITY," 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho 83642, and
Meridian Bowling Lanes, Inc., hereinafter referred to as "OWNER," whose business address is
H060 :e1rgeflt3..u, Beisi, B.d.~ 83789....> :7..2.4- G. Hl!f7Z.J 0 ( A,v eOA-r7
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I. RECITALS )
The parties do agree and stipulate to the following facts, which facts provide the basis of
and impetus for this Agreement. Code provisions referenced in this Agreement shall be as
provided in Appendix A hereto.
WHEREAS, the structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho, in which is
housed a bowling alley and which is owned by Meridian Bowling Lanes, Inc., was originally
built in 1959 and additions to the building were constructed in 1973, 1974, 1978, and 1983;
WHEREAS, the 1982 Uniform Building Code ("UBC") was adopted by the City of
Meridian on September 20, 1982 by Ordinance no. 412 and was in effect when the 1983 addition
to the structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho ("1983 addition") was constructed;
WHEREAS, the 2003 International Fire Code ("IFC") was adopted by the City of
Meridian on August 1,2005 by Ordinance no. 05-1158 and is in effect as of the effective date of
this Agreement;
WHEREAS, under section 103 of the 1982 UBC, upon construction of the 1983
addition, the provisions of the 1982 UBC did apply not only to the 1983 addition, but to the
entire building;
WHEREAS, upon construction of the 1983 addition, the structure at 324 South Meridian
Road, Meridian, Idaho, being a Group A, Division 2.1 building under 1982 UBC section 601,
was therefore required to be compliant with all provisions of the 1982 UBC, including sections
3802(b)(1), 3802(c)(1), and 3803;
WHEREAS, the 1983 addition was not, and was at no relevant time thereafter, compliant
with 1982 UBC sections 3802(b)(1), 3802(c)(I), and/or 3803;
WHEREAS, on or about April 7, 2005, the City of Meridian became aware that the
structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho was not compliant with 1982 UBC
sections 3802(b)(I), 3802(c)(I), and 3803, notified the owner(s) of Meridian Lanes of such
noncompliance, and informed Meridian Lanes that unless and until a plan was in place to
remediate such noncompliance, the City would not renew Meridian Lanes' liquor license upon
its expiration on April 30, 2007 because of the potential life safety issues related to unremediated
noncompliance;
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 1 OF 12
WHEREAS, notwithstanding the apparent lack of prior documentation and/or
notification of noncompliance, the City of Meridian at no time waived, relinquished, or lost its
authority to require that the owners ofthe structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho
bring such building into compliance with contemporaneously effective building and/or fire code
and/or to require that such building comply with 1982 UBC sections 3802(b)(1), 3802(c)(I), and
3803, both as a condition of the renewal of Meridian Lanes' liquor license and pursuant to 2003
IFC sections 102.1(2) and 102.1(4);
WHEREAS, pursuant to 2003 IFC sections 102.1(2) and 102.1(4), the City of Meridian
further requires that automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems installed in the structure
at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho, vis a vis its Occupancy Classification of Group A-
2.1, comply with any and all applicable provisions of the 2003 IFC, including, but not limited to,
all applicable provisions of2003 IFC sections 903, 904, and 907;
WHEREAS, the City of Meridian and the owners of the structure at 324 South Meridian
Road, Meridian, Idaho, recognize the potential financial impact of bringing the structure at 324
South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho into compliance with 1982 UBC sections 3802(b)(1),
3802(c)(I), and 3803, as such compliance is defined herein and by the 1982 UBC and the 2003
IFC; and
WHEREAS, the City of Meridian and the owners of the structure at 324 South Meridian
Road, Meridian, Idaho seek, by this agreement, to work cooperatively to both achieve
compliance and to minimize the financial impact thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration ofthe mutual promises, covenants, terms and
conditions hereinafter contained, the parties agree as follows:
II. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Compliance Timeline and Scope of Work:
1. Upon execution of this Agreement, OWNER shall perform or cause to be performed
all work and/or installations, and shall comply in all respects, as specifi.ed in the
document entitled "Compliance Timeline and Scope of Work," a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference, together with
any amendments thereto that may be agreed to in writing by the parties.
2. OWNER shall complete work and/or installations under the terms of this Agreement
consistent with the requirements and standards established by applicable federal, state
and city laws, ordinances, regulations and resolutions. OWNER represents and
warrants that it will perform, or cause to be performed, its work in accordance with
generally accepted industry standards and practices for the profession or professions
that are used in performance of this Agreement and that are in effect at the time of
performance of this Agreement.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 2 OF 12
3. Work and/or installations completed by OWNER under this Agreement shall be
performed in a timely manner in accordance with the document entitled "Compliance
Timeline and Scope of Work," a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and
incorporated herein by this reference, together with any amendments that may be
agreed to in writing by the parties.
B. Consideration:
1. In consideration for completion of work and/or installations completed pursuant to
and in accordance with this Agreement and all exhibits, appendices, and attachments
incorporated herein by reference, together with any amendments that may be agreed
to in writing by the parties, CITY shall not prosecute such outstanding and ongoing
code violations specifically addressed by this Agreement, nor deny approval of
OWNER's application for renewal of its licensees) for the sale of beer, wine, liquor,
and/or alcohol, on the grounds that the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho does not comply with applicable building or fire codes, except that,
notwithstanding any term of this Agreement:
a. CITY may prosecute violations of fire code where such violations and/or the
amelioration thereof are not specifically addressed by this Agreement; and
b. CITY may deny approval of OWNER's liquor license on other grounds where
such grounds for denial exist.
2. In consideration for CITY's approval of OWNER's application for renewal of its
licensees) for the sale of beer, wine, liquor, and/or alcohol, notwithstanding such
outstanding and ongoing code violations specifically addressed by this Agreement,
and forbearance from prosecution for such outstanding and ongoing code violations
as set forth herein, OWNER shall complete work and/or installations pursuant to and
in accordance with any and all terms and conditions of this Agreement and all
exhibits, appendices, and/or attachments incorporated herein by reference, together
with any amendments that may be agreed to in writing by the parties.
3. OWNER shall not be entitled to receive from CITY any additional consideration,
compensation, payment, salary, wages, or other type of remuneration for work and/or
installations completed pursuant to and/or in accordance with this Agreement.
c. Time of Performance:
This Agreement shall become effective upon execution by both parties, and shall expire
upon completion of the work and/or installations agreed upon herein, or upon March 1,
2010, whichever occurs first, or unless sooner terminated as provided herein.
D. Independent Entity:
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 3 OF 12
1. In all matters pertaining to this agreement, OWNER shall be an entity wholly apart
and separate from CITY, and neither OWNER nor any officer, employee or agent of
OWNER shall be deemed an officer, employee or agent of CITY.
2. OWNER shall determine the method, details and means of performing the work
and/or installations to be completed under this Agreement. OWNER shall be
responsible to CITY only for the requirements and results specified in this Agreement
and, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and/or any applicable law, rule,
or ordinance, shall not be subjected to CITY's control with respect to the physical
action or activities of OWNER in fulfillment of this Agreement.
E. Indemnification and Insurance:
1. OWNER shall indemnify and save and hold harmless CITY from and for any and all
losses, claims, actions, judgments for damages, or injury to persons or property and
losses and expenses and other costs, including, but not limited to, litigation costs and
attorney's fees, arising out of, resulting from, or in connection with the performance
ofthis Agreement by OWNER, its servants, agents, officers, employees, guests,
patrons, independent contractors, and business invitees, and not caused by or arising
out of the tortious conduct of CITY or its employees. OWNER shall maintain, and
specifically agrees that it will maintain, throughout the term of this Agreement,
liability insurance, in which CITY shall be named an additional insured, and fire
insurance, in the minimum amounts as follows:
a. Liability Insurance: One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) aggregate; and
b. Fire Insurance: One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident or
occurrence.
OWNER shall provide CITY with a Certificate of Insurance, or other proof of
insurance evidencing OWNER's compliance with the requirements of this paragraph
no more than ten (10) calendar days following the effective date ofthis Agreement.
2. The limits of insurance enumerated herein shall not be deemed a limitation of the
covenants to indemnify and save and hold harmless CITY; and if CITY becomes
liable for an amount in excess of the insurance limits, herein provided, OWNER
covenants and agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless CITY from and for all
such losses, claims, actions, and/or judgments for damages or injury to persons or
property and other costs, including litigation costs and attorneys' fees, arising out of,
resulting from, or in connection with the performance of this Agreement by OWNER
and/or OWNER's officers, employs, guests, independent contractors, agents,
representatives and/or subcontractors and resulting in and/or attributable to personal
injury, death, and/or damage and/or destruction to tangible or intangible property.
3. In the event the insurance minimums are changed, OWNER shall immediately submit
proof of compliance with the changed limits. Evidence of all insurance shall be
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 4 OF 12
mailed by United States Mail to the Meridian City Clerk, 33 East Idaho Avenue,
Meridian, Idaho 83642.
F. Notices:
1. Any and all notices required to be given by either of the parties hereto, unless
otherwise stated in this Agreement, shall be in writing and be deemed communicated
when mailed by United States Mail, certified, return receipt requested, addressed as
follows:
Fire Marshall
Meridian Fire Department
540 E. Franklin
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Allen Quintieri, President
Meridian Bowling Lanes, Inc. te
+-1-066 DM'de:fltl:r.vcr '3 'Z. 4- 5: H OJ 0 I ~ OA-r:J
BoiBc,Iaaho 83789 H~Iz.~PIWIYO. &3&42-
2. Either party may change its address for the purpose ofthis paragraph by giving
written notice of such change to the other in the manner herein provided.
G. Agreement Binding on Successors
1. CITY shall record this Agreement against the subject real property in the land records
of Ada County, Idaho. All terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding
on OWNER's assigns, lessees, transferees, giftees, assignees, successors, grantees,
agents, and/or estate, and shall survive the sale, lease, transfer, gift, succession,
renaming, reorganization, or assignment of OWNER and/or the subject real property
and/or the structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho.
2. OWNER specifically recognizes that by entering into this Agreement, OWNER
hereby binds to all terms of this Agreement its heirs, assigns, lessees, transferees,
giftees, assignees, successors, grantees, agents, and/or estate insofar as such parties
are or may be responsible for ownership, possession, control, custody, management,
maintenance, repair, and/or upkeep of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho and/or the health, safety, and/or welfare of guests, patrons, and/or
invitees thereto.
H. Time is of the Essence/Default:
The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that time is strictly of the essence with respect
to each and every term, condition and provision hereof, and that the failure to timely
perform any of the obligations hereunder shall constitute a breach of, and a default under,
this Agreement by the party so failing to perform.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 5 OF 12
I. Reports and Information:
At such times and in such forms as CITY may require, OWNER shall furnish to CITY
such statements, records, reports, data and information as CITY may request pertaining to
matters covered by this Agreement.
J. Audits and Inspections:
At any time during normal business hours and as often as CITY may deem necessary,
there shall be made available to CITY for examination all of OWNER's records with
respect to all matters covered by this Agreement. OWNER shall permit CITY to audit,
examine, and make copies of such records, and to make audits of all contracts, invoices,
materials, and other data relating to all matters covered by this Agreement.
K. Compliance with Laws:
In performing the scope of services required hereunder, OWNER shall comply with all
applicable laws, ordinances, and codes of Federal, State, and local governments.
L. Changes:
Either party may request changes in the Compliance Timeline and Scope of Work to be
completed hereunder. Changes which are mutually agreed upon by and between CITY
and OWNER shall be set forth in written amendments to this Agreement.
M. Termination:
1. If, through any cause, OWNER, and/or its officers, employs, guests, independent
contractors, agents, representatives and/or subcontractors, fails to fulfill in a timely
and proper manner its obligations under this Agreement, violates any of the
covenants, agreements, and/or stipulations of this Agreement, falsifies any record or
document required to be prepared under this agreement, engages in fraud, dishonesty,
or any other act of misconduct in the performance ofthis contract, and/or ifthe City
Council determines that termination of this Agreement is in the best interest of CITY,
CITY shall thereupon have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving written
notice to OWNER of such termination and specifying the effective date thereof at
least five (5) calendar days before the effective date of such termination.
2. In the event of termination of this Agreement or any portion thereof, CITY may
pursue any and all legal remedies available to CITY, whether criminal or civil in
nature.
3. Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Agreement, OWNER shall
not be relieved of liability to CITY for damages sustained by CITY by virtue of any
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 6 OF 12
breach of this Agreement by OWNER. This provision shall survive the termination
of this agreement and shall not relieve OWNER of its liability to CITY for damages.
N. Attorney Fees:
Should any litigation be commenced between the parties hereto concerning this
Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled, in addition to any other relief as may be
granted, to court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees as determined by a Court of
competent jurisdiction. This provision shall be deemed to be a separate contract between
the parties and shall survive any default, termination or forfeiture of this Agreement.
o. Construction and Severability:
If any part ofthis Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such holding will not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other part of this Agreement so long as the
remainder of the Agreement is reasonably capable of completion.
P. Advice of Attorney:
Each party warrants and represents that in executing this Agreement, it has received
independent legal advice from its attorney and/or has received adequate opportunity to
seek such advice.
Q. Entire Agreement:
This Agreement contains the entire agreement ofthe parties and supersedes any and all
other agreements or understandings, oral or written, whether previous to the execution
hereof or contemporaneous herewith.
R. Applicable Law:
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State ofIdaho and the ordinances of the City of Meridian.
s. Approval Required:
This Agreement shall not become effective or binding until approved by CITY.
Dated this Z4~day of April, 2007.
~
Dated this I r day of April, 2007.
CITY OF MERIDIAN
OWNER
B~~f
Tammy de We rd, All
.
~V'e,el. "c;~ (J,h/11.J f--Z1--o7
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 7 OF 12
Attest:
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Approved as to Form
By:~J 23
Bill Nary, City Attorney
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 8 OF 12
By August 1,2007:
By September 1,2007:
EXHIBIT A:
Compliance Timeline and Scope of Work
OWNER shall provide to CITY the schematic plan for the
installation of an automatic sprinkler system in the structure at 324
South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho in:
1) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the original building constructed in
1959, also known as Phase 1 of such structure, as Phase 1 is
represented in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
2) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1973, also
known as Phase 2 of such structure, as Phase 2 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
3) That portion ofthe structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1974, also
known as Phase 3 of such structure, as Phase 3 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4) The basement of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho.
Any and all portions of the automatic sprinkler system to be
installed in the structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian,
Idaho shall be designed to comply, and shall comply, in all
respects with all applicable provisions of the 2003 IFC and the
2007 National Fire Protection Association ("NFP A") Standards,
including, but not limited to NFP A 13, Standard for the Installation
of Sprinkler System, as required by 2003 IFC S 903.3.1.1, and all
other applicable portions of 2003 IFC SS 903 and 904.
OWNER shall install, or cause to be installed that portion of the
automatic sprinkler system to be installed in the structure at 324
South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho which will serve:
1) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the original building constructed in
1959, also known as Phase 1 of such structure, as Phase 1 is
represented in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
2) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1973, also
known as Phase 2 of such structure, as Phase 2 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
3) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1974, also
known as Phase 3 of such structure, as Phase 3 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4) The basement of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 9 OF 12
Any and all portions of the automatic sprinkler system to be
installed in the structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian,
Idaho shall comply in all respects with all applicable provisions of
the 2003 IFC and the 2007 National Fire Protection Association
("NFP A") Standards, including, but not limited to NFP A 13,
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System, as required by
2003 IFC ~ 903.3.1.1, and all other applicable portions of 2003
IFC ~~ 903 and 904.
By June 1,2008:
OWNER shall provide to CITY the schematic plan for the
comprehensive fire alarm system to be installed in all portions
and/or phases of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho including, but not limited to:
1) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the original building constructed in
1959, also known as Phase 1 of such structure, as Phase 1 is
represented in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
2) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1973, also
known as Phase 2 of such structure, as Phase 2 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
3) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1974, also
known as Phase 3 of such structure, as Phase 3 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1978, also
known as Phase 4 of such structure, as Phase 4 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
5) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1983, also
known as Phase 5 of such structure, as Phase 5 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
6) The basement of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho.
Such plan shall comply in all respects with 2003 IFC ~~ 907.1.1
and 907.1.2. Any and all portions ofthe fire alarm system to be
installed in the structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian,
Idaho shall be designed to comply, and shall comply, in all
respects with all applicable provisions of the 2003 IFC and the
2007 NFP A Standards, including, but not limited to NFP A 72,
National Fire Alarm Code, as required by 2003 IFC ~ 904.3.5 and
907.2.1, and 2003 IFe ~ 907.1.
By October 1,2008:
OWNER shall install, or cause to be installed, the fire alann
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 10 OF 12
system in all portions and/or phases ofthe structure at 324 South
Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho including, but not limited to:
1) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the original building constructed in
1959, also known as Phase 1 of such structure, as Phase 1 is
represented in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
2) That portion ofthe structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1973, also
known as Phase 2 of such structure, as Phase 2 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
3) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1974, also
known as Phase 3 of such structure, as Phase 3 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
4) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1978, also
known as Phase 4 of such structure, as Phase 4 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
5) That portion of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho which is the addition constructed in 1983, also
known as Phase 5 of such structure, as Phase 5 is represented
in the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit B.
6) The basement of the structure at 324 South Meridian Road,
Meridian, Idaho.
Any and all portions of the fire alarm system installed in the
structure at 324 South Meridian Road, Meridian, Idaho shall
comply in all respects with all applicable provisions of the 2003
IFC and the 2007 NFP A Standards, including, but not limited to
NFP A 72, National Fire Alarm Code, as required by 2003 IFe ~
904.3.5 and 907.2.1, and 2003 IFC ~ 907.1.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 11 OF 12
EXHIBIT B:
BuiIdiD!! phases of the structure at 324 S. Meridian Rd.~ Meridian~ Idaho
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COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE 12 OF 12
ApPENDIX A:
Code Provisions Referenced in Ae:reement
Table of Contents
Code Section Pa e
1982 Uniform Building Code
2003 International Fire Code
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
103
'104,
601
3802, "'"
3803
102
','~03 :'
904
907.
A-2
iN-3
A-5
A-6
A-9
A-I0
,,1\-12
A-34
· '1\-44,..
PAGE A-I OF A-69
1982 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
SECTION 103
18e2ED1T1ON
.ltlrt I
ADMINJtrRAnve
~1
TITLE, SCOPE AND GENERAL
TIlle
SM... l'IaD~1aIinQs IhaJ1 bl:kDOWD 881he "UDifotmBuildin& Code,,'~
11I8)' be cited.. such 8Dd wiD belefemd to hereiaas "this code. ". .
. . .
Purpoee
: . See.. 182. The pmpOae of this code is 10 pnwide "mum &tIuIdaRiI 10
,,-Iife or 1in:Ib~ hNIID, ptOJIe[ty 8Dd JdIic Wdfare try .. and
COIl1rOlIiDg the de&fan, c:cmstmcIioD, quality of maIeria1s. IISe and occupancy,
hIcIdDD _ JD':O~_.O( all1Jrrifd1T UJd 1dIUI:t11fCI withia this jDdsdiam
and. . . hereiD. .' .
Stope
See. :lt3.11lCprovisioasartiUsCadesb8D ~totbeeonarructWB~ alterado1l.
1D9Ving. tIemoJitioa, repllrlllduse .of 8111 buiIdi1I8 or 8Il1IObIrevritbiu 1his
_ jmidcdoe, ..... WOI.k kDdcd ....i..~.~.i.a a putdit;wayf p1IbUc: ati1i~ towm
_ polea, ~jQW cquiJlIMIlt IIDl apecificdy .....Ia Ibis ~ancI
hydrau]ic ftcod CODIJOI strac:luIe&. ., . .
Additions, aJten""5; Rplirsand~..otuaeOJ'~ iaaD bU~.
aad,~. sbiI1 c:omplJ Wirh.. pmiBiII.1sfor DIM' b\dlCHap aod ~
CKCept as ~ providId in Stctious 1'04,307 aDd_ Of this cacle.
~ in ~."Ceal8~'difftreot aecdons fIllhia ~ apecity ~t
BJIIIriaIs. medlocfIl of ~ OF odHlr requinJDeDrs, Ihe mD6t .rcstri~
&aU JOVIIIl. ~... is. ClfJIIfIict. ~ .bc~.. ~ ~ ~.a
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~~~ . ~~llIfIUOIDI8t ~
....~_~~. made ~tbI ippeedix... pmisious~1he .
appeadix.1baJ1 DOl appJr U8leasapdkaU.y ~. . . . ... '
, ',~ 101*6. BuIldlnp......cturM
. See. UN! (~)GeIIenI. BuI~aad 8fI:UC1UIIS towbich additions. aJteaIions
or mpaDs am'" du.dJ c:OQJp\y wiIh iii the lV4ui1aBnt1 of this code fat ~
fididr:l ~ IS ~ provided fa dft& 1CdiGB. See ~ 1210 for
~isJoDs"'9'ift._"111Wt of tm.ote dtrt.eraninWUDs Group It, Div!sion
3 ~ief.
, ~ (b) A~ AI...... ..... Addbions. .... or repairs may
[ be made to arty btiIdiug ertq<<.b- )lith_ ~gtbe ~ building or
. tII'IOtUI'e 18 CCBnpIywithaU die mqU~'" of this... pmYidedtheac:tditioD,
........ or mpair \1Uflt\- ..oil 10 dI8t RqDkcd for a new buitdiDg Of .&CnICtUre.
....u:~ _-.:~ . IlbaJI .M: bpildiq <<_fHl_ '^
~-...QJMOf~ . ..JqJ~~Jl....II&~, .'. ,_~_"'---r-
~1IntaIC" ~: Aiiy buJltlin so aIwnd~ _"tnVQi\<es a ~
. . or. . ! _' .. . .,..,... ," _... .
ZS
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGEA-2 OF A-69
1982 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
SECTION 104
,IItEDlllOtl
.ltD1 I
~1
TITLE, SCOPE AND GENERAL
TItle
See. J81. 'Daezeplalioa.w bcboWD .me "UDifbtmJJoildiDs Code.. ,.
may be eireclas such 8Dd wiD ~re&:md to beIeia as ~ code.... .
Purpo.
: . See.. la.. The ,puIp)ae of this ClGde is to provide ~mom stuJdaI:ds 10
~ftllife or ~ hIaIIh, property ami pabJic wdfare by Rplatiag and
CCIdr01Iiag the tWga, CXJDSIIUCIioD. quality of 1IIIlleriaJs, ase 8I1d occupaocy,
1dCIdoD aacJ 1DIPnte8lllte wall ~. and~ wiDda tbis jurisdiction
lIldeercaiRequipaaC,,-s..I1)',....,heRiD. ..' .
Sc:opt
Sle.1I3. ThC (DVYiIiom artiaisWcleshaU appI)r totbcconall'uctial, alteration,
mcmag.. (Je,nnlitioa, repaIr&duse ()f ., buiIdiDs or sana..4\a~ wilhiD 1IDs
_ jaritdictioo, qecpt wodt kx:atcd primaDI)o.ill a public way, pab1ic utility towers
IDCl poles, ~.., ecpaipaat IlDC spec.iIieaIIy repJarecJ ia Ibis ~ mI
hydamJic fbd conuol stracaure&. . \ . .
AdditiODl, ~" Rplirs8llCl c.lumIClotuae~~QI;)' iaall buiIdipgs
aad.str8dum. &bill comply widldlO JIIOVisialsforuew ~gs aDd ~
acept u otlw1-_ provided in Secdous 104, 301 aodS02 Of this cocle.
Wbem, in ~.~ case..4iffaeot aetdoas of Ihis codo ~ dij'fele4t
IDIIIriaIs. meIba4c of CODStIUcIioa or other l'ClfIldremenrsll the most restrictive
~~: ~.::e~:c~~~ir~~~.~..a
~~~~.. ~ "'I'J'P':""
..~._(O(Io~it __lOb ippe.. "proYision&~1ha
appeadix. shaD DOl appJr UD1e88 ~ adopte4.
I ~AppJbdon . ..... BuIdlnp....StructuNa
, See.. .... (e)Ge8wal. BuiTdiDpud struCtUd& towbiGh IIdditioas, alterations
acrepain are'" sbCtJI eqmpty willi III tbc ~ of this code for '!OW
fiIcmde& e1I:AIpt D Ipdfiully po\IDIed ia Ibi& ncti.. See $oQ_ 1210 for
~iIJoDs..iriDa_~of..detecfOl'lia_UDsOloupR, Di~sion
3 ecc.~.
i ~ (b)""'" .~.. ...... Addi1ionJ. alterllioDS or mpaim may
: be made to any bddiDg er tq<<;ba )'iIhom.cquhSdg die c;dSI:iaa building or
. tll1lCtln to camp1ywithaDdIe reql,i~ of tbisCG4e. proYidedtbe addition,
....... or ., (M.fi... nodi. 10 tbIIr ~ tor a niw buildiag Of .&bUCtUre.
AA.I~ __ot....::_ . ..a....tt...... .n: baJr.u.-cr:-IMt_~o
.--.~~C)f~.-.-~~~.......~. ~ ,_~-="'"'''''-r
becomi 'Ib1IIdC h owa...: Aiiy bujldift so aIIIInd~ wIIi~ #1.voJves a l:Iagc.
. . or. ! _. ,. . ...., .', , ..., .
25
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE A-3 OF A-69
104
~8UI.IJINGCOIE
"'. or ,ocaumacy. ~ DOt .exceed thell~r- mimber of stories ~ eea
~forJIDWbat(dm{S. Mr~~tig.~llll1l!!l~cee(J'tne
~moi1oetOf~a4!ft1.~lOtnaw ~.. -
Altcl8lkM1l or JepaiIS IU 1ft ~ building OJ' stnICttHe wbicbsre JIOJISttuc-
tbdl_ doDDt adver&elyaffect aaystIUCtaral member or IllY part of the buiidiDg
or IImetDre IaaviDg J:eIlDited m. ~ .., be ~ wi. tile.. QUIterQla
of which the bu.I1diD8 or strw:tareis CODSIncted. .
UCD11O!f; ,. iPcbllatiDD or mplM"MlW!llt of g1IS8 thai be u ~ for
......n..tiftnc.. '.
(e) ......,,,........ Bm1d. iD~attbDtiiDeoftbaadoptioD of
tbi& code may have 1bdr oxistiDg use or OCCUPllDC)' .condmled. jf such IJiC or
DCCI1pIDCY was lep11t "the time of the adBptioa Of 1his code, provided such
CGDliDuecl w;e: is aot~ tsltife.
A1q c:haDae ia 1IB:use.ur Gt?cupancy of my ai&tiaB bIIildiDg or strucBlle shall
qqnpfJ with the pmrisi0D8 of~'W 3W 8502 oftbiseode..
JbrexisciD8 ~s, see ~Qmptar 1.
(d) M*~. All buiJ4iDga and stnICtJDeS, bolla aisdog IIDd new~ and all
I*ts Ihemof, thalI be maiDtaiMd in asafo and&aDitary cooditicm~ All de'vic:e$ or
safepards Which are re~'" dlisc:ode shall be meinIa~ in ccmfmmance
with the eoda editiOn ~ wbidl iDItaUed.. The owaer or bis dosigDaIed. agent
ibaD beJUpOJllibla forlbD nurinlARBnm ofbuildiDgs and 5truetares. '1Oc:lI::IQ.wi4to
c:ompIiaDce witJl this sWsec:don, die buiJdiq of6d.a1 may cuo'any SUUCl\D1O
be~
(e.) *-4 ~ and ~rJ' .... Buildiqs or saNctures
'IIIOWlIliDtoorwithin thejnri&didi.oD~ OOthply d1atlui piuvWOD5 oflhia Code
lor.., buildings or~. .
~ ~ -*.. ~ $tands aadOlhermisCe1lalleODS struc.
lWM. shed~. caoopiesorfences _ fbrtlie~ lib.. tlfhe putiJic around and In
conjunction willi COIIBI1'UCficm 'MJIk may be cmlCtcd by s.pocial permit flOm ~
baUdiaaofftcial ba limiled period ofdnie. Such baildingB orstlUetU'leSneed nOt
c:amply~ 1het,peof~uaianorfirfHe&istive timaparioda rcquircdbythis
cocIe. TtwP<<Ii buiIdiap or at:nJCIuRS sbal1 be compJeteIy 1'eiSlO'Wd upon the
~mIian of the tilDeliadt IbBd in dID pamit.
(f) IDdaric aa:..... Repairs. alteraIioDs Ed additioDS iIeceumy f~r Ibe
pmerwIioD, _tmaliua, _abiJitajgoor~It~1ISeofa huildiDgoratn1d1Ue
.., be made without uhI,,..b9.11CC to at1the requirementS of dlis code. when
GHtb.orized by the~ offidaI, provided: . -
1. 1'1Kt ~ or stnJC:tBlC .. been desigP....1ty cfficia1 actioD of dle
legally comtikitedauthodi,ofthiJ jurilfdictionasbevjng apeciaJ histbrieal
or~~~' . . .
2. AIry Ull88feCODditiODS as de8Cdbecl ill t.bis code 818 cormcted.
3. The restored building or ;lb..c.htre wiD be 110 mart hazal'dO\1S. bas.cd. o.a lifo
safety, m.l8fety and un~ioJ1 tlumllle e1Ji4ltiog baikIiIIS.
21
"" '" ......~.. ,..,.,,,...__..+......_.~. ....~~~~~~~.":~.:"'''';;''
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE A-4 OF A-69
1982 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
SECTION 601
1882 EDJnON
801-602
Chapter 6
REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP A OCCUPANCIES
Group A Occupancl.. Defined
See~ 601. Group A Occupancies shan be:
Division 1. Any assembly building with a stage and an occupant load of 1000
or more In rhe building.
Division 2.. Any building or portion of a buildmg having an assembly room
with an occupant load of less than 1000 and a stage.
Division 2.1. Any building or portion of a building having an assembly room
with an occupant load of 300 or more without a stage, including such buildings
used for educational purposes and not classed as a Group E or Group B. Division 2
Occupancy,
Division 3. Any building or portion of a building having an assembly room
with an occupant load of less than 300 without a stage, including, such buildings
used for educational purposes and not classed as a Group B or Group B. Division 2
Occupancy.
DIvision 4. Stadiums, reviewing stands and amusement park structures not
included within other Group A Occupancies. Specific and general requiremenb
for grandstands, bleachers Bnd reviewing stands are to be found in Chapter 33.
For occupancy separations, see Table No. 5-B.
Construction, Height and Allowable Area
Sec. 602. (8) General. Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group A
because of the use or character of the occupancy shall be. limited to the types of
construction set forth in Thbles No. 5-C and No. S-D and shall not exceed. in area
or height, the limits specified in Sections 505, 506 and 507.
EXCEmONS; I. Division 4 structures of open skeleton-frame t.ype without
roof. cover or enclosed usable spaces shalJ nol be limited in area or height.
2. A fire.resis~ve ceiling for the roof-ceiling assembly in One-story portions of
buildings of "type II One-hour. 'tYpe III One-hour or 'type V One-hour construction
may be omitted, provided the roof framing system is open to the room and does Dot
contain concealed spaces.
(b) SpeeiaI ProvisIons, Stages and enclosed platfonns as defined in Sections
417 and 420 shan be constructed in accordance with Chapter 39.
The slope of the main floor of the assembly room shall not exceed the slopes
penniued by Section 3307.
Division 2.1 Occupancies with an occupant load of 1000 or more shall be of
lype I, 1)tpe II~F.R., 1)tpe II One-hour, 'lYpe JD One-haul' or 1Ype IV con-
struction. except that the roof framing sys~m for one-story portions of buildings
of 'tYPe II One-hour or 'l)1pe 1D One-hour constJuction may be of unprotected
consbUctioD when such roof framing system is open to the room and does not
contain concealed spaces.
Division 3 Occupancies located in a basement or above the first story shall be of
not less tban one-hour tire-resistive construction.
85
ApPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGEA-5 OF A-69
1982 EDmON
1982 UNIFORM Bun..DING CODE
SECTION 3802
3802
Automatic Flre-exllngulshlng Systems
Sec. 3802. (a) Where Required. An automatic fire-extinguishing system shall
be installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth in this section.
For special provisions on hazardous chemicals and magnesium, and calcium
carbide, see the Fire Code.
(b) All Occupancies Except Group R, Division 3 and Group M. Except for
Group R, Division 3 and Group M Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system
shall be installed:
I . In every story or basement of all buildings when the floor area exceeds
1500 square feet and there is not provided at least 20 square feet of opening
entirely above the adjoining ground level in each 50 lineal feet or fraction
thereof of exterior wall in the story or basement on at least one side of the
building. Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30
inches. Such openings shall be accessible to the fire department from the
exterior and shall not be obst~cted in a manner that fire fighting or rescue
cannot be accomplished from the exterior.
When openings in a story are provided on only one side and the opposite
wall of such story is more than 7S feet from such openings, the story shall
be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings as
specified above shall be provided on at least two sides of an exterior wall of
the story.
If any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet from openings
required in this section, the basement shall be provided with an approved
automatic sprinkler system.
2. At the top of rubbish and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms, Chutes
extending through three or more floors shall have additional sprinkler
heads installed within such chutes at alternate floors. Sprinkler heads shall
be accessibl~ for servidrig. .
3. In ro~ms where nitrate film is stored or handled.
4. In protected combu~tible fiber storage vaults as defined in the Fire Code.
(c) Group A OccuPancies. I. Nightclubs, diStos. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed in rooms primarily used foi' entertaining occupants who
are drinking or dining and. uRseparated accessory uses where the total area of such
un separated rooms. and assembly uses exceeds 5000 square feet. For uses to be
considered as separated, the separation shall be not less than as required for a onc-
hour occupancy separation. The area of other uses shall be included unless
separated by at least a one-hour occupancy separation.
2. Basements. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in basements
classified as a Group A Occupancy when the basement is larger than 1500 square
feet in floor area.
3. Exhibition and display rooms. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
installed in Group A Occupancies which hav~ m9.re than 12,000 square feet of
floor area which can be used for exhibition or display purposes. .
4. Stairs. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in enclosed usable
583
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE A-6 OF A-69
3802
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
space below or over a stairway in Group A, Divisions 2, 2. J , 3 and 4 Occupan- .
cies. See Section 3309 (f). .
5. Other areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in specific
areas of Group A Occupancies as follows: Under the roof and gridiron, in the tie
and fly galleries and in all places behind the proscenium wall of stages; over
enclosed platfonns in excess_ of 500 square feet in area; and in dressing rooms,
workshops and storerooms accessory to such stages or enclosed plalfonns.
EXCEPTIONS: I. Stages or enclosed platfonns open to the auditorium room on
three or more sides.
2. Altars, pulpits or similar platfonns and their accessory rooms.
3. Stage gridirons when side.wall sprinklers with 13S'"F. rated heads with heat~
baffle plates are installed around the entire perimeter of the stage at points not more
than 30 inches below the gridiron nor more than 6 inches below the baffle plate.
4. Under stage or under enclosed platfonn areas less than 4 feet in clear height
used exclusively for chair or table storage and lined on the inside with materials
approved for one.hour fire-resistive construction.
(d) Group B, Division 1 Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler-system shall be
installed in retail sales rooms classed as Group B, Division 2 Occupancies where
the floor 'area exceeds 12,000 square feet on any floor or 24,000 square feet on all
floors or in Group B, Division 2 retail sales occupancies more than three stories in
height.
In buildings used for high-piled combustible storage, fire protection shall be in
accordance with the Fire Code.
(e) Group E Occupancies, ). Basements. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be installed in basements classified as a Group E Occupancy when the
basement is larger than 1500 square feet in floor area.
2. Stairs, An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in enclosed usable
space below or over. a stairway in Group E Occupancies. Se~ Section 3309 (1).
(0 Group H Occupancles, I. Division 1. A fire-extinguishing sys.tem shall be
installed in Group H I Division I Occupancies larger than 1500 square feet in floor
area.
2. Division 2. A fire.extinguishing system shall be installed in Group H,
Division 2 Occupancies exceeding 1500 square feet in an:a.
A fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in rooms of Group H, Division 2
Occupancies when flammable or combustible liquids are stored or handled in
eltcess of the quantities set forth in Table No.9-A, or any combination of
flammable liquids exceeds 240 gallons.
A fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in paint spray booths or rooms.
3, Division 3. A fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in Group H.
Division 3 Occupancies larger than 3000 square feet in floor area.
4. Division 4. A fire~extinguishing system shall be installed in Group H,
Division 4 Occupancies more than one story in height.
(g) Group I Occupan~ies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in
Group I Occupancies.
EXCEPTIONS: I. In hospitals of 'tYpes I. II Fire-resistive and U One-hour
584
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE A-7 OF A-69
1982 EDITION
3802--3804
construction. thc automatic sprinkler system may be omitted from operating. deliv- .
cry. cardiac. X-ray and intensive care rooms and patient Sleeping rooms not exceed-
ing 450 square feet in area when each such room is provided with smoke detectors
connected to a continuously attended station or location within the building.
Increases for area and height specified in Sections 506 (c) and 507 shall not apply
when this ex.ception is used.
2. In jails. prisons and refonnatories. the piping system may be dry. provided a
manually operated valve is installed at a continuously monitored location. Opening
of thc valve will cause the piping system to be charged. Sprinkler heads in such
systems shall be equipped with fusible elements or the system shall be designed as
required for deluge systems in U .B.C. Standard No. 38-1.
Sprinkler System Alarms
See. 3803. When serving more than 100 sprinklers, automatic sprinkler sys-
tems shall be supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station
service or a local alarm which will give an audible signal at a constantly attended
location.
Permissible Sprinkler Omissions
Sec. 3804. Subject to the approval of the building official and with the
concurrence of the chief of the fire department. sprinklers may be omitted in
rooms or areas as follows:
1. When sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the
contents or in rooms or areas which are of noncombustible construction with
wholly noncombusti~le contents and which are not exposed by other areas.
Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp or of fire-
resistive construction.
2. Sprinklers shall n()t be ins~led when the application of water or flame and
water to the cont~llts may constitute a serious life or fire huard, as in the
manufacture or storage of quantities of aluminum pOwder, calcium carbide,
calcium phosphide, n1e~lIic sodium and potassium, quicklime, magnesium
powdei'and sodium peroxide. .
3. Safe deposit or other vaults of fire-resistive construction, when used for the
storage of records, files and other documents, when stored in metal cabinets.
4. Communication equipment areas under the exclusive control of a public
communication utility agency, provided:
A. The equipment areas are separated from the remainder of the building by
one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation; and
B. Such areas are usedt?xclusively for such equipment; and
C. An approved automatic smoke detection system is installed in such areas
and is supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station
service or a local alarm which will give an audible signal at a constantly
attended location; and .
D. Other approved fire-protection equipment such as portable fire
extinguishers or Class II standpipes are installed in such areas.
S. Other approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems may be installed to
protect special hazards or occupancies in lieu of automatic sprinklers.
585
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGEA-8 OF A-69
1982 UNIFORM Bun.DING CODE
SECTION 3803
1982 EDITION
3802-3804
construction, the automatic sprinkler system may be omitted from operating, deliv- ~
cry, cardiac, X-ray and intensive care rooms and patient sleeping rooms not exceed-
ing 450 square feet in area when each such room is provided with smoke detectors
connected to a continuously attended station or location within the building.
Increases for area and height specified in Sections 506 (c) and 507 shall not apply
when this exception is used.
2. In jails, prisons and rcfonnatories, the piping system may be dry. provided a
manually operated valve is installed at a continuously monitored location. Opening
of the valve will cause the piping system to be charged. Sprinkler heads in such
systems shall be equipped with fusible elements or the system shall be designed as
required for deluge systems in V.B.C. Standard No. 38-1.
Sprinkler System Alarma
Sec. 3803. When serving more than 100 sprinklers, automatic sprinkler sys-
tems shall be supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station
service or a local alarm which will give an audible signal at a constantly attended
location.
Permissible Sprinkler Omissions
Sec, 3804. Subject to the approval of the building official and with the
concurrence of the chief of the fire department, sprinklers may be omitted in
rooms or areas as follows:
I. When sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the
contents or in rooms or areas which are of noncombustible construction with
wholly noncombusti~le contents and which are not exposed by other areas.
Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp or of fire*
resistive construction.
2. Sprinklers shall n()( be installed when the application of water or flame and
water to the cont~l1ts may constitute a serious life or fire haiard, as in the
manufacture or storage of quantities of aluminum powder, calcium carbide,
calcium phosphide, metallic sodium and potassium, quicklime, magnesium
powder and sodium peroxide. .
3. Safe deposit or other vaults of fire-resistive construction, when used for the
storage of records, files and other documents, when stored in metal cabinets.
4. Conununication equipment areas under the exclusive control of a public
communication utility agency,. provided:
A. The equipment areas areseplirated from the remainder of the building by
one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation; and
B. Such areas are used exclusively for such equipment; and
C. An approved automatic smoke detection system is installed in such areas
and is supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station
service or a local alarm which will give an audible signal at a constantly
attended location; and
D. Other approved fire. protection equipment such as portable fire
extinguishers or Class II standpipes are installed in such areas.
5. Other approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems may be installed to
protect special hazards or occupancies in lieu of automatic sprinklers.
585
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
PAGE A-9 OF A-69
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101
GENERAL
101.1 TItle. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code
of [NAME OF JURISDlcnON], hereinafter referred to as "this
code."
(0 This section identifies the jurisdictional applicability in
legal terms. The local jurisdiction is to insert its name
into this sectIon by including a modification to the code
in the adopting ordinance. This will make the code appli-
cable to the local jurisdiction. See page v of the code for
a sample ordinance for adoption.
101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or reo
lating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regard-
ing:
I. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage.
handling or use of structures, materials or devices;
2. Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in
the occupancy of structures or premises;
3. Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occu-
pancy or operation;
4. Matters related to the construction, elI:tension, repair, al-
teration or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems.
(0 The code does not attempt to achieve perfection by reo
qulring every conceivable or available safeguard for ev.
ery structure, premises or operation within the scope of
the code. Rather, the code seeks to establish a
minimum acceptable safety level to balance the many
factors that must be considered, including loss statis-
tics, relative hazard and the economic and social im-
pact. The code is maintained through the use of a dem-
ocratic code change process so that everyone affected
by these minimum requirements has an equal opportu-
nity to present their concern, both for and against any of
the requirements.
101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not ap-
ply unless specifically adopted.
.:0 The code has several appendices, which provide addi-
tional information regarding the provisions in the code
and additional regulations that are available for adop-
tion if desired by the adopti ng jurisdiction. If the jurisdic-
tion decides to include any of the appendices as part of
the code, each of the appendices to be adopted must be
specifically listed in the adoption ordinance for the code.
A sample adoption ordinance is on page v of the code.
101.3IoOOnl. The purpose of this code is to establlsh the mini-
mum requirements consistent with nationally recogniud good
practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and prop-
eny protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous
conditions in new and existing buildings. structures and pre-
mises and to provide safety to flte fighters and emergency re.
sponders during emergency operations.
.;. Code requirements regulate conditions that are likely to
cause or contribute to fires or explosions; endanger life
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE COOE"'cOMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
SECTION 102
101-102.1
or property if a fire Occurs or contribute to the spread of
a fire. The intent of the code is to regulate conditions re-
lated to the health, safety and welfare of the public; the
fire fighters and other emergency responders called
upon to conduct emergency operations in or on any
building, structure or premises. Note that the code re-
quirements are a minimum (see commentary, Section
101.2 for a discussion on minimum requirements).
10lA Severability. If a section. subsection, sentence, clause or
phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitu-
tional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remain-
ing portions of this code.
.:0 All sections of the code not invalidated by legal action
remain in effect. While a dispute over a particular issue
(such as hazardous materials quantity limitation) may
have caused litigation that resulted in the provision be-
ing found unconstitutional, the remainder of the code is
still applicable.
101.5 Validity. In the event any part or provision of this code is
held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect ofrnaking
void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions hereof, which
are determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this
code would have been adopted without such illegal or invalid
parts or provisions.
(0 The code provisions are intended to be construed as
severable. If any part of the code is ruled invalid by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining sections
of the code are intended to stand as though the invalid
section never existed. Fire code officials and adopting
bodies should carefully and promptly evaluate the im-
pact of any such ruling on ongoing enforcement activi-
ties and the remaining code provisions. Such changes
that are necessary to preserve and protect the enforce-
ment authority of the Jurisdiction and the public should
be instituted through legislative action as soon as practi-
cal. Addillonally, the International Code Council" (ICC")
offices should be advised of court actions invalidating
any code provisions. For the same reason local officials
must evaluate the effects of court decisions, the influ-
ence of court decisions on the remainder of the code
must be evaluated for national impact as well.
SECTION 102
APPLICABILITY
102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction
and design provisions of this code shall apply to:
1. Structures, faci.lities and conditions arising after the adop-
tion of this code.
2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally In
existence at the time of adoption of this code.
3. Existing stroctures, facilities and conditions when identi-
fied in specific sections of Ihis code.
1.7
PAGEA-I0 OF A-69
102.2 -102.6
4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions which, in the
opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct hazard to
life or property.
.:. This section establishes the scope of application of the
code provisions that regulate construction and design.
Item 1 specifies that the code requirements apply to
new construction that occurs following the adoption of
the code.
Item 2 means that the code requirements are to apply
to existing structures that did not have a certificate of oc-
cupancy at the time the code was adopted. An example
would be a building that was built when there was no
adopted construction code in the jurisdiction.
lIem 3 refers to those sections in the code that
specifically target existing structures, facilities and con-
ditions for retroactive application of certain code re-
quirements (for example, Sections 505.1,701.4,806.1,
903.6 and 1010.1, among others).
lIem 4 generally requires the fire code official to de-
termine that a "distinct hazard to life or property" exists
prior to enforcing a code provision retroactIvely. Simply
claiming that a violation exists because a building does
not comply with the most recent edition of the code does
not necessarily establish that a hazard actually exists.
In cases where enforcement would result in substantial
expense to the property owner, such a determination of
hazard must be supported by adequate evidence that
would be defensible In a court of law. This is true when a
building has remained in compliance with the edition of
the code under which it was originally constructed.
102.2 AdnlinistratJve, operational and maintenance provi-
sions. The administrative, operational and maintenance provi-
sions of this code shall apply to;
]. Conditions and operations arising after the adoption of
this code.
2. Existing conditions and operationsl
.:. This section specifies that the administrative, opera-
tional and maintenance requirements of the code apply
to conditions and operations that exist when the code is
adopted and new conditions and operations that begin
after the code is adopted. For example, a dry-cleaning
operation that existed when the code was adopted or
one that began after the code was adopted would be re-
quired to meet the requirements in Chapter 12 regard~
ing dry cleaning.
[ED] 102.3 Change of use or occupancy. The provisions of the
InJernalional Exi5ting Building Code shaH apply to all buildings
undergoing a change of occupancy.
.) A change in occupancy in an existing structure may
change the level of inherent hazards that the code was
initially intended to address.
Regardless of whether the change is to an occupancy
considered to be more or less hazardous, this section
applies the provisions of the International Existing
Building CodfP (IEBCTM) to the structure with the new
1-8
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
ADMINISTRATION
occupancy to match the speCific requirements of the
code to the specific hazards of the new occupancy.
102.4 Application of building code. The design and construc-
tion of new structures shaH comply with the International Build-
ing Code. Repairs, alterations and additions to existing
structures shaH comply with the International Exi5ting Building
Code.
-:. The code is the companion fire and life safety mainte-
nance code to the IBC. Maintenance of other building
features is governed by other International Codeg4/).
When existing buildings change, are altered or in-
creased in area or when compliance with the code re-
quires alterations, additions or modifications, the IEBe
regulations and the appropriate fire code official's au-
thority must prevail. This makes it essential that the fire
code officials responSible for enforcing the building, ex-
Isting building and fire codes establish a sound working
relationship. Communication is essential to achieve
compliance with the fire code official's orders.
[EB] 102.5 Historic buildings. The construction, alteration, re-
pair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or movement of exist.
ing buildings or structures that are designated as historic
buildings when such bufldings or structures do not constitute a
distinct hazard to life or property shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the International Existing Building Code.
<t. This section provides a blanket exception from code re-
quirements when the building in question has historic
value. The most important criterion for application of this
section is that the building must be recognized by a
qualified party or agency as having historic significance.
Usually thIs is done by a state or local authority after
considerable scrutiny of the historical value of the build-
Ing. Most, if not all, states have such authorities, as do
many local jurisdictions. The agencies with such author-
ity can be located at the state or local government level
or through the local chapter of the American Institute of
Architects (AlA).
As long as the bullding is not a distinct hazard to life or
property, the provisions of the IE8e are to be used for
the operations listed in this section of the code.
102.6 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and stan-
dards referenced in tbis code shall be those that are listed in
Chapter 45 and such codes and standards shall be considered
part of the requirements of this code to the presc.ibed extent of
each such reference. Where differences occur between the pro-
visions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions
of this code shall apply.
(. The application of referenced standards is limited to
those portions of the standards that are specifically
identified. The code Is Intended to be in harmony with
the referenced standards. If conflicts occur because of
scope or purpose, the code text governs.
For example, Section 903.3.1.1.1 includes a list of ex-
emptions from the NFPA 13 requirements; those which
override the requirements in NFPA 13.
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE COD~ COMMENTARY
PAGE A-II OF A-69
903 - 903.1
suppression systems or other systems for the protection of Ii fe
and property.
(+ The supervisory service is responsible for maintaining
the integrity of the fire protection system by notifying the
supervising station of a change in protection system
status.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL. A signal indicating the need of ac-
tion in connection with the supervision of guard tours, the fire
suppression systems or equipment, or the maintenance features
of related systems.
.> Activation of a supervisory signal-initialing device trans-
mits a signal indicating that a change in the status of the
fire protection system has occurred and that emergency
action must be taken. These signals are the basis for
the actions taken by the attendant at the supervising
station.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE. An initi-
ating device such as a valve supervisory switch, water level indi-
cator, or low-air pressure switch on a dry-pipe sprinkler system
whose change of state signals an off-normal condition and its
restoration to nonnal of a fire protection or life safety system; or
a need for action in connection with guard tours, fi re suppres-
sion systems or equipment, or maintenance features of related
systems.
(+ The supervisory signal-initiating device detects a
change in protection system status. Examples of a su-
pervisory signal-initiating device include a flow switch to
detect movement of water through the system and a
tamper switch to detect when someone shuts off a water
control valve.
TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF. Storage of tires where the area
available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3).
(+ This definition describes a storage'space that is larger
than what would be found in most typical mercantile and
storage occupancies. Because of its size and the vol-
ume of combustible material it would house, it poses an
extraordinary hazard for fire protection. Buildings used
for the bulk storage of tires are classified as Group S-1
occupancies in accordance with Section 311.2 of the
IBO. All Group S-1 occupancies, regardless of square
footage, must be equipped with an automatic sprinkler
system if used for the bulk storage of tires. Although
Section 903.3.1.1 specifically references NFPA 13, by
secondary reference It also requires that bulk tire stor-
age buildings be further protected to comply with NFPA
2310.
TROUBLE SIGNAL. A sl.gnal initiated by the fire alarm sys.
tem or device indicative of a fault in a monitQred circuit or com-
ponent.
(+ This type of signal indicates that there has been a
change in status of the fire detection system or devices
and that a response Is required.
9.12
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
SECTION 903
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
V!SmLE ALARM NOfIFICATION APPLIANCE. A noti-
fication appliance that alerts by the sense of sight.
(+ Visible alarm notification appliances are typically
located In occupancies where occupants may be hear-
Ing impaired and In sleeping accommodations of Group
1-1 and R-1 occupancies. The alarm devices should be
located and oriented so that they will display alarm sig-
nals throughout the required space. Visible alarms,
when provided, are typically installed in the public and
common areas of buildings.
WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUlSmNG AGENT. A solution
of water and potassium-carbonate-based chemical, potas-
sium-acetate-based chemical or a cnmbination thereof, fonning
an extinguishing agent.
.:- This extinguishing agent is a suitable altemative to the
use of a dry chemical, espeCially when protecting com.
mercial kitchen range hoods. There is less cleanup time
after system discharge. Wet chemical solutions are con-
sideredto be relatively harmless and normally have no
lasting effect on the skin or respiratory system. These
solutions may produce temporary irritation, which is
usually mild and disappears when contact is eliminated.
These systems must be preengineered and labeled.
NFPA 17A applies to the design, installation, operation,
testing and maintenance of wet-chemical extinguishing
systems.
WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM. A system or a part of
a system that can transmit and receive signals without the aid of
wire.
(+ These systems use radio-frequency transmitting de-
vices that comply with the special requirements for su-
pervision of low-power wireless systems In NFPA 72.
ZONE. A denned area within the protected premises. A zone
can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area
to which a signal can be sent, or an area in which a form of con-
trol can be Qllccutcd.
'.. Zoning a system Is important to emergency personnel in
locating a fire. When an alarm is designated to a specific
zone,lt allows the fire service to immediately respond to
the area where the fire is in progress instead of search-
ing the entire building for the origin of an alarm.
SECTION 903
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with
this section.
-=- This section identifies the conditions requiring an aula.
matic sprinkler system for all occupancies. The need for
an automatic sprinkler system may depend on not only
the occupancy but also the occupant load, fuel load,
height and area of the building as well as fira-flghting ca-
pabilities. Section 903.2 addresses all occupancy con-
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE"' COMMENTARY
PAGE A-12 OF A-69
,FiRe PROTECTION SYSTEMS
dlUons requlrlng an automatic sprinkler system. SecUon
903.3 contains the Installation requirements for aU
sprinkler systems in addition to the requirements of
NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D. The supervision
and alarm requirements for sprinkler systems are con~
lained in Section 903.4, whereas Section 903.5 refers to
testing and maintenance requirements for sprin kler sys-
tems found In Section 901 and NFPA 25.
The area values contained in this section are in-
tended to apply to fire areas, which are comprised of a Q
floor areas within the fire barriers, tire walls or exterior
walls. The minimum required fire-resistance rating of
fire barrier assemblies that deline a fire area is specified
In Table 302.3.2 of the IBC. Because the areas are de-
fined as fire areas, fire barriers, fire walls or exterior
walls are the only aooeptable means of subdividing a
build Ing Into smaller areas instead of installing an auto.
matlc sprinkler system., Where fire barrier and exterior
walls define multiple fire areas within a single building, a
fire wall defines separa1te buildings within one structure.
Also note that some ofthe threshold limitations result In
a requirement to Inslal an automatlc sprinkler system
throughout the buUding while others may require only
specific fire aress to be sprlnklered.
Another important point is that one fire area may In~
dude floor areas In more than one story of a building
(see the commentary to the definition of "Fire area" in
SecUon 902.1 )..
/)03.1.1 ,\Ilcrnatiw PI~QtcctiQJ\. Alt.-mative automatic fire-ex-
tinguhhing ~y~tem~ <x.'mplying with Section 904 shaH be per-
mjtt~ ill li~l of flUlom.ltic sprinkler protection where
f\.>cogllized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire
wde <rtlkial.
-:. This section permits the use of an alternative automatic
fire-extingu.ishlngsystem when approved by the fire
code official as a means of compliance with the occu~
pancy requirements of Section 903. Although the use of
an alternative extinguishing system slowed by Section
904, such as a carbon dioxide .system or clean~agent
system, would satisfy the requirements of Section
903.2 ,d would not be cons idered an a coe ptable alte rna-
live for the purposes of exceptions, reductions or other
code trade-offs that would be applicable if an automatic
sprinkler system were Installed.
!m.:.l.2 ',"'"lIen! r~qllircd. Approved automatic 5ptinkler systems
ill new buildings .md ,l,tl1.ldlll'CS ,shall be provided in Ihe loc:.ttions
desl'l:lbed in rhh .~ection.
E.XWI>lioll: Spao:s or m'Cas in t",Jccommunicalion.~ building~
u:\ed exclusively for telecolnlnunications equipment, l\ssod-
lltcd \llcd.rical powcr' distribution equipment, battcries ,md
SlwJdby ellgjn~" proyid",d those spaces or u.reJ~ are ;;-quipped
thlOUgJlout with an llutonmtk fi)'C al:mn system and are sep(l~
l~lled frnm the remainder of the building by II W,I.I1 .\\"hh a
fire-resistance ruting of not less than 1 hOllr and a Hoor!ceiI-
2Oil31NTEFtNATlONAl FIRE! COOc"COMMENTARY
APYhN1J1X A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.1.1 - 903.2.1
ingawmbly witb a fire-resistance rating of not less thM:1
hours.~
~ Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.13 Identify the concJ:i-
lions requiring an automatic sprinkler system (see Fig-
ure903.2). The type of sprinkler system must be one
that is permitted for the specific occupancy condition.
An NFPA 13R sprinkler system. for example, may not
be installed to satisfy the sprinkler threshold require-
ments for a mercantile occupancy (see Section
903.2.6). As Indicate<! in Section 903.3.1.2, the use of
an NFPA 13R sprinkler system is limited to Group R oc-
cupancies not eXCeeding four stories in height
There is one exception for those spa cea or areas
used exclUSively for telecommunications equipment
The telecommunications Industry has continually
stressed the neect for the continuity of telephone ser-
vice, and the ability to maIntain this service is of prime
Importance. This servioe is a vital link between thecom-
munity and the various nfe safely services, inClUding
fire, police and emergency medical services. The integ-
rityof this communications service can be jeopardized
not only by fire, but also by water; from whatever the
source .
It must be emphasized that the exception appUes on Iy
to those spaces or areas thai are used exclusively for
telecommunications equipment. Historically, those
spaces have a low incidence of fire events. Fires In lele.
communications equipment are difficult. to start and, ir
slarted, grow slowly, thus permitting early detection.
Such fires 8.fe typically of the smoldering type, do not
spread beyond the immediate area and generally
self-extingu Ish.
Note, however, that this exception requires fire resis~
live separation from other portions of the building.
9113.2.1 GI'(llIp A. An lJulomRlk ~prillkle[ system :Juill he PI\)-
vided throughout buildings and pOl1iOllS thereof used as Group
A occ\lpancleH as provided in this section. For Group A-I, A-2,
t\~3, and A-4 oc\.'\lpuncks, the lllltom:ni("spl:illld<'f system '<hall
be provided thmughoutlhe om)li af\.~,l where the Gnm)) A-I,
A-:!. A.3 or A-4 o<'Cupancy is .located, and in (In fle>:m: between
the Group A occupan..)' and the ]evel of exit di:<.clmrge, For
group A-5 occlIpnncies, the automatic sprinkler system s1mll be
provid",d in the SplI<'eS indkllt.ed in Se>.ollOIl CX)J2~ 1_5.
0:- Occupancies of Group A are eha racterized by a .slgnlfl-
cant number of people who are not familiar with their
surroundings. The requirem&nt for a suppression SYS4
tern reflects the additional time needed for egress. The
extent of protection is a Iso intended to extend to the oc~
cupants of the assembly group from unobseNed fires in
other building areas located between lhe floor leve'l con-
taining the a.ssembly occupancy and the level of exd
discharge. The only exception to the coverage is for
Group A~5 occupancies that are open to the atmo-
sphere. Such occupancies require only certain aspects
to be sprln klered, such .as concession stands (see com-
mentary, Section 903.2.1 .5).
9-13
PAGE A-13 OF A-69
AGlIRE 9011
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
OODe: SECTION' MODIFICATION NflIA 13 NPFA 13R NFPA 130
In<>r_.e..
504..2 Height increase ~s yes no
506.3 Area incretlSO }'Els no no
Table 1005..1 b Egress width yes yes no
Tlilble 1015.1 b Travel distance yes yes no
R8lIng R..d14cWona
302.3.2 Sepamted uses yes ro no
Table eo 1 Type VA construction yes. 00 no
708.3 Fire pa.rtllions (dIve.ing units, sleeping units) yes no no
Table 10 16. 1 b Corrjdor walls yes yes 00
Ml'.,,&lI..n..oUB
Tables 307.7(1), H3z<in:lous material Increase yes no no
3Q7.7(2)
403.3 HIglHiso modification ~s no no
404.2 AI'riums yes no no
507.2,507.3,507.5 Unlimited area builclings yes 100 00
704.8.1 Allowable area of Openlngs yes no no
704.9 Vertical separation of oponings yeS yes no
717.3.2 Residential attic dmftstopping yes yes~ no
717.3 .3 Non-residential diraftstopping yes no no
711.4.2 Group R-1 ,R.2 draf1slopping yes yes< no
117.4.3 Other group draftitopping yes no no
Table 803,5 Interior fl.nlsh yes yes no
804.5,1 Floor finish yes no no
907.28 Fire alarm system yes (8. F, M) yes (R.1. R.2) no
1007 .2.1 b Accessible egress yes YOll no
1023.1D !:xit discharge yes yes no
1025.1D Emergency escape openings yes yes no
1400,i' Baleo nies yes yes< )'05<
FIGURE 1lO11
EXAMPl.ES OF REQUIREMENTS MODIFIED THROUGH USE OF AUroMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
a. S...Ii"llllumbroll"ckth, ,celio"s Illlhc Jnt~TrI~tjCllaJ lJ.ilJi1l/J C<Jde.
h. Sootlon numbm ill Cbilplel'll 9 aDd 10 .pply tCi both the blu,mati"MI Imiltlillf{ Coat WId the COOt.
c. Sprillklcr prolCcUCIlllllust be elllcn:JaI to lhe: alfO:Clal areas.
f-14
APPENDlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
2003JNTtsRNATIONAL FIRE COD;E"COMMENTARY
PAGE A-14 OF A-69
FIRE PROTeCTION SYSTeMS
903.2.1.1
FIGURE 903.2
SUMMAR'{ OF OCCUPANCY~RELATED AUTOMAnC SPRINKLER THRESHOLDS'
Occ:uPllnOl' Th..".hold E"""",tlon
AI occupandes Buildings with floor 1~61'" 55 feet above Airport (I),"trol t(lW{jrll,. oponparkjng
vehide ~s and occupant load)o 30. structul'$S.Fw2,. R~3, lJ
File area" 12,000 sq ft Of fire BleB
Assembly (A-l. A-3, A.4) OCC1.4lant load -" 300 or 11r6 area P~Htlcipant SJXl'rt arenas at lavel of' exit
abQVV/beI1ow level of ~,it dischlif'go. discharge.. A-3, A.4
M ultith eater comolex fA-l onlv't
Assembly (A-2) File area> 5,OOOsq fI or fire area
OCC\4)ant load :;. 300 or fire area None
above/below level 01 cd discharoe..
Assembly {A-5} ACCOSllOrv areas)o 1 ,000 so II None
Edumtiolllll (E) File area > 20,000 sq ft or oolow level of Esdl classroom has exterior door at
exit d1scharne. I Grade..
Factory (F-') !=iile area> 12,000 SQ ft or fire ama
located> 3 stories above grade, or
Combined fire area'" 24,000sq fl
MercantOe (M) Woodworking '" 2,500 sq fI (F-1 only) None
Storage (S-l) Buk storage of tires '" 2O,OOOcu fl (S-1
only)
f-!Iah, hazard tH-l, H-2, H-3. H4, H..s) SprinklelS. required. None
Institutional (1-1, 1.2, 1.3 1.4) 8D1'inkle'l1il required. Non(l
AJI Resideolial (R) Sprinklers requi red. None
Fim area" 12,000 sq tt or '" 2 stories
.Repair ga-age (5-1) above grade with fire area 10,000 sq fl or None
repair garage serVicing vehicles In
basemant.
Parking garage {S-2) EooIosed alllomobile pal1dng sprinklers
required Commerdal truckslbus8lI None
lpamng area> 5,OOOsq fI
Covered mals (402.et 80rinklelS required AttlXlhl,ld open parking structums
High rises (403.2, 403.3)" > 75 feet above vehide access Airport traffic control towers. open
aaraoes. A-S
Unilimited ama buildings (501)" A-3, A-4, S, E, F. M. 5: t story. B, F, M. One story.F,2 0 rs.. 2
5:.2 s10rv
fa,' SI: 1 I()d'" 304.8 ff1fn. 1squam loat= 0..0929 Iff.
ll., Thresholds h::cll.Tl:ld in Section 900,2 unless nCllBd. See 0.190 Table 901;'2.13 for additional required III ppression syslernll.
b. Num bers refer to lWlctions of thg IntQmt1lionaJ 91i1d~ Code.
~;oJ,2.Ll Group .4..1. An lIutoouu:ic s.prinkler sys.tem ~hall be
pr(,\'ldL>d fiJrGroup A-I lJ,x:upancies. where Olle of the fl:JlIowing
'Xllldition~ ""XiMS.':
I. The fire urea e.xce,>ds 12,IXXlsquare feet (I ] 15 m2);
2. The fu'C area has all ooXupnnl low:! of 300 or more;
3.. Tile J'i.re m.~:1 I!. Im~lled on a f10llr other thnn tllel,L'."cl of
e.1<1I di,ilCharge: or
4. Too fire area oontains. o. multitbcater compl.:!ll:.
<- Group A-1 occupancies are identifie<:l as assembly 0c-
cupancies wlth fixed seating, such as theaters. In addi-
Uon 10 the high occupant load associated with these
2003 INTERNATIONAL FlRii CODlilllCOMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
types of facilities, egress is further complicated by the
possibility of low fighting levels customa ry during perfor-
mances. The fuel load in these buildings is usually of a
type and q uantlty that would su pport fairly rapid fire de-
velopment and sustained duration.
Theatens with stages pose a greater hazard. Sections
410.6 and 410.7 of the IBC require stages to be
equipped with an automatic sprinkl,er system and
standpipe system, respectively. The proscenium open-
i n9 must also be pr otected. These featu res co mpen sate
for the additional hazards Bssocialed with stages in
GroupA-1occupancies.
This section lists fouroonditions that require installing
9.16
PAGE A-15 OF A-69
903.2.1.2 - 903.2.1 ,4
a suppression system in a Group A-1 occupancy. Con--
dftlon 1 requires that, if anyone rire area of Group A-1
exceeds 12,000 square feet (1,115 m2), the automatic
fire su ppression system Is to be insfa Ued throug hout the
entire story or floor level where a Group A~1 occupancy
is locate<l, regard less of whether the bu Ildlng is divided
into more than one fire area.
Condition 2 establishes the minimum number of oc-
cupants for which a suppression system Is oonsldered
necessary. The determination of the actual occupant
bad should be based on Section 1004 of the lSe.
Condition 3 accounts for occupant egress delay when
traversing a stairway, requiring a sprinkler system re-
gardless of the size of occupant load.
Condition 4 states that a sprinkler system Is required
ror multithealer complexe.s to acoount for the delay as.
sociate<! with the notification of adjacent compartmen-
talized spaces where the occupants may not be Imme-
diately aware of an emergency.
ImJ.2.1.2 Group A-2. All alltofll>llic sprinkler syslelll ~h;i11 be
pJUvkkd fOJ'Group A-l ()'X'lIp:U:1(~ies whel\' on", of th", fO!Jolllting
conditions exists;
1. The fire area exceeds 5.000 square feet (464.5 lU~J:
2. Tbethe area has an occupant toad of 300 or 1Il000C; or
3. The fire area is k'l:'illed on a floor other tban the level of
t\>;ir. dischlll~ge.
.;. Group A-2 assembly occupancies are intended for food
or drink consu mption, such as banqu~t halls, nightclUbs
and restaurants. Occupancies in Group /11.-2 involve life
safety factors such as a high occupant density, flexible
fuel lostling, movable furnishings and limited lighting;
therefore, they must be protected with an automatic
sprinkler system ullder any oHhe listed oondlUons.
In the case of an assembly use, the purpose of the
automatic sprinkler system Is to provide life safety from
flreas well as preserving property. By requiring flresup-
pression In areas through which the occupants may
egress, Including the level of exit discharge, the possi-
billtyof unobserved fire developmentaffectlng the OCCIJ-
pant egress is minimized.
The 5,QOO-square-.foot (465 m2) threshold forthe au-
tomatic sprinkler system reflects the higher degree of
He safety hazard associated with Group A-2
occu pancies. As alluded to earlier, Group /11.-2 occupan-
cies could have low lighting levels, loud music, Ia.te
hours of operation, dense seating with fU.-detlnedaisles
and alcoholic beverage service. These factors In
con,blnation oould delay fire recognftion, confuse occu-
pant response and increase egress time. The similar in-
tent of Conditions 2 and 3 is addressed In the commen-
ta ry to Section 903.2.1 ,1.
These conditions require sprinklers throughout the
fire area containing the Group A-2 occupancy, regard-
less of the number of fire stas 5 present
9.16
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
..--..~.
FIRE PROTECTlONSYSTEMS
9OJ.2.1..l Group A-3. A n automatic: sprinkler s )'Stemsball be
provided for Group A-3 oC\l.lpllncies where one of I be iollowin ~
.;ondilions exists:. ~.
I.. The fire iH~L e.ll.c~'Cds .I2,Om square f",et (, 1115 1ll2),
1. The fire aroo has an occupalllload of 300 or lUore; or
3^ The fire area is located on a floor other thun the level of
exit discharge.
Exception: Areas used exclusively as pattieipant
sports areas where the main floor area is located at the
same level as the kwel ofe.xil discharge (lithe main ell-
trance and uil.
-:- Group /11.-3 occupancies are assembly occupancies in-
tended for worship, recreation or amusement and other
assembly uses not classified elsewhere in. Group A,
such as churches, museums and libraries. While Group
A-3 occupancle.s could potentlaUy have a high occupant
load, they norma Ny do not hava thesarne potential oorn-
bination of Ilfe sa.fety hazards associated with Group
A-2 occupancies. As with most assembly occupancies.
however, most of the occupants ar,s' typically not com-
pletely famillarwlth thelrsurroundings. When any of the
three listed conditions arEl applicable, an automatic
sprinkler system is required throughout the fire area
containing the GroupA';3 occupancy and inaH floors be-
tween the Group A occupancy and exll. discharge(soo
commentary, Sec~ons9032.1and 903.2.1"1).
The exception exempts the participant sport area. of
Group A.;3 oocupancies from automatic sp.rinkler
system requirements because these areas are typically
large open spaces with relatively low fuel loads. The ex-
cep~on includes only the participant sport area, .suchas
an indoor swimming pool or the court area of an Indoor
tennis ooult Note that If the exception is claimed and
sprinklers are omitted from the sport araa, the building
would not be considered completelysprlnklered in ac-
cordance with Section 903..3.1.1 for purposes of allow-
Ing construction attematives, such as height and area
Increases, corridor rating reduction and other code
trade-offs.
~)(M;2.1.4 Group A-4. An alltolllallC sprinkler system ,:,!ulll be
proYI,d~d for <;iroup A-4 occupancies where one of I he follo...cing
condltlO)\S eXlst.~:
I. The fire I\roa exceeds 12,.000 sljuar., feel ( I 115 m~)~
2. The- fire 1\1.00 has all occupalll toad of 300 or more; or
3.. The fire area is located on (\ floor other than tbe leyel of
exit discharge.
Exception: Areas usoo exclusively ;,s participant
SpOlts areas where the m:tin floor area is local.;':Q at the
sallleleveJas the Il'\"el of exit di,.;;hafge of the main en-
tmnce and. exit
.:- G rou p A40ccupancies area'ssem bly LIS as j ntended ror
viewing of indoor sporting events and activities such as
arenas, ska.tlng rinks and swimming pools. The occu-
pant load d&nslty may be high depending: on the extent
and style of seating, such as bleachers or fixed seats,
2003INTERNA TJONAL FIRE CODE. COMMENTARY
PAGEA-16 OF A-69
fiRE PROTeCllON SYSTEMS
and the potential for standing-room viewing.
When any of the three listed conditions are applies.
ble, an automatic sprinkler system is required through-
out the fire area containing the Group A4 occupancy
and in all floors between the Group A occupancy and
exit discharge (see commentary, Sections 903.2.1 and
903.2.1.1). Similar to Group A~3 occupancies, the par-
tiei pant sport areas on the mai n floor of Group A4 occu-
pandes are exempt from the sprinkler system require-
ment (see commentary, Section 903.2.1.3).
~}oJ.2.1.5 <,roup A.5. An automatic sprinkle\' system shall be
provided in concession stands, rellli1 areas. press boxes, and
ofher,l('t:ess"ry ure :.u\Jas in cXl.'essof I.OOOS<:lual"e feet (93 ml).
.... Group A-5 occupancles are assembly uses intended for
viewing of Qutdoora.ctivities. Th.is occupancy classifica-
tion ooulO include amusement park l;>tll.lctures, grand-
stands and open stadiums. Asprlnklersystemis not re-
quired In the open area of Group A-5 occupancies
because the building.s would not accumulate smoke
and hot gases. A fire In open areas would also be obvi-
ous to al spectators. Enclosed areas such as retail ar-
eas, press boxes and ooncession stands require sprin-
klers If they are In sX'CeSS of 1,000 square feet (93 rrt).
The 1,OOO-square-foot (93 m2) accessory use area is
not intended to be an agg reg a te con ditlon but rather per
space.
~)03.2.2 (i)'oup E. All llUlomlltic '1pril1kl,'r ~ystem sb:lfI be pro.
vkled fol' Group E occllpandes as follo.....s:
L Throughout nil GI'OUP E lire areas greater than 20,OOfJ
squar>: feet ( 1858 m2) in nrelL
.2. TIuoughout co.",,))' portion of educational buildings ootow
tbe level of exit disdltuge.
1;:xt:t<IJtioll: Au :lutonml.ic sprlnkk-r sy~elll b not re-
qu.it-ed in any fife afell or llrea below the lewl of exit
disdlllrge ",'here eVCI) dllssmom throughout the
building ha.'1 at least one <,xtcrior exit door lit gn."1lUld
levet
-:. Group E occupancies are iJm~ed to educational pur~
poses through the twelfth grade and day care centers
serving children older than 2'/2 years of age. The
20.00O-square-foot (1,852 m2) fire area threshold for
the sprinkler system was established to allow smaller
schools and day care centers to be unsprinklerecl to
minimize the economic impact on these facilities.
Theex'oeption would allow the omission of the
automatic sprinkler system for the Group E fire area if
there Is a direct exit to the exterior from each classroom
at ground level. The students/occupants must be able to
90 from the classroom directly to the outside without In.
tervening corridors, passageways or exit enclosures..
WLU.J GI"UUP F-1. An autolUlltic sprinkler system ~hlllJ he pro.
vided 11uul!~.h(ltlt all buikllngs ('Onf:lllling il Gmup F. I nn1.1.
pall':Y where one 01' the foltowing conditions exjst:
1. Wlw%e a Gl\lllP F-l fin~ urell <,x...:eoo. 12,000 ,~quarc f(','l
(tlt5 m2);
2OtI31NTERNATJONAL FIRE. CODE" COMMENTARY
ApPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
lHl3.2.1.5 -90302.3.1
2.. V.'hel'e a Owup F-I fire area h locat<<l mow lhan three
sLOrie.~ above grade: or
]" Where the comhined llIea of all Group F- J fire arellS on all
floors, including :my meuanines. exc(l('ds 2~,OOO square
fe.'! 12230 11I2).
.;. Because of the difficulty in manua By suppressing a fire
involving a large area, occupancies of Group F-1 must
be protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system It the1ire ares is In excess of12,000 square feet
(1,115 m2), Ifthe total of aU fire areas of Group F.1 in the
building is in excess of 24,000 square feeI.(2.230 m2) or
Ifthe Group F-1 fire area Is located more than lhreest.o>-
rias above grade. This Is one of the few locations .in the
code where !hetolal floor area of the bu~ding Is aggre-
gated for application of a code requirement The stipu-
lated conditions for when an automatic sprinkler syste.m
is required also apply to Group M (see Sec..'1ion 903.2.6)
and Group 9-1 (see Section 903..2..8) occupancies.
The follawing examples illustrate how the criteria
should be applied. Ir a building contains a single fire
area of Group F-1 and the fire area is 13,000 square
feet (1,208 m2), an automatic sprinkler sys.tem is re.-
quired throughout the entire bUilding. However,. If this
fire area is separated into two fire areas and neither is in
excess of 12,QOOsquare feet (1 ,115 m2), an automatic
fire sprinkler system Is not required. To be considered:
separate fire areas. the areas must besepa rated by fl re
barrier walls or horizontal as'semblles having a fire.re.
sislance rating as required In Table 302.3.2 of the IBC.
Ifa 30.000-square.foot (2,787012) Group F-1 building,
wa.s equally divided into sepa,rate fire areas of 10,000
square feet (929 m2) each, an automatic sprinkler sys-
tem would still be required. throughout the entire build-
ing.. Because the aggregate area of ail fire areas ex-
ceeds 24,000 square feet (2,230 m2), additional
compartmentation will not eliminate the need for an, au-
tomatic sprinkler syste m. However, the use of a. fire wall
toseparale th.8 structu'r'e Into two buildiniJs would re-
duce the aggreg.atearea of each buUdlng to less than
24,000 square feet (.2.230 n1') and each fire area 10.less
than 12,000 square feet!1, 115 rrr), which would offset
the need for an automatic sprinkler system.
~IJ.2.3.1 Woodwol"king opl\rations. An alltomatic $prinktcf
syst"m shall he provided IhmughtHH all GrOllI' F.j ()('Cupanc_y
fire areas that contain wood~'Ol'king operations in excess of
2,5tXl Sl:IUllfe feet in area (232 nl~) whidl gimcmletinely divkkd
combustible Wll1ite or w:hich u~e fLuel".. divided wmbustible mu-
terilll s, ' .
-:- Because of the potential amount of combustible dust
that could be generated during. woodworking opera-
tions, an automalic sprin.kler system is required
throughout a fire area wlleorl it contains a woodworkIng,
opera.tion that exceeds 2,.500 square feet (232 rrf!) in
area. Faolllties where woodworking operations take
place, such as cabinet making:, are considered Group
F-' occupancies. The intent oftl1e. phrase "f1nely divided
combustible waste" is to describe particle concenlra-
9.17
PAGE A-17 OF A-69
903.2.4 - 903.2.4.3
tlons that are In the explosive range (see Chapter 13 for
discussion of dust"producing operations).
94B.2A Gruup It AUloluatk spllnklt'f sYMems 1'.hall be pro-
vided in high-hazard occupancies as required i/1 Sections
90J2.4.llhrtlugh 903.2.4.3-
0) Group H occupancies are those intended for the manu.-
facturing, processing or storage of hazardous materials
that constitute a physical or health, hazard.. To be con-
sidered a Group H occupancy, the amount of hazardous
materials Is assumed to be In excess of the maximum
allowable quentities permitted by Tables 2.703.1.1(1)
and 2703.1.1(2:).
"113.2.4.1 Genernl. An :llIlonlati,: \prinklel' system shll11 I~ in-
stall.xl in Group H oceupandes.
<-This section requires an automatic sprinkler system in
all Group H occupancies. Even thoug,h in some in-
sfa noos the hazard associated wJth the occupancy may
be one that is not afire hazard. an automatic sprinkler
system is still required to minimize the potential for fire
spreading to the high-hazard use; thaI is, the sprink.lers
protect this area from fire outside the area. Thl's section
does not prohibit the use of an alternalive automatic
fire-extinguishing system In accordance with Section
904.. When a water~based system is not compatiblewnh
the ,hazardous materials involved and thus creates a
dangerous condition, an alternative fire-extinguishing
system should be used. For example, combustible met4
als, such as magnesium and titanium, have a. serious
record of involvement with fire and are typically not
compatible with water (see commentary, Chapter 36).
903.2.4.2 Gruup H-5 occulnmcies. An lIutmllatic sprinkler sys-
tem shall be in~talled throughol1t buildings containing Group
H-5 (X'(~lp:ln,'ies. The design oflhe spdnklel' \ystcm ...hall nOI be
lesslhall that required unde)' Ihe lnlcmarkmll( Building Code for
the occupancy haxal'd ;:la.ss-ificalions in tlccordance with Table
903.2.4.2.
Where lhe dcs.ign l\rcn of lh" Spr.illkl",r s)'.\lem cOll\i$l.\ of a
corddor protected by one nJVi' of sprinklers. the maximum rmm-
ber of sprinkler;:, requirIJd to be eakttlated is 13.
<- Group H45 occupancies a re structures that are typically
used as semiconduclorfabrlcaUon taciliUesand oompa4
rable research laboratory facilities that use hazardous
production materials (IrlPM). Many of the materials used
in semiconductor fabrication present unique haZards.
Many of the materials are toxic. while some are oorro-
sive, water' reactive or pyrophoric. Fir'e protection for
these facil~les Is aimed atpte\lenting incidents from es-
calating andproduclngseoondarythreats beyond a fire,
such as the release of corrosive or toxic materials. Be-
cause of the nature of Group H,..5 faCilities, the overall
amount of hazardous materials can far exceed thema)(~
imum allowable quantities given In Tables 2703..1.1 (1)
and 2703.1.1(2). Although the amount ofHPM material
9.18
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTEcnON SYSTEMS
is restricted in fabrication areas, the quantities of HPM
in storage rooms normally will be in excess of those al-
lowed by Tables 2703.1.1(1) and 2703.1.1(2). Addi~
tlonal requirements for Group H-5 facUities are located
in Section 415.90flhe IBCand Chapter180fthecode..
This section also spe<;llfies the sprinkler design crite-
ria. based on NFPA 13, for various areas in a Group H-5
occupancy (see commentary, Table 903.2.42).. When
thecorridordesign area sprinkler option is used. 8 maxi-
mum of 13 sprinklers must be calculated. This exceeds
the requirements of NFPA 13 for typical egress corri-
dors, which require a maximum of either five or seven
calculated sprinklers, depending on the extent of pro-
taded openings in the rorridor, The increased number
of calculated corridor sprinklers is based on the addi.
tlona,1 hazard associated with the movement of hazard4
ous materials in corridors of Group H.5 facilities.
TABL E 903.2.4.2
GROUP HoO SPRINKLER DESIGN CRITERIA
OCCUPANCY HAZARD
LOCATION CLASstFlCATION
Fabricatlon are.B& Ordinary Hazml Group:2
Se.rvk:e corridors Ol\lillllf}' Hazard Group:Z
Storll~ f()Olm WItOOlll dispell~i.llg Ol\lhmJ)' H:tzm"d Group 2
Slorage monu with dj"P<'no;:in~ Extm Hmmrd Group 2
Corridors Ordjjl:Jl)' H~lZ.'U"d Group:2
0) Table 903.2.4.2 d<l'slgnates the appropriate occupancy
hazard classification for the various areas within a
Group 1rl~5 facility. ihe listed occupancy hazard classifi.
cations oorrespond to specific sprinkler system design
criteria In NFPA 13,. Ordinary Hazard Group 2 occupan-
cies, for example, require a minimum design density of
0.20 gpmlft2 (8.1 UminJniI) with 8. minimum design area
of1 ,500 square feet (139 m2). An Extra Hazard Group 2.
occupancy, in, turn, requires a minimum design density
of 0.40 gpmlfJil (16..3 Umln/m2) with a minimum operat-
ing area of 2,500 square feet (232 m2). The Increased
overall sprinkler demand for Extr.a Hazard Group 2 OC4
cupancies Is based on .the potential usa and handling of
substantial amounts of hazardous materials" such as
r1ammable or combustible liquids.
~)l13.2.4.3PrnJXyliu Illustks. An alllollmlll-. spririkler sy,su~m
shllll be provided in buildings. 01' pouiot\s Ilwwof, where ceHu-
lose nitmle film Of pyroxylin pl:l-~lics are manufactured, stored.
or handled in quantil ies exceed in,[l 100 )X'llllds (45 kg j.
<- CellulosEI nilrate {pyroxylin) plastics and molion picture
film pose unusual and substanUal fire risks. Pyroxylin
plastics are the most dangerous and unstable of all
plastic compounds. The chemically 'bound oxygen in
lhelr structure permits them to bum vigorously In theab~
senoe of atmospheric oxygen. Although these
compounds produce approximately the same amountof
2003 INTERNA TlOIllALFI R:E coe E" COMM ENT ARY
PAGEA-18 OF A-69
FlRe PROTECTION SYSTEMS
energy as paperwhen they burn, pyroxy6n plastics bum
at a rate as much as 15 times greater than comparable
common combustibles. When burning. these materials
release highly flammable and toxic combustion byprod-
ucts_ ConsequenUy, cellulose nitrate fires are very diffi.
cult to control. AJthou{lh this section specifies asprln klar
threshold quantity of 1(}Q pounds (45 kg), the need for
additional fire protection should be considered for
pyroxylin plastics In any amount.
')()J.2.5 Group I. All liulOmlltic ~prinkIel' system shall be pro.
yided thl'OughoUl buildings wilh Ii Group I fire :11,..:1.
ExcepliulI: An IUltOl1mtk sprinkler system installed in ac.
cordance with Socticm 003.3.1.1 or ~.H3.L3 .'!hall be lil-
lowed in. Group 1-1 fu-"iUlies.
-:- The Group I occupancy Is divided into four incl ivldual 0c-
cupancy classifications based on the degree of deten-
tion. supervision and physical mobllftyof the occuPi'ln Is.
The evacuation difficulties associated with the building
occu pants creates the need to InCOl'pora.te a de-
fend.in-place philosophy of fire protection in
oocu pandes of Group I. For this reason, all such occu-
pandas are to be protected with an automatic sprinkler
system.
Of particular note, this section encompa.sses an
Group 1-3 oocupancies where mote than five persons
are incarcerat~. There ha.s been considerable contro-
versy oonceming the use of automatic sprinklers in de-
tention and correctional occupandes. Special design
oonsiderationscan betaken into account to alleviate the
peroelved problems with sprinklers In sleeping units.
Sprinklers that reduce the likelihood of vandalism as
well as the potential to hang oneself are commerclally
available. Knowledgeable designers can incorporate
certain design feature's to increase rellabHily and de-
crease the likelihood of damage to the system.
Group 1-4 occupancies would include either
adult-only care facilities or occupancies that provide
pel'l3Onal care for more than five children 2112 years of
age or less on a less than 24-hour basis. Be<:ause the
degree of assistance and the time needed for egress
cannot be gaug~, an automatic sprinkler system is re-
quired. As indicated in Seeton 202, a Group 1-4 child
ca re facility located at the level of exit discharge and ac-
commodating no more than 100 children. with each
child care room having an exit directly to the exterior
would be da.sslfied as a Group E occupancy, and an au-
tomatic sprinkler system would not be required unless
dictated by the requirements in Section 903.2.2.
The exception permits Group 1--1 occupancies to be
protected throughout with eithersn NFPA 13R or 13D
sprinkler system instead of a standard NFPA 13 sprin-
kler system. The exception recognizes the perceived
mobility of the oocupants in a Group 1.1 facility as wen
as the basic life safety Intent to protect the main
occupiable areas.. However, use of this exception would
resultin the building notq ualifying as a fully s:prlnklered
buildinglnaccordal'lC& with NFPA13 fmany applicable
rode tracfe..offs.
20031NTEFtNATIQNAl FIRE CODE'COMMENTARY
A!'PbNUlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.2.5- 903.2.7
'.)ilB.2.6 GrnUIJ M. An automatk sprinkler system "haJJ be pm-
vided Ihl01lghout buildings ~~olll;linlng,1 GrOllp M occupancy
wlwJ"e nne of the following lXJI1ditiollS exists;
I. Where It Group !vI fire urea c.1.;.ceeds 12,000 :<.qmu'e foX't
(1115 nh
2, \Vhere Ii Group M fire arell h lo;;atcd more th,Ln three stn.
ries above g.'llde; or
3. Where the combined Ufca of aU Group 11.1 f1rearelt~ on all
fl()or~, indtlding allY m..z.)',aninl~s, excl'eds :.:!4J)():l square
fel!J\ (2230 Ill:).
{o The sprin,kler thrashold requiremants for Group M occu-
pancies are identical to those of Group F-1and S-1 oc~
cupandes (see commentary, Section 903.2.3). Auto.
matic sprinkler systems for mercantile occupancies are
typica By deslgna<f for an Grdnary Hazard Group 2 clas-
slficatJon inacoordance with NFPA 13. rf high. piled stor-
age (see Section 903-2.6.1) is antidpaled, however; ad-
dltlonallevels of fire prol&aUon may be required. Also,
some merchandise in mercantile occupandes, such as
aerosols, rubber tires, paints and certain plastic com.
modlties, even at limited storage heights, are consid-
ered beyond the scope of NFPA 13and may require ad-
ditianal fire protaclion.
903.2.(,.1 High-piled stomge. An automllti", :;.prinkl"f Sp:,t"Ul
shall be proviikd as l'equinxl in Chapter 23 in all blli1dingsof
Group M where stonlge of lllcrdtandise is in hi{!.h-piled or rack
storage :rrl"llY.~.
-:. Regardless of the size oflheGroupM fire area, an auto-
malic sprinkler system may be required in a high-plied
storage area. High-piled storage Includes piled,
palletlzed. sheH or rack. storage of combustibles to a
height greater than 12 feet {3,658 mm). Storage of com-
mon combustible materials more than 12 feet (3,558
mm) high must meet the requirements of Chapter 23
and referenced standards NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C
(Note: The .scopeof NFPA 13 has been 'expanded in the
199'9 edition to include protection requirements formerly
contained In NFPA 2.31and231C).
l;lHJ.2.7 Group R. An automatic sprinlder system installed in
illTordance with SlX'tion ro:t3 shall be !,rrwided lhroughout llll
buildings wilh a Group R fire area.
-> This section requires sprln Iders In any building that con-
tains a Group R fire area. This includes uses such as
hotels, apartment bUildings, group homes and dormito-
ries. There are no minimum criteria and no exceptions.
The Intematlonal Code Coundlit (ICC\1)) Board,. in ap-
proving the development of the Intemational .Residen-
tial Code (lRClb), Indicated that it is to be a stand-alone
code for the constructJon of detached one- and two-fam-
ily dwellings and multiple sin91e-family dwellings (town-
houses) no more than three stories In height with a sep-
arate means of egress, That is,all of the provisions for
new construction that affect those buildings are to be
covered exclusively by the lRC and are not to be cov.
ered by another Intemational Cod#'. This section Is a.
new construction requirement and therefore does not
9-19
PAGE A-19 OF A-69
903.2.8 - 903.2.9
apply to buildings oovered by the IRe. Buildings that do
not fall within the scope of the IRe would be classified in
Group R and be 'Subject to these provisions.
With respect to life safety, the need for a sprinkler sys-
tem is dependent on the occupants. proxlmity to the fire
and the ability to respond to a fire emergency. Group R
occu pandas could conta in occupants who may require
assistance to evacuate, such as infants, those with a
disa.blllty or who may simply be asleep. While the pres.
ence of a sprinkler system cannot always protect occu-
pants in residential buildings who are aware of the igni.
tion and either do not respond or respond
Inappropriately, It can prevent fatalities outside of the
area of fire origin regardless of the occupants' re-
sponse. Section 903.3.2 requires quick-response or
residential sprinklers In all Group R occupancies.
Full-scale fire tests have demonstrated the ablmy of
quick-response and residential sprinklers to maintain
tenabilty from Daming fires In the room of fire origin.
~m~U,8 Group S.L An .lUtolUllti" sprinkler system shall b~ pro-
\^id",1 through"ut all buildings ,/ontaiuiug a Group 5-1 N'CtI-
pUlley where (lne of the follo\\'ing ,vllditions exist:
L Where a Group S-I fire arell Clceoos 12,000 squ:\re feet
(lII5m1);
2, Where a Group S-I fire ttrell is I()(.'llted morc than three
storie~ above grade: or
3, Wht.'rt. the conlbincd urea of all Grollp 8-1 firoil :u'ea$ 01\ all
flours, induding any luc7.l.anines. eXl.:eeds 24.000 :>quare
feel. (2230 n~l.
-:- An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
throughaut all buildlng.s where the fire area containing a
Group S-1 occupa.ncy exceeds 12,000 square feet
(1,115 m2), where more than three stories In height ar
where the combined fire aJea on all floors, Including
mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
The sprinkler threshold requirements far Group S.1
occupancles.are identical to thase of Group F-1 and M
(see commentary. Sections 903.2.3 and 903.2.6).
Graup 8.1 occupancles. such as warehauses and
self. storage buildings, are assumed to be used far the
storage af combustible materials. While high~plled st.or-
age does not change the GraupS-1 OCCUpancy classifi-
cation, sprinkler pratection, if required, may have to
oomply with the additianal requirements of Chapter 23
and NFPA 231 and 231G (Note: The scope af NFPA 13
has been expanded In the 1999 edft.ion tOo Include pro-
tection requirements formerly contained in NFPA 231
and 231G). High-piled stock or rack stor~e in any oc-
cupancy, as indicated .in Section 413 of the IBC, must
comply with the code.
I}03.2's.1 Rcpl.lir gunlp.es. An automatic sprinkl<< system sball
be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in
It.ccoroance witb the /lltemf/tioTlal Building Code, liS fQU"W$:
L Buildings (Wo or mOl'" stories in heighl, Induding has\)-
1l1cnts, with a tkc :lI'C:l nnltainillg a r~ai1' gllfll,!;.' cxceoo-
ing 10,000 squ;tre feel (929ll\!).
9.20
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTEcnON SVSfEMS
2, One-!'.torybuildings with u fire area containing n repair
gurnge exceeding 12,OOOsqmm:: feel (illS m~),
3. Bui.ld.ings with a repair gamge s<:,rvidng "chides parked
in rhebasenWlll.
-:- Automatic sprinklers may be required in repair garages,
deperding on the quantity of combUstibles present, their
location and flOOr area. Repair garag,es may CQrltain sig-
nificant qLentltiesofflammable liquids and other com bus-
tible materials. These occupancies are typicaUy consid-
ered Ordinary Hazard Group 2 oocupancles as defined in
NFPA 13. Portloos of repair garages used for parts clean-
Ing using flammable or combustible Nquids may require
automatic sprinkler protection. In the case d Item 1, the
area would require sprinklers based upon whether vehi-
cles are actually being repaired there or ifthey are simply
being parked there,
'J03.2.8.2 Hulk sh.ll'uge of lin'S. Buildings lInd st.wClmes where
the ~l~:l fOf the stcmlg.c of tires exc,x'ds 20.000 cubk fecI (566
m)\ ,<ball be equipped throughout with an tlUlOll11ltic sprinkler
sy~tem in accordance with SIX~tis'n <)(13.3.1,:[,
... This section specifies when an automatic sprinkler sys.
tem is requira<l fonha bulk storage oft ires based on the
volume of the .storage area. as opposed to 8. specific
number of tires. Even in fully sprinklered buildings, tire
fires poseslgnlticant prOblems to local fire departments,
lire fjres produce thick smoke and are difficult to aXlln.
guish by sprinklers alone. Although this section refer~
ences Section 903.3.1.1 for an NFPA 13 sprinkler sys.
tem, by seoonda ry referen ce through NFPA 13, bulk tire
storage bUOdings must be further protected in accor-
dance with the provisions of NFPA 23 '1 D,
'J03.2." Group S.2. An llulml111ti(~ spdnkl<'f sy:\tem shall be pl\.>-
yidcd Ihrou~h{)\Jl buildings clMsificd M an cllclo,'!ed parking gn-
rage in llCoon:lmcc with the llltenwtional Building Cod,' Of
where located beneath other groups,
Exceptilln: Enclosoo p.:uiing gllf'tlges located: benealh Group
R-3 occupancies,
-:- Fire records have shoWn that fires in pa.rklng structures
typlcaUy fullyinvalve only a single a utomobile with minor
damage to adjacent vehicles. An enclosed parking ga.
rage, however, does nat allow the dissipation of smoke
and hot g:ases as readily as an open parking structure,
which is also considered a Grou p 8-2 occupancy. If the
enclosed parking garage is located beneath anotheroc~
cupancy group, the enclosed parking garage must be
pratected with an automatic sprinkler system. This re-
quirement Is based on the potential far a fire to develOop
undetected, which would endangertha occupants of the
other occupancy. Even though this s&ction does not
specify a flre area threshold, enclosed parking garages
are oonsldered less hazardaus than repair garages,
which are classified as Group 8-1 occupancies, En-
closed parking garages a.re not intended to have a mOire
stringent sprinkler threshald than repair garages.
The exception exen1pts the enclosed garages of
buildings that are classified in Group R-3.
2llil3INTERNA110NALFIRE COOEfI COMMENTARY
PAGE A-20 OF A-69
FiRe PROTECTION SYSTEMS
90J.2.!).1 Conunel'('ial plll"killg gl1rugl.'s. An automatic sprin-
kler system shall be pro'~ided throughout buildings used for
stofllge o.f comm\."fl'ia], tlllcks 01' btl~S where the flre 31\),\ \."x-
ceeds 5.000 square feet (464 m1),
<- Because of the larger-sized vehicleS Involved in com-
mercial parking structures, such as trucks or buses" a
more stringent sprinkler threshold is reqUired. Bus
garages may also be located adjacent to passenger ter~
minels (Group Ac3) that have a substantial occupant
Ioao.
I)O~l.2.lO AU oocupalldl.'s cu't'pt Groups R.3l1J1d ll. An aut.o-
lllatic sprinkler sy$lem shall beiutallcd in the IOC'3Iionssl'1 forth
in Sl'Clions 90321O_1Ihl'01I~h 903-2.IO.U.
EXT(\pliou: Group R-J and Group U.
+> Secllol1s 903.2.10.1 through 0032.10.2 specify certain
conditions when an automatic sprinkler system is re-
quired, even in otherwise nonsprinklered buildings. As
indicated in the exception, the listed conditions in the
noted sections are applicable to all occupancies except
Groups R-3 and U, The exception for Group R-3 occu-
pancies is consistent with other noted sprinkler excep-
tions for Group R~3 occupancies. such as Section
9032.11 for enclosed garages. Most structures that
qualify as Group U do not typlcaly have the type of con-
ditions stipu late<! in Sections 903.2.10.1 thrOUgh
9032.10.1.3.
903.2.10.1 StoriCll and basements without ollt"llings. An ,Im,,-
IMti" sprinkler ~y~tem ,~b,\1I1" instllUed in ew\'Y story or bas\."-
ml,)nt of all buildings wlwre tlll: 0001' m~,1 ex.:eeds 1,500 squlIre
foot ( 139.4 m2) and where there is 110t provided at least one of the
follOWing typ~ of !."Xh:rior \\~...II tlpenings:
I. Opening's below gnldl:!' 1 h<ltle,ld dircct I y to ground levd by
an exterior stain/"llY "omplying with Section 1009 Of an
outside ramp complying with 8".'110n 1010. Openings
sholl be loc:lled in each 50 Iinem- feet (l5 240 mm), 0)'
fmction thereof. of o:(["rio)' wall ill Ihe story on III !easlon"
sid".
2. Openings entirely :tbov.: the a:djoining grrlUlld level total-
ing .\1 JellSt 20 square t\.X'1 (I, 86 m~) in e~l.Cb 50 linear feet
(15 240 mm). or fnlC'tioll ihen.'of, of ~Xltrk)r wall in the
stol)' .:m alle~'" nne ~id\.".
~ Because of both the lack of openings in exteriorwans for
aecass by the fire department for fire fighting and res-
cue and the problems as'sociated with venting \he prod-
ucts of combustion during fire suppression operations"
all stories and basements of buildings that do not have
adequate openings as defined In this section must be
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. This sec-
tion applies to stories and basements wK.hout openings
that exceed 1,500 square reat (139 m2) ina building that
is otherwise not required to be fuBy sprinklered. The re-
quirement fO'r an automatic sprinkler system In thissec-
2003 I NTERNATIQNA I. FIRe CODE"COMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.2.9.1 - 903.2.10.1.2
tion applies only to' the affected area and does not
mendate sprinkler protection throughout the entire
building,.
Stories without openings, as defined in this section,
are stories that do not have at least2Q square feet (188
m2) of opening leading diredJy to ground level in each
50 lineal feet (15240 mm) or fraction thereof on at least
one side. Since ext.erior doors will provide openings of
.20 square feet (186 rrP), or slightly less .in some occu-
pandes. exterior stairways and ramps in each 50 lineal
feet. (15 240 mm) are considere<! acceptable.
This section Intends that the required openings be
distributed such that the lineal distance between adja-
cent O'penlngs doas not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm). If'
the openings In the exterior wall a re located without re-
gard to the location of the adjacent openings, it is possi-
ble that segments of the exterior wall will not have the
required access to the interior of the building for
fire-fightil1ijJ, purposes. Any arrangement of require<!;
stairways" ramps or openings that results In a portion of
the wall 50 feet {15 240 mm) or more In length with no
openings to the exterior does not meet the intent of the
code that aooess be prov id ad in each. 50 Ii neal feet( 15
240 mm) (see FIgure 903.2.10.1).
')(I~'.2.lO.J.I Opening dimensions and acces~. Openings shall
have a minimum dimension of noi l,tss than 30 inches (762 mm).
Such openings sh.\t\ be u".'es:;ibl~' I':l tll., fire dcpurtmelll from
the e:\:terior and shall not 00 obstl1llded ill a m~\mWr tbat. fire
fighting 01' rescue cannot he accQ[l1plished Jiul1l th.: exterior.
-:- To qualify, an opening must not be less than ,30 inches
(762 mm) In length or width and must be a'ccessible to
the fire department from the exterior. The minimum
opening dimension gives fire department personnel ac-
cess to the interior of thestmy or basement for fire-fight-
ir19 and rescue operations and provides openings that
are large enough to vent the products of combustion.
')03.2.10.1;2 Opening;; 011 Ollt, side only. Where .'penings in a
stOIY are provided 011 only one side :lndthc opposite w';l;lI of Sllch
story is more than 75 feet (22 800 In111) from .:l.tI'C'h op\."Hings, the
stol)' ~haJl be eq\llppecl throughoLlt with Ill!. ~[pproYCd autolllUllc
sprinkler s}':iotem or opellinf~ llS sp.",-'H.kd ~lbow sbaH be pro-
vided on at least two sides Ihe sWry..
-:- If openings are prOVIded on only one side, an automatic
sprinkler system would still be required if the opposite
wa H of the story is more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from
existing openings. An alternative to providing the auto-
matic sprinkler system would be to desig n openings on
at least two sides ofthe exterior of the building,. In base-
ments, If any portion is more than 75 feet (22860 mm)
from the openings, the enUre basement must be
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. Providing
openings on more thano,ne wall allows cross ventilation
to vent the products of combustion '[see Figures
903.2..10,1(1-4)].
9-21
PAGE A-21 OF A-69
FIGUREt03.2.10.1- FIGURE 9032.19.1(2)
FIRE PROl!CTIONSYsrEMS
UNACCEPTABLE SPACING
7;:-
~s.50'--; I
I
"75'
t~
Fot $1: 1 tJot.. 304.8 mtrl.
ACCEPTA6l.E SPACING
FIGURE 903.2.10.1
SPACING OF OPENINGS IN STORIES OR BASEMENTS
30'.0"
r "JiIr
I
J
i
/ I..- AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
.. PROTECTION NOT
REQUIRED
q
~
~ 30" Mil< _'ON.
MIN. I!V ,sQ.FT CQM(,lINfD
FOISI: 1lool1 .. 25.4 1lI1n. 1 fo::lt '" 304.8 mlt\
1 Ilq'ililftl fool... 0.0929 1112,
FIGURE 903.2.1 0.1 (1)
OPENINGS IN STORIES OR BASEMENTS
Less than 7Sfoot from any point to opening
8.22
.APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
'" ~5'.0" ~I
.n_.........
/- AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
<"".... /' PROT~CTION REQUIRED
.,p'" fU:G!\RDLESS OF SIZE
OF OPENINGS
~
~
---._~"'--- 30' MIN. DIMENSION
MIN. 70 SOYT COMelNEO
FotSt: 1 lIIoh.. 25.4 mill, 1 foot "304.8 mm,
1 llqUllI" (1)(ll ... 0.0929 nfl.
FIGURE 903.2.1 0.1 (2)
OPENINGS IN STORIES OR BASEMENTS
Lea& than 1S feet from any pol nt to open! ng
2D03INTERNA nOHAl FIRE CODEe COMMENTARY
PAGE A-22 OF A-69
FIRE PROTeC1lOH $"(STEMS FlGUtU! t03.2.10.1(3) -Il'IGURe 903.2.10.1{41
.m~,t:Q:,-
r
~.........~
\ I
II
i
'i'
~
, I
,_. AUfOlAA tlC llPfUNK!.f"1'l
/ NlQ IhCtlC>< NOT
RrOlJ!RFO
I
,
I I
I j
I
I,
\,
"'" If
..,L Milt DIMeNSION, 10'
WO\JLD ReQUlIlEA MINIl,olUM
Qf ZQ $OJ"! ON e,-.ct< '/\I"~l
tor SI: 1 lnlll1" 25.4 ll'Im. 1'ocl.. 3lM.8 mm.
1 JJqUil18 fcot " 0.0929 l~,
FIGURE 903.210.1(3)
OPENINGS IN STORIES OR BASEMENTS
Less 1t1an 75 foetfrom any point te opening
2~INl"
," -,
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
PROTECTION NOT REOUIRED
9
~ / ;.tIN 20 SQ.fl
PER 50 liNEAL FEET
ALL OPENINGS MINlMI.1M OIMeN$ONS; ao'
Fod:ll: 1 1\d1" 25.4 rom. 11uo1" 304.8 mm,
1squal8 k:ol .. 0.0929 nil.
FIGURE 903.21 0.1 (4)
OPENINGS IN STORIES OR BASEMENTS
2003 INTERNATIONAL ARE coOe.COMMENTARY
MPENUlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
9-23
PAGE A-23 OF A-69
903.2, 1Il.1.3 - 903.2,12.2
91)3.2.11).1.3 Ullst'lIlents. \"'here llny portion ora bn..'IC'lnent h 10-
':llted lIIore than 75 feet (22860 mill) fl'Orn openin,p requin."\l by
Section 9OJ.2J 0.1, tbe basement sball be ~uipped lhroughout
with an approyoo alltomllric sprinkle!' system.
-to Where obstructions such as walls or other partitions are
present in any given story or basement, the walls and
partitions enclosing any room or s pace. must have open~
logs that provide an equivalent degree of fire depart-
ment access to that provided by the openings pre-
scribed in Section 903.2.10.1 for exterior walls. If an
equivalent degree of fire department access to all por-
tions of the nocr area Is not provided, the story or base-
ment would require an automatic sprinkler system.
90J.2.10;2 RubbiS:h 1I11d Iin\:n (:hllte~. Allllulomatic ''Prinkler
system sbull be installed at the top of llIbbish llud Jin."II chutes
and in their termrnalloonls. Chuies extending through three Qr
more floors..hull htl\'C additional sprinkll;lf IWli\(h installed
wilhin such chules III alt<'Jllal\;J noon,. Chute spdnkJel'S shall be
:\cressible for servicing,
.... This sootionrequlres that the chute and termination
room associated with a waste or linen .system be pro-
tected with an automatic sprinkler system. Note that the
requirement for suppression is within the chute itself
and not within, the required shaft that encloses the
chul,e.
!)OJ.2..tOJ Blllldiog,<i more thun 55 reet in height. An aut0-
tnlltk sprinkier sy~teU\ sh.lll be in:ltalla! tbl'OU,gholll buildings
wJtb a floor l..'wel hl\\'ing tin O,;CUPllO.t J()ad of 30 nr mm\:' that is
located 55 feet (16764 n1l11) or more llhove the lowest lev.d of
fire department vehide llCCt',"S,
E.x<<,ptioll!>:
L Airport conlrollowers.
2:~ Open parking slruc:turc,s.
3. Occupallcies in Group F-2.
.:- Because of the difficu~ies associated with manua.lsup-
pression of a fire in buildings in excess of 55 feet ('16
764mm)high, anautomatlcsprinklersyslem Is requl~ed
throughout the building regardless of oocupancy. BUIld--
ings that qualify for a sprinkler system under Section
003.2.10.3 are not necessarily high-rise buildings as
defined In Section 403.1 of the I BG,
The listed exceptions are occupancies that, based on
height only, do not require an automatic sprinkler sys-
tem, Airport control towers and open parking structures
are also exempt from the high-rise provisions of Section
403 of the IBG. Although an automatic sprinkler system
is not required in open parking structures, a system may
still be needed, depending on the building construction
type and the a.res and number of parking tiers (see Ta-
ble 406.3.5 of the liBC).
9-24
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTlON SYSTEMS
'.IIL\.2.U DlII".ing oonsh'llclhm. AUlomatic spri.nkler systems
l<l''luired during conslfllcllo!l, (lhemtionand demolition opera-
tion.. sh.lll be provided in :Il':cord~ln(e witb Section 1413,
.;. Chapter 33 of the lac, as well as Ghapter 14 of the
cOde, address fire safety requin:lmenls during: construc~
tion, alterstlon or demolition work. Working sprinkler
systems should remain operative at aU times unless It is
absolutely necessary to shutdown the system because
of the proposed work. All sprinkler system impairments
should be rectifledasquickly as possible unless specific
prior approval has been obtained from the fire code offi~
cia!. Buildings with a required sprinkler system should
not be occupieQ unless the sprinkler syst.em has been
installed and tested.
003.2.12 Other ha;r,al'ds. Automat;" sprinkiel' protecliml shall
00 provided for Ihe hazards illdk:ned in Seniol1s 003-2.12.lllnd
0032 tt2,
-to This section addresses when anautomalic sprinkler
system Is required for hazardous exhaust ducts and
commercial oooking operations. AIUlOugh Sections
903.2.12.1 and 903.2.12.2 address conditions where an
automatic sprinkler system Is the ,extinguishing system,
these sections are not intended to exclude approved al~
tamative extinguishing systems.
90].2.12.1 Duel.. conn'ying hazardolls cl;hau!;ls. Wh~J1t J"-
quired 'by the International MechaniCal Codt, ,:mtomatk sprin-
klers shall he p!\)vJd.'t1 in ducts conveying hazaJdolL~ exhaust,
Ihtnmllble or ':Oluhu:<.I.ibJ II: mllterl~lh.
EX(:~fJlioll: Du("ts whel.1t Ihe !tug<,st cross-se<:tiol1aldh1ll1eter
~)f tbe duct is less tl1ftn 10 inches. (254 rom).
-> To protect a.gainst the sprea.d of fire within a, hazardous
exhaust systema.nd to prevent a duct fire from involving
the building, an automatic sprinkler 'system must be in-
stalled to protect the exhaust duct system. Where mate~
rials conveyed in the ducts are not compatible wlU) wa-
ter,alternative extinguishing agents should be used.
The fi re suppression requirement is intended to apply to
exhaust systems having: an actual fire hazard. An auto~
mati a sprinkler system in the duct would be of little value
for an exhaust system that conveys only nonflammable
or non<iombustlble materials" fUmes, vapors or gases.
The exception recognizes the reduced hazard associ~
sted with smaller ducts and the impracticality of install-
ing sprinkler protection.
903.2.12.2 CQlIlnJel'dlll cooki.. g OI:IC!'lllions. An llutOllW.lC
spdnkl('l' ~y~telll shall be instnl1ed inn commercild kitchen <,x-
hllUSI bood and ductwMem where an autt\ml1.ticsprill.kler sys-
tem.is us." 10 CQlUply'wilb S....:11011 9(J4,
.>An automatic suppression system is required for com-
mercia I kitchen exhau st hood and duel systems where
required by Section 610 ortlle lntematlonal Mechanical
Cade" (~MC\t) to have a Type I hood, Type t hoods are
raq uired for commercial cooking: equipment that pro-
2003INTERNATlONAL FIRE CODEflCOMME'NTARY
PAGE A-24 OF A-69
FIR! PROTECTION SV'STEMS
duces grease..laden vapors or smoke. Section 904.11
recognizes that atterna.tJveextinguishing systems other
than ,en automatic sprin kler system may be used.
!)03.2.13 Other rl.'llJuired suppl'c!'sinn systems. In "ddilion to
th", rtxllli:r~llw:nls of Sectii.\n 903.2. the pn.lVisiQns indi<:;lled in
T~lble 9(}J,2, 13 also require the ins[..U..lion of usuppressJon sy:;;-
tem for cerlain buildings and U1\%lS.
(<; In addition to Section 903.2, requirements for Butomatic
fire suppression systems are also found elsewhere In
the oodess Indicated in Table 903.2.13.
TABLE 1103.2. 13
ADDrTlONAL REQUIRED RRE-EXllNGUISHING SYSTEMS
SECTION SUBJECT
102-4.6.203 Smoke-prolec red' ~<",ltill!!:
1208.'2 !Jfyc\eMlng pl;mls
1208.:1 Dry cleanlng mocbines
1504.1 SPJU.v finishing In Group A, B,I or R
1504.6 Spmy boo[h.. and room..
1505.1 Dlp-Ulllk .rooms
I S05.6. I Dip bilk!;
1505.8.4 Hardening and [enlreling hlllk.S
180J,10 HPM frrllltie;
1803.10.1 .1 HPM wodl.: slation exhaust
1803.10.2 HPM glls cabinets
1803.10.3 HPM con'Wors
1803.tO.4 HPM e:dlllust
1803.! 0.4.1 HPM llollcomtlllstible dlJ(lS
] SOl.! 0.4.2 HPM combustible duels
1907 .3 Lumberproduct!l.:o/l cOllveyor rOOlnl'.
1908.7 Recycling foclllty con Ve)'of rooms
2106.1 Clnss A and Boven,;;
2106.2 Class C and D oven'!
Tabl" 2306.2 Slol'll.ge tire Pf'(l re..:liOll
2306.4 Storn,ge
270).8.4.1 Ga'!l roo IUS
.27QJ,8.~U E.~hat:l\l[ed end(1~ures
2704,S Indoor storage of hazardou", mlllen.nls
2705.1.8 Il1door dis~nsjng of hazardous malerlals
2804.4.1 Aerowl wareboUl\l\.'S
( colltinucd)
20031NTERNATJONAl.. fl:RE COOS"COMM.E.NTARY
APPENDiX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.2.13 - 903,3.1
TABLE l103.2.13-contlnu9d
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE~EXTINGUISJ.fNG SYSTEMS
2904.5 SkllUjJe or mel[\': (lllW 1,000 cub'lc f<'IM of loose.
combustible fibers
3J06.S.::U Storage of !'.Jlloli:ele~s pm~:lkull
3306.5.2.3 Storage of smatl U1l1lS primers
3404.3..7's' I FlwJJllUlble and combustlble liqnid storagerootn'!l
3404.3.8.4 Flnmn1.llble lUJd combusllbJe liquid storage
warellouses
3405,3.7,) FlanUJl,!lble and combustible liquid Group H-2 or
H-3I1fMS
3704. I ,2 Gas cablnets for hJ.pl:tlv lOxic and toxk: ]lag
3704.1,] ExhUlJllwd enclO'>ure.s for higll])' lOX!>;; and roxic
gas
3704.2,2.6 Ga.s rooms for ll:igJJly toxic lUJ d. \(lxi,' gru>
3704.3.3 Outdoor li<tomg;.' for hhxhh' tox.ie: and toxic us
4106.2.2 B:thauli<te,J e,ndCJ\((lreS or gas c,ihinelli< for sHane
glls
4204. LI PyroxyHn pllllitLc storage cablnel'fl
-4:204.1.3 Pyroxylin plru;tlC s;torng~ vaul[s
4204,2 Pyroxylin plastic $tDl~e and lIUlflllfaclurlnL
Inremational SprlnkleT requJrementsllS sel forth In Section
Buildlll,.i?Code 903,2.13 of the JlltertWliotw[ Building Code
ForSl: J cubwfO<<=0D23~.
-:. Table 903.2.13Identines otherseotJons of the code that
require an automatic fire su ppresslon system based 011
the specific occupancy, process or operation.; The table
does not identify the various sections of the code that
contain design a ~erna tives based on th e use of an auto--
ma.tic fire suppression system, typically an automatic
sprinkler system.
IJifJ331nstnlllltioll 1'C(luir'C'U1cutS. AUli\lmltk spdnklel' systems
shall be designed ;lnd inslalled in ;lccordanc(' with Sections
003,3.1 through 903,:l7,
-:- Specific design, installation and testing criteria 13 ra
given for automatio sprinkler systems in the sections
and subsections that follow, as well as an indication of
the applicability or a nationally recognized standaru in
the area. The InformatJon required to complete a thor~
ough review of an automatic sprinkler system is listed in
Figure 903.3.
l)OJJ.l Staudards. Spilllklef systems sh~llll~ designed and in-
ShIlled in accordance with Sectl()))$ 903..3.1. L 903.3.L:! or
91)3.3.1 .3,
-:-Autt;lmatlc sprinkler systems are to be- installed to com-
ply with the code and NFPA13, 13R or 130. As pro--
vide<:! for in S&ctlon 102.6. where differences occur be.-
tween the code and NFPA 13, 13R or 130. the code
applies. The fire code official also has the authority to
approve the type of sprinkler system to be installed. See
Figure 903.3.1 for typj,cal desig n parameters for each
type or sprinkler system.
9-25
PAGE A-25 OF A-69
,FIGURE 903.3
FIRE PROTl:enON SYSTEMS
1, 11'lfotl'l'laflon teqLlhd On shop drawlngs Include$:
_ Name of o_an<! o:;wpant
_ t.0CIllian. indlldllg weet addless
_ Point of CDl'!lj;IIlS1l
_ C"q conslru:i1ion
_ Full-height ctO!lll ...dion
Location of fn walla
_ L~ of partitialll
_ O~ncy of IilaCh area 01: room
_ LocaOOn and aim of blind spaces and close1!l
_ Any qualrtionabl9 sm.al ar>dOllUl'es :in wmd100 splinWers aI'!l to bEl
;mhlled
_Siulafcit~.main insvM!, ,"8!luf9andv.hetl...-d9adendolc~tOll
an<!, ifdeadend, clireclil)nll'1ddislancefollElsrelll cin;\Aatngmain, dly
mailn teal reslllt!l
_ Other source of walarauw!Y, WM press"" /7 eieYiliion
_ :Ma~e,tyPB and om"", size or sprinkle!
_ Tl:lIl111eralllre raling and locallon of higM∓lrattJl'e ~linliers
_ Number ofaprinl(lBl'S on BQcll ri;;", and on ea<;h '5yat""",, by fb.:11"5 and
totlllll'aa by llad1 '5Y'lIlll'l on ~ fb.:1r
_ ;Ma~",typ", model a"ll size or al$."" or lily p:ipe vafw
_ Mak", type. model and size of """,*n 01: de~ va"'"
_ Tylll'l and Ioeatiorl of alarm bells
_ Tata number of sprinklera on each d'Y pipe 'Y"is m 01' plJ98ctio'1 delu:3e
system
_ ApproximElte CllPSdly ill gallons or e&ctl dry pipe systam
_ Cllttkig Ieo'1glhs of pipa {or canter-to-cenle r dmensOll9)
_ Type of fMlr(1s, rtset nipples and S;lzll, and aI welds ard bElro:.lll
_ TYllIl and localiion ofhangel'll, in!l'Hh and Sieeves
_ Am contml va1w$, obeda, drain pipm and tmtpiplls
_ Smalll Oaod-hos.e equiprmont
_ Und<lr9'OUOO p~ SIZe, leoglll, locaton, W1light, mMeriel1, pdlnl of ron-
nllC1ion tl dlymain: the type of ""Ilveog, mel8rsand valvupi!s; and the
depth th!lt tip of the PiP" l!llsiid bebl grade
_ WIlen the ..quipmoll1l is b be ;oulad all all addition to an old gro.ap of
sptinkillts W/lhoul addlt.ionel feed fram the ywd system, enough of th8
old system shal be i'ldic-..d on the pl;!1lS tl show IhB tot8lllU'1b", of
spriinklllra to be ...lied ard too maIIe llIi con flii<:.tloo" dBar
_ Name. addlMS and phone numberof lXlnlradorand sprinillerdesigner
~ HydraUllo rllference pciints ahaf be ShoWll by a mmber and/<x lallar
dllllignaloo and allallcoll'tijlood with """'Parable referents ;rints
.hown 0'1 the 'wdrdc calc:Ustion .heeb
_ Sysl..m doo'lllll c_la s~9 lie ll1irWnum rate of wall'lr applil:aWn
(density), the design area of waler "l'p1kaIion and t.e water raquiroo
fOr hose still""'" bath insidl! and QPl!lide
_ Actual calculated requiral!lerlls sl1oW<<1g thll tltal qU!ll1tty of wlillill .....:l
the prasn..e ...q<Ji18d lill " <:<>mman ....fel9llalpool for each !!)'>I1I>1"
_ :Be",at""", dlilll1 $1O'l'Iing elevlilliona ofaprinldel1li.juoction points and sup
pity IX reference pamls
2, lnf<<rnation required on caleulatl<lollll lllt:ludml:
location
_ Name of 0_' ard a<:cqJilnt
_ 'Building idartlification
_ DelKlripLbn of '-aid
_Name and addrBllS of contra do rand deal9"lllr
_ Name of a~ aQ$l1<:Y
3.. S:)'lilem dHl9n l'1lqlIfrlll'lWnll! 1:rw:IUd3:
_ Oe!llgn <l19a of w.llPp1lcabon
_ Minimum....ta cfwalar Qppli<:",ti"", (dilns1ti,.
_ Area or "P"inklBr oa.e,.
_ Hazard oroommcdily das",f,catio n
_Bu1ldi!v;j height
_ SlOOlge height
_ Staage method
_Toi.;oII walel'le"_~Ii, as r-alwlaled,kdt.d''19 alkM'ar.:efrir Im!II>
d",""",d wlllar supply intumBt'ion
_ L<xabon and gev~ static and leIJidua11eglgsQl;lll with ",<at"", to
the riser <efeoreoo:;e poinl
Fbov location
__ static Pl9asW'... psi
_ RfiWal \lI'B,,"ur.., p'!li
_ FkIw, gpm
Dale
Tome
_ Test coodl:ded by vihQm
_ Sj(eIch to ~Iln)f grtdded system c.a!culo1lklns toind\::ate flow
quantil." and direc{ior.s for lines with sprinKler. operaled in the
raomole _a
4, Additlonall Informti11onneo::essSl)' for c:ompl..te re..law
Includes:
_ SprW:Jer desaiplJDn and d!W.lhH99 WIlS1ant (K va_>
_ H)draullctsl'arMGe p>in1!l
_ Flc1...., gpm
_ Pipe diameter (actool in"mal diamaer)
_ Pipe IengI1
_ Equwalent p;p., ""'gill for itting. and c""'p<l.!1I>'11i
_ Fnciion loss in psi per foot of .PP'l
_ illal friction loss b_ mfBmnal pOint!;
_ 8lElIoE!Ilion <lffeIllfl<JI b'lll_ ref_nee points
_. Required pr9lls.... in psi'lt each reter<lnc.epoinl.
_ Velcc;ltYPl9llSl.I'9sand I'IOllMi preStllre lfirduded Jr, calcuiatorn.
_ Nc'lgs to indlc:ale stall1.\ng ?Oinls, reference to other sheet. or
da_ifl&8tion of dale
5, It'l;h.lded with the submittal must be a graph sh!leUhl)Wlhg
wlltll!lreupply curvell luKl sy&tem ~quIremonts lneludlng:
_ Hose demand p~d on semlhgari1hmi<: graph pallB'" so as to
P_l;lOt a graphic: summary of the complete I'(ydrauli<: calculations
Figure 903.3
SAMPLE SPRINKLER SYSTEM DRAWING AND DAtA SUBMITTALS
9-26
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
20031 NTE.RNA TIOINALFIRE. cooe" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-26 OF A-69
Figuro 1l03.'3.1
NFPA 13. NFPA 13R, IIIFPA. 130 SYSTEMS
NFRl13 NFRl13A
Equip throughout OccLllied spaces
(Section 903.3.1 .1 Section 903 .3.1.21
All owu low,rise-rosideotial
4-head dlil5:' n
Residential on
30 minutes
Ute safEil tenablJ
FIRE PROTECTION SV$1'eMS
Extent of protect/on
Sprinklers
Duretloo
Advant
30 mlntJtos (minimum}
p a rd~te protectio n
.)(tLU.l NFP;\ lJ 1l1'1'i"kJ~r systems. Where the pn:wisions of
tIns cooe requll'l! th:llt a bUilding or portion thereof be equipped
throughout whh~lnautumatk .spl'inklel' system in aCl'(lrd~ln,~
with this section, sprinklers 5h,,1I be installed dlroughout in ;Ie.
cordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sc.;;tion
903.3.1. L L
<. NFPA 13 contains th,e minimum requirements for the
design and instaUation of automatic water sprinkler sys-
tems and exposure protection sprinkler systems. The
requirements contained in the .standard include the
cha!,acter and adequa.cy of the water supply and the se.-
lection of sprinklers, piping, valves and all of the materi-
als and accessories. The standard does not Indude re-
quirements for Installation of private fire service mains
and their appurtenances;, Installation of fire pumps or
construcllon and installallon or gravity and pressure
tanks and towers.
N FPA 13 defines seven cia ssifications orlypes of wa-
ter sprinkler systems: wet pipe (see Figure 903.3.L1);
dry pipe; preacllon; deluge; combined dry pipe and
preacllon; sprinkler systems that are designed for a
special purpose and outside sprinklers for exposure
protection. While numerous variables must be consid-
ered inselecting the prop,e-r type of sprinkler system, the
wet-pipe sprinkler system is recognized as the most ef-
fective and efficient The wet.pipe system is also the
most reliable type of sprinkler system, because watsr
under pressure is available at the sprinkler.. Therefore
wet-pipe sprinkler systems are recommended whereve;
possible.
Exceptions for the use of NFPA '13R and NFPA 130
systems are addressed throughout the- code when \!J>,.
ceptions based upon the use of sprinklers are provided.
More specifically, if the use of these other standJ;lrds Is
appropriate it wiD be noted within the exception. For a
building to be considered "equlppedthroughout"Wlth an
NFI='A 13 sprinkler system, complete protection must be
prOVided in accordance with the referenced standard
SUbject to the exempt locations indicated in Sectio~
903.3.1.1.1.
9flLU.l.1 Eu~npIIOl;'lllivlls. Ammmllk!i)l:illkl"rs slullt not
be required in the ftJlIo.,ring fooms or arenswhere such 1('0I11S or
<U:<1as are protected with an approv~ automatic .fire dehx'lk,n
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE cOOellCOMMI!:NTARY
APPENDiX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.3.1.1 - 903.11.1.'
NFPA13D
s~"~em in accordance with Section 907,2 IIl:!t w'jlJ respond 10
Vl~lble ur IIwisiblep:m:ides of cQmbl1~tioll, Sprinkle!'s shall not
~ omitted from ~ny l\~m merely lx:c;llIsI.' it isd;tnlp. of nre.re.
s Istance nued eQOstrucUon OJ conl~ljlls eleCtlic:al <,quipment.
I, An)' room where th<J applicatl(m of W:Ul:\l",OI' nUllW imd
water, constitutes u serious bfe or fire h,llard.
2, ^.ny fo()\l1 or space where $prinkkl); are cQusklered lmde-
S1t'.lble because of the nlHure of the COn1ents. wben:lp-
pl\.w<Jd hy the fire code oll1d::tl.
:'>. GenerlH.or and tJ:lll1sfurmer roOlll~ sl'parawd from Ihe re.
inaind\!'r of lhe building by w~tll$ and Il,-)ol'!ceiling or
loofkeiling ussclllhlie~ h"vlng ;\. .I1re-l'esb.tam~e mtlt; of
not less than 1 houfs~
4. In rool11s or :lrea~ that are of 110neombustibJe cOll~lnl,otioll
with wholly noncombll,~tible COlUents,
.:- This section allows the omission of sprinkler protection
in oertain locations If an approved automatic fire detec-
tion system is Instaled. Buildings in compliance with
one of the four listed conditions would 'still be consid-
ered fuUy sprinklere<l throughout in compUanc1'l with the
cO(ie and NFPA 13 and thus are eligible for all applica-
ble code lrade-.offs, exceptions or reductions. Elim:ina-
tionoHhesprinklersystemlna sensitiV8area issubje<.'t
to lhe approval of the fire code official.
. Condition 1 addresses restrictions wh'ere theapplica.-
lion of waler could create a hazardous condition. For
example, sprinkler protection should be avoided where
it Is not compatible with certain stored materia.is (I..e.,
some water-reactive hazardous ma,terials). Combusti.
ble metals, such as magnesium and aluminum, may
burn so intensely thaI. the use of water to attempt fire
control will only intensify the reaction.
It Is not the intent of Condltion 2 to omit sprinklers
salety because of a potential for water damage. Also, a
desire to not sprinkler a certain area (such as a com-
puter room or operating room) does not fall within the
Ii~itations of the exception unless there Is .something
unique about the space that would result in waterbein.g
incompatible.
Condition 3 recognizes the low fued load and low oc-
cupancy hazards associated with generator aM trans-
former rooms and therefore allows the omission of
sprinkler protection if the rooms are separated from adw
1).:27
PAGE A-27 OF A-69
903.3.1.2- 903.3.1,3
jacent areas by 2-hoor fir&-reslstance-rated construc-
tion. This condlllon assumes the room is not used fO(
any combustible storage.
Condition 4 requires the i;onslruction of the room or
area,as well as the contents, to be noncombustible. An
example would be an area in an unprotected steel
frame building (Type liB construction) uSEKl for steel 0(
concrete block storage. Neither involves any significant
combustible packaging or sources of ignition, and few
combustibles are present (see Figure 903.3,1).
90J.J.I.2 NFI"A UR r.prinklcr~~.slclnr.. Where allowed in
bui.klingl. ofOrwp R up to.UK! including four Sloric$ in height.
:\1ll0fllUllc sprinkler "Yli-lemS shall he in\lalled Ihf(~lgh(l1l( in u.:~.
corda nee with NFPA t JR.
(. NFPA 13R contains design and installation require-
ments for a sprinkler system to aid in the detection and
control of fires in low.rise (four stories or less) residen.
tial occupancies. Sprinkler systems designed In aecor.
dance with NFPA 13Rare intended t.o prevent flashover
{total involvement} In the room of fire origin and to im-
prove the chance for occupants to escape or be evacu.
ate<!. The design criteria in NFPA 13R are similar to
those in NFPA 13 except that sprinklers may be omitted
from areas in which fatal rires in residential occupancies
do not typicaly originate (bathrooms, dosets, attics,
porches, garages and concealed spaces).
<- Oa .. <.(0,A.tt:\6\t;vlt
ro<':OWll<<ll """Jt~ PlJl"Ol ~
rO$>1!lll'''
FIRE PROTECTtOM SYSTEMS
1)03_'.1.2.1 UalC*hb. Sprinkler p.'()(e'-'tion shall be provided
for ex terior baleanic:> and s:rou ad floor P:ltk)$ of dwelling unit"
where the buikling is of Type V ~'onstn....~tion" SidCWitl1 sprin-
kkr~ lhut are used to pIX)(e(~1 slIch UNa~ sh:tll be pemlitled <<:I be
lo..-aled Sl.II:h that lbeir d..'f1~...'tors ;,r~ withill I loch (25 mm) l() 6
io.::hes ( J 52 mm) Nlow thestructumIITICmbet$, and tll1l:lXirnUIll
di:<ttlJ1<X of 14 inches (JS6 mm) bdow the deck (If the exterior
bak'Onie!. lhtlt :U'e COn$lnh:t~..,j of open w..xlli joist ("OJI'SU'uclk)l).
+> This section requires additional sprinklers on balcon ies
and patios when Type V construction is used for Gr;oup
R occupancies.. This is in addition to the requirements of
NFPA 13R The Intent Is to address hazards such as
grilling and similar activilies. Since NFPA 13R does not
require such coverage,Unlre is potential that a (ire on a
balcony OOllld grow much too large ror the system within
the buik:llng to handle.
~.I03.J.1.3 NF'Pl\ 1.10 sl)J.jnkleJ' s~'r.it'tns, Wbereall()wed. llUlll.
m:ltic sptinkJer systems illSlaJlc-.:1 in ooe. and IWI',).filmily dwell.
ings shall be ilNldJed throughout ill accol'dlll)('(' with NFPA
DD.
<+ NFPA 13D contans design and installation reo
quirements ror a sprinkler system to aid in the detedion
and control offlres n one- and two--famHy dwellings and
mobile oom&s. Similar to NFPA 13R, sprinkler systems
designe<l inaccordanc&wilh NFPA 130 Sill intended to
. ......tlI.'__V"Ii!llP1't:li
.'I..~IH ......"IMj.. 'N~1l
'tlUPIR'^t\.f~1: ~.A1~P; Trot'
.WF .tlMlI;CRlJA.<;E',\\1'H
~'n'J
faSI: .C ... I("F) - 3:2)11.8
Figure 903.3.1,1
TYPICAL WeT PIPE SYSTEM
9.28
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
20031NTI!RNATlONAL FIRE eODEtlCOlllMENTARY
PAGE A-28 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
prevent flashover (total involvement) in the room of fire
origin and to improve the chance for occupants to es-
cape or be evacuated. Although the allowable omission
of sprinklers In oertain areas of the dwelling unit in NFPA
130 Is similar to that in NFPA 13R the water supply re-
quiremlirnts are less restrictive. NFPA 1:30 uses a
two--head sprinkler design with a 10-minute duration re-
quirement, while NFPA l3R uses a four-head sprinkler
design with a 3o-minute duraUon requirement.. ihe de-
creased water supply requirement emphasizes the
main intent of NFPA 130 to control the fire and maintain
tenab~ity during evacuation of the residence.
Since the fire code official has the authority to ap-
prove the type of sprinkler system, this section may be
used to prevent the use of a Specific type of sprinkler
system that may be inappropriate for a particulalr type of
oocu pancy.
(mJ3.2 Quick-J't'SpllllSt' and I'csidcnliul spdnklers. Wher,;
~\Ittm~tltic sprinkler systems are requir~,"I.1 by this (~ode, ql1kk-re-
sponw or u's'idel11ial .lUtolll:ni(~ sprinklers $h:11I be install.:>d in
lh:.t folk~wing areas in 11,;:l'('l'dl1nCC wit.h SeelJon 90J.3~ land their
I Istin,gs:
1, "nll"tlUghom all $paec:~ with III a ~mokt' cOl1lpartrn.:>nt <::00-
tailling p~\tient sleeping units in Grollp 1-2 i n tlc(~'mh~ fi\.-e
~,ith the lnrenwrional Buifdin,,? Codt'.
2, Dwelling units lUld sleeping units in Group R and I-I
O('l.:up:Ul(~i.,s,
3. Light-ha7nrd on~up;IllCkSllS defined in NFPA 13.
.... This section requ.ire.s the use of either listed quick-re-
sponse or residential automatic sprinklers depending
on the type of sprinkler system required toachie\l€t
faster and more effective suppression in certain areas.
Re,sidential sprinklers are required in all types of resi-
dential buildings that would permit the use of an NFPA.
13R or13D sprinkler system.
CondlUon 1 reiterates the requirements of Section
407.5 of the IBC to use approved qulck-responseor res-
identialsprinklers in smoke compartments conJ.alnlng
pa.tJent sleeping units in Group 1-2 oocupancies. Even
though properly operating st.andard sprinklers are effec-
tive, the extent offire growth and smoke production that
can oa:ur before sprinkler activation creates the need
for early waming to enable faster response by staff and
.in itiation of egress that is critical in occupancies contaln~
ing persons incapable of self-preservation, The faster
response time associated with quicJHesponse or resi-
dential sprinklers increases the probability that the
sprinklers wiil actuats. before the patient's life would be
thre.atened by a fire in his or her room.
Beca use ofthe kind of occupants sleeping in Group R
and 1-1 occupancies, as indicated!n CondiUon 2, a f8st-
response-type sprinkler is desirable.
Condition 3 re<Jognizes light-hazard occupancies in
accordance with NFPA l3. These oouldhclude restau-
rants, schools. office bullding!>. churches and similar oc-
cupancies where the fire load and potential heat release
of combustible contents are low.
2D03INTE.RNATIONAIL Fl.~e COO E." COMMENTARY
APPENDlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.3.2 - 903,3.5
')03_~3 ObstMlcll'lllorot ions. Automatic spr'ulkl.:>fS \h~dt ))010-
stalled with due regl~)'d to obstructioll ~ thl1t will delay llCth'tIUO n
,-'robstruct the \\Cill~ distribution p~mcrn. Automatic sprinkler.s
shull beinShlll.:>d ill or under lxwe.J:t:xl kiosh. di-_pbys, booths,
conws~ion stands. or equipment tI):l! c.xt'ceds 4 f.>et (1219 mOl}
in viklth. Not le:;.s than ;13-1"(':':'>1 (9101. mm) de:lnm(,e :;.b.,1I1 be
mainhu.ned hetween llUtoma.lic sprinklers aJJd the top of piles of
combustible fiber.s..
Exception: Kitchell equipment under exhaust hoods pro-
tected with a fire-e:>;tinguishing: system In ao:ordance with
St"Ction 90+.
.;;. To provide adequate sprinkler coverage. sprinkler pro-
tection should be extended under any obstruotlon that
exceeds 4 feet (1,21'9 mm)in widttL Large air ducts are
another common obstruction where sprinklers are rou-
tinelyextended beneath the duct. The 3-.:foot (914 rnm)
storag.e clearance requirement for combustible fibers is
caused bytheirpolenlial high heat release. Moststor-
age conditions requ.ire only a minimum 18-inch (457
mm) storage clearance to combustibles. depending on
the type of sprinklers used and their actual storage o:m.
ditions.
The exception recognizes that an alternative extin-
guishing system is permitted for commercial cooking
systems In place of sprinkler protection for exhaust
hoods that may be more than 4 feet{1219 mm) wide.
9033.4 Aduution. Au.tollllltk spritlJder systems shall be alllo-
lllalkally aCIUlltl'ti unlcS:!. s~cifically provided for in this code,
-:. The intent of this section is to eli.rriinate the need for oc-
cupant intervention during a fire.
Wet-pipe and dry-pipe sprinkler systems, for exam-
ple, are essentially fail-safe systems in the sense tha t, if
the system is in proper operating condition, it will oper-
ate once a sprinkler fuses, Dry systems have an inher-
ent time lag for water to reach the sprinkler; therefore,
the response is not as fast as for .8 wet~pipe system.
Other types of sprinkl&r systems, such as preaction and
deluge, rely on the actuatlon of .adetectionsystem to
operate the sprinkler valve.
~XI33.5 \\ille!' supplies. Water supplies for automndc sprinkkr
systems shall (,(Huply w.ith lhb $~'Ctkm llud tlm standards rcfcl'-
en(~ed in Section 903..3,1. The pot~lble water supply sh:1l1 be pro-
tL'~toXl a,gnin~t baokflow in lwcordallce whb the l"equl.l"emeJlhof
tbis st'Ction and th.:> lntematiollal PlumNng Code,
';;'To be effective. all spr inkier systems must have an ade-
quate supply of water; The criteria for an acceptablewa-
ter supply are contained in the standards referenced in
Section 903,3.1. For example, NFPA 13 contains elite-
ria for different types of water supplies as well as the
methods to determine the pressure, flow capabilities
and capacity necessary t.o get the. intended perfor-
manoe from a spfinkler system. An acceptable water
supply could consist of a reliable municipal supply, a
gravity tank or a fire pump with. a pressure tank or a
combination of these.
This section also establishes tile requirements for
9.29
PAGE A-29 OF A-69
003.3.5,1 -OO3,U
protecting the potable water system against a
non potable source, such as stagn.ant water retained
within the sprinkler piping. As stated in Section 608.16.4
of ItlS Intemational Plumbing COde- (IPC"), an ap-
proved double cheCk valve device or reduced pressure
principle backflow preventer is required.
903.3.5.J Domes1it' s('ryh::es. "11ere the domeslk service prc.-
vides the watl!T supply for the ,Iuwnmtic ~prinkJCf sy~tem. the
supply shall be ill Il.c<:,ordll.nce with this section.
-:> This section establishes the scope of domestic seNiees
for limited area sprinkler systems and residential combi-
nation services.
90.1.3.5. I. t Umik'() III,(,il spdnkl{'J' s:rslt'lTIs. Limit.:ld are,l
sprinkler systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers on Iluysillgle
connection ure permitled to be OOlllloctl>d to the domes(k ser-
vke whc.rc a wet autolllatic sl.lndpipe is not 'lv.ribhle. Limited
,mell sprnlkler systems conm'>:ted It) d()(llesti,~ water supplies
",hall coomply with each of the following requirement~
I. 'i,dves shall not be installed between lh.. domestic water
ri~er cOnlrol v(dve anclthe $prinklers.
EXCCI)lioll: An approved indicaling (.~'ntrol valve $U-
p<lrvis.:-d in the open position in .u.'t:ordanc.:' w.ith Se.:-
lioll 903.4.
2. The domestic selVire shall b", capable of supplying the si-
llmlta.noous domestic demand and the spl'inkler demand
required to be hydrRulically \7alcnlated by NFPA 1."-
NFPA 13R or NFl'/\. 13n
-:- Use of Iimlt&d area sprinkler systems is primarily limited
to fire areas or other areas where the number ofsprin,.
klers dices not exceed 20.
The use of Umlted area sprinkler systems Is restricted
to cases in which the code requires a Umlte<! number of
sprinklers and not a complete automatic sprinkler ~ys-
tern. For example, limited area sprinkler systems may
be used to protect stages; storage and workshop areas;
stories and ba:sements without openings; painting
rooms; tra:sh rooms and chutes; furnace rooms; Kitch,.
ens and hazardous exh aust systems a nd incidental use
areas as defined in Section 302.1.1 of the IBe. When a
wet automatic standpipe is not available, limited-area
sprinkler systems maybe connected to the domestic
watersupply.
The water supply to the sprinkler system is to be con,.
trolled only by the same valve that controls the domestic
water supply to the building; no shutoff valves are per-
mitleQ in the sprinkler system piping. These restrictions
increase the likelihood that the sprinkler system will be
operational should a fire occur: Likewise, If the sprinkler
system needs restoration after having, operated in re-
sponseto s. fire or needs repairs requiring that the water
supply be shutoff, this section Increases the probabiity
that the system will be restored quickly, because having
the domestic water supply to the entire building shut off
is an incorwenience to oocupants thatthey will nottoler~
ale long.
The eXD'eptlon recognizes tile value of standard
9.30
A!'PENlJlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
sprinkler system valve supervision complying with Sec-
tion 903.4 as providing the level of system reliability
contemplated by this section.
Documentation, usually in the form ofhydraul.iccalcu-
lations, must be submitted demonstrating that the do-
mestic water system Isadequ.ate to supply ttle sprinkler
demand in addition to the peak domestic demand. The
domestic demand WOUld normally be delennined as
stated in the I PC.
903_1.5.1.2 Residt'ntilll ('ombinalion sel"vict'S. A Mngle cOrl.lhi-
11,.,ri0l1 watef Sllpply ~hall be p<,rmitfxJ pnwld:\.xlth(l1 ale dOrlW}',-
tic dell1~llId is lldd",d to the ~)rinkh~f del 1ll1l1<1 a~ l:.Jquh'ed by
NFPA DR.
.... NFPA 13R permits a common supply ma in to a building
to serve both the sprinkler system and domestic ser,.
vices jf the domestic demand is added to the sprinkler
demand. NFPA 1 3R systems do not prOVide the same
level of property protection a s NFPA 13 systems.
9033.5.2 Secondm)^ mltt't. SUPI)I~v. A s~condrrry on.site \\Inter
supply equal to the hydl:lulicaUy calculated sprinkler demand,
including the hose stream fl"quiremenl. shall be pwvidt'(j for
high-rise buildings in Seismic Design Cat.:'gl'll"Y C, D. E OJ' Pas
determined by the International Building Code, TIle socond~lJY
w::lter supply shall have t\ dumtion natless than 30 minmes as
detem\inoo by the occupnncy hazard c1assifkmiOll in lIccur-
dllllee with NFPA 13.
EU't'pl illn: E:l:isling buildings.
... To increase the reUability of the sprinkler system should
an earthquake disable the primary water supply, a sec-
ondary on-site water supply is required for high-rise
buildings in Seismic: Desi'Qn Cat8'9ory C, D, B or F (see
Section 1616.3 of the IBe). Ihe required .amount ofwa-
tel' is equal to the hydrautic.ally calculated sprin,kler de-
mand plus hose stream demand for a 3D-minute period
related to the appropriate hazard classification In NFPA
13.
The exception recogn izes the infeasibimy of requiring
a secondary water su pply in existing high-rise buildings,
903.3.6 Hmw threads. FIre IlCI~ threilds llsed ill conncCl.tOn
with automatic sprin:k1er syslems shall be applDyed and'shallbe
compatible wIlh fire depllltlllent hose threilds.
... The threads on connections the fire department will use
to connect. a hose must be compatibltl wIth tile fire de-
partment threads. The majLdy of fire departments in
the United States use the American Na Uonal Fire Hose
Connection Screw Thread (NH), commonly ;known as
NSTandNS. NFPA.1963gives lhe screw thread dimen-
sions and the thread size of threaded connections. with
nominal sizes ranging from 3/.. Inch (19 mm) to 6 inches
(152 mm) for the NH thread. Although efforts to stan.
dardize firehose threads began afte-rihe Bostonconfla-
gration in 187.2, there are still many different serew
threads. some of which give the appearanee of compati-
bilitywiththe NH thread. While NFPA 1963 may he used
as a guide, the rod e does not req ui r 9. IMt a ny partie ula r
2003INTE;R~TIONAL FIRE CODE" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-30 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
standard be ad hered to. Design documents should
specify the type of thr ead to be used in o;der to be com~
patlble With the fire departmentequipmenl The a'iteria
typically apply to fire department ronnedlons for sprin-
kler and standpipe systems, standpipe hose connec-
lions, yard hydrants and wall hydrants.
1)UJ.3.11:ir~ dcpal'tlllellt connections. The locatiPn Qf fire de.
partment conneC1 ions shall N applt",'cd by the f1re (;OOC o Ilk ia I.
.:. Fire department connections are required as part of a
waler-based suppression system as the auxiliary water
supply. These oonnedions give the fire department the
capability of supplying the necessary water to the auto-
@
(1)
@
(V
...
slNCltE "''1ET PIPE RISER
@
SINGLE PRY PIP!: RISER
tEGEND:
t INDICATING CONTROL VALVE
2, ALARM CtiECK VALVE
3. SWING CHECK VALVE
4. DRY PIPE VAl.VE
S, 11.2" BAL.L DRIP
For Sit Him .. 21:1.4 mm,
903,3.7 -FIGURE 903.3.1
malic sprinkler or standpipe system at a sufficient pres.
sure Without pressurizing the underground supply. The
fire departmenl connection also serves as an alterna-
tive source of water should a va!ve in the primary water
supply be dosed. A fire department ronnedion does
not, however, oonslitule an automalic water sou ree.
Section 912 contains additional gUidance for the loca-
tion and accessibility of fire department connections,
Which :should be readiy visible from the street and un-
obstructed. See Figure 903.3.7 (or typical fire depart-
ment connection arrangements. Section 912 also al-
lows for the ronnectloos to be locked if appropriate key
wrenches will be available (see commental'l. Section
912.3.1).
.~)
-
MULTIPLE WET PiPE RISER
@
COMBINATION RISER
6 F1RE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION
1. PRESSURE GAUGE:
8. MAIN ORAIN
9 WATER-FLOW SWITCH
10, PRESSURE HOW SWI reM
Figure 903.3.7
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION DETAILS
20031HTeRNATIONAL f!'IRE COD~COMMENfARV
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
$.31
PAGEA-31 OF A-69
903.4 - 903.4.1
90J.4 Sprinkler :<iy~tl'm monitoring "lid ahll'ms, All \"ollves
controlling the \\'ll.lel' ~l1pply fo.r ~IUlonUltic sprinkler sY$tems,
pumps, tanks. 'OI:'1ltcr levels a.nd tempct'ulllres. critical air pres-
SUl'eS. and water~n()w switcbes on ;111 sprinkler systems Sb.lll be
electrkally supervised..
.Ext~IJtiolls:
I. Automatic sprinkler systerns pmteaiog one- :mJ
t\.l'o.lum!ly dwdlings.
2. Limited :lfea systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
3. Automatic sprill.klel'systcms installed in accordance
with NFP A I J R where a common supply maill is llsed
to supply both domeMk \llater and the automatic sprin-
kkl' s)'l'ilel1l, and u sepamte 'lhutoff v:llve for the auto-
m:ltlc sprinkler system is not providetl
4. Jockey pump ('ontml valves that are seulcd Qr kx:hd in
the open pos.ition..
.5. Control v:Jv,~s to l:t'lllmerdal kitchen hoods. paint
spray booth.s or dip tanks tb.lt are s<:'1\led or lockl"d in
the open plHition.
6, V:~ves ~~omrolling the fud supply to fire pump engines
tllllt are se~lled or locked in tbe open 1"-1silion.
7. Trim valves 10 pressure SWllf.:lws in dry, pl'eaClioll :md
deluge Ilprinkll"r s )'Stem s that Iilr<J sealed or locked in
the open. position.
';'The reliability data on aulomatic sprinkler systems
clearly indicate that a closed valve is the leading cause
of sprinkler system failure. There a re also a number of
other critical elements that contribute to successful
sprlnklersystem operation,including, but not limited to,
pumps, waleI' tanks and air pressure maintenance de-
vices; therefore, this section requires that the various
critical elements thai contribute to an available water
supply and to the function of the sprinkler system be
electrically supervised.
Automatic sprinkler :!\yslems In one- and lWo~famlly
dwellings are typically designed to comply with NFPA
13D, which does not require e.leclrical supervision (see
Exception 1).
limlted--area sprinkler systems are generally super~
vised by their connection to th,e domestic water service
(see Exception 2). Electrical supervision is required
only if a conl1ol valve is installed between the risercon~
trol valve and the sprinklersystem piping. Similar to lim~
ited~a rea sprinkler .systems, electrical supervision Is nol
requl~ed for NFPA 13R residential combination services
when a shutoff valve is not I nst.a I led (see Exception 3).
NFPA13R sprinkler systems are supervised In that the
only way to shut offthe sprinklersyslem is to also shut
off t.he domestic water supply. The valves disc.ussed in
E.xceptlons 4 through 7 can be sealed or locked In the
open position because they do not conlrol the sprinkler
system wat&rsupply.
90..1.4.1 Sigllllls. Alarm. ,super\' isOl} and tl\lUble signals shall be
distin,'.ly different and sh.all be aLttomalka' U,y tn\llsmitt.,~d tel ;1.11
lIpprQvcJ l:"lImtl station, lX'mote supel"\'lsing station 01' propri-
etaty"upcl'Vjsing~tnlion :IS detincd in NFPA 72 or. when aI'-
9.32
APPJ::NDlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTEC1l0N SYSTEMS
proved by the fire ccdc official. ..hull sound an audible Siglllll at a
,'ollMantly attended Ic..;ation..
I~x(~eptllll\s:
I. Underground b~'y or hub v"lv(\s ill ro.ld"'ay hm:(',\ pro-
vided by the llHlIlkipalily or public utility 31'e not re-
tluiroo to be mQnitored.
2. Badctlow prevention device h~'>l v:lhes, IO("llted in lim-
ited area sprinkle!" system supply piping. shall be
locked in the open position. In OCCllp:lllc:ies rlXfuired to
be equipped with a fin: ul:um sy~tem, the bffi.'kflow'
prevente!" valves ,w:lU bl" dccu:i..::ally supervised by a
tamper switch instilled in accol\:bm'c with NFPA 71
and separately annllllciatl'J.
(. Automatic sprinkler systems must be supervised as a
means of determining that the system is operational. A
valve supervisory switch operating as a normally open
or normally closed switch is usually used. NFPA. 72
does not. permit valve supervisory switches to be Io~
caled on the same zone circuit as the water-flow switch
unless it is specifically arranged to actuate a signal that
is distinctive from the circuit trouble condition signal.
Required sprinkler syslemsare t.o be monitored by an
approved supervising' service to comply with NFPA 72,
Types ofsupervlsing stations recognized in NFPA 72 in-
clude central station, remole supervising station or pro-
prietary supervising station.
A central slBtionis an independent off'-slte facility op-
erated and maintained by personnel whose primary
business is to fumls,h, maintain, record and supervise a
signaling system. A proprielary syst&m is similar loa
central station; however,a proprietary system is typi~
cally an on-site facility man/to ringa number ofbuilding:s
on the same site for the same owner. A remote station
system has an alarm signal that is transmUted to a re-
mole location acceptable to the authority having Juris~
diction that is attended 24 hours a day. The re.ceiving
equipment is usually located ata fire station, police sta-
tion or telephone an swerlngserv ice. Alternatively to the
three previous supervising melhods, an audible signal
can be transmitted to a oonstantiyaltended locationap-
proved by the fire code official.
Exception 1 recognizes that underground key or hub
valves In roadway boxes are not normally supervised' or
required to be supervised by this section or NFPA 13.
Exception .2 acknowledges that local water utilities
and environmental authorlties in many Instances re.
quire, by local ordinances, that backflow preven tion de.
vices be Installed in limiled-area sprinkler .system pip~
in9. To make the testing and maintenance of bBckflow
preventiOn devi,oos easier, test valv,es are installed on
each side of the device. These valves are typically indi.
cating.typevaives and can function as sh utoff valves for
the sprinkler system,. and therefore require some level
of supervision.
Because these infrequently used valves may be th&
only feature of protection requiring su petvision in occu-
pancies not otherwise required to be equipped wUh a
fire alarm syst&m, Exception .2 pe~mils tl1ese valves to
be locked in the opan posit.lon. However. If the ooou~
2ll0;l I NrI!!RNATIONAL FIRE coDe" COMI\U::N1'p.,:R:Y
PAGE A-32 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
pa.ncy is protected by a fire alarm system, these va !ves
must be equipped with approved valve supervisory de-
vices ~onnected to the fire alann control panel on a sep-
arate (supervisory) :zone so that the supervlsorysignal
is transmitted to the designated receivingslation. Instal-
lation and testing of backflQIN preventers insprlnkler
systems are regulated In Sections 312.9 (testing) and
600.16.4 (devices) of the IPC.
I}OJ.4.2 Alarms. Appl'OVOO audibl.. devii."()s shaU be connect..d
10 """c')' alll.umalk sprillkler system. Such sprinkler \Ii,lter-f1ow
ldarm d<'vkes shIll! be.lclinlted by water flow \:quinl.leol to the
now Clf a single sprinkler of tbe smallest orifice size insl.t1led in
t~ system. Ahum devices shall be pwvidcd on the exterk.r of
the building in all approwd 10.;.:allon. Where II tire :darm system
is illStdlcd. actuation of the lllllom.\llc spdnkler system shall ac-
tuate the building fire alarm system.
-=- The audible alann, sometimes referred to as the 'out-
side ringer" or .water-motor gong," sounds when the
sprinkler system has activated. The alarm device may
be electricl1llly operated or it may be a true water-motor
gong operated by a paddle-wheel~type attachment In
the sprinkler system riser that responds to the flow of
water in the piping. Though no longer the alarm device
of choice, water-motor gongs do have the advantage of
not being subject 10 power failures within or outside tile
protected building(seeSeclions3-10and 5-15ofNFPA
13 for further information on these devices). The alarm
must be installed on the exterior of the building in a loca-
tion approved by the fire code official. This location is of~
ten in close proximity to the fire department connection
(FDC), serVing a collateral function of helping the re-
sponding fire apparatus engineer more promptly locale
the F DC. The ala rm Is not intended to be an e vacu ation
alarm. However, when a fire alarm system Is installed,
the spnn'kler .system must be interconnected with the
fire alarm system so that when the spnnkler system ac-
tuates, It sounds the evacuation alarms required for the
fire alarm system..
?03.4_~ Floor control ndHis. Approved supervised indicluing
coni.rol v.llve1> shall beprovidedllt the point of connet'tiollto the
ri~)' on .'adtlloorin high-ris~, bui.ld.ings,
(0 In high.rise buildings,. sprinkler control valves with su~
pervisory initiating devices must be instaUed at the point
ofconnection to the riser on. each floor: Sprinkler control
valves on each floor are inlendedto perr"it servicing BC-
tivated systems without Impairing the water supply to
large portions of the bUilding.
~}OJ.5 Testing IIIl d llHli ntena m:e. Sprinkler s}'stem& ShllH be
tested and mai IItained .in accordance with Section 90 I ,
.) Sootlon 901 contains requirements for the testing and
maintenance of sprinkler systems. Acceptance tests
are necessary to verifY 'lhalthe system performs as in-
tended by design and by the code. Periodic testing and
maintenance are essen tiel to verify that the level of pro-
tection designed into the building will be operationa.1
2tlil3INTl:kNATloNALF1RE! CODl!rl COMMleNrARY
Al'.PbNlJIX 1\
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
903.4.2 -904.1
whenever a fire occurs. Water-based extinguishing sys~
terns must be tested and maintained as required by
NFPA 25.
4)113.6 El:islillg buildi.ngs. The Jlrnv.isiOllS afthis sect[Lm urc 111-
tended to provide areasooab!e degree of safety ill ex.j~ting stru()-
tU!"('S not complying with tile minimum requirements of the
IJltemalk,twJ Building Cod.. by f...q uir.i ng insl al hIti.o 11 of ,nl rlUW-
malic fire-extinguishing system,
-=- This section statas the situations in which an automatic
fir~x:tingujshingsyste m must be-added to an existing
building. This section would not apPly to a structure that
complies with the requirements for new construction in
the fBC.
9113.(;. t ~TuxJlin phlstic1>. An stILlctnrusoccllpied fClIthe man-
Uf.lclure or ~lOr:lfe of .mk,l.el'. of U:lI.IU.lO:\e nilr:l1.e (pyw\ylin)
plastic ,mull be eqtl ipped. wi th rill approwd. aLllDnmtic tire-extin-
guishing system. V,mlts located within buildings for the slOnlge
of raw pywxylin .sh.11I be pl'l.Jtei.'ted wilh an ,Lpproved llllt0Il111tk
sprinkler system c~~p,lbIe of disch'lrging L66 gallons per minute
per square foot t68 LlmlnJmZ) over the aua of the \'Jult.
-=- Although Section 9D3.6.1 requires an approved auto-
matic flre--exting uishing system In existing buildings
used for the manufacture and storage of pyroxylin plas-
tics. the application of this 'sootlon was not intended to
lake precedence over the requirements for new build-
ings housing pyroxylin plastics. Becs use a quantity limi-
tation is not specified in Section 903..6.1, the sprinkler
threshold quantity limitation of 100 pounds (45 kg) in
Section 903.2.4..a should be used. As indicated in the
commentary to Section 903.2.4.3, however, the need
for additional fire protection should be considered for
any amount of pyroxylin plastics because of their
flammability and unstable composition.
Even thou:g.h this section would permit an approved
fire-extJnguishing system in existing structures contain..
ing pyroxylin plastics. vaults must be protected by an
approved automatic sprinkler system with a den.sity of
1.66 gpmlft2 (68 Umlnlrn2) o\ler the entire area of the
vault The high sprinkler density recognizes the need to
immerse the pyroxylin plastics in water tocoLlnteract the
vigorous burn ra.te of these materials.
SECTION 904
ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXl1NGUISHING
SYSTEMS
9114.1 (jt'lI11l"ul. Auwlmlric fJr...-exlio2tl i:'\hillgS\'sICl11'\. other
than llutomntk~ sprinkler ,systems. shall b~ dl?\sig;h>(l. instliU...d,
inspecled. te51ed and maintained in acn1luunce WIth the plUv'i-
si(\1\s of this se.,tionund 11,... ,Ipplkllble Id'crenced standal\b"
(0 Section 904 covers .alternative fir,e-eXtin-guishing sys-
tems that. use extinguishing agen!ts other than water~ Al-
ternative aU.tomallc fire--extinguishing systems include
wet..chemical, dry-chemical" foam, Garbon dioxide,
Halon and clean-agent suppression systems. In addi-
9.33
PAGE A-33 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
P8flCy is protected by a fire alarm system, these vailves
must be: equipped with approved valve supervisory de-
vioas connected to the fire alarm control panel on a sep-
arate (supervisory) zone so that lhesupervisory signal
is transmntedto the designated receiving station. Instal-
Iationand testing of backflow preventers in sprinkler
systems are regulated in Sections 312.9 (testing) and
608.16.4 (devices) of the IPC.
~)U].-I.2 .-\Inrm~. Approvoo audible del/ices shllIl be ('(Illncctcd
to evelY llutomlllk sprinkler system. ~uch sprinklei' wateJ-flow
lIlaI'm devices shall be activm...d by waler flow eqL1iv~\lent to. the
flow of a sing Ie sprinkler of th.: smallest orifice Sill.' installed in
tbe s)'1llem. Alarm dKl/kc.,hall be pnJ,~ided on the ,",xtrnor of
too building ill all appwwd location. Where afire al~lI"m system
is installed. actuation ofth,- IllItomatic sprinkler syMffil shall ac-
t\lllt" tbe building fu'" :ll;mll syw:m.
<-TIle audible ala.rm" sometimes referred to as the 'out-
side ringe('or ""Water-motor gong,,' sounds when the
sprinkler system has activated. The a.larm device may
ba electrically operated or it may be a true water-motor
gong operated by a paddle-wheel-type attachment to
the sprinkler system riser that responds to the flow of
water in the piping. Though no longer the alarm device
af c: hoioe, wa.ler- motor gong!s do have the advantage of
not baing subject to powerfailures within or outside the
protected buildk1g (see Sections 3-10 and 5-15of NFPA
13 for further information on these devices). The alarm
must be instBlledon the exterior of the building in a.loca-
tion approved by the fire c:odeofficial. This location is of-
ten In close proximity 10 the fire department conne<Jtion
(FOC),serving a collateral function of helping the ra-
!lponding: fire apparatus et'l9lneer mors promptly .Iocate
the FOC. The alarm is not intended to be an evacuation
alarm. However,. when a lire ala.rm system is Installed,
the sprinkler system must be interconnected with the
lire alarm !lystem !lO that when the sprinldersyslam ac-
tuates. It sounds the evacuation alarms required for !tIe
fire alarm system.
ImJ..Ll 10'1001' coutml mb'!:-'S. Apprm",>(l !-up~n,ised indi"llting
C()Olro I va.lves sh(\lll.-.:' pro,'i ded at the polllt of ,-onnection to the
ri!<el" 011 eacht100f in high-ri.w buildin.(ls.
-t. ~n high-rlse bUildings, sprinkler control valves with su-
peNlsory Initiating devices must be: Installed at the point
of connection to the riser on each floor. Sprinkler control
valves on ea.ch floor are intended to permit servicing ac.-
tivated systems without Impairing the water supply to
large portions of the building,
~)tl15 Tc.\ling llnd IlIllilllelUUlcc. Sprink.ler systelll\ shall b"
tested mul malnuined in Llcc(Jl'd~mce wilh Setl iL'll 90 I"
.;, Section 001 contains requirements for the tesUng and
maintenance of sprinkler systel1'lS. Acceptance tests
are necassary to verify that the system performs as In-
tended by des.ign and by the code. Periodic testing and
maintenance are essenUal to verify that the level of pro-
tection de:Bigned into the building will be operational
2003 tNTE.~NAll()NALFIRE CODE"COMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
SECTION 904
903.4.2 -904,1
whenever a fire occurs. Water-based extinguishing .sys-
tems must be tested and maintained as required by
NFPA 25..
I)OJ.6 ["istinR buildings. The provisions Oflhis section are in-
len<kd 10 pn.wiJ" (\ reasonable d"gree of saf"ly in existing stnlc-
tllres not oomplying with tho:: minimulll r<lql1iremelllsof tho
Inrl!nJl1ri(l1lal Building Codt' by requiring insmlJluion of an auto-
matic fire-C.\tinguIshing SYSl<;JJlI.
-:- This section slates the situations in which an automatic
fi~xtinguishing system must. be added to a.n existing
building. This section would not apply to a structure that
complies with the requirements for new construction In
the [Be.
<}OJ.6.1 PyI'Ullylin plll~tics. All slruclUre~ occupied fonlw man-
UfaCIL11\J 01' storage of aI1ic\",.s of CCllld,)!<:l nitrate (pymxyHll)
plasti" ;;ulul be "'luipp!Jdwilh all appro'ed al1!CJmati" fiw-<'iuin-
guiwillg system. Vaults loruted within buildings for tnc. sll")mg.l
of mw PYl"oxylinshalJ be pmteClcd Wilh ~Ul ;lppl'Iwed autonlatic
sprinkl\lHyswll\ c..pahle of discharging 1.66 g'IJlons pel' minut"
pel: squal.... fOoJt (68 L!lllin/m~) 'werthc :"-Cl\ of th... \';\ull.
.... Although Section 903..6.1 require.san approved auto-
matic flre-extingulshing system in existing buildings
used for the manufaclureand storage of pyroxylin plas-
tics, the applicatiott of this section was not. intended to
take precedem:e over the requirements for new build-
Ings housing pyroxylin plastics. Becs use a quantity limi-
tation Is not speCified .in Section 903.6.1, the sprinkler
threshold quantity limitation of too pounds (45 kg) in
Section 903.2.4.3 should ba used. As indicated in the
commentary to Section 903.2.4.3, however, the need
for additional Fire prolecUonshould be considered for
any amount of pyroxylin plasUcs because of their
flammability and unstable composition.
!::ven though this section would permit an approved
fire-extlnguishing system In existing structures contaIn-
ing pyroxylin plastics, vaults must be protected by an
approved 8utomaticsprlnkler system with a density of
1.66 gpmlft2 (68 Umin/ni') over the entire area of the
vault The high sprinkler density recognizes the need to
Immerse the pyroxylin plastics In wat~rto counteract the
vigorous burn rate of these materials.
SECTION 904
ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FlllE-EXTlNGUISHING
SYSTEMS
904.1 General. Autumalic fil'e-~tingui,shiug sy~telt\~, l.llher
lh,lOaut<Jruatk spflukler .~yst.ellls,sh~ln be designed, installed,
inspecled. tes\~d anti m;liutain,'t! ill accord;tnce with the provl-
siolt~ of this s\;J\~fion aud the appli':l\bJc r"ferenclJd slandul\l's.
<. Section 004 covers alternative fire-extinguishing sys-
tems that use extinguishing agents other than water: Al-
ternative au.tomaUc fire-extlnguishing systems include
wet-chemical" dry-chemical, foam, carbon dioxide,
Halon and dean-agent suppression systems.. In addi-
g.jj
PAGE A-34 OF A-69
904.2 - 904,3.5
tion to the provisions ofSectlon 904, the Indicated refer~
encecl standards Include specific installation, mainte~
nance and testing requ.irements for all systems..
904.2 Where requin.>d. Automatic fue-extinguishing s.)'slcms
ill~talled a~ an alternative to the rcquil\'d automaticsprinklcc
sY'~lellls of Seclion 903 shLllI be approved by the fire code offi-
ciaL Autonmtk .fil"e-e:uinglJil>hin~ sy~tcm~ ~hun nOl be cOllllid-
ered ;IJrermllives for Ihe p\[rpose~ of ex,'eptions or reductions
pel"luitted by \Jlller requiwmellts of this l'C.de,
.> One of the main considerations in selecting an extin~
guishing agent should be the compallbllity of the agent
with the hazard, The fire rode official Is responsible for
approving an alternative extinguishing agenl The ap.-
proval should be based on the compatibility of the agent
with the hazard and the potential effectiveness of the
agent to suppress a fire involving the hazards present
TIle rode places limitations onaltemativesystems in
that they may not be credited toward a building being
equipped throughout with an automatic sprlnklersys~
tern where the sprinkler system is an alternative or
trade-off to a code requirement.
l)04.2,1 11041(1 system suppI:ession. Eac:h required cOl11l11erc,ial
kh"hen ,))dHlll~1 hOlld llnd duct system HXluired by 8e,;'tion 610
to haw a Type I hood shall L", prot.xted willl nn llpproved :\UlO-
matic fire-extinguishing SystelU installed in accordance with
thi~ ,'ode.
(. This section requires an effective suppression system
to combat fire on th.e cooking surfaces of grease-pro-
ducing appliances and within the hood and exhaustsys-
tem of a commercial kitchen Installation. Type I hoods,
Including the duct system, must be suppressed be-
causeI' they are used for handling gresse.-Iadan vapors
or smoke whereas Type II hoods handle fumes, steam,
heat.a nd odors. Type I hoods a ra typically required for
commercial food heat-processing equipmen~ such as
deep fryers, griddles, charbroilers, broilers and open
burner stoves and ranges.
l}04.3 Instullll..iOlI. Alllmnatic Gn.J-extingui!Jling Syst"'lll' shall
be inslalled in:\ccordauce with this section.
.:. The installation of automatic fire-extinguishi ng, systems
must comply with the requirements of Sections 904.3.1
through 904,3.5 in addition to the installation criteria
contained in the referenced standard for the proposed
type of dernative extinguishing system.
90.:1.3.1 E1t'Ctrkal wiring. El~':lri.:al wiring: shall be in accor-
d,mcewith the lee Bh,ctriml Code.
-:~ Th.e ICC Electrical CocJe!fJ (iCe ECTM lin turn references
N'FPA 70 for the design and Installa,tion of electrical.sys-
terns and equipment. All electrical work should also be
In compliance with any specific electrical classifications
and cond~lons contained In the referenced standards
for each type of system.
11.34
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PRotECTION SYS'fEM$
.XI"~1.2Acllllltion. AutQlmrlic fire-extingui:lhing!>ystems s.hall
be ,lutomatkally actuated and provided with a manual mea liS of
;ll'l.lILltlofl in al,,'l:.lrdtlnn:' wilh Section 9(}4JLL
<- To increase ttla reUabilHy of the system and to provide
the opportunity to initiale the system as a preventive
measure,a manua I means to actlvata Iha system is rs-
quired{see commentary, S,oction 904.11.1}.
.)I).:I.J.3 System intcrloddng. AtltOm3tk C<:\uipment interlocb
w:ilh fllel JjJllI10Jf:~, WmilaliQIl controls. door dosers, window
shulte", \XJQVl'Yor olX'nill,gs, smoke and heat vellh. and other
:fe:llures n~esMlry for prolX'l"OpemUOll of thiC: tll"iC:-extlngvishillg
sy'>1em shall be provided as required by [he design and ill~talla-
tion standard utilized for the hazard.
~ Shutting off fuel supplies will eliminate potential ignition
sources in the protected area. Automalic door and win.
dew dosers and dampers for forced-air ventilation sys-
tems are intended to maintain the desired concentration
level of the extinguishing .agent in the protected area.
I}H4~1." Alu"llll> and "[H'ning signs. \Vhere aJamls are rcquin.xl
to indi":lte the operation of uutomatic fi.re-exlinguishing sys-
tems, distinctive audible, visi!:>le uIal'ms ,md warning signs shall
k provided to \\'11111 of pending ,lgent disdurge,.Where "''''1'0-
Slice 10 automatic-extinguishing agents I:'QSe..~ a hllZurd to JX'r-
s..ms and 3. delay Is rcqtlired to ",usmc tbe evacuation of
OCCUP:lllt.S before agent dis.:hLll'ge, ;\ Sep;ll'::lte \-v:u:ning signal
shull bt~ pnw.ided to uKnt OC~'l1p;lllls once ;lgent discharge hus be-
gun. Audible sigmlls shull be in accordmKe \-vith Section
l):nW.2,
<- Slaps and safeg,uards are necessary to prevent injuryor
death to personnel ina reas where the atmosphere will
be made hazardous by agent discharge. Alarms must
be installed tha.! will operate on fire detection and agent
discharge. A continuous alarm that wHI sound until th,e
room atmosphere is restored to normal should be in.
stalled at entrances to these areas. Warning and in-
structional signs are to be posted both at the entrances
toand within the proh~ded area,
.)lI".J.5 Monilorillg~ Where a hllilding fire alarm ~ysl.elll is iu-
stalled, automatic flre-c:>i!ingllhhi ng $yslems sbull be monitol'l'd
by the buHdin,g lire :lhmn system ill accordance with NFPA 72,
<- Automatic fl re-ext In guish I 1lQ' systems need not be, elec~
trica.lly supelVised unless the building is eql,lipped w~h a
fire alarm system. This section recognizes the fact that
a fire alarm system is not required in all buildings. How~
ever, because most alternative fire-exting uishing sys~
tems require the space to be evacuated before the sys-
tem Is discharged, they are equipped with evacualion
alarms. ~nteroonnection of the fire-extinguishillQ system
evacuation alarm with the building evacuation alarm re-
sults In an increased level of hazard notification for the
occupants in addition to the electrical supervision of the
fire-extinguiShing system.
2003 'NTE~RNA TIONAL FIRE. COOE" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-35 OF A-69
FIRE PFlOteCTlOH SYSTEMS
904.4 Inspection lllld testing. Automatic fire-cxtingui&lling
systems shaH be inspeued and t\'sl\'d in ioK~'nl\lan('e with the
provbinns of this &etion prior to a(\~eplanCe,
$ The completed instaUation must be tested and iJr
speded todelermine that thesystem has been installed
in compliance with the code and will function as re-
quired. Full-scale acceptance tests should be con-
ducted as required by the applicable referenoed
standard.
1)0".4.1 Inspl'Ction. Prior to eondlll'lillg final w:eeptan_'e teMs.
th... fiJllowing items shall be insp\',1ed:
I, Ha.zardspt'Citil:::llioll for ,'.oll:-iisll,)m'y with d/;,8itjll lua;:lrd.
2, Tvpe, IOCtltion and sp:lCing of :llltmnatic. :md m:uUlal-ini-
ti;ting de\'lci$, . ~
3, Siz\!', pla('li:ltlcnt and positioll nf nozl:les or disch.1IP'"
orifices.
4. Lo.:alion and identification of audible and yhihlc alarm
d\J\'lces.
5,. Id.~mitit'Rtion of deyi~-es with proper designatjon~.
6. Operating in~u'uction.s_
.;. Thissedion lcIentifies those items that need to be veri-
fied or visually inspected prior to the final acceptance
tests. AU equipment should be listed, approved and in-
stalled in accordance w~h the manufactul'9r's
recommendations,
!)04.'kl AIDr m testing. N olilkaiion appliances. l."Onne.:tiollS to
fire ah1l'ln syst"ms, tllld COlln,wtion~ to approv\~ supervising
,st;Llillns sh:LlI be tcMed .in ;lc;wrdl.llw!C with lhi~ &:~'lioll(lnd Sec-
tion 907 to verify proper opemliou.
.} Components ot fire-extinguishlng systems related to
alarm devices and their supelVisionshould be tested
before the system Isapproved. Alarm devices should be
tested to satisfy the requi~ements 01 NFPA72,
904.4.2.1 i\udible and l'isible signals. The audibility aud vhi-
hility of 1l00ifieution appHances signaling agent discharge or
~ystetll opcmtk'l1, \\11ere n,"(tuired. <all be veliCied.
$ This Section requires verification of the audibility and
visibility of IlOtiflcation appliances upon InstalaUon, For
example" Section 907.10.2 prescribes minimum sound
pressure levels for aud ible alarm notification appliances
depending upon the occupancy of the building. Audible
and visible alarm notification devices must also comply
with the applicable requirements in NFPA 72.
~)04.4.J !\1onilllr tl'Sling. Conn""tions to PIXJt..,tted premises
lmd SU~l'Vj'>ing station fir<:l\!arm systems shall be tested to ver-
ify prllp,'r identitklltiollllnd relnmsmissk'n of .iIMH!s from 1111-
tomutlc fire-ext:ingui:shing systems,
.;. Where monitoring of fire-extinguishing systems is re-
quired. such as by Section 904.3c5, all connections re-
lated to the supervision oHlle 'system must be tested to
verify they a re in proper working order.
2003lNTlERNA TIO'NAL FIRE COOEfl COMMeNTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
9044 -1104.6
1104.5 Wet.{'hernical sJstmts. Wet-d1cmical extinguishing: sys-
tems shull he installed, maintained, peJ'iodicnlly insp\!'.'.tcd :llld
te"-lcd inaC~'Ol'dm1l'e wilh NFPA 11/\ and Ill,,!!, l:isling,
-:. NFPA 17A contains minJmum requirements for the de-
sign. installation, operation, tes~ng and maintenance of
wet-chemical preengineered extinguishing ,systems.
Equipment that is typically prote.cteu with wet-cllemical
extinguishing systems includes restaura nt, commercial
and institutional hoods; plenums; ducts and associated
cooking equipment. Strict compliance with the manu-
facturer's Installa'Uon instructions is vital for a viable in~
stallatlon.
Wet-chemical solutions used in extinguishing sys-
lems are relatiWfly harmless and there is usually no
lasting Big nifieant effect on a person's skin, respiratory
system or clothing. These solutions may produce a
mild, temporary irritation but the symptoms wUI usually
disappear when contact is eliminated.
904.5.1 S\!litelll test. S\stem!' ~hall 'be in$p<:>:too and tested for
pwpe.r up.,l'<llion at 6:monlh int\!'l"\'als. Thts shall illdLJd", ~l
check of the detection system, i1urms and rel<!using de-.'ice~, in-
duding manual stations and other ussodated equipmem, Extin.
guishing s)'lltem units shallbe wi'ighed:md the required ioWlOunl
of :lgent \'eriflcd_ Stol't'd pressure-I}"pe units shaH be dlCCJred for
the required pr....."'wl"t\. The ('Ill'tl'idge of c~Ll1Jidge-op(~l'ated lHlit~
shall be weighl.'-d a nd :replaced HI inlen'llhindi:ci\tedby the m::lll-
ufilaurer.
.;0 This section specifies the frequency for inspection ,and
testing of wet -chemical extinguishing systems. Thesys~
tern and its essential components mu.st be Inspected
and checked every six months to enSiJre that the sys-
tem Is i.n full operating condition.
1)04.5.2 Fusible lillk nmilltelmlln'. Fiwd lempcntlUl\H",)lt~iug
clementi; shall be Ilulintained to en!iUre proper operation of the
system.
$ Wet-cf1e mica I extingu.ishing system.s are commonly
used to protect commercial cooking equipment The
fusible metal alloy sensing elements are subject to the
accumulation of grease or other contaminants that
coulda,ffecttheoperaUonofthefusible link. Thesen'Sing
elements should be Inspected routinely a nd replaced as
needed.
~J04.6 UI')'-dlcrnkal s)sleltls. DJy-chemin\! c,xlinguhhing sys-
tems slt,llI be in.!<.taJl",l, maintained, pel;iodkal.ly inspected and
te..ted in RC~'(}lrlll!lCe with NFPA 1'7 ~lIld their listing.
.;. NFPA 17 contains the minimum requirements for the
design, installation, testing, inspection, approval, oper-
ation and maintenance of dry"chemical ,extinguishing
systems.
The fire code official has the authority to B.pprove the
type of dry...chemical extinguishing system to be used_
NFPA 17 identifies three types of dry-chemical extin-
guishing systems: total flooding, 10ca.1 application and
hand hose-line systems. Only total flooding and local
application systems are considered automaticextln-
9.35
PAGE A-36 OF A-69
90..6.1 -904.7
gulshing systems.
The types of hazards and equipment that can be pro-
teeted with dry-chemical extinguishing systems include:
flammable and combustible liquids and combustible
g.ases; combustible sofids, which melt when Invotved in
a fire; electrical hazards, such as transformers or oil .clr.
cuit breakers; textile operations subjecllo flashsurfalce
fires; ordinary i;Dmbustibles such as wood, paper or
cloth and restaurant and commercial hoods ducts and
associated cooking appliance hazards, su~h as deep
fat fryers and some plastics,. depending on the type of
material and configuration.
Total flood ingdry-chemlcal extinguishing systems are
used only where there 15 a permanent enclosure about
th,e hazard Ihat is adequ.ate to ena ble lh e req uired con-
centration to be built up. The total area of unenclosable
openings must not exceed 15 percentofthe total area of
the sides, top and bottom of the enclosure. Consider~
ation must be given to eliminating the probablesoumes
of reignition within the enclosure because the extln.
gulshing a,oUon of dry.chemical systems Is transient.
LOJ?BI application of dry-chemica.1 extinguishing :sys.
tems IS to be used for extinguishing fires where the haz.
ard is not enclosed at where the enclosure does not
conform to the requirements for tolal flooding systems.
Local ap~6catJ~n systems ha\lesuccessfuUy prol&Cted
hazards lO\lolvlO\I flammable or combustible liquids,.
gases and shallow solidS, such as paint deposits.
NFPA 17 also discusses. preengineered dry-chemlcal
systems consisting of components designed to be in.
stalled in accordance with preteste<1 limitations as
tested and labeled by a testing agency. Preengineered
systems must be installed within the limitations that
~ave been established by the testing agency and may
neluds total flooding, local application or a comb in aUon
of both types of systems.
1he type of dry chemical used In the extinguishing
system Is a function of the hazard to be protected, The
type of dry chemical used ina system should not be
changed, unless it has been proven changeable by a
testing laboratory, Is recommended by the manufac-
tu re r of t he &qui pment and is acceptable to the fire code
official for the hazard being. protected. Additional guid-
ance on the use ofvarious dry..chemical agents can be
found In NFPA 17.
'>04.(,.1. 5)~tl'm tcst. Spt~ms<Jlan .b.;< in~pe(1"d and 1('.Sl"d fl~r
plnp"r opcnltJon al 6-motHh inlcr\':d.~, Teshsh:lH include :1
chock of lhe detcctJ?n system. alarms and rlilca!'J.ng devices. in-
cludmg manLHd !;\atlons and othc'l: al\l\Odlltcd equipment Extin-
guishing l\)'stem units l\h~ill he w.:ighed. (Iud the r~'quired
~lmoullt of ag\.'1lt verified. Slored preS"llre-lype u nits shall be
checked ~ortherequiN~ pressure. The cIlrtridge <)1' cIlrrridge-op-
ended ~lJlm shall be 'o'I\llgbed :Iud replaced at intervah indk~Jted
by the UIlUlU flll'turer.
~'l11isseclJon specifies the frequency for inspe<:tion and
testing of ~ry-chemicaJ extin guishlng: systems, The sY5--
tem and Its essentlaloompon'enls must be Inspected
and checked every six months to ensure th'at the sys-
tem is in full operating condition.
9.36
APPENDiX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
~)04j;,2, Fusible link mllinh~nftllce. Fixed. temp.:rl1.ture-sen$lull'
dements shall be maintai~d to enSl1l'C proper operation of th~
system,
-:-Wet..chernlcal extinguishing systems are commonly
used to protect commercial COOking systems and other
~zardous use conditions. ~n these .applicatlons the tus.
Ible met~1 alloy sensing elements are subject to the ac-
cumulation of grease or other contaminants that could
affect the operation ofthe fusible linK. The sensing ele-
ments should beinspocted routinely and replaced as
needed.
904.7 Foam !lysrem~. F(XUll-""tingllishiugsyslem$ :\hall be in-
stalled. maintained, perlodkaHy inspected and tested in aCCOf-
dLIIli.':ewilh NFPA .II,NFPA .tlAand NFPA !6and th..'irlhtJng..
.;. NFPA,11 covers th~ characteristics of foam-producing
maten~ls used fedlre protection and the requirements
for design, Instanallon, operation, testing, and mainte-
nance of equipment and systems, including those used
In corrbination with other fire--extinguishing agents. The
minimum requirements a.re covered for flammable and
combustible liquid hazards in local .areas within build.
lngs, storage tanks and indoor and outdoor processing
areas.
Low-expansion foam is defined as an aggregation of
air.fllled bubbles resUlting from the mechanical expan-
sion ofa foam solution by air with a foam-t<r50lutlonvol-
ume ratio of less than 20:.1. It is mostoften used to pro-
te,ct flammable and combustible liquid h,azards. Also,
low~expansio~ foam may be used for heat radiation pro-
tection. Combined-agent systems involve thea.pplica-
tion of low-expanslon foam to a hazard simultaneously
or sequentiaHy with dry.chemical powder.
NFPA 11Agives minimum requirements for the Instal.-
latlon, design, operation, testing and maintenance of
~edlum. and hlgh,.sxpanslon foam systems. Me-
dlum--expansion foam Is defined as an aggregation of
air-filled bubbles resulting from the mechanicalexpan.
sian of a foam solution by air or other gases with a
foam-to-solution volume ratio of 20: 1 to 200:.1. High-ex-
pansian foam has a foam-to-solutlon volume ratio of
200:1 to approximately 1,000:1.
Medium-expansion foam may neused on solid fuel
and liquid fuel fires where some degree of in-depth cov-
erage is necessa ry (for e~ample, for Ule total flooding of
small, enclosed or part.iaUy enclosed volumes, such as
e~gine tes~cells" transformer rooms, etc.). High.expan-
son foam IS most suitable for filting volumes In which
fires ed at variousleve:ls. For ex.ample', high--expansion
foam,can be used effectively against high-rack storage
fires In, enclosures such asio und.erground passages,
where It may be dangerous to send personnel to control
fires involving liquefied natural gas (LNG} and liquefied
~troleum gas (LP.gas), and to proVide vapor disper-
s~n control for LNG and ammonia spills. Hlgh.expan-
slCn foam is particularly suited for indoor fires in con-
fined spa:ces, since it is highly suscleptible to wind and
lack-of-oonfinement effects.
NFPA 16 contains the minimum requirements for
2003 UofTERNATIONAL FIRE CaDell COMMENTARY
PAGEA-37 OF A-69
FIRE PfIIOTECTlON SYSTEMS
open-head deluge.type: foam-water sprinkler systems
and foam-water spray systems, The .systems a re espe-
cially applicable to the protection of most flammable liq-
uid haza.rds and have been used successfUlly to protect
aircraft hangars and truck loading racks.
1)1)4.7.1 Sy..tem tf."!oll. fOllin-extinguishing ..y..tcms ..hall be in;-
speded :uld tested at intervals in :lI:C'Ol'd:Ulce with NFPA 25-
<'Although Section 004.7,1 references NFPA 25 as the
standard for the Inspection and testing of foam..extin-
guishing systems. NFPA 25 is limited to water:.based
extinguishing syslems. NFPA 25 technlcaDyaddr€'l>'Ses
only foa m..watersprlnkler systems as specified in NFPA
16. NFPA 11 and NFPA 11A should be consulted for in-
spection and testing intervals for otherfoam systems,
As with other alternative fire-extinguishlng systems,
the Inspection and testing of foam systems ensure the
system is fully operational. In addition to general main.
lenance of equipment, the condition of the foam con-
centrate and Its storage tanks or containers should be
Inspected at least once a year to ensure adequate qual-
Ity. The desired oon();ent~ation of the roam concentrate
in a stagnant storage situation may deteriorate over
lime.
1)'....8 Cal'boll dioxldes)stems. Carbon dioxide coctinguiMiing
syslems l>haIl ~ instaUed. maintained, periodically inspel-::tcd
nnrJ t<~\led in :Ilxoldam:e with NFPA 12 .1Od their listing.
.... NFPA 12 provides minimum requirements tor the de-
sign, install.;ltion. test.ing" Inspection. approval. opera.
lion and m.aintenance of carbon dioxide extinguishing
systems,
Carbon dioxide extingUishing systems are u's efu I in
extinguishing fires in speCific hazards or equipment in
occupancies where an inert electrically nonconductive
medium is essential or desirable and where cleanup of
olher eXtinguishing agents, such as dry.chemical r&sl-
due, presents a. problem.. Carbon dioxide systems have
satisfactorily protected the fOllOWing: flammable Ilquids;
electrical hazards, such as transformers, ail switChes,
rola.ting equipment and electronic equipment; engines
using gasoline and other flammable IlqUld fuels; ordl.
nary combustibles, such as paper, wood and textiles
and hazardous solids.
The fire code official has the authority Ie approve the
type af carbon dioxide system to. be ins.talled. N FPA 12
defines four types of carbon dioxJde systems:. lotal
flooding, locai application. hand hose ijnesand
slandpipe and mobHe supply systems, Only total flood-
ing and local application systems are automatic sup-
pression systems.
Total-flooding systems may be used where there is a
permanent endosure around the hazard that Is ade-
quate to allow the required concentration to be built up
and maintained for the required period of time, which
varies tor different hazards. Examples of hazards that
have been successfully protected by total flooding sys-
tems include rooms, vaults, enclosed machines, ducts,
ovens and containers and their contents.
2003 INTERNATIONAL ARE COOE"COMMENTARY
APPENmX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
n.. _ ". _
904.7.1 - 904,8.4.1
Local application systems may be used for axtin~
guishing surt'ace fires In flammable liquids, gasesancl
shallow solids where the hazard is not enclosed or the
enclosure does not conform to the requirements for a
totaJ..f1ooc1ing system,. Examples of hazards that have
been successfully protecled by loo,al application sys.
tems Include dip tanks, quench tanks, spray booths,
oil-flDed electric transformers and vapor venls.
9114.8.1 S~.~lcm lest. Systems shall be ill,spd'llX'lllnd tested for
proper op.::ration Ul 12-momh hUel'\'als.
0} To ensure adequate operation. carbon dioxide systems
must be Inspected and tested at least once a year.
.)04.8.2. High,p,'csslll'C e~'I.indel's. High-pressure cylinder..
shall be wei!!!;h,'d llnd the dW.e of thl' hlst. bvdro<.llllIL: te,,' shall he
ve,'ifit'dal 6~U1onlh In:ten',lls. ""h.\I'" a co,"\t;linel' shows II lo~~ in
origin:ll content of more than 10 percenl, tbe cylinder shall be
refilled or l'epluc.:'d"
"}Because of the potential of unobserved leaking
high-pressure cylinders, they need 10 be weighed
semi..annually to verify the concentra~Ol"llevells always
within at lea:st 10pe:rcent of the original oontent.
1)114.8.3 luW-prt.'1lSUl'e (:<lutaine..s. The Iiquid-Ievd gauges of
low-pres"lu'C cOnllliners shalll~()bselvcd at. on<,-week intt)f'I~lls.
\Vhere a .'on'tlllJ:\er show's a content. loss ofmQre than I I) p"'l\';'ent,
the COlllalner!IJ1111l be refilled to m:lintain the minimum g:lS re-
quirements.
..} A weekly visual observation of the liquid level ga uges of
low-pressure cantainers is required to en.sure that there
has been no significant Iea.kage.
904.8.4 S}'Stelll hosel\" System hoses ,'II:Iall b<l e:ullllhwd :11
12-momh'illlervals Chi' da~m,,-e;e. Damllged ho!iCS shaH be re-
plm:-ed or lCSlcd; At nve-ye.ar illle)'\~lls. .t1lhoses.shallbe test<ld,
<. The maintenance of syslem 110ses is essentia I to €ll"lsur.
ing the reliabUity of their use In an em erg ency, Although
system hoses need to be visually checked on an annual
basis only, a complete pressure testas indicated in Sec-
!.ion 904.8.4.1 should be done every five years.
9114.s'4.1 'Iest pl'ocedUl''-~. Hoses slu\1l be tested at not kss than
2.50l) pound... per sqlluJ:<l inch (p$i) (j 7 238 kP:.) for l1ig:h-]1re$~
SlIre s)'!>tems and at not less th:llI 900 psi (6206 kP,I) for
Iow-prel'.sul'e s)'stems..
0} Every five years, syst.em hoses fDrboth high-pressurel
low-pressure systems should be pressure tested to ver.
ify they are still In proper operating condition. The test
t ypica Uylnvolves fH 1 i ng the hose with wale r.. The hose is
then pr&SSurlzed at the desired test pressure for at least
1 minute to observe any potential distortions or leakage
In the hose. All hose assemblies that do not pass the
test should be mar'ked'" destroyed and replaced with
new hose assemblies. Hosa assemblies that pass the
test should be marked" dated and returned to service.
9-37
PAGEA-38 OF A-69
004.8.5 -904.9.3
904.H.5 Auxili1JIJ C<lllipuwut. Auxili:uy :nul ~uflPlementury
components. stich us switches, door and window releases. interc
connected valves. d<unpel'mk.L~cs :.md supplementalY alarms,
.~hall be m.lotlu.IIy' openlled:lt 12-l11onrh inlervals 10 enS!I!'e Ihat
stich ('ompOn('llts m>e in prop.'r operating (,ondition.
.;. The effectiveness of the carbon. dioxide extinguishing
system Is also dependent upon the operation of Its aux-
iliary components. TtleSe components must also be
manuaUyoperated atlea.st once a year.
904.9 Hulon s)'!ltems. Halogenated extingubhing syslems shall
beinsttdJed, nminlOlined, periodi(:a1ly inSpe(1l;X1 and I<~sled in :lC-
cor-dance ....ilh NFPA 12A and llwir listing~
...... NFPA 12A contains minimum requirements for the de-
sign, installation, testing, inspection, approval, opera-
tion and maintenance of Halon 1301 extinguishing'sys-
tems. Halon 1301 fire...extinguishing systems are useful
in specific hazards, equipment or occupancies where
an electrically nonconductive medium Is essential or de-
sirableand where olea nup ofothereXl.lnguishlng agents
presents a problem.
Ha.lon 1301 systems have satisfactorily protected
gaseous and liquid flammable materials; electrical haz~
ard's, such as transformers, oil switches and rotating
equipment; engines using gasoline and other flamma-
ble fuels; ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood
and textiles and hazardous solids. I-Ialon 1301 systems
have also satisfactorily protected electronic computers,
data processing equipment and control rooms.
The fire code official has the authority to approve the
type of halc.gena.ted extinguishing system to be In-
staged:' NFPA 12Adeflnes two types of halogenated ex-
t1nguish.ing system: total flooding and local application.
Total-ftoodlng systems may be used wilere there is a
fixilfl enclosure around the hazard that Is adequate to
enable the required Halon concentration to be buHt up
end maintained for the required period oftime to enable
the effective extinguishing of the fire. Total-flooding sys-
tems may provide fire protection for rooms, vaults, en-
blose<i machines, ovens, containers, storage tanks ,and
bins.
Locela pplication systems are usedwhere there Is not
a fixed enclosure arou nd the hazard or where the fixed
enclosure a round the hazard is not adequate to enable
an extinguishing concentration to be built up and main-
tained in the space. Hazards that may be successfully
protected by local application .systems inclLKIe dip
tanks, quench tanks, spray booths, oil~filled electric
transformers and vapor vents.
Two other considerations in selecting the proper ex-
tinguishing system are ambient temperature and the
personnel hazards associated with the agent. The am-
bient temperature of the enclosure for a total~floodjng
system I1lUSt be above70"F (2FC) for Halon 1301 sys-
tems. Special consideration must ,also be given to the
use of Halon systems when the temperatures are In ex-
cess of '900"F (4820C) because Ha.lon will readily de-
compose at such temperatures and the products of de-
composition can be extremely irritating if Inhaled, eyen
9.38
APPENDIX 1\
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
fiRE PROTECTION SYSTeMS
in small amounts.
Halon 1301 total-flooding systems must not be used
in concentrations greater than 10 percent in normally
occupied areas. Where personnel cannot vacate the
area within 1 minute, Halon 1301 tot.al-f100ding systems
must not be used in normally occupied areas with con-
centrations greeler than 7 percent Halon 1301 to-
tal-flooding systems may .be used with concentrations
of up to 15 percent ifthe area is not normally occupied
and the ares can be evacuated within 30 seconds.
The use of halogenated extinguishing systems has
become a concern with respect to the potential environ-
mental effects of Halon. Haiongenated fire-extinguish-
Ing agents have been identified as a source of emis-
sions, resulting in the depletion of the stratospheric
ozone layer and, in accordance with the Montreal proto~
col, the ceasing of its production in January 1994.
Therefore, the supply of Halon is limit.edand new sup-
plies of halogenated exting uishing ag,ents will not be
available in the future. EXiSting supplies of Halon can,
however, oontinue to be used in existing, undischarged
systems or to recharge discharged systems. This new-
found need for Halon supplies has given rise to new In~
dustries geared to the ranking, recycling and reclama-
tion of existing Halon supplies.. Alternative extinguishing
agents have been developed to replace halogenated'
agents (see Section 904.10).
~J04.?1 System test. S)'Slems shull be inspected und tested for
propel' operation ut. 12-month ilUer\'aJs.
-t. To ensure adequate operation, Halon systems must be
inspected and tested at least once a year.
~)04.9.2 Containers. The eX.lingulshiug agent. quaDlily and pres~
sure of containCfs shall be chocked at 6-mollth illlel"i.~lh, 'W'hcre
,I (:onl.linershows n Joss in or/gialll weight of lIlO['C than :5 per-
cenl or a klSS in origilla.! pressure (adjusted for tempemture) of
more than to pen:cn.t. the ,'onluinl."f shall be retillcd or replaced,
The weight and pressure of the container shllll be recorded on:1
tag altOlcood 10lhe CQuta111e r.
.;. Because of the potential for unobseN8fIleakage of the
Halon containers, they should be checketi: at least
semi.annually to verify the original weight and pre ssure
are within the designated tolerances. When necessary,
containers should be re~illed or repla.ced when the de-
sired levels are not maintained. The containers should
also be checked for evidence of corrosion or mechani-
cal damage.
~)O".9.3 SystJcm boses. SysrelU hoses .sb~lll be ".xOlmined at
t2-montJl '.illlervals eliI' d:l;I1:lge. Damaged h.v;es shall be re-
pla~d or rested. At 5-ye,jf intlH'\~lb, all hoses shall be tested,
+' Maintenance of system hoses is essential to ensuring
the reliablitty of their use in an emergency. System
hoses need to bevisually che<:ked annua.lly, A complete
pressure test as Indicated in Section 904,9,3.1 should
be done every five years.
2OOJINfERNATlONAL FIR!! eooefl COMMENfA~Y
PAGE A-39 OF A-69
FIRE PROteCTI04\I SYSTeMS
1)04.9.3.1 Test procedure. For Haton 13tH sYl\teml\. hoses shall
belcsh;d ;llllot JC!loS than I, 500 P ii>i (10 343 kPa) fOI'600psi (4137
kPa;l charging pressure systems and nOl leslIth:m 900 psi (6206
kPul for 360 p..,i (24B~ kPa) <:'h:u:ging prC5...,ul'e systems, For
Halon 12 J I hand-hose line systems, ho:<ot's sJul1l be tested at
2,500 psi (17238 kPa) fbl' high~pl'essurc systems and 90(1 psi
(6206 kP';I') for Iow-pre~l:sul'e systems"
<- Every five years, system hoses should be pressur~
tested to verify theya.re 5t1ll in proper operating condi-
tion. This section specifies the lest pressure rertllev~rI-
ous types of Halon systems. The pressure test IS In-
tended to check fer any potential distortion er leaking In
the hose (see oommentary, Section, 904,8..4.1).
1)04.9,4 I\UXiliUI')" equipment. Auxilitu'Y illld supplemenl:.ny
components, SUdl as switch".,. d()or and window rcwllses, ll1tC[-
,x)llnccl:cd vulves, dtllllper releases and slIpplemellltary alarms,
~halt be I"llJUmally operated ut 12-month inteNals to en:\ureslIch
,.'(lrnpom.'nH lu:e in proper opcmting ('oudition.
.~ The effectiveness of halogenated extinguishing sys-
tems is also dependent upon the operation of its auxil-
iary co mpon&I1ts. Thes,e component.s must be manually
operated at least once a year.
901J.10 C1elm,uJ,.",'nt s)stems. CleIIn-ll\.I\Cnt fire-extinguishing
systems shall be installed, maintuiood, periodically illSp,"ctcd
a;ld tested in accordance with NFPA 2001 and their tillting.
-:- NFPA 2001 contains minimum requirements for the de-
sign, Installation, testing, inspection and operation of
clean-agent flre-extinguishingsystems. Aclesn agent Is
an electrically nonconducting suppression agent that is
voisIne or gaseous at discharge and does not leave a
residue on evaporation. Clean-agent fire.extlngulshing
systems are installed in loca ~ons that are endosed and
have openings in the protected area that can be sealed
on activation of the alarm to provide effective clean-
agent concentrations. A clean-agent fire-extinguishing
system should not be Installed in locations that cannot
be sealed unless testing tms shown that adequate con-
centrations can be developed and nlalntained.
The two categories of clean agents a.re halocarbon
compounds and inert gas agents. Halocarbo~ com-
pounds include bromine,. carbon, chlorine, f1uonne. hy-
drogen and iodine. Halocarbon oompounds suppress
fire by a combination of brea.king the chemical c~a III re-
action of the fire, reducing the oxygen supporting the
fi re and red ud n9 th e a mbient tern peratur~ 0 f the fi ra ori-
gin, to reduce the propagation of too fife. .Inert gas
agents contain primaryoomponent.s consisting of he-
lium, neon,. argon or a combination of these. Inert gases
work by reducing the oxygen concentra.tlon around the
fire origin to a level that does not support combustion.
Clean..agent fire-exUnguishing systems were
developed In response to the demise of Ha'lo~as a n ao-
ceptable fire-extin,guishing agent because of Its harmful
effect on the environment. Although, the origina.l hope
2003INfERNA.TIONAlFIRE CODe. COMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
904.9.3.1 ~ 904.10
for a Halon subsUlUte was U1al 'these new clean agents
could be directly and proportionally substituted for
Halon agents In existing systems (drop in replace-
ments), research has shown that clean agents are less
efficient In extinguishing fires thanara the Hslons they
were intended to replace and requke approximately 60
percent more agent by weight. and volume in storage to
do the same job. Additionally, the physical an? chemical
characteristics of clean agents differ suffiCiently from
Ha Ion to requl re differe nt nozzles In addit.ion to the need
for larger storage vessels. Existing piping. systems
should besalv aged fo ruse w ith claanagents only If they
are carefUlly evaluated and determinoo to be hydrauli-
cally compatible with the flow characteristics ofthe new
agent.
This section also relies on strict. ad h.erence to th esys~
tem manufacturer's design and installation Instructions
for code compHance. As with many of the alternative fire
suppression systems covereti in this c'h.apter,
clean-agent systems are, for the most part, SUbjected
by their manufacturers toa testing and listing program
conducted by an approvoo testing agency: In such test-
ingand listing programs, the clean agent is I.isted for use
with specific equipment and equipment Is listed for use
with specific clean agents. The resultant listings include
re,ference to the manufacturer's installation manuals,
thereby giving the fire code official anoth.er valuable re-
source for reviewing and approving clean-agent sys-
tems.
Although clean agents have found a limited market
for local application uses, such as a. replacement for
Halon 1211 in portable fire extinguishers, their primary
apptication is .In tolal flooding systems and they are
avalia ble in both englneened and preengineered config-
urations.
Engineered clean-agent systems are specifically de~
signed for protection of a parti?ular hazard, whe~e~s
preenglneered systems are deSigned to operate Wlthm
predetermined limitations up to the note<! maximums,
thus allowing broader applicability to a variety of hazard
8PpUcations.
Total flooding systems are used where there is a bed
enclosure around the hazard that is adequate to enable
the required clean~agent c.oncentration to buHd up and
be maintained within the space long enough to extin-
guish the fire. Such appli,cations can Indude ~aults, ov-
ens, containers, tanks, compu1er moms, paint lockers
or enclosed machinery. In selecting the clean agent to
be used in a given application, careful cons'i.deration
must be given to whether the prot6:l.'1ed area IS a nor.
mally oocupled space, be<:ause dlffe:rentagents have
different levels of concentration at which they may be a
health hazard to occupants of the area.
The fire code official has the authority to approve the
type of clean-agent system to be installeda~ld should
become familiar with the unique charactenstlcs and
hazards of c1ean.agent e:<tinguishing systems using all
a.vallable resources on the subject.
9..J9
PAGEA-400F A-69
904.10.1 - 904.11.1
90".10.1 Systl.'m test. Systems shalt be infipecl.ed and test"d for
proper operation at 12-Inonln inICfV:tb.
.;. To ensure adequate operation, all clean-agent sy.stems
must be inspected and tested allea.st once a year.
l)I14.m.2 Conblincrs. The extinguishing agent qlllll1tity and
preliosure oIthe containers sluill be chec!,;,.>d aI6-lUonthinteT\':lIs.
Where a ctlntuinl'1' liohows a loss in or! gimil weig:lu of more than 5
percent or It loss in original pressure, adjusted for tempel"ollul"e.
of more lImll 10 pen:..nt, the cl'Illl\inll'rmall be reftllcrl or re-
pltK:lOXL The weight and pl'I.'ssun.' of the contain,~r~ulI be re-
corded on lllag lltllldled "J l.he O::{lJltain.~r.
.:- Because of the potential for unobserved leakage of the
dean..agentoontalners, they should be checked allea.st
sem i..annually to verify the orig lnel weight and press ure
are within the designated tolerances. WtHIO necessary,
containers should be refilled or repla.oed when the de-
sired levels aJe not maintained.
~)o".m.J Sw.lclll hoses. S~tem h(lse~ dUllI bll e~amined :It
12-mollth i~llerV'ab for dm;lage. DrumIS"\! h,)sc,s ~h~tll be rc-
pi ;(,;.xl or testt"tL All hos~~shall be tClited at 5- YClU' intcr;'als.
.;. The maintenance of system hoses Is esrential to ensur-
in9 their reliability In an emergency. System hoses
should be visually ehecked annually. A complete pres-
sure test should be done every five years.
9U4.1I (~ollllll{'rd;" ('ooking s:'iste",... The autonmtic fire-e.:t-
tinguishil1g system for o::ommercJal ~-,ooking systems shull be of
a type recognized for protection of commercial rooking equip-
ment and exhllu$i systems of ,he typ.. a.nd arrangement pl'O-
te~Jed. Preengineen'\l aulomatk dry - lllld \\"CI-dlo.'Ill kil
extinguishing s)'stem.s shl1:11 be IIl"IIld in al'cordooN with UL
300 and IislIld LUld bbded for the intended applicmion. Other
Iyp"s of' lllllomatic tire-extinguishing systems shaH be lilltoo and
labeled for specJfic use as protection for commercial cooking
opemtions, The system shall be installed illuIXordatlce witb this
,~ode, its listing IiInd Ille mlmlTr:lCltIrer'~ illS!lIUation instru,-,tion~..
Automatk fire.euingu:i:<.bing ~Yl;tems of the following lypes
mull be installed In uccoHbnce y.,ith the referencro standard in-
dkaled, as follows:
L Clilfboll dioxide cxlingui:<Jling :;.y~tems. NFPA 12..
2. AutQlllutic :;.prinkler sYMel1l~. NFPA 13.
3. FmnTI-wllter sprinkler system or fOam-\valer spmy ,sys-
lem.~. NFPA 16.
4. Dry-chemklll exlin~lIishing sysl\llllS. NFPA 1.7.,
5. W~l-chemkal c:ttinguishil1g S)'SlelllS, NHJA 17A
Exception: Fanol)'-built .;:ommerdal cooking l"edrt'lJ-
Ialing sy:<.tems that tlJ\'l tesled in lIccordam.:" with Oi.
1971111d Ii"t.x!;, hlhded and iJn\tllUed in 11l.~lXlrdlll1;;:e with
S oction ;) 04 ..1 of the ImNlIalio7ltll.Mechanlcal Code.
o)The history of commercialkil.chen exhaust systems
shows that the mixture of flammable grease and
effluents carried by such systems and the potential for
the cooking equipment to aet as anlgnillon source con-
tribute to a higher level of hazard for kitchen exhaust
940
APPENDlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PR01EcnON SYSTEMS
systems than is normally found in many other exhaust
systems. Furthermore, flrelnagrease exhaustductcan
produce temperatures of2,OOO~F (1,093'C) or AlOre
and heat racll~ting form the duet can 'ignite nearby com-
bustibles. As a result, the code requires e.xhaust sys-
tems serving grea.se-producing equipment to include
fire suppression to protect the cooking surfaces, hood,
filters and exhaust duct to confine a fire to the hood and
duct system, thus reducing the likelihood of it spreading
to the structure.
In addition to thegeneral requirements ofthissectlon,
five Industry standards are referenced for the Installa-
tion of fire-extinguishing systems protectin 9 commercial
food heat-processing equipment and kitchen exhaust
systems. Design profeSSionals should specify and de-
sign fir~xtingu'ishing systems to compIy with these ref-
erenced standards, Only the installation of fire-extin-
guishing systems is regulated by these references.
Where preengineered automatic d ry- and wet-chemical
extinguishing systems are installed, they must be listed
and labeled for the specific cooking operation and
tested in accordance with UL 300. Designand construc-
tion requirements f:or the specific types of f1re-e.xt,in-
guishing systems are found in the respective sections of
the rererenoed standards..
Regulatory requirements for the approval and instal-
lation of fire-extinguishing: systems are the same as the
approval required for all mechanical equipment and ap-
pliances. This section, therefore, requires exllnguishing
systems to be ~sled and labeled by an approved agency
and Installed In accordance with their listing and the
manufacturer's installation Instructions.
The except.ion alows fadory-bullt commercial cook-
ing recirculati.ng systems to be installed if they have
been tested and listed in accordance With UL 197. It is
important tha.! they be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's Installation Instructions to ensure the
listing requirements are met. An in pro per In~staliation
could result in hazardous vapors beingd ischargedllaok
into the kltchen.
Commercial cooking redrculating systems consist of
an electric rooking appliance and an integral or
matched packaged hood ass's-mbly. The hood assembly
consists of a fan, roUe-cUon hood, greare filter, fire
damper. fire-extinguishing system and air filter, such as
an electrostatic preCipltator~ These systems are tested
for fire safety and emissions- The grease vapor
(condensible particulate matter} in the effluent at the
system discharge Is nolallowed to exceed a concentra-
tion of 5.0 mg/m'). Recirculating .systems are not used
with fuel-fired appliances because the filtering systems
do not remove combusllon products. Kitchens require
ventilation In accordanoe with Chapter 4 of the rMC.
'JII'4.ll.l MllIllIlll syslt-m openlliou. A llUmunl ;le1Ulttkm de-
vk~e shull be loc:utedat .of near a m<lallS of egr..ss frum thll cook-
ing Ilfe;l. a minimum of 10 fee" ( 3048 lllflJ) lL~ld a mllJdmum of20
fc~t (6096 mill) from t1m kitd~en eXhltllst systelU< The. 1I\l1ll1l111
ud'll ation device shall bc IOClLlCd a minimum of 4 feet (12t9
\.1lIU) and a maximum of 5 feel. ( I. 52;.1. mm i (ibow the 1100r, The
2003 .INTERNA110NAL FIRE. COOEClCOMMENTARY
PAGEA-41 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTeMS
.m:mual actuation shall .require a mtlXllUum force of 40 JXlunds
i178 N) and a 1IIa.\imum mo.-eHlenl of 1.J- ill"hc~ (356 mm') to
m:tuule I he fire suppression s)' :;tenL
E:l.c,t'ption: AutOCIHltic spr.inklel' syswms shall not be re.
quired to be cquippcdw'ith 1n,1UlIIII aclttl\.ti.on means^
->The manual device, usually a pull station, mechanically
activl;ltes the suppression system, The typical system
uses a mechanical circuit of cables under tension to
hold the system in th e armed (cocked) mode. Melting of
afusible link or a,ctuation of a manual pull station causes
the cable to lose tension, which, in turn, starts the dis-
charge of the suppression agent. The manual actuation
device mustbe readily and eas~y usable by the building
occupants; therefore, the device must not require ex.
cessive force or range of movement to cause actuation.,
Manual actuation is not required for automatic sprin:-.
kler systems because the typlca I system design will em.
ploy closed heads and wet system piping. A manual
actuation valve would serve no purpose because sprin.
kler heads are already supplied with pressurized water
and will discharge water only when the individua I fusible
elements open the heads.
~)():U 1.2 System intcrconnection. The actuation of the fire
l\uppression system shall tlUbJmatkally shm down the fud or
elt,<;tricallxl",'Cr supply to Ihe ('ooking equipmenl. 11le fllC!. tllld
I!>l~tdc~d supply resel.:;h.lll be lUanuaL
(> The actuation of any fire suppression system must auto-
matlcallysllut off all sou rres of fuel or power to a.11 cook.
ing equipment located beneath the exhaust hood and
protected by the suppression system. This requirement
is intended toshutoff all heat sources thatoould reignite
or intensify a fire. Shutting, off a fuel and power sup ply to
cooking appliances will eliminate an Ignition source and
allow the cooking: surfaces to 0001 down. This shutdown
is accomplished with mechanical or electrical intercon~
neclions between the suppre-ssion system and a shutoff
valve or swttch located on the fuel or electrical supply:
Common fuel shutoff valVeS Include mecha nical-type
gas valves and electrical solenoid-type gas valves.
Contactor-typeswitches or shunt-trip circuit brea.kers
can be usedfo.relectrfcally heated appliances. The fuel
orelectf'ic source must not be automatics Ily restored af-
ter the suppression system has been actuated.
ChemicaJ.type fire.exUnguishing systems discha.rg.e
for only a limited time and can discharge only once be-
fore r&Charge and reset; therefore,; precautions must be
taken to prevent a fire from reigniting. After a flre, the
fuel and power supply will be locked out, thereby pre-.
venting the operation of the appliances until all systems
are again ready for operation. Fuel and power supply
shutoff must be manually restored by resetting a me.
chanicalllnkage or holding (Iatching)-type drou it.
<)04.II.J Cll1'bon dioxidE' s)slE'llls. When ct1l'bon dimdd() .sys.
tems arc tI~ed, Ihere.sball he u nozzle at. the top of the v;::nlilating
ducL, Mcliliontlt noules thai ~lre symll1clri,~ally arranged in give
uniform di!>tribution ~baJl be install cd within VCflktlt ducts ex.
ceeding 20 feet (6096 mm) .Hld horimnl:.1.t dll(ots ex.u:cding SO
2003lNTERNA TlONA:L. FIRE COOeflCOMME.NTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
904-.11,2 -904.11.5
fe.;'t (15240 mm). Dampers shall be inSllllled at eilher Ilw lop or.
the bottom oflhe duct unci shall be arl'lUlg..x1 tQ opemle aulomati.
c:uly upon activatiollof Ihe jire-(."Xlingui~ing$ystem. Whcnlhe
damper i~ illsmlled at Ihe lop of tIle ducl. the lOp 11O,q:le .shall be
imull"di:tt..ly below thl' dllmp<~L Automatic carhon dim:ide
fire.exlingl;i\hing systcm.s ShllH be suflkiently sized m protect
~U h.u:ards vCllting through a c('mmon duct simultaneously"
ot- This section slates specific desig n re-quirements fo,r
nozzle locations, dampers and ducts far ca,rbon dioxide
extinguishing systems that may be ~Ised to protect com.
mercial cooking systems. These requirements are in.
tended to supercede similar more general provisions in.
NFPA 12.
904:11_1.1 Ventillllion S~.5>tcIU. COnllllerd,tli.type cooking
cqulpmelll 1'rol.el'1&'I by an aulJ)lulItic ctlJ'bon dioxide I!>.xtin.
8~' i siting system shall be amlllgeJ to sbut off rhe ventilation sys~
tem upon activutio]],
';'Shutting down the venUation system upon adi\lation af
the carbon dioxide extinguishing system maintains the
desired concentration of carbon dioxide to suppress the
fire. Leakage of g.8S from the protected area shauld be
kept to .8 minimum. Where leakage is anticipated, addi-
tional quantttias af carbon dioxide should be provided to,
compensate for any losses.
~)04.1. 1.4 Spccilll provisiolls Jor Ilutomal.it- sprinkler systems.
Automatic sprinkler systems pcotecling c:olUmen::ial~lype cook-
ing "'luipml!>nt shall be supplied front a sepa:mte. r"'ldil y accessi-
ble, illdkating.I.Ypc ('olltml v.llye that is identified"
{. This section requires aseparate control valve 'in the wa.
tel' line to the sprinklers protecting the cooking and ven.
litating system. The additional valve allows the flexibility
to shut off the system for repairs or for cleanups after
sprinkler discharge without taking th e entire system out
of service.
;04.1.1.4.1 Listed sprinklers. Sprinklers used for the pmt..., lion
of fryers shall be list...d. for that application and installed in :lC;.
cOfd~tnee with their .Ilsting.
(> Sprinklers specifically listed for such use must be used
when protecting deep.fat fryers. These specially listed
sprinklers use finer water droplets than standard spra.y
sprinklers. The water spray lowers the temperatu:re be--
low a point where the fire can sustain ttself and reduces
the possibility of expanding the fire.
904.1 1.5 Commel'dnl eooking c<llIiplllellL PortilbJe fir...
extinguishers shaH 00 provided wirhin :l 30,-foot (9144 mm)
trawl dlslanoc of commercial.iype cooking equipment.
Cooking equipment invo!.vingwgl'1'lbk: (.\1' animal oils tUld flits
sh<lll he prolected by t1 Cla:>.s K nlled portabte exringuhher.
ot-To combat a fire In Its Incipient 'stage" access to a me n-
ual means of extinguishment is crijicaL Allhough a
3Q...foot (9144 mm) maximum travel distance is speci-
fied, the location of the exl.inguisher should be a safe
distance from the rooking equipment so that It will not
9.41
PAGEA-42 OF A-69
904,11.6 - 905.1
become involved in the fire, Only Class K~raled
extinguishers that have been lested on commeroial
COOking appliances should be used (see ,commentary;
Section 906.4).
')04.1 J.(, Opel'ut.i'"IN and nlilinh.'mml'C. tfmlrnerlCi,d ,xlokillg
sy~tems ~aU be operated and llminltlincd in acoordt\J1ce with
thi~ s.:ction.
-to Most fires in commercial kitchens involve the cooking
appliance and exhaust system in some way. Proper op-
eratlonofthesystem In accordancewtth the IMCas well
as rou line maintenance can reduce the hazards related
to the coUeclion a,nd removal of smoke and
grease-laden vapors.
IJO;J.IUi.l Ventilation systc.lll. The wndhllion system in COfl-
m:ction with 11000$ ~all be opemti:'d at the l'.:quired mte of ai.r
movem.:nt. and ..:Ja.\sified grease filters sh,,11 he in phu:e when
eqtlipmenllmder a kitchen gJ'e:l~e hood is usoo.
<- The hood must be designed to adequately colle-ct and
exhaust fumes. smoke and vapors from the area over
which the hoOd is installed. To accomplish this, the hood
must cause a:n airflow pattern that will sweep and direct
theCumes, smoke and vapors upward from the cooking
surfaces into the hood inlel
The IMC specifles the minimum quantity of exhaust
air necessary for effectiVe removal of cooking vapors
and the approximate amount of ma.keup air necessary
for properoperatlon. Thequanlity of required exhaust is
as much a function of the operational characteristics of
the cooklng equipment as ills a function of the size of
the cooking surface or th& exhaust hood opening area
and the presence of walls and side panels. Manufac-
turer recommendations should be followed where appli-
cable.
Approved grease filters prevent large amounts of
grease from collecting in the hood, in exhau st ducts, on
fan blades and at the exhaust system termination. The
accumulation of grease can cause blockage in ducts,
cause equipment failure and create a. fire hazard. It
therefore makes sense to have grease filters in place
whenever commercial COOking equipment is used.
~'04.tl.(j.2 Grease extrllclors. Where grease e,~tmelom are ill-
.stllllC\i, they shllll be op'-'m~d when the comme.rdlll-typ,-, cook-
.ing equil'm"111 j~ u.<<.ed.
.... As noted in tl1e oommenta,ry for Section 904 ,11.6.1. it I:s
Imperative that grease removal devices be operating
when commercial cooking equipment is used, Grease
removal extractors and similar devices range from sim~
pie design.s, such as a con fig uration of bartles, to e-Iaoo.
rate hot water scrubbers and electrostatic pre-cipltators.
The devices must be Installed to comply wtth the fMe
and the manufacturer's insla.llation instrucUons.
~)O.u 1.6.3 CIOOllillg~ Hoods, grt'tlse-r.:nlov,:tl de\1ces, fan~.
dUClS and other IlppUl'tenam.ces .:shall be dellned at intervals nec-
CSSllIY to prevent the llccunmlm.lon ()f grease, Clcllnings shall be
\1.42
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
ARE PROTECTION SYST,eMS
recottled, and records shall ,state the extent, time aud d.atc of
,denning, Such n'lXXt!.s shall 1.1.: muintained onlhe prelllises.
-> frequent cleaning schedule must be maintained to re-
move the accumulation of gre.ase r<fe/due wtthin the eX~
haust system. The hood, grease removal devices,
ducts, fans, discharge n02'Z.les and other components
must be cleaned reg'ularly to prevent excessive accu.
mulalion of grease. The frequency of such cleaning can
vary depending on the amount and type of usage; how-
ever; the aqulpmenlshould be inspected daily or weekly
or as often as needed to monitor the rate of accumula~
tion. When grease residues are evident, the system
should be cleaned. A record of all cleaning must be
maintained by the person or party responsible for the
system. The records must indicate the method ofclean~
ing and the time between cJeanings.
I)O;J.l1 Ji.4 Edinguishillgs,'stelll senitI'. Aultlnultic llrt."-ex-
tinguishil1g systems shaH be sefvii:ed at JeaM I.'YCI'V 6 months
and .Ilter ;ocl h';lliU!l of lh., ~y~t<'fl1, In "pcc.tion shall I;e by qunli-
6""';1 individuals, and a CilltHIcut,-, of inspe<,;[io n sh\1!1 be for.
ward.:d 10 the fire codeoffid::t1 upon cOl11p]",[ion.
.;.. Range hOOd flre-.&xllngui~shlng systems must be in-
spected and serviced ,at regular intervals to determine
that they are rea.<fY to perform the intended function.
The extent ofservice and maintenance depends on the
type of fire-extinguishing system instaned, The NFPA
standard corresponding to the installed e:x'lingulshlng
agent should be consulted for additional service re-
quirem&nts (see commentary, Sec1ion904.11).
'.104.11 fi.5 Fusible link lInd sprinkler hl-'ad replacement. Fll~-
ible Jinh and automatic sprinkkl'heads "hall be .,-,placet!. lltleast
mutually. aad other pootceli(\n J..:."viccs shall be serviced 01' re-
pla..'>/:d in ;II.:..'or(l;lI1c.: "'lth the m~llluf;lctllr..~r's inslnWIil.ms..
Exception: Frangible bulbs are no! required h) be replm;C(1
::UlIlUldly..
-to Be<ause of the potential acoumulation of grease or
other contaminants that could advers,ely affect proper
operation, fusible links and automa~c sprinkler heads
must be replaced at least annua.lly. The sensing ele~
ments of the fu sible link devices as well as the sprinkler
heads should be routinely visually inspected and re-
placed as needed, at Ieasl annually.
The exception anows frangible bulb-type sprlnkJers to
not be replaced as long as the annual examination
shows no accumulation of grease or other
contaminants.
SECTION 9.05
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
!JUS" Genel.'uJ. St::U1dpipe sy~tcll1>s shall be prov.ided in nel.<.'
buildings and stnlctures in :lCoord:mce with thts se<.:tiOfi.. Fire
hose 1hread~ used in ool1l1C..:'tion with sltll1dpipe SYSt':IllS ,shan be
approved and stmU be ..'ompatibJe with fire deparlment hose
threadi{, The locution of fire depurtment hose connections stmtl
200:lINTERNATIONAL FIRE CODElI COMMENTARY
PAGEA-43 OF A-69
906.8 - 907.1.1
curdy uncbored to the uw\ultillg sur!~lce in acwrdaoce \.vilb the
manuf.lcture'r's instu.Jhnion instnlctions.
-:- Portable fire exting uishers nol housed in cabinets are
usually mounted on walls or ,columns using securely
raslen&d hangers. Brackets should be used where the
fire extinguishers need to be protected from impact or
other potential physical dl:1.mage,
1)06.8 Cnbil'K'UI. Cabinets uSe'd tlllmnse fu'e extinguishers shall
not be .Iot'ud.
E'iccptions;
I. Where fire e.:-;lingllishel'S subject tltl malicious ust' or
damage lUX! prIW.ided with a m';:IIllS of rem]y occess.
2. In Group T-3 l.X:CUptllldes aud in menial hl~alth arellS in
Group 1-2 occup.lllcies, occess In po/1ahle fll1J
extinguilohers shl.l! ~ permitkd to be lock...d or to be
located in slaff locatious provided tho: MatT has Ioo}"s.
{> Cabinets housing. fire extinguishers must not be locked
in order to provide quick access in an emergency. Ex-
oeplion1, however, allows the cabinets 10 be Iock&d in
occupancies where vandalism, theft or other malicious
behavior Is possible. Eltception. 2: also permits cabinets
housing fire extlnguishers to be locked or to be located
in staff locations in Group 1-3 occupanc~s and mental
health areas in Group 1-2 occupancies. Occupants in
Group 1~3 areas ofjaHs, ptisons or slmDer restrained oc~
cupancies should not have access to fire extinguishers
because they could possibly be used as a weapon or be
subjacl to vandalism. Staff adequately trained in the use
ottire exting,ulshers are assumed to have ready access
to the keys for the Cllbinets at all tim".
!'(Iti.~; Ill"ighl ubo\c 0001'. I\lI1l1blc J1re clttingubhcrs ha\'!n,!! a
gro~\ weig!1t n('lll'weeding 40 pounds (I R kg) shall be in~lalled
'lO Ihal it~ topb not more th:m 5 fcd (1524 mOl) abo\'e (he {loOL
Hand-hcld pOlt:lble lire cxtlnguishers having a gro\~ weight ex-
ceeding 40 pounds ( 18 kg) shall b.. illstllllcd :;0 lhal jh top is IKII
ItlOl~ (han 35 fecI \ 1067 mill) above the 1100r. The dCllnmo:e bot-
tween the Iloor and the bottom of illsnitlled h:lOd-held
cxtinguisher~ ~hall 001 b" less than 4 inches (10'2 nun).
-:- Due to the varying height and physical strength leVills of
persons who might be called upon to operate a portable
fire extinguisher; the mounting height of the extin-
guisher must be commensurate with Its weight so that it
ma.y be easily rettieved by anyone from its mounting lo-
cation and placed into use,
1;06.10 Whwled ullils. Wheeled fire lJ"xl.ing.uishlJ"fs Sh:ll1 be (0.0-
spi<:uou~ly lo<;,:.t~d in ;\ design:ilted locatiml,
-:0 Wheeled fire extinguishers consist Df a portable fire ex-
tlnguisherwllh a carriage and wheels, The wheeled fire
extinguishers are constructed so that one able-bodied
personcould move the unitlottle firearea. Wh$led fire
extinguishers are capable of delivering grea.ter flow
rates and stream range for various extinguls h1ng agents
than normal portable fire extinguishers. Wheel,ed fire
9-52
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
SECTION 907
F1RE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
extinguishers are generally moreeffectJve ,in high-haz.
ard areas and, as with any extinguisher, should be
readily available and storadin an approved location,
The wheeled fire extinguisher should be located a safe
distance from lI1e hazard area. so that it will not become
involVed In the flre-
SECTION 907
FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
'107.1. Gt'lIt1'ld. Thhsectiml UNilrsthe "ppli<::illion. illst.L1l:ltioll,
pcrlorm:lllce mid 1uaum:mallce of fire abnn systems aud their
compollenb in n~ and existing buildings :uld mllctllres. The
1'l-C'q\llremCnh of Section 907.2 :11"e :ilpplkable to new buildings
and StnWI\lreS. The rCillllrelm:lllS of 5<o;:;tion 907,3 ate applkible
to o:xisling bt1ilding,~ 'Illd stnwwres.
or- Fire 8.larm systems,. which typically include manual fire'
alarm .systems and autO'matic fire detection systems,
must be Install&d in accordance with Section 907 and
NFPA 72. As indicated in Seclion 907..1, only Section
907.3 Is intende<lto be applicable to existing buildings
and structures.
Manual fire alam, systems areinsta lied In buildings to'
limit fire casualties and property losses. Fire alarm sys-
tems dothls by promptly notifying the occupants oHhe
building or an emergeJl(,Y, which increases the time
available for evacuation. Similarly, when fire alarm sys-
tems are supervised, the fire department will be
promptly notlt1&d and Its rooJ>OnSEl tlma relative to the
onset of the fire will be red uCEKf,
Automatic fire detection systems are tsquired under
certain conditions to increase the likelihood thai fire is
detected and occupants are given an ear1y warning,
The delection system is a system of devices and asso-
ciated hardware that activates the alarm system. The
automatic detecting devices arato be smoke detectors,
unless a oon dillon exists that calls for th e u se of a differ-
ent type of detectO'r,
9117.1.1 Construction docull~nts. CO~htnKlion documenb for
tIre alarm Systl~m.' ,mall he submitted fo)' r",'jew and approHl1
prior to sy.stem installation. C"nstrudion doellfllents shall ill-
dude. but flot ~ limited to. al1 of the' following::
I. A floor plan whieh indicmes the use of all rooUlS,
2. Locations of al,u'm-iniliatillg and 1l0lifk~uioll
upplian.:!:s.
~'. Alarm conlrol aud ll\)llbk sigmJing equipment
4, Annunciation.
5.. Power .:.vnl1t'uloll.
6. B:\llel')" C:LlCllbdol1~_
7, Conductor Iyp" ('lId sizes..
8. Vott:!.!!e drop caku!;ltions,
9, Manufactmers. mod.elnumbers and listing infolJlu!iOJ\
for L'qnipll1eul, deyic~s nnd m"teriah,
2lJ1l3INn:RNATIONAI. FIRE. CODe" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-44 OF A-69
FIRE PROTli(:TlON SYSTEMS
m. Delails of ceiling hdg:bI311d C()nSlnl,'lion~
11. The intetfttce of fire :>afety control functions.
-:. Construction documents for fire alarm systems must be
submitted for review to determine compliance. with the
code and NFPA 72. First,. the floor plan Indicating the
use of ea<:hspace Is required. In terms of the act\.lal
alarm system, construction documents are to show the
location and number of alarm-Initiating devices and
alarm~notjfication appliances, and also .provide a de-
scription of all equipment to be used, proposed zoning,
location of the control panel( s} and annuncialor(s) and a
complete sequence of operation for the system. All of
the information required by this section may not be
available during the design stage and initial permit pro..
cess. Submission of more detailed shop drawings may
be required. To facilitate the review process, the fire
code ofllclal may elect to develop a checklist beyond
what is listed in Sedion 907.1.1 stating the information
required to complete a thorough review.
~HI7"1.2 EClnipmcut. Systems tind their componenls shall be
lbled tlnd approvetl f()uhepurpo!',C for whkh they ;u'e in:>Ullled.
-:-The components of the fire alarm system must be ap-
proved for use in the planned system.. NFPA 72 requires
all devices, combinations of devices, appliances and
equipment to be labeled for their proposed used.. The
testing agency will test theoomponents for use in vari-
ous types of systems B.nd stipulate the use of the com-
ponent on the label. Evidence of labeling of the system
components should besubmitte<l with the shop con~
structlon documents,
tn some instances, the entire system may belabelecL
At leeslone major testing agency, Underwriters Labora-
tories lnc. (uq,. has a program :In which alarm installa-
Uonand selVlce compsn Ies are issued a oertlflcate and
become 115t9(1 by th.e agency as being qualified to de-
sign,install and mainta.in local,auxiliary, remote station
or proprietary fire alarm systems. The listed companies
may then issue a certificate showing that the system is
In compllancewilh Section H07.
Terms of the company certification by UL Include the
company beng responsible for keeping accurate sys.
tem documentation, including as-bum record drawings,
acceptance test records and complete maintenance
records on a given system. The company is also re-
sponsible br the required periodic inspection and test.
ing of the system under contract with the owner.
A similar pregra m has been available for many years
for central station alarm service, whereas the UL pro..
gram Is relatively new to the industry.. Even though this
company and system listing program is not required by
the codeorNFPA 72, itean be a valuable tool forthefire
code official in determining compliance with the refer~
anced standard.
Another Issue that must be consldered is the compati~
bi6ty of the system components as required by NFPA
7'2. The labeling of system components discussed
abow should include anyoompatiblliLy restrictions for
components. CompatJbility is primarily an issue of the
200.3 INTERNATlONALFIR! coDe" COMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
907.1.2 -907.2
ability of smoke detectors and fire alaml control panels
(FACPs) to function properly when interconnected and
affects the two-wire type of smoke detectors, which ob-
tain their operating power over the same pair of wires
used to transmit signals to the FACP (the control unit ini~
tlatlng device circuits), .
Laboratories will test: for component compatibility ei~
ther by actual testing or by reviewing the cir;cull parame-
tel'S of both the detector and the FACP. Generally, if both
the two-wlre detector and the FACP are of the same
brand, the-re should not bEt a compatibility problem" Nev~
ertheless, the fire code official must be satisfied Ulat the
components a.re listed as being compatible. Failure to
comply with the compatibility requirements of NFPA 72
can lead to system malfunction orfa'Hurewhen it may be
needed the 01OSt.
907.2 Wbe."... requil't'd-ucw buildings and:>tI'lJdlll'cs. ,\,n
approved manu31, llllt(.mal.it" or manual and ltutomal.i" fire
ala1'm syslemshall be proyid~d in IWW buildings and smlCtures
in accordance with Sct:tlons 907.1.J through 907,,2,23. V{herc
lwlomatic sprinklerprotcctio.ll instllllcd in tK'~'ol'd:Jllre ....'llh Sec-
tion 9OJ.:U ,.1 or 903.3. L2 is provided tlnd cOllnected 10 the
building lire alarm s)'-Stem, autommi,' hellt detc..:tion lXqllirod by
this !i.,'NIOO mull not be requil.\>lt
All llpproyed automlll.k fire detection system shall be in-
stalled in 3l.X'ord.lnce with tlw pnwisions of thi:> "ode lmd NFPA
72, Device:;, combinations .of devices, applilln('eS llJld equip-
ment shall comply with Section \ro7.1.2. The uutomal.tc fire de-
l.('ctors s.baU he smoke d,~lecMrs. except that an appl'ov(>Q
altefllative t ypc of detector shall be in:.talled in spa,e:< sLlch as.
ooile1' rooms where. dUl'in.g IlOrln~IJ oper,nioll, pl'oduct~ of COI11-
bllslion MC prescnt insufflcient qmmtit)' 10 actuale a smoke de-
l,x'wr.
... This section sp&cifies the occupancies or conditions in
new bulldlngs or structures tha.t require some form of
fire ala rm syslem. Thefire alarm system is either a ma 110-
ual tire alarm system (manual fire alarm boxes) or an
automatic fl re det.ec ~on system (smoke an d hea I detec-
tors).
Manual fire alarm systems ITHIst be installed in certain
occupancies depending; on the number of occupants,
capabilities of the occupants and height of the bLli'lding,
An automatic fire detection system must be installed in
those occupanCies and conditions where the need to
detect the fire is essential t.o evacuation or protection of
the occupanls_ The requir,ements for automatic smoke
detection are generally based on the evacuation needs
of the occupants and whether the occupancy includes
sleeping acoommod:ations,
This section a.lso states thataulomatic heat detection
is not required when buildings are fully sprink Ie red: in ac~
corda nee with NFPA 1 3 or 1 3R. The presence of a
sprinkler system exempts areas where a heat detector
can be Installed In place of a smoke detoctor" such as in
storage or furnace rooms. The SprJnkler head in this
case essentially acts asa heat detection device.
Automatic fire detection systems mustbeinstaUecl in
accordance with the code and NFPA 72. NFPA 72 oon~
tains minimum requirements for the p,erformance ofau-
1l.S3
PAGE A-45 OF A-69
FIGURE 901.2 -901.2.1
tom13tic fire detectors. The standard covers minimum
performanoe, location, mounting, testing and malnta-.
nance requirements for a utorm> tic fire detectors. Smoke
detectors mu:st be used, except when their use would
result In unwanted alarms or when a smoke detector
may not provide the desired detection. The manufac.
turer's literature will identify the Hmltations on the use of
smoke detectors, including environmental conditions
such as humidity, temperature and airflow.
Only certain occupancies are required to have either
8' manual fire alann or automatic fire detecUon system
InstaUed (see Figure '907.2), The need for either system
is determined by the number of occupants and the
height of the building. Figure 907.2 contains thecondl.
tions that require either system to be installed in a build-
lng. Note that the requirements of Section 907.2 do not
specifically state that the systems must be Installed and
maintained throughout buildings, but only In the area
that contains the occupancies.
In summary, the fire alarrrVdeteclion system installed
In mixed occupancy buildings is limited to the fire area
FIRE !P!ROTECTION SYSTeMS
that requires the system. Buildings that haw more than
one occupancy and do not contain more than one fire
area are identifieclas nonse~raled mixed-use build-
ings. A nonseparated mixed-use building that contains
one fire area that requires afire alarm/detection system
Is required to have the sysl,em extended throughout the
bullding in accordance with Section 302.3.1 oithe IBe.
FIG ERE IJ07.2. St'e below,
.;. This figure contains the lhreshold requirements far
when a manual fire alarm system or automatic fire de-
tection system is required based on the occupancy
group. Sections 907.2.11 through 907.2.23 contain ad-
ditional requirements for fire a !arm systems depending
on special occupancy conditions such as atriums.
hlglr-rise buildings or covered mall bu.ildings.
901:2.1 Group .,\. A Ulanllt\l fire alarl1l~Y$tem shall be 111s1(11I00
in accordtinc~ with NFPA 72 in Group A oc>'::llpandes htl\ing l\ll
(X"'llpanlload of YJO or nlOl~" Portions of Grollp E CCCllplHu.::ies
Figure 907.2.
SUMMARY OF MANUAL FIRE ALARM AND AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION THRESHOLDS
MANUAl RRE ALARMS
Occupancy Thn""hoJd
AS!lembly (A-I, A-2. A-3. A-4, A.51 All with ~cU.panllond or> JOr)
Buslne ss (B.l Total occupant lond:=!: 500 ()r (:(:CU\)JUlt It\!ld. or :> I 00 lfbovi)'~ 1()Il,'
]~,Yel of e.xit djl\Char~
Educational (E) > 50 occupants (lieVff,l(l excepllolli ror manual fire alarm box.
plllCement
Fuctory (P-l, F-:!) ;;: 2 stories with occupied klud;;: 500 Iibove or bel()ll,'I;!~C('l (:If exit
discl1ll1'ge
High hazard (H-t, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5) H-5 occupancies IUld OCcupllJl(:les u~ ror l1Wlufacture of orgWlk
coating;
Institutional (I-I. 1-2, ].3, [-4) All
MefC:llltJle (M) Tollll occ,upwllload ~ 500 or occupllntlond. IX ~> 100 abol'eJl::<,low
I;!vil of \lxit diSIChlll'se
HOlets (0 All unsprinklered buildings ~xcepl ,,;; 2 stories with sleeping units
having e:til dil\X'tly to e:tl<'fior
Apllrtments (2) U nsprlnklered 3 stocJeos or i Iiotocy 001(11'.' ley.& of ~x.it dIscharge or~' 16
unit';; wllhoutexits directly to exk>rior
AUTOMATIC fIRE DETECTION
o.,CIIP"""" ~h....mold
High bazard (H-1. H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5) "lgM)' toxic glU\ses. organic peroxides m1d oxidiz<'fs in uccordnocli' with
]FC
Institutional (I-I. :1-2. ]~3. ]-4) All
Hoto.~ls (I) All ~xcept buHding:;! without interior COfr!dors and sleeping units having
exit directly to ex1l<<lor
!I-54
APPhNUlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
20031NTE'RNATIONAL FIRE en 0 efl C:OMMENTARY
PAGE A-46 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYS'fIEMS
.)ccup'i("(! for a~semhly pUl'pt)s<:s sh~i11 he provided with II. fiJ\;'
al::u'l1l system lIS I'lXllllrcd for Ih" Group E (Kl~llp~InCY.
Eu'(~plioll:MIUllml fir(~ lilaI'm boDxes ,ue not rcquir<Jd where
the building is equipped. throngholllwith an alltomatic sprln.
k1el' system und the alarm notilkutlon appliunc~ will !letl.
vme upon sprinkler waleJ: flow..
-:- Group A occupancies are typicallyoccupied by a signifi-
cant number of people who are not completely familiar
with their surroundings. For this reason, a manual
fire.alarm system is required in Group Aoccupandes
with an occupant load of 300 or more to aid In the
prompt evacuation of the occupants, especia.lly In
nonsprinldered buildings.
The exception allows the omission of manual fire
alarm boxes in buildings equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system, if activation of the sprinkler
system will activate the bu~ding evacuation alarms as-
sociated with the manual fira-alarm system.
This section also permits assembly-type areas in
Group Eoccupancies to oompiy withSecUon 907.2.3 In-
stead of Ule requirements of this section. A typical high
school contains many areas used for assembly pur-
poses such as a gymnasium, cafeteria,. auditorium or li-
brary; however, they a.ll exist to serve a.s an education,al
facility as its main function.
907.2.1.1 Syslem inililllion in Group A occupanci4.'li wilh an
occllllUnlllllld or :1.0110 or Il\tll'C. Acllvalion of lh~ fire alarm in
Group A Occupl\ndes \.(ith an o,.cuplInt \Q;ld of 1.000 or more
sl.ull initiatl' ~l signal using an emergen,'y \'oicda!ann ,:ommuni-
c:LliollS system in accordance with NFPA 72.
En-epliull: \Vhereappnwed, the prNecorded ~UlnO\lnc.eOlent
is allowed to be m.lnua1Jy di."activtlted for ;l period of time.
not to e!,;cl'ed :I minutes. f.n tlte sole purpo~e of allowing :l
live voice announcement from :rn approvoo, consHUltlyat-
tended 10(':ltioll.
.;:. 111.9 exception allows the automatic alarm ~slgnal to be
overridden If the live voice Instructions do not el\CE:J:ed 3
minutes. Although this section does not spedflcally re-
quire afire command center, the location fromwhlchthe
live voice announcement originates should be con-
stantly aUended a nd approved by the fire code officia I.
l)I)1,Z.L2 Emergency f)owel', Emergcn...'Y vokchlllulll (;0111111\1-
njc~)tions systems shall bcprovidcd with un appl"Oycd ell1et'-
gency )Xlwer source.
<Qo Because the emergency voice/alarm communication
sy-slam is a. critical aid in, evacuatlnQ the buTlding, the
system musl be connected to an approved emergency
power source complying with Section 604.
f'IJ7.2.2 G rUIII' n. A manml.l fire til<ltnt SY~1 t"ll1 lilnll be imlallcd
in Gmu!, B ()C"llpun...,ies havillg <1l1 ()(','llp'ant load of500 or more
Pl'fJ;(lI\S or more t1mll 100 persons tlbove or beh.lw. the lowest.
level of exit d ischllrge..
[xl"Cplion: MlUlual fire alarm lxlllCS are not required where
the building IS equipped ihroughout wilh an alltomlltlC sprin-
200JINfl!IItNATlONAL FIRE CODEIICOMMENTARV
APPENlJ1X A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
001.2.1.1 - VQ7.2.J
kJer !'>yslem llnd the alarm IIOI:ifkation applium:es will
tldivt11.e upon sprinkler ....\llel. flow,
.;. Group B occupancies generally involve indiViduals or
groups of people in separate office areas. As a resull
~he occupants are not necessarily awaraofwhat i~s go~
In~ on In other parts of tile building.. Group B building:s
WIt!) large occupant loads, eIJ'en in single-story build-
ings, or where a :substantial number of occupants are
above or below the level of exil discharge, increase the
difficulty of alerting the occupants of a fire. This is espe-
cially true in nonsprinklered buildings with given occu-
pant load thresholds"
Tile exception does nol eliminate the fire alarm sys-
tem, but rather permits iUo ba initiated automatically by
the sprinkler water now switch(es) instead of by the
manual fire alarm boXes.
!)jI7.2.3 Gruup 1:. A nt;lllll.Ll fire alarm SYSlem shall be insttilled
in GttlUp E oIXupanci""s_ \\Then aUlomatic sprink],,!: sySl.enls or
smoke dete;"t(,J'S arc insttlllotd, SUdl systems or dotte;,'[()I1l shnUbe
,:;ollnected In the building fire tt!;trm's)'slem_
ExcelllillllS:
1, Group E occllp:m..::ies \ldth un oc..::up~nt load PI' less
than 50.
2, Malllla! fire alarm box"", are not required in Group E
(K'l.'llplmcies wlteJ:e all the following apply:.
2, \, Inlt'll'im cmTidors ~ll"e pmleNed by smoke de.
l.el:lors with alanu '.'cl'ilkllt.ioll_
22, Auditoriums, cafetetias. gymnasiums ,1l1d the
like 31'" protected by heat detecto)'s or othotl' 1lIp-
proved ~tlXtion de\:'lces.
2,3. Shops ,rnd hlbomK,ries involying dusts or Yll-
PQrs are pl~olectcd by hC".:\1 dNl'>,;lolli 0)' other r,p-
prllv<'>::1 d~t('Cljoll dev\ces.
2.4. Off-pl'emis<~s monitoring is provided.
2.5. The caprlbil:ity 10 \lctl\'\lte the CWllC;lmtiol\ sigmd
from a centml point is pro\' ided.
2,6. InbuiMillgl' \\ihere normally occupied spaces
are provided with a two-wa~' communication
.system bctweensuch spaces and a conslantly
atlendeJ I'eL~dving s[.,llion from ".'hel'e a gelleJ:3J
eval'uationa!arm ~'11I1 be SlJlmded, except in 10-
caliOn!i>Spl~dficllIlY d\!!!i>Je:mlled by the firemde
officlrlL . ~ .
-:- Group E occupancies Involve groups of people distrib-
uted lhroughout a number of classrooms or small
rooms.. Occupants in one area of the building would not
necessarily be aware of an emergency in another part
oHhe building unless a. system is proVided te alert U)em.
Because of lhfJage and! maturity of the occupants, more
time may be need&d to safely evacuate the building.
The requlrementfor a manual fire alarm system in
Group E occupancies Is not dependent on the location
of tile level of ax It discharge.
Exception 1 exempts Group E occupancies from re---
Quiring a fire a.larm system wilen the occupant load Is
fj.S5
PAGE A-47 OF A-69
901,2.4 -9:07.2.6. 1
less than 50. This would exempt small day care cente rs
that serve children olderll1an 21/2 years of ag.e or asmaD
Sunday school classroom at a church (see Section
2.02)..
Exception .2 exempts manual fire alarm boxes in inte~
rior corridors, laboratories, auditoriums; cafeterias,
gymnasiums and similar spaces depending on the use
of heat/smoke detactor.s and the extent of supervision.
The applicability of Exception 2 is Independent of
whether an automatic sprinkler system is installed. Sec-
tion '903.2.2 requires an automatic sprinkler system
throughout aU Group E fire areas in excess of 20,,000
square feet Cl,858 m2). Ifan automatic sprinkler system
or smoke detectors are Installed, however, they must be
connected to the building fire alarm system..
l.i01.2.4 Grolll) F..A manual t1re alarm system shall be lllswlkd
ill Group F ol"\:llpancies tlUlt mc 1""'0 01' morc stork's ill height
,llld have !HI ()((,upantload of 500 or more above or hl;'low the
lowest level of ex it di,:;.::hargc,
En-cpUou: Munual firc ,lIurlll 'boxes llrc not reqUired where
lhe building IS equipped throughout with an ;Iutommic sprin-
kler system u.lld the ul;lrm 1.ll.JtiIk;ltioll applialh:es will ncli-
...'tlle upon sprinkler wuler flt)w"
..tThissection is intended to apply only to large multistory
manufacturing facilities. For this reason, a manual fire
alarm system would be requiredonlylfthebulldingwere
at least two stories in height an<! had 500 or more occu-
pants above .or below the level of exit discharge. An un-
limited area two-story Group F occupancy complying
with Section 507.3 of the IBG would be Indicative of an
occu pancy requiring a manual fire alarm system.
Buildings in compliance with Section 507.3 of the
IBG, and large manufacturing facilities In general, how-
ever, must be fully sprinklered and would thus be eligl~
ble for the exceplion. The exception does not eliminate
the fire alarm system but rather permits It La be inItiated
automatically by the sprinkler system water flow
switch(es) Instead of by the manual fire alarm OOJ<i8,S.
4)07.2.5 GI'OUP II. A llwnulll 11re alarm system shull bc installed
in Group H-5 occupallL'ie~ alld in occupundes. used for the man-
ufaliufC of ol'g:mk coali:ll!!:~. An alll.nm:lllc smoke (fet.;x'tlon sys-
tem SIUlIl b", ~)~lalled fi)r~h.i@hly tn;<;k ga~s. ol'gank p<:roxides
and (M;idizcr~ in ac('ordance with Clmpters 37. 39 and 40, re-
5l1cc,tivdy,
.:- Because of the na.ture and potential quantity of hazard-
ous materials in Group 14-5 occupancies, a manual
means of activating an evacuation alarm is essential for
the safety of the occupants. lnacoordanoe with $action
1803.12, the activation ofthe alarm system Is to initiate
8' local alarm and transmit .a signal to the emergency
control slation. The manual fire alarm system require-
ment for the building is in addition to the emergency
alarm requirements in Section 1803.11 (see Section
908.2 ).
Occupancies Involved In the manufacture of organic
coatings present s peelal haza rdous condition s bees u se
of the unstable character of the materials, such as
9.56
APPENUlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE. PROTEC1l0N SYSTEMS
nilrooelulose. Good housekooping and control of Igni-
lion sources is cr~ical. Chapter 20 contains additional
requirements for orga.nic coating manufacturing pro-
cesses.
This section also requires an automatic smoke detec-
tion system in certain occupancy conditions involving,
either highly toxic gases or organic peroxides and oxi-
dizers. The need forlha automatic smoke detection sys-
tem may depend on ll1e class of malerials and addi-
tional levels of fire protection provided. This
requirement also assumes the quantity of materials Is in
excess of the maximum aUowable quantities shown in
Tables 2703.1.1(1) and 2703,1.1(2).
907:2.(1 Grlllll) I. l\ IlltlllLl ~l fJf0 ukUln syMell1 rt or.! a'll ttllh.l'lTl!ltk
fire dctc.;,tioll sy~lI~ln shall be instaU~d in Gnnlp 1 OC(;lJp~.nd"s.
An elccuicully supc.fyiseu, tllU0m,l:tic SIl10ki' dc'leclion systelll
shall be plQvid",d in wllilins areas thtrt m-e OP"llIQ ccm:idors.
EX('l;)pt ion: Manual fire IlIaI'm b0xes illlxltienl sleeping tU:e;l~
of Group l-llUld 1-2 oCCtlplllldes shall 1101 be required at e~~
ils if IOt-aled at 1111 nurse.;; , control stations Of ather COlLsttlntly
,11lended slaff IO('UliOllS, provided hllCh stutions are yisrble
lInd continoously an:essibJe and that tmvd distances re-
quired ill Scc:llon <X)7.4., I .;11'1;'. not excee.:l,xL
..... Because ll1e protection and possible evacuation of the
occupants In ,Group I occu pandas are most often de~
pendenton the response by staff, occupancies in Grou p
r must be protected will1 a manual fi:re ,alarm system and
an automatic fire detection system. Occupancies in
Group I also tend to be oompartmenialized Into small
rooms so that a fire in one area ofthe building would not
easily be noticed by occupants In another part of the
building.
To reduce the likelihood that a fire within such a wait-
Ing area. oould develop beyond the incipient stage,
lh,ereby jeopardizing the integrity of the corridor, the
area. must be equipped with an automatic smoke detec-
tionsystem, Whereas the areas also often serve as
designated smoking areas, arr.a.ngements should be
made to minimize the potential for unwa.nted alarms
caused by activating the smoke detection syst'em. The
detectors are to be located to provide the required cov-
erage to the wailing area space.
To reduce the potenUal for unwanted alarms" manual
fire alarm boxes may be located at the nurses' control
stations or another constantly alte:nded location. The
exceptionassumestheapproved'locaUOtl is always ac-
cessible by staff and within 200 feet t50 960 mm) of
travel distance.
907:2.6.1 Group 1-2. Corridors in llmslng homes (bOlh intenne-
dialc care Iilnd skilled uursi ng IhdJjlie~), det0xifil;:atlon fOC'ilitic~
and sp:lces opcnto the l:.Ol:ridm'S ~h;d.~be equipped ....'ith tmallt()-
malic fire detection sy~tem,
EU'CI)UlIUS;
L Cnrridor smokc d<l1el1ion is not required in sm.ok.\:~
co'lTlparlmeob lh;lt ullll;lin lx,tieul sleeping room~
where plll'\en1 :<.leepillg lUlil~ ,He plxwided with smoke
2Il03Ii1lTE:RNA TIONAL l""1.RE CODE"' COMMENTARY'
PAGE A-48 OF A-69
FIRE PROTeCTION SYSTEMS
dclcctorr. lh~11 c0l11ply with t.fL 268, Sl1~'h d",tccIOJ'S
~hall provide a Vi~ll:ll dhpltl}' Oil lhe clJ\Tidor ~ide of
each patient sleeping unit and shall provide an audible
and visual alarm at the nllning station anending each
unit.
2. eN]'ionr smoke detection is not required in smoll..:
('OIJlparlments that ~-'ontain pllt\.:nt slwping rooms
where patient sleeping unit d.Jors :lfe l'(lllipped with
automatic door-closing devlc:es vdth ime!!Jul smoke
detectors on the unit sides installed in ;tccordance with
their listing. provided lImt the integral detectors per~
form the reqllired :i1enillg function,
V Automatic fire detection Is requ Ired in areas open to cor-
ridors In occupancies da'!>"Slfiedas Group 142 and corri-
dors In nursing homes a.nd detoxification facilities. In
recog nition of ql,lick..re5ponse sprinkler technology and
the fact th aUhe spri n kler system is electron icaHy super-
vised, and because the doors to patient sleeping units
are contJnuouslysupervi:sed by staff when in the open
position,. it is now believed that smoke detectors are not
required for adequate fire safety in patient sleeping
units.
In nur.sing homes and detoxification facilities, how.
ever, some red:urn:lanoe Is appropriate becausasuchfa.
cimies typically have less control over furnishings and
personal Items and thereby result In a less predictable
and usually higher fire hazard load than other Group 1.2
occu pandas. Also, there is generally less staff supe'rvi-
sian in these facilities than in other health care facil~les
and thus less control over patient smokinga.nd other fire
causes, Therefore, to provide additional protection
against fires spreading from the room of origin. auto-
matic rire detection is required In corridors of nursing
homes and detox iflcat ion faclUties.
Fire d~tl::X:tion is not required in corridors of other
Group 1-2 occupancies except where otherwise specifi.
cally required in the code (see Section 9072.6). Siml-
Is rly, because areas open to the corridor very often are
th.e room of fire origin and because such areas are no
longer required by the oode 10 be under visual supervi-
sion by staff, some redundance to protection by the
sprinkler system is requested. Accordingly, all areas
open to corridors must be protected by an automatic fire
detection system. This requirement provides an addi.
tional level of protection against sprinkler system fall.
ures or lapses In staff supervision.
Then~ are two exceptions to the requirement for an
a,utomatlc fire detection system In corridors of nursing
homesanddetoxiflcation fadllties.l:nboth cases, the re.
quired protection serves as ana~emativemethodfor re.
dundant protection to the fire protection required In pa'-
tientsleeping, units. For this reason, they provide either
a. backup to the notification of a fire or containment of
fire in the room of origin.
ExcepUon 1 requires smoke detectors .in palient
sleeping units that activate both a visual display on the
corridor side of the patient sleeping unit and a. visual and
audible alarm at the nurses' station serving or attending
the room. Detectors complying with UL 268 are in-
2003lNiERNAl110NAL FIRE cooefl CoMMeNTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
001.2.6.2 - 007.2.&.22
tended for open 8 rea protection a nd for connection to a
normal power supply or as part of a fire alarm sysl,em..
This exceptIOn, however, is specifically design,ed not
to require ltle detectors to activate the building Fire
alarm system where approved patient sleeping un It
smoke detectors are installed and where visual and au-
dible 8.larms are provided, This is in re.sponse to the
concern over unwanted alarms. The required alarm 5,i94
nals will not neces~saJ~y ind icate to staff tllata fire emer.
gencyexlsts because the nursing call system may typl~
cally be used to Iden'~fy numerous conditions within the
room,
Exception 2 addresses the situa1.Ion where smokede-
tectors Bre Incorporated within automatic door~closlng
devices, The units are acceptable as long as the re--
qulred alarm functions are still provided. Such units are
usually listed as combination door cleser and hold-open
devices.
907;2.6.2 G,'onp [.3 occuJXlIlcies. Group 1-3 occupl1nde~sb:dl
l~ .:quippcd with l\ mum/al and autolllatic f1r<J ttltl:nn system in.
shl.lled for alerting staff.
(. Because of the evacuation difficulties associated with
Group 143 occupancies and the dependence on ade-
quate staff response, a manue I fire alarm system and an
automatic fire detection system ,are required subject to
Ute. special occupancy conditions in Sections
007.2.6.2.1 through 907.2.6.2:.3. This section recog-
nizes that the evacuation of Group 1,..;3 occupancies de-
pends on an effective staff response.. Seetion 408.7
contains the requirements for an emergency plan,ln.
eluding empbyee training, staff availability, the nee<! for
occupants to notify staff and the nee<! for th.e proper
keys for unlocking doors for staff in Group 1~3
occupandes.
907J:,f..:U Svstccln initiation. ACtu:1l1QIl c.f an automatic:
fire-extinguisl;ing\vstel1t tl manual fire marm bOll. \Jr a fire de..
t.x'tUf ~,,'jl initit1t~ dn Ilppw"ed f1r~ tlhum sigllnlwhich ,1lItnl11af-
ically nolmes st.aff.. Pl'csignal ~ysl.em.s sh:LlIIIOI be l1sed.
V This section specifi~s tl1e :systems that, upon actuation,
must in~iate the required alarm signal to the staff. So
that staff wHI respond in a timely manner; a preslgnal
system is not permitted. See Section 1-5.4.10 of NFPA
72 for further information on the presignal feature.
')07;2.r..2.2 Mnllllllll.il'c IllulIl boxes. Mllllllal fin) :d~lmll>:)Xes
1l1~ nOI n:'quired t.o be tocated in tlo,-:ol'dan('c \'ilth Section 907.4
where t.he fire alarm box~~ arc- provided ~lr .shlff-:Lttended loctl~
ti(\nshll\~lnlf dire.:t Sl1pt1'fv]s.iol1 over \It<JtlS- where m:ul\1,ll fJJe
:llann bOJ;c;'havc been rmt]ned,
Manual fire Illamlbo~es. arellllQwcl W be locked in aH:llS oc-
cl1pi"d by d"tainccs. provid..:d t.hat s.ulf membors tU'C present
withi.n the subject Bl\la and have k<,ys re:ld]])' avaibbJe l() Opef1.1te
the lllanual firelllarm boxes.
-:. Because oHhe potential for IntenlJonal false alarms and
the resu lling disruption to the facil~y, rna nual fire alarm
boxes in Group I<J. occupancies may be either locked or
9-51
PAGE A-49 OF A-69
007.2.6-.2.3 -907.2.8.1
made inaccessible to the occupants. The locking, of
manual fire alarm boxes is permitted only in areas
where staff members are present and keys are readily
available to them to unlock the boxes, or where the
ala rm boxes are located in a manned stl;lff location that
has direct. supervision of the Group 1-3 area.
~'07.2.6.2,.3 Smoke dl'tccIHI"S. An ,Ipproved :llltOl1UIli( smoke
detect ion syst~llI 1>ball he i 11 sl~lili.'d througbollt. resident hou1>1111;
Ill\%!:;;, including sleepin 2 'lI"ens and collti em;ms d'lV l\'(:'IUii.
gwup llctivityspac..~ nnd '0111"1" i,.'Ollllll(~1l $fH~~S nUl"ll1ally ilC"::<'S-
sible 10 l..,sidealS.
EXl"l~ptions:
I. Othl"r approved smoke-dctectionarrangenu:mb 1'1\)-
viding 1Xlllivlllcl1t prote,lion. including, blll not limit."Il
to, plocing: del.eeto.rs in exhaust due:ts from cells OJ be-
hind protective gwnds listed for the purpose. are al-
JO\\fedwhen IlCl'l;)ss,try to pren~llt dmmtge or
I,unp... ring.
2.. Sleeping units in US<l Conditions 2 and :t
3.. Sm.oke delel:tors arc not requiroo in ~hJ<"ping units w.ith
fom or fewer O\.'l:lIpllUh in smoke compllnments that
mX' e<quipped IhwlIghou[ with all approved lItllomatic
sprinkler s)'stem,
+ Evacuation of Group 1-3 faoillties Is Impractical because
of the need to maintain sEXlurity. An automatic smoke
detection system is therefore required to provide early
warning of a fire.
As indicated In Exception 1, the installation of auter
mat Ie smoke detectors must take Into account th e need
to protect the detector from vandalism by resldants. As
a result. detectors may have to be located in return air
ducts or be protected by a substantlal physical barrier.
Since occupa.nts in Use Condition II or III are not
locked in their sleeping units, Exception .2 reduces the
need for smoke detectlon.
Ex:ceptlon 3 allows smoke detectors to be omitted in
sleeping units housing no more than four occupants on
the basis that in a building that Is protected throughout
with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the sys-
tem wiD provide both detection and suppression func-
tions. Group I facilities are assumed to be fully
sprinklered throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as
required by Sectk>n 0032.5. The limitation of fouroccu-
pants reduces the potential fuel load (mattresses,
clothes, etc.) and !tIe likelihood of Invol.vement over an
extended area..
907.2.7 G,.tlUl> L\L A manual fire ab.nn ~ysti,)m :ihall be installoo.
in Group M occupancies. other tlmn COVe\"L"Il mall buildjng~
cmnplyillg: with Sc(1ion402 offlle Internatil.m(/IBuildinl~ Code,
having ;Ul (.(:cup.mt load of' 500 or more p,'fSOllS or IllD!"e lhall
100 :pelJ;OnS above 01' below tlR lowe::llevel of exit di~chtugc.
1::.n'lL'ptioll: .Mlllllml fjn~ abrm IXlllCs IU"C nm rcql1il'edwhcl,;)
the building is equipped throughOllt with all alllom~ltk sprin-
9.5,8
APPeNDIX f\
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTEcnON SYSTEMS
kkr SYiilClll and Ill" alarm nolification lIppliun.:cs will
lleltVlIle lIpon sprinkler wmer 110w.
~ Group M occupancies h"ave the potential for large oocu-
pant loads who may not be fa milier with their surround~
ings.. The Installation of a fire alarm system increases
the ability to alert the oGcupanls of a fire. Note thatthe
occupant thresholds are Independent. If either the total
occupant load is 500 or more persons or more than 100
persons araabove or below the level of exit discharge, a
manual fire alarm system is required.
The exception does not eliminate the fira alarm sys-
tem, but rather permits it to be initiated automatically by
sprinkler system water flow switoh (es) instead of by
man.ual fire alarm boXes. Building s with a fire area con-
taining a Group M occupancy in excess of 12,000
square feet (1.115 m<l) must be equipped wit.h an auto-
matlc sprinklei' system complying with Section 9032.6<
907.2.7.1 OOCUllillUt llolifkutiUll. DUling times thatllle build,-
ing is o('Cl1pied, in Jie<ll of the m1t(lJllat.ie al>1.i"~lt't(\D of lllafln noti-
fll~lltion llppliance~, the manmtl fire ahll:m syslcm shaH be
alloVi'ed to act i"'~lte an alarm signal at. a cons[illltly attended loca-
tion fl\Jlll ,,'.hidl eV;\Cl1llt[on instruction s'iliall he inillated over
an elllCrgcl1cy voke/lll:tnn COllllHtUlication syslclll iMlul1ed In
aCCQrdimCC wi[h Section 907,1.12.1.
The l'fllcl'genc)' vQicehhmu COlUlUunkatioll system shull be
allowed to be w;ed for other anmHlI1CCluents plT!vldcd tIre mall-
ual fire ularm uS<' takes PI"Cl'('\kl1\"c over any other l1se.
-:- Occupants In a mercantile occupancy may assume the
alarm is a false alarm or act Inappropriately and thus de-
lay evacuation of the building. To prevent. a panic situa-
tion, the manual fire alarm system may be part of an
emergency voice/alarm communication system. The
signal is to be sent to a cons~.ntJy attended location on
sit.e from which evacuation instructions can be ~ivan.
907.2.8 G"OIl(l R.L Fire ulmnl sy~tcms 1\h~111 b" installed In
OmupR-1 on"tlpandt"s \IslIXluiredin Sl:ctioIl90Tl,l.tl thnnl.gh
007.2.8.3.
.;> B&cause residents of Groll p R-1 occupancies may be
asleep a.nd are usually transients who are unfamiliar
with the building, and because such buildings contain
numerous smaD rooms so that the occupants may not
notice a fire in another part of the building', occupancies
in Group R-1 must have a manual fire alarm system and
an automatic t1re detection system Installed throughout
Requirements for sing.le- or multiple-slation smoke
alanns In sleeping units are contained in Seet.ion
007.2.10.1.1.
J:M17.2.8.1 .Milum" lire IIlal'll1 !i~.sl\'JIl. A.lU:tflual I1re alall11 sys-
tem Ylall be in.~tulled in Crol1p R-l oC'Cup,mcies.
Ex{'cplio 111'1:
I < A nmnl1al fif(1 ahmn system is not required in buiJdiol!,s
not mOlX' tlmnlwo ShJ;'ies in heigh!. whel." ;111 indh'jdL~d
gllestrooms and contiguous ~uk ,md .:rawl spaces \lrc
20031NTERNA llONAL FIRE CODE" COMME'NTARV
PAGE A-50 OF A-69
FiRE PROTECTION 8YliI'EMS
sepurl.lted frolll each other and publil~ or common areas
by at least I -hour fire partition s nnd each indiYldllll.l
guestroom has an exit diJl'Ctly to a public way. exit
lXl\lI1 or yard..
2, r.,'llU1l1al fire 1I.Imm b()xcs are not required throughout
the building wb<:1l thO;) fbUowing conditions tlrc met:
2, I, The building is equipped throughout with an
tullomatJc sprinkler sysU.111l installed in a('(~or-
dance with Sllction 903.3.Ll or 903.3. 1.1;
2,2. The notilkMioll ~lppFi.IlK~eS will activIllO;) upon
sprinkler wllter l1ow~ lill.J
2.3. At I~asl. one manual ihe uhmnbQ:t Is installed
III an appmvedlo('ation.
':0 This section Is specific to manual fire alarm systems
and requires such systems In all Group R~1 occupa.n~
Dies, with two exceptions.
Exception 1 elimina.les the requiremen t for a manual
fire alarm system if the sleeping units have an exit dls-
charging directly to a pu blic way, exit court oryard. Even
though the building may be two stories in height, the
sleeping units on each floor must have access directly
to a n approved exit at grade level. The u se of an exterior
exit acce-ss balcony with exterior stairs SEl'rving the sec-
ond floor does not constitutesn exit directly at grade.
The mInimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating required for
adequate separation of the sleeping units must be
maintained.
Exception 2 does not omltlhe flrealarm system but
rather permits It to be InltlatedautomaticaHy bysprinkler
system water flow swltch(es) in lieu of manual fire alarm
boxes. The sprinkler system is to be equipped with local
audible alarms that can be heard throughout the build-
ingand at lasstone manual fire alarm box installed atan
approved location.
\107.2.8.2 Automatic nre tllnnn system. An automalic fire
alaml system $hullbe installed throughout all interior corridol~
~rvillg gl'e.~lm<)Ln~.
Exception: An automatic fire det~tion .system is not re-
quired in bUildings that do nolllllvc. interior ('Orl"idors s.::rving
guestroomslUld eilch gU"Sll\XJlll has 'I means (Jfegr~s door
opening direc!!)' 10 all extel'ior exilaccess that k~\d!> direClly
to an exit
y This section requires an automatic firealsrm system
within Interior corridors. Such systems make use of
smoke detectors for a.larrn initiation In accordance with
section 907.2, with one exception.
Aulomaticfire detectors are not required in motels
and h.otels that do not have interior corridors and in
which sleepil"l9 units have a door opening directly to an
exterior exit access thaI leads directly to tha exits. The
intent of Exception 2 is that the exit .socass from the
Sleeping unit door be ext,eriorand not require reentering
the building prior to entering the eXIt. Since the axit ac-
cassis outside, the ne-ed for detectors other than in
sleeping units is greatly reduced. Unlike Exception 1 to
2ll031NTERNA 110t.IAL FIRE CODe" COMMENTARY
APPbNlJlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
907.2.8.2 - 907.2.9,
Section 907.2.8..1, exit balconies and exterior stairs are
allowed.
1)07 .2.8.~' Smoke olorms. Smoke llhrrms sh~lll be:in stalled. as re-
quired by Section 907,1.10. III bnildingJ\ thaI ale oot equipped
throughoul with an automatic sprinkler system insru.lled in lIC-
cm"tbllce with Sect/o0903J.U or9DJ,;U.:;, tbe sllloke ab:nlls
in gUest.roollls sJuill b~ I"O!lllli:.X'tcd It) lIll cllll'rgen'l' electrical
sptcoHlnd .Sh;lll he anllund,lwd bv guestrooln at a cOl1stllnlJv at-
tended loc:ation from which the lIre alarm syst.em is capable or
being manually activated
.:- Theaclul;ll requirements for single- and mull.iple-stalion
smoke alarms are located In Section 907.2.10. Thi.s
section requires that. in unsprlnklered buildings. the sln-
gle- and multiple.statlon smoke alarms within sleeping
units be connected to the emergency electricaJ system
and that they be annuncia ted near guestrooms at B lo-
cation from which the fire aJarm system can be man ualty
activated, Automatic activation is avoided to reduce un-
necessary alarms within such buildings. There will be
sorne cases where the above conditions exist, but Ex.
ception 1 of Section 907.2JL 1 would apply and a fire
alarm system would not be required.
1)07.2.1.' GI'OUP R.2. A m:llllllll 11re llhu.m SY$lC111 shall be In-
stl\llcd In Group R-2 o;:cupmlcies where:
I. Any dwellil1,gunJ.ft1l' I\lIx'Ping unil j s locah'J:llhwe IX more
stories above the lowest levd of exil disc]ulrge:
2. Any dwelling unit Of sleeping unit is k)('.~;t....i mo.re than
one sturv below the hie:hest level of exil discharge of ~xits
serving lhedwelling l~lit or sleeping unit; or
3. ThO;) building conll\ins more than 16 dwelling units or
sleepinguni ts,
Exceptions:
I. A fire ahlrm system is not r"''iuir(xlin buildings
not \1\0'1'';'. than two "tol'i.,$, .." heighl whe>ro :111
dwelling units (\1' sleeping: unit sand COlltlgllO\IS
attic and crawl SI)l\,~CS \Ire sepal;lted from eaC'h
other and public \')1' common llNUS by at [east
I-hom fire partitions and each dwelling unit or
sleeping unit h(l~ an e.iit directly to Il public WlIY.
exit "ouli or Y~llxL
2. Mllnmll fire alal'Lll boxes ar<: nOl required:
lhrollgllOl1l the building when the foJ]owing con-
ditions are met::
2.1. The building; is equipped throughout
with an ~lutonHltic ~prink.ler~ystem in lK-
cordanee \\(!dl SoctlO1l903J.Ll or Sec:-
lion 9033.1.2;
2-::. The notificulion applrnnces will aClivllte
upon sprinkler now.; and
2.3, At lellst one manu aJ fire alarm box is in-
staUed ar an approved hx:mion,
9-59
PAGE A-51 OF A-69
907.2.10- 907.2.10.1.2
3. A fire llhmn sy~tCln h not rt'quired in buiklings
Ihul do not haw into:rior corridon, servill~ d\1.'ell-
ing units llnd are protected by nn npproy:~tluto-
mtll.ic sprinkler system instaU",ct in lICCl))'(Iant"C
with Sectiom 903.:;1. L [ or 903.3.1 .2, provided
thaI dweUi,ng 11 ~jts dther have a ll~elJns ~\f egress
({(:>or' op.:'lllng directly to an extenor elt.lll1Cress
thaI leads directly 10 tbe exits ol'ltreser',t"i by
open-ended corridors designed in llecm'dance
with 8e..,lion 1022.6, E:u.....ption4.
-:. The occupants of Group R-2 occupancies are not con-
sidered to be as transient as those of Group R.1, which
increases the probability thatresidents can more readily
notify each other of a fire. Therefore. a.lthough Group
R-1 occupancies must have a manual fire alarm system
subject to the exceptions in Section 907.2.8,1, Group
R.2 occupancies are required 10 have only a me nusl fire
alarm system as stipulated In one of the three listed con-
dttions. The threshold conditions are meant to be ap-
plied independent ofeach other. Exceptions 1 and 2 are
essantiaHy Identical to Exceptions 1 and 2 in Section
907.2.8.1 (see oommE/ntary, Section 907. 2.8.1).
Exception 3 sHows the omission of a fire alarm sys-
lam in fully sprlnkJered buildings (NFPA 13 or 13R) with
no Interior oorridors and that exit directly to an exterior
exit access or have open-ended corridors. TIle impor.
tant thing to notels that the sprinkler system is not re.
quired to activate alarm notification appliances since a
lire alarm system would not be requlroo.
~)"7.2..1 I) Single. and nmlliple.stlllioll smoke alarms. Li~ted
...iJlgle- and multiple-stalion slTloke alaomshaH be inshtlled in
llCcordum.-ewilh the pl'O\isions of tlli:,> l'O& and Ihe household
fjrc.wnrnlng equipment ptmisio)ls (If NFPA 72.
...... Sing I&- and multiple-station smoke alarms have
evolved as one ofthe roost Important fire safety features
in residential and similar occupancies having sleeping
occupants. The value of early f.ire warning in these oc-.
cupancies has been repeatedly demonstrated in fires
involving both successful and lll1suocessfu!1 smoke
,alarm performance..
For slJOOesslul smoke alarm operation and petfor~
man<;e. single- and multiple-station smoke alarms must
be installed to comply with the code and NFPA 72,
which contains the minimum requirements for lhe selec.-
tion, installation,. operation and maintenance of fire
warning equipment for use in family living units" They
are termed ~smoke alarms' rather than ~smoke detec.-
tors' because they are Independent of a fire alarmsys.
tem a od include an IntS{Jral alarm notificatlon device.
'lI)7.2.1O.IWht're l.t'lluh'('{I. Single.. or multlple.~al.ion smoke
nhWtns shall !:It' in~~tl\lkd in the ]m:atiollS d...scri bed in SI."Ctkllls
907.2. lOJ. I through 907.2.10. LJ..
......Section 907.2.10.1 establishes the conditions under
which single- 01' muRlpl6"station smoke alarms ate re-
quired" Single- and mumple-station smoke alarms are
typically reqUited where occupants may be sleeping,
and therefore are unaware ofa fire in the room or a fjre
9.60
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
that may affect their egl~ess or escape path, such as in
hallways that are adjacent to the bedrooms, Smoke
alarms are intended to alert the occupants within the
dweUlng unit or sleepin9' unit. not all of the oocupants
within the building. It Is presumed that after the occu-
pant in the unit of origin has safely eVE cuated the uni~
he or she will notify other occupants of Ihe building by
either word ofmouthorinitialionafthe manual fire alarm
system, if one is Installed.
')07.2.141.1.1 Groul' R.L Single. ()f tIlllltipk'-shllion smoke
al:mlls shall he insmlled in all of the fiJ]Jowiug IOL'ations In
Group R.I;
I, In sleeping :u'ea~"
l, In every roolll in the p"lh of Ib"'I1H~:Ul~ of egress from the
sleeping area to the door leading from Ihe slceping uuf!.
3. In em;h stiJI)' within thc>;leeping unit, induding base-
mcnl$. For sleeping unils ""itb split leYcb und Wilho\lt an
imen'l.lrnng door between the adjacent levels, a $moke
alarm instllll>ed onlhe upper leve I shallsutl1ce for the adj a.
cenllowcl' I/:'Yel pn.wided. that the lower levd is less th~lll
one full story below the upper levd.
.:- Because the oocupant(s) of a sleeping unit or suite may
be asleep and unaware of a fire developing in the room
or in the egress path. single- or multiple-station smoke
alarms must be provided In the sleeping unit and in any
interve nlng room between the sl,eepingunil and the exit
8.CoesS door from the room. If the sleeping unit or suile
involves more than one level. a smoke alarm must also
be installed on every level,
Smoke ala.rms are required in split-level arrange.-
menls. except those ths I meet lheoondilions describe<l
in Item 3. In accordanoe with Section 907.2.10.3" all
smoke alarms wtthin a sleeping unitorsuHe must be In.
terconnected so 1hat.acluation of one alarm will actuate
the alarms in all smoke alarms wilhin the sleeping unit
or suite.
Section 907..2.8.3 contains requirements for lhe5Nl~
gle- or mumpla-station smoke alarms in 1he sleepin9'
unilto be connecte<l to an eme~gencyelectrlcal system
and be annunciated at a constantlyattende<l: location
from which manus.! activation iQf the fire alarm system
can be accomplished (see commenta.ry,Sectlon
907.2.8.3).
!J07.2.1O.1.l Groups R.2, R.~l, R"4 aud 1-1. Single- or multi-
ple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and umintll.ined in
Groups R-2. R-3, R4and I-I re~mlless of OCctlpllnt load ,.,t all
of the following locations:,
I. On the ,'eiling (lr w'(dl mHsid" of "ac.h sep"wle sleep.I<Jlg
area in the immediate vicinity ofbedwoms,
2. In eat~h room used tbr .sl"<~ping PUllxlses.
?. In c:\t~h SIOl')' within ll. dwelling unit including has.:1menb
nm not including cnn,,,';1 space>; and llninhabillihl... anit", , Tn
dwdl.ings or dwelling \lllils with split leyels and without
an intervening door het\veen tbe adjacent leyels. 11 :'>1l1oke
alarm installed onlhe upper Ie.\'el shlul suffiee for tbc .1djl1.
2003 lNfERNATIO,N,AL FIRE CODE" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-52 OF A-69
FIR! PROTeCTlOIfSVSTIlMS
,'cot lowcr 1ev<:1 pmvitkd that the lower level is less than
,me full )Il()ry bek)w the upper level.
-> Because theoccupantsof a dweling unit may be asleep
and unaware of a fi(9 developing in the room or in an
area within thedwaning unit that will alfectthelr ability to
escape, sing I&- or multlple~tation smoke alarms must
be InstaRed in every bedroom. in the vicinity or all bed-
rooms (e.g., hallways leading to the bedrooms) and on
each story of the dwelling unit (see Figure
9072.10.1.2). This section also requires smoke alarms
in all sleeping areas of Group 1.1 occupancies. SUbject
to the automatic fire detection sy.stem modification in
Section 907.2.10.1.3.
If a sprinkler system was installed throughout the
building inacoordancewllh NFPA 13,13Ror 13D,lfap-
plicable, smoke alarms would still be required in the
bedrooms even if residential sprinklers were used.
Smoke alarms are required in split-level arrange.
ments. As required by Section 907.2.10.3, all smoke
alarms within a dwelfing unit must be Interoonnected so
that actuation of one alarm will actuate the alarms in a I
detectors within the dwelling unit.
901.2.10.1.3 Group I." Sin,glt- or multiple-station "nl()kc
alarlns :\hall be install<<l llnd lUaintained in sleeping areas in oc-
cupandes in Gmup I-I. Single- or multiple-stillion smoke
alarnL'" shall not be required wheI'C the buiJding is equipped
throughtxu with an automatic fill: dctectkm system in atx'or-
dance with Section 907.2.6,
-> Even though theOCCl.lpanlS o( a sleeping unil in a Group
1-1 ocOJpancy may be asleep, they are still oonsldered
LIVING ROOM
x
" ;..
BASEMENT
907.2.10,1.3 - 907.2.10.2
capable Ofself-presarvallon. Regardless, smoke
alarms are required in sleeping units. Single- or multi-
ple-station smoke alarms need not be installed in the
room !fan automatic fire detection :system that indudes
room system smoke detectors Is installed as required
by Section 9072.6.
~)~I1.2.I..2 Pllw~r sourt'e.ln new l.'OnSll'1.lelion, required ;',Iooke
allll1JlS Niall receive their Plimury power from the building \\'ir-
in!1 where such wi riPS i,1i :<.erved from a oomme<<:ial50urce and
Sbllll be e>:\uipJX'd with a tr.ttlC4'Y btlliwp. Smoke alllrnl;. :<.tmll
elUn ll.s.ignal when the ballcficsare low. Wirin~ Niall be p<<mu-
Mnt and without II di.~'OmlCcling SWil"h other than as required
fN ovm,,'urrent pn:IlCl.'lion,
Exceptill'.: Smoke alarms lU\'J Itot l'Cqu in'X1to be equipp.:d
with battery- backul) in Group R.I \~;h"rc they are ool1necttd
R'l an emergency del.'lricalsyslI.'IU,
-> Smoke alarms are rEKIuired to use AC as a prinary
power source and battery power as a secondary source
to improve their reliablllty_ For example, during a power
outage, the probability of fire is Increased because of
the use of candles or lanterns forlemporary light Re-
quired backup battery power is inLended to ensure con-
Unoed functionng Of the smoke alarms. Smoke alarms
are commonly deslgne<l to emit a recllrring signal when
batteries are low and need to be replaced.
Certain Group R-1 occupancies may already have an
emergencyeledrical system in the building to monllor
other building system oondilions. The emergency elec-
trical system provides a level of rellabltily equivalent to
battery bad<up.
BR
<&>
HALL
BR
RECREATION ROOM
~).;:'
"X"INDICATES SMOKE ALARM
<&> INDICATES SMOKE ALARM
IS OPTIONAL IF THERE IS NO DOOR
BETWEEN LIVING AND RECREATION
ROOMS (ITEM 3)
Figure 907.2.10.1.2
LOCATION OF SMOKE ALARMS INA S1NGLEoFAMlLYDWELLlNG
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODe. COMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
9.61
PAGE A-53 OF A-69
901.2.103 -9072.11.2
'Hr7.2.IOJ Inlt~I'('ounl'Clioll. WheH~ 11101\1 thIIl\On(~ smoke
llla:rm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling
unitorsl~ping unit in GroupR-2, R-3 or R-4, orwilhln lln im:li-
vidua.l sI(~ping unit in Group R-I, the 5>llIoh' ala:rms sI1l11I ~ in-
terconneCl.,u in SUdl11 mann,'! dUll the a(1h~ltion of Ollt" ahllTn
\vlH a(,:\ivute aU of the ahrms in tlw individual uni!. The alanl1
:,,J:u.dl be dearly audible in all bedrooms o\""r background noise
levels ,,",tth all intervening doors d()"'lCd.
... The Installation of smoke alarms in areas r~mote from
the sleeping area will be of minimal value if the alarm is
not heard by the occupants. Interconne(ltion of multiple
smoke alarms within an individual dwelling un ~ orsleep-
ing unit is required In order to alert a sleeping occupant
of a remote fire within the unit before the combustion
products re-ach the smoke alarm In the sleeping area
and thus provide additional time for evacuation.
The term Interconnection is Intended to allow th&LJSe
of not only har<f...wlred systems, but also those that use
radio signals (wireless systems) (see Section 907.6).
UL has listed smoke detectors that use this technology.
It is presumed that on safely evacuating.lhe unltor room
of fire origin, an occupant will notify other occupants by
actuating the manual fire alarm system or using other
available means.
l)(r7 .2.III,4i\('U'pta n~'e lesting:. When the instilhlti,," (Jf the
lllllnn dcvii:es .i~ ''Oll1plete, ellCh detector and illl<1J(,onnocting
""iring fliT lllultipJ<1-stalion ttl:mn devic...,~ shall be tesled in :1('-
cordan('e with t.he 110u.....110Id fire warnin,!!. equipment pr(wi~iQns
of NFPA n
v To determine that smoke alarms have been property In.
stalled and are ready tQ function as In tended, they must
be actuated during an acceptance lest The test also
confirms that Interoonnected detectors will operate si-
multaneously as required. The responsibility for con-
ducting the acceptance tests rests with the ownerQr the
owner representative as stated in SectiQn 901.5.,
l)07.2.l1 Special a'DlISif'lllcnt buildings. An approved llUto-
n1Lltk.~llloke dl;'t.('Ction~yslelll ~haJJ b" pl\wid('tl ifl~edal
WllU:ielltent buifdinp ill ae.'ordan,'e with this section.
Eu'Cptioll: In llreaswhere ItlllbJellt c:onditions will CIUlse a
~Ill()ke d"'Tcl,"1i.on system ((' at.trlll. an :ifpproved altemMive
type of ;lut~)mlllk detector shllll be installed,
-=- Special amusemEmt buildings are buildings in which the
mean.s Qf egress is not readily apparen~ Is Intentionally
confounded or is not readily available. Special amuse-
ment buildings must also comply wlththe proviSions of
Section 411 of the IBC.
Th,e approved automatic smoke detection system is
required to provide early warning of a fire. The detection
system is required regardless of the presence of staff in
the building, The exception recognizes that the ambient
conditions in some special amusement buildings may
preclude the use of automatic smoke detectors. In those
9-62
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
._~"
FIRE :PROtECTION SYlrrEMS
instances, an alternative detection device must be used
for early detection of a, fire.
901.2.11..1 AIDI'Ol. Activ:uion of any single smoke detoctor.lhe
lllllolllati(~ sprinkler Sysh.1lU or tlllY other ;mtomatk !lre dete('tion
devi."" shull Jmmediately .M:mnd an 11larm 11t the building at a
cOllstantly attended loe lltion from which cmergency action "(Ul
l~ initiated, including the cap.ibility ()f manuil initiation of fC.
quin:ments in Sectil.m 907.2,1.1..2.
v Upon activation of either a smoke detector or other au-
tomatic fire detection dEWice or the automatic sprinkler
system" an alarm must sound at a constantly attend&d
I Qcatioo. The sta'lf at the location is expected to be capa,
ble of then providing the required egress illumination,
stopping the conflicting or confusingsoU'nds a.nd dis-
tractiQns and activating the exit marking required by
Section 907,2,112. The staff is a'lso expected tQ be ca-
pable of preventing additional people from entering the
bUilding.
907.2.11.2 S)'stcm n~spollSl.'. The ac1iY~ltion of two 01" more
smoke deteClOtlI, a l\ingle smoke detector with lilaI'm verifiC:II-
tien, the IHltomatic~prillkler system 01' oth...r ~[ppl;oved fire de,
t<\:,tkm devil;(, ,:Mull I alllolllilt ktiIly:.
I. Cause illumination of the nNans of ()gl'ess wilh light of not
Jess th'm I footcc:lndle (II lu~,) at the walking surface
levd;
2. Stop all}' conflicting or mortLsing sotlllds and vunml ,lis-
trll(,timls; and
J, Activate allllf1IV1J\'lld djr<x;llon;al exit marking that will be-
come llpparent in an. elll"rgellcy.
Such sptcm fe~PQnSe ~batl :dso include activation of ~l prere-
corded H11;'ssage, d"ady audible throughout tJlC~pedal llnlUSC'-
ll1ellt building, insu'uctinf. patrons lQ proceed to the nearest exit.
Alarm signals used in cQnjullctiollwith the pre-fet~orded me.-
s.lge slmU producc~1 soundw'hi,~h is distinctive from oth(~r
sounds used during llol1mll o(Nnltion.,
The wiring to the auxillluy devices and. equipment usoo 10 a,.
compli:iih the above fire $llfety I1.mcrioll$ ,shall be llwnitored for
inl.egrily in a'T,urdan(~e \\/i1h NFPA 720
~ Oneea fire has been detooted, measures must be taken
to stop the confusion or distractions, Additionally. the
egress path must be illuminated and marked. ThesEt
measures must occur automatically upon detection of
the fire or sprinklerw,ater flow. A prerecorded message
thatcBn be heard throughout the building instructing the
occupants to proceed to the flearest extt must be auto-
matically activated. The message and alarm signals
should be designed to prevent pa.nic, The prerecorded
message capability Is In addition t.o the 'emergency
voiceJalarm communication system requirement of
Section 907.2.11.3. The wiring oLal1 devices must com-
ply with NFPA 72.
20(l31NTiRNA. T10~L FtRS CODE" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-54 OF A-69
FIRE PlitOTEC110H SYSTEMS
907.2.1:1.3 Emcrgcm:y luk('illlnrm l'(JI]uuunit'alioll S~'slt'llI,
.>\11 emlilrgency ''Dice/alarm communication system. whil:b is
also a!lowa:! to sCr\'e :IS a puhlk address sy~tem,shaJl be in-
stldled in IK'('ordanre with NFPA 72 and be audible Ihroll~Jlout
too enlire special WUllioementbuilding"
.:. Because of the problem associated with evacuating
special amusement buildings, an emergency
\lolceJalarm communication system is required (see
Section 9072.12.2). This section permits the system to
also serve as a. public address system to have thecapa-
bi6ty to alert the occupa nls of a fire and give them evao-
uation Jnstructions.
907.2,12 II igb.rio;e huildings. Buildings having floors used fot'
hUl1llUl occupancy located mot't' than 75 feel (22. &60 mm.) abo\'e
ilk' lowo$>t 1e.'e1 of fire departllwllt vehicle a(x:ess $hall be pro-
vided with an automatic fire ,11:11'11I systt~m .md an emergen.:y
v\Jicefahrm (\''"ll\ununkation SV$lem in ac,oord:'lllce with Section
90I2J 22~'
Exrepl:iolls:
L AirpmttralIic control to....'Cl"S in al'l;urdilllCe with Sec-
lion 907.2,22 and Section 412 of the Infl:nlllliomll
Building CtJdl.""
1, Open ptlrking garnges in llccordance ....,-ith SiXtioll
406.3 of the Intt'rluuimm I Building C odt',
3. Building,s with :m occupancy in Group A.; in a<.:\'or-
dance wilh SlXtion 30~t I of the /lItt'nlarionar Building
Cod".
4, Low-hazard spccial OCl'tlp,lodes in accol'dan('C with
S.X'lion 503 .1.2 ofth" International Building Cnd('.
:'), Bullding.s with an o(\,upunl'Y in Gmup H-l, H-2 orH-3
inac.;orda.n\."e wilh Section 415 of IIle If/tcnwtional
Building Code.
-:. High-rise buildings require, additional fire protection sys-
tems because of the difficulties with smoke movement,
egress time and fire departme nLscc9$S. Pw. a result,.lhis
section requires bolh an automatic lire alarm syst,em
,and an emergency voice/alarm communication system
(see commentary, Section 907.2.12.2).
The listed exceptions are the smne as those in Seo-
tion 403.1 of the IBe regarding the applicability of the
high-rise provisions.
Exception 1 addresses airport. traffic control towers
and is basad, on, the limited fue-l load and the limited
number of perSOns occupying the tower. Open parking
ga.rages and places of outdoor assembly (Group A.5)
are exempted by Exceptions 2 and 3, respectively, be-
cause of the free ventilation to the outside that exists in
:such Slrudures. !n Exception 4, low.hazardspeclal in.
dustrial occ upancies may be exempled when approved
by the fire code official. Such buildings $hould be evalL!--
sted based on the occupant load and the hazards of the
occupancy and its contents to determine whether the
protection features required by Section 403 of the I BC
are necessary, Buildings with occupancles In Groups
H-1, H-2 and H-3 are excluded from the .requirements of
this section by Exception 5 because lhe fire hazard
2003 'INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODEOlCOMM,ENTARY
APPENUlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
00 7.2,11.3 - 9012.12.1
characteristics of these occupanci'BS have not yet been
considered In high-rise buildings,
.)117.2,12,1 Aul.Ollllltic nn~ dctcd ill II, Smnke detectors shull he
prov.idedin .I\.'\.:ord<lll."", with thh .~lX:tion. Smok", d<"tedors :;)ull
be C'onnccted to un UUIOllwtk fire tl.Jm:m $YSWlU. The octivation
of any detector reqlllJ\1d by this section shall upO:.fate lh(l eliller~
gClll:Y "ok:e!aJam) commllnic:ttioo systelll, Smoke detectors
shall be located as follows:
I. In "'ll,'h mcclumk<ll e'Juipnwnl. eleClrlc.ll. tJ'unsII:Hm",L
lelephone equipment c,r simil;ll' room which is not pro-
yided with ~pr\nkleJ~ protection. eleyator lllaChine rooms.
and in elevator lobbies.
2. In the maill return air and exh~lllst i111' plenum of cadI
,lll'-c(>ndilioning system h:l\'ing a capadty gre,ller lban
2.000 cubic feet pu minme (d'ml (O,9-i mlls). Such delec-
1011> shull be located in a SCI"Ylcetlblc area dOWll$lNam of
the laiiil duct irikt.
3.. At each COllllcction to a vertical <11,,"t or riser .$C1'Ving tv-'O
or llwre stories frollla fl!'lIlrn air dlK:l OJ' plenlll.ll of an
.11J'-condilioning .sysMm. In Gmup R-l and R-2 occupun-
des. a listed smoke detcctor is allowed to be used III ca,~h
l'elUrn-uiJ' riser ..::tmying not mOl-I.' th~ll) 5,000 dIll (2..4
lUl!S) and $el'l.'ll\g nol more than 10 air-inlet ('penings.
v Automatic smoke detectors aTe required in all high-rise
buildings in certain locations so that a tire will be de-
lecLed in its early stages of d.evelopment. Smoke detec-
tors must be Installed In rooms thala.re nol typically oc-
cupied.. Spaces specifically Identifi,edas requiring
automatic fire detection are: mechanical equlpmen~
electrical, transformer telephone equipment and eleva-
tor machine ;rooms, The dete<:lors must beconnected to
the automatic fire alarm system and be capable of initi-
ating operalionof the emergency voicelalarm communi-
cation system.
Smoke detectors must be Installed in the n1sin return
ai rand 8.xha ust air plen u m of each air-co nditioni ng sys-
tem having a design capacity exceeding .2,000 cubic
feet per minute (efm) (0.94 mJi's). Systems with deSign
capacities equal to or less than 2,000 dm (0.94 trflfs)
ate exempt from this requirement because their small
size limits theirca pacity for spreading smoke 10 parts of
the building not already involved with fire.
The area that could be served by a .2,OOtkfm (0.94
m3/s) system (approximately 5 tons of cooling capacity)
is comparatively small; therefore, the distribution of
smoke In a system of that size would be minimal.
Smoke detectors must be located so that they monitor
the total airflow within the system. If a single detector is
unable to .samplethetotal airfiowatalllimes, then multi-
ple detectors are required. Th.e' smoke detectors must
be made acoessible for mainlenance sndinspecUon.
Many failures and false alarms are caused by a lack of
maln!enanoe and cleaning of the smoke detectors.
Consistent wtth Section 606,2.3 ofthe I MG, return~air
risets serving two or more stories must have smoke de-
tectors Installed at each story. ftern 3 permits the LIse of
a single listed smoke detedor in each return-air riser in
a Group R~1 or R-2 occupancy jf lhe capacity of each
9.63
PAGE A-55 OF A-69
ilOt.2,12.2 -91]72.12.3
riser does not exceed 5,000 cfm (2.4 m1/s) and does not
serve more than 10 air-inlet openings. This alternative
recognizes that it is not as necessary in buildings dedl-
ca tad to residential occupa neies only to manito r the re-
turn air fl'Qm each story prlorto intermixing the re-turnair
In the common riser.
~;o7,2.12.2 Emergency vllice/alal'm l'ollll1llmknljon s)'slcm.
The op\l'lulion \.If 11lIY Ilutmn.lti., fm: d\.:1cdor.:o.prinkler wa-
ter-flow devh-:e or manual !'ire alanll box slHtll alltOfnati.;;allv
sollnd anll.lclt lOne followed hy voice ins.llllctions giving ap.
proved infonnalioll und dinx,tions all a general or sete.1ivl." bll:<JS
to the following terminal ureas on II minimum of tll\l' alarming
floor. the 11001' Ithove, and the iloorbelow in a.ix'oldllll.i~ with the
bLlilding's flre safety and ,"V'.Kumion plans ''''quired by Section
404.
I. Elev:tlorlobhies.
2. COl'ridl1r~
3. Rooms and lenant spa.i"-'s (,~Cl:edil1g 1,000 square feet (93
1lI2) III tlH':il..
4. Iw.'ellil1g units and sk'eping l1ni/'~ in GrollI' R.;!.
orcl1pancie~,
5. Sleeping units in Group R-I ocnlpan,'ics,
6. Arc:I!: of refuge Ull defined in Sc,'lion 1002.
E,,"<:eption: In Group I-I and 1-2 QlXupam:ies, the
alarm shaH sound ill :1 ")n~tanlly atl.endt't! Llwa alld II
general m:.nrpant notilh:.ation shall be bnmd,'ast oycr
the tWCl'h.eud pagc.
<- The section Identifies the areas of coverage when an
emergency volcelalarm oommunicatlon systern is re-
quired. The system may .sound a general alarm or be a
selective system In which only selected areas of the
building receive the alarm indication. This section re-
quires a minimum area of notification that must Include
the alarming floor and the floors above and below it.
The requirement for alarm notification wfthin dwelling
units in 'Group R-2 occupancie-s and within sleeping
units in Group R-1 occupi3ncies recognizes the need for
a sound pressure level tha.! will awaken sleeping occu-
pants. Although Section 907.10.2 requires a mlnimu m
sound pressure level of70 decibel (dBA) in Group R DC.
cupancles, a sound pressure level of 75 dSA at. the
head of the bed Is generally considered the minimum 10
alert sleeping individuals.
This section a,lso indicates that the emergency
voioe/alarm system is to be inttiated as aU other fire
alarm systems are initiated. The functional operation of
the system begins with an alert tone (usually 3 to 10
seconds in duration) followed by th,e evacuaLlon signal
(~ssage),
The exception recognizes the sup&rvised environ-
menlly pical of Institutional usessnd the reliance placed
on staff to act appropriately in an emergency.
!Hi"
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIFtE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
907:2.12.2.1 Mallunl O\'CfTid{;. A manllal override for ffiU'I"-
gellC}' voi,,, communication shull be pH.N.idod for ~d.1 p~lg.ing
J:Ol1.lc'lii..
.... The intentofthis section is to provide theabHity to trans-
mit live voice instructions over a.ny prev.iously Initiated
signals ormessa~es for all zones,
!l'07.2.12.2.2 Live yokl.' llI{'ssag{'S. The emergcm')" Y(lk-c/alllrm
.i.ummunication !\y~lem sh:dlllbo h.rl'"e the cap.lhility to browJ-
..ast Jive ,'O.ke messages through speukeei IOCllh'X! ill elevlltors,
elit stairways, and throughout a selected Hoor or tloorn
.... The number of speakers installed should be adequate
to broadcast the live VQice messages over the emer~
geney vOicelala,rm communicatIon system to all desired
areas, induding elevators, extt stairs andselacted
floors. Speakers used for background music should not
be used unless specifically listed for fire a.la.rrn system
use. NFPA 72. has additkma I requirernents for the place-
ment, location and audibility of speakers L1sedas partof
an emergency voic.a/alarm communication system.
907.2.12.2.-' Shmdlll'd. The emergcn.~y \"(Ji",dlt(:lrlll COlmnu n 1.
clnionsyslem Sb,lll be designed undlH stallcd in ac,'ordan.i'c with
NFPA 72.
(0 NFPA 72 contB.ins t.he minimum requirements for the
design, install.ation, maintenance and acceptance test~
ing for emergency voice/alarm communication sys-
tems. The primary purpose of tha emergency voiee-/
alarm oommunication system is to provide dedicated
manual and automatic facillt.ies for the origination, con-
trol and transmission of information and instructions
pertaining to B. fire alarm emergency to the occupants
(including fire department personnel) of the bUilding,
907.2.12.3 Fire depnlmcnt omuntlnimtillll system. Au up-
proved tWO-1.I."<I)', fil'e dep:mment ,'ornmlUli'/aliol1. sy:;.tenl de-
signed and installed inacwrdl\JlCc with NFPA 72 shull be
provided for flOO depllJtment UM'" Jr .,]l"n nlx'r"t", between u frr",
,'oll1<<1alld ('",nler mmpIying with Se.i'lion 509 Ilnd etev:ltors, ele.
\"ator iubbie,s,. elucrgen.,y and standby pow",.!" rooms. fire pump
moms. arcns of refuge and inside enclosed e:>;.it stairways. The
fife departmemt commlmtcullon dexic.:: shull he provided III eadl
tloo.r level within the en dosed exit swltway,
E~c~ptjlln: Fire dep:mlllent mdio systems where apIJro\'eo:l
by the file deparlment,
-t. High-rise buildings have also posed 13 challenge to the
traditional communication systems used by the fire ser-
vice for fire-to.ground communications. Therefore, a fire
department oomrnun.ication system must be installed to
assist fire ground officers in communicating with the fire
fighters working in various areas of the building. The
system must be capable of operating between the fire'
command oenter and every elevator, elevator lobby,
emergency/standby power room, fire pump room, area
of refuge and ad stairway~
The exception permits the use of fire department
hand-held radios where approved by the fire depart~
20ll3INTt::tltNATIONAL !"IRE coO!:"'coI'.WENTARV
PAGE A-56 OF A-69
'tiRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
ment for that spe'cific building. The us&of radio systems
may not be effective in buildings with a significant
smou nt of structural steel.
907.2.1 J Ah'iulllS conn~lillg m(lr~ Ihan two stories. A flu
;\.Iarm system shall be instilled ill ()('cupoocics. with an lItrium
tlmt nmn,,"IS Ulot\:! Ib;1f\I.wo stories. The ,syslWll shall he ;1..::1 i-
vated. in accordance with Section 907.7, Such oc:cupnndlJs in
Group A. E Of M shall be pl\Jyided with an emergency
voi,-e/alann ,'omrnunkation system complying with the rt'quire-
ments of Section 907,2,12,2.,
... Buildings containing an atrium thatconnects more than
two stories a.re to be equipped with a fire alarm system
that can be used to notify building occupants to begin
evacua~ng in ca~ of a fire. The alarm system must be
In~iated in accordance with Section 907.7, which re-
quires that In buildings containing an atrium, the alarm
system !ista be initiated bythesprinkJer system and any
automatic or manual fire alarm InltiatJng' devices found
In theatJium as well as elsewhera.ln thebuilding. It does
n.ot Intend to require certain features to be .installed
within the atrium but rather Is simply requiring that any
such features present Initiate the fire alarm notification
system. It would n.ot necessarily be appr.opriate to als.o
in iliate the s make control system upon 8t.1.lvallon of the
alarm system within a building containing anatrium (see
Section 909.122).
Gr.oups A, E and M must have an emergency volcel
a.larm communication system that oomplles with Sec-
tion907.2.12.2 because of the number of persons to be
evacuated and the lack of familiarity w~.h the location of
exits that is typical of occupants In Groups A and M. The
alarm system Is Intended 10 warn occupants entering
theat.rium because smoke is being drawn totheatrium.
l}07.1.14 High-piled cllmbllstiblc- stomgc m.ftlS. An tll1tom::llk
ike det,"Ction l;YSIo:Il1 sh;dl he installed throllgholll high-plIed
cmnl:tl1slible stolUge areal; where fe'lllired by Scction 2306.5.
y Section 2.306.5 requln~s an automatic fire detection sys-
tem in .high-piled combustible storage areas depending
on the commodity class, the size: .of the hlg h-piled stor.
age area and the .presence .of an automatic sprinkler
system. High-pled storage is the storage of combus'li-
ble materials In pIes, on pallets or In, racks m.orethan 1.2
feet (3,658 mm) high. Chapter 23 and NFPA 231 and
231 C contain fire protec:ti.on requirements for all
high-piled storage oondltlons. (Nole: In the 1999 edition
of NFPA 13, its scope has been expanded to indude
protection requirements from NFPA 231 and 231C.)
')117 .2.15 Uel~I>;ed t.'gI~,sS locks. \Vhefc delayed egrc$s locks are
In'\1aHctl on means of ,'gress donI'S in an~nrdance ,;"ilh Scctklfl
1008.1.8.6, an automatic smoke or heat detection system sh.Lll
be irmalled :\.~ requiroo by Lhat wctinn.
.:. This section alerts the code user to add~lon.a1 require-
ments in Section '1000.1.8.6 that tie the operation of
egress doors Into the activation of an auton18 tic fire de-
tection system. A smoke or heat detection system is re-
2003 INTERNATIONAl. '~IRe CODE'" COMMENTARY
APPENDiX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
90t.2.13 -901.2.18
quired to unlock delayed egress locks upon activation.
The heatdetection system can be the sprinklersyslem.
For example, Section lDD8.1.3.3 requires horizontal
siding doors used as a oomponenl of the means of
egress, where required to be rated, to be self.closing or
aulomatlc-doslng upon smoke detection. Also, .ac-
cess-controlled egress doors in occupa,ndes as re-
qui red by Section 1008. 1 ,3 A mu st be capable ofbei n9
automatically unlocked by activation 01 an automatic fire
detection system, if one is installed.
~)1l7 :2.1 (i Aero~ol :storage uses. Ael\')sol storage rooms .md @en-
eml-purpoJ;e warehouses containing aerosols shall be provided
with all appl\w"llllHllll.l.! fire alarm sy~tC'mwh,..re rt'(lufrcd hy
thh code.
... Chapter 28 and' NFPA30B contain alkliUonal gUidance
on the storage of and fire protection requirements for
aerosol products. The requirements for storing the vari-
ous levels of aerosol products are dependent on the
level of sprinkler protection, the type of storage and the
q,uan,tlty of aerosol products~ Although aerosol product
fires generally involve property loss as opposed to loss
of life, installation of a manual fire alarm system could
aid in the prompt eva.cuation oHhe occupants. Fires in-
vol\lln9 aerosol proout.'ls can spread rapidly through a
building that is not properly protected and controlled.
1)117.2.17 Lumb{l",plywood and\(~lI{~el. lIlith. Lumber, ply-
wood tllld velleer miU~ 5hall lOJ provIded with a manUlll fire
alllIl1l syslem.
-> Any facility using mechanical methods to process wood
into finished products, such as waferboard, oriented
strandboard, composite wood panels or plywood, pro-
duces debris and the potential for combustible dust.
Good housekeeping and control of ignition sources a re
th,erefore essential. To aid in the quick evacuation of oc-
cupants in an eroorgency;Section 1904.1.1 requires a
manus,1 fire alarm system in lumber, plywood and 'It}-
neer mUlsthat contain product dryers because of their
potential as a souroo of ignition. A manual fire alarm
system is not required" however, if the dryers and all
other potential sources of ignitlon a.re protected by a su-
pervised automatic sprinkler system.
907.2.18 l1nd.l.'rground. build.ingl\ wit.h smolle l'ldlllQ,;j s.""-
l(~lllS. Where II smoke e:l:hau~t ~Ystem is installed in an under-
ground building in arc~'rdancc ~ith the Imemmiollal Sui/dins
Clltk, autolTIlItic fin~ dl'iwtl)r~ Sh.llJ be pmvid,,'(1 in al,~ordan,'e
with thil; sc.::tion.
.. As indicat.edlnSectlon 405.5.2 ofthe I Be, each com-
partment of an underground building must Ila.ve a
smoke 00 ntroVex haust system that can be aclivaled
both automatically and manually.. Floor levels more than
60 feet (18 288 mm) below the lowest level of exit dis-
charge must be compartmente{L Compartmentatlon Is
a key element in th,eegressand fire access plan forfloor
areas in an underg round bu ildingL The smoke exhaust
system must not only facilitate egress during a fire. but
9.65
PAGE A-57 OF A-69
.J
001.2.18.1 -901.2.21
also Improve flre department access to the ftre source
by maintaining visibility that Is otherwise impossible
given the inabiUty of the fire service to manua,Uy venti-
lale the underground portion of the building. To reduce
potenUal Involvement or other oompartments, the
smoke exhaust system for each compartment must be
independent (see also Section 909.20).
lJ07.2.1IU Smoke dch.wlo~. A Ininimllm of une '\.lIlOkc delec-
tor lhled for the intend<,d pulpJs<, ,'\h:lll b<, [nshllled in the ful-
lowing areas:
L !\1ech:mlcnl <,qulpm<'nl; eloctrkal, transformer, telephone
equipment elevator machine (If similar rooms.
2, El,-,"'alor lobbies.
3. The main reltlfllllnd cxhaul>t :IIr plenum of cllCh lur-condi-
tioning sy.stem ,'!Crving more than (lflC stoty :ll1d located in
a ser\'icelible area downgream of Ihe last duct inlet.
4. E:ldl connection to a \'eltkal ducl OJ' riser serving two or
more floors from return air ducts or plenums Qfil<"oltlng,
wntilating lmd air-conditioning systems. except IhM in
Group R occupancies. a listl>d slUoke deteel'or is allnwed
to b" u'Il.'d ill eadl r~"111m-llir riser CafJ)'illg not mo.re than
5,000 cfm (2.4 ml/s) lUld serv:Ing not more Ihltn 10 air InlO!
opening!>..
.;0 Automatic smoke detectors are required in certain loca-
tions in 8.11 underground buildings so that a fire will be
detected In its early stages of development Un-
derground buildings are similar to high-rise buildings in
that they present an unusual hazard by being virtually
insoce-ssible to exterior fire department suppression
and rescue operations with the Increased potential to
trap occupants Inside the structure. For this reason, the
smoke detector location requirements for underground
buildings are similar to those in Section 907.2.12.1 for
hlg h-rise buildings (see commentary, Section
907.2.12.1,.
The requirement for a smoke detector in the main re-
turn and exhaust air plenum of an air-conditioning sys-
tem in an underground bUilding, however, differs from
that of a high-rise buHding In that it is not a function of
capacity [2,000 cfm (0.94 ITf'/s)) but rather a function ,of
whether the system serves more than one floor level.
There is more concem over the threat of smoke move-
ment from floor to floor because the products of com-
bustion cannot be vented directly to the atmosphere.
~m7.2.18.2 Alar", requh'cd. Activation of the smoke exhaust
system shall a1;>tlV'ilh: an audibl", :tlunn ;11 a CIHbt'lUtly atleuded
location.
<to The audible alarm is req uired to notify qualified person,.
nel immediately thatthesmoke eXhaustsyslem has ac~
fJvated and to put emergency procedures Into acUon
quickly.
l)O7'.2.ll) lllldel"f-lI'Olllld building'>. Wlrerc the 10\\'Cst level of:l
stmcmrc is nlOl~ thall 60 feet (Ill 288 mOl) helow the lO\lit;'st
len~l of ,\~it dischnrge, the structmc shall b~, ctluipp,-.,j rhmugh-
out with a manlHll fire nJann system, inclllding ;m emergelwy
0.66
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE :PROTECTION SYSTEMS
\'Oi"elal:arrn ronmlullit.~ation system installed in accordallee with
S",'tilJIl9072.12.2. '
.... The ability to communicate ano offer warning of a fire
can increase the time available for egJess from the
bUilding. Underground stJuctures located more than 60
feet (18288 mm) below the level of exit discharge must
therefore have a manual fire alermsystem_ A
voice/alarm communication system is also required as
part of this system (see commentary, Section
907 .z. 122).
')07.2.1~).1. ()ub!k add.,cioOS Systelll. Where a fire lilaI'm SYSrelll is
nol reguirt'd by Sl'(,timl 901 ~2, ;1 puhlk uddrlJsssystitm ~~h:1I1 be
provided which shall be' capable of tmllsmilting voice communi-
c3tiol1s to the highest level of l"Xit dischargc scrving the underc
ground portiOl.L~ uf lhe SITtldure:ll1d :L1.1 levels hekmc'.
-:. In underground structures where a. fire alarm system is
not required, a pUbliC address system must be installed.
This communication between the highest level of dis-
charge and the underground levels can be a vital Com-
munication link ,between emergency personnel and
building occupants. This is especially Irnportant In an
environment in which Vlsibll~y is likely to be Jmpaired as
s. means to determine the ste.tus of emergency evacua.
tion from a fire scene below grade.
9H7.2.20 Con-red mtlll bllildings. Coveti.'ld Hull buildings ex_
ceeding 50.000 square feet (4645 m:~) in total floor lll:ca $haJl bc
provided with all emergCtK'Y yokc!:Ilunn communication sYj\.
tem. An emergency v()i,>:J!alarm COIllllwnkatioll .system sen~ing
a mall, rdJuired or otherwise, shall he accessible to Ih", lire de-
partment. The syMcm shall b.: p)'(wlded in anXlrdlUh:'e with 5c('-
tion 907.2.12.2.
<to Because of the potentially l;arge number of occupants
and their unfamiliarity with their surrou ndings, an 'emer-
gency voice/alarm communication system, accessible
by the fire department, is required toaid in evacuation of
covered mall buildingsB.xceeding 50,.000 squa.re feet
(4.645 m2) in total floor a.rea. Anchor stores are not in~
eluded as part of the covered mall building.
'1II17.2.21. Rc,sidentilll tlil'UlIn hUllglU'S. A minimum of ono
liskd sllloke nlaml shall he insl:dl",d within ue,sidQntialll:iI,'nd'l
hangar as defined in tho [nternalional Building C(xkaud shaH
be im<'J'Conn<."ctcd into [he residenthtl smokt' (liannaI' other
sOllnding devie", to provide an llhlJ"l11 whkh wiH be ;l1Idible i.n all
sleeping arem> of the dweIliHg..
<to Residential aircraft hang.ars are assumed to be on the
-same prope-rty as a one. or two-family dwelling. Section
412..3 of the IBC contains addttional requirements for
the construction of residential aircraft hangars. The
hangar could be looetedimmedialely adjacent to the
dweUlng unit If it is separated by 1-hour fire-resis-
tance-rated construction. Because of the potentially
close proximity of the ;;Iircraft and ~s flammability and
fuel source, at least one smoke alarm is required in the
hangar that is Interconnected to the residential smoke
alarms. It should be nctad, however~ that the requi.re~
2003 ,INTERNA tlONAL FIRE. CODe" COMMENTARY
PAGE A-58 OF A-69
FIR! PAOrECTION6YSrEMS
ment for a smoke alarm Is also applica bla to residential
aircra.ft h.a.ngars that are detached from the dwelling,
unit Because a minimum separation distanca is not
specified, a fire In the hanga.roould stJlI present a :seri~
ous fire hazard to the dwelling unit.
~)07.2,22 Airport fl'ame '~ollln~ to\\"e.I's. An alltom:ltic t1re de-
tectionsy!\telllMlllll be provided In all1'ol1 tmffic control towers.
.:- Airport traffic control towers must be designed to oom~
ply with Secllon 412 of the tBe. These: structures .ara
unique in that they can be built to excessive heights, de.
pending upon construction type, .are permitted to have
Dna exit stairway and are typically nonsprinklered. Sec;.-
tion 903.2.10.3 specifically exempts airport control tow.
ers from the requlremen ts of an automatic sprln kler sy.s-
lem. An automatic fire detection system Is required,
however, for early warning notification of the occupants
in an emergen<::y.
907.2.2~~ Unltery moms. An appn:lYed automatic $Oloke detec-
tion system shaH be instaUed in are"J.s containing stationalY
kad-:I~id battery systcm~ having a liquid c:\pacit}' (If more th:ln
50 g:tl1kms (189 L). The dCI<~,:lion system sh:dl be SlIlXlfvised by
an tlpprov..d ('~ntmL pl\)prlclary. 01' l'ClllOte ,station ~er\'ice or a
local alarm whkh will sound un audible siglllll :It a oonstamly at-
tended location.
-} Stationary Iead-acid battery systems are commonly
used for standby power, emergency power or unlnter~
rupted power supplies. The release of hydrogen gas
dUring battery system operation is usuaRy minimal. Ad-
equate ventilation will disperse the small amounts of lib-
erated hydrogen. Because standby power and emer~
geney power systems control many important building
emergency systems and functlonS,asupetViSed auto-
matic smoke-detection system is required for early
warning notiflcatlon of a hazardous condition. Sections
808,and 609 contain additional requirements, Including'
the need for s$fety venUng; room enolosurerequlre-
menls; spill oontrol and neutralization provisions; venti-
Jetion criteria;slgnage and seismic protection.
1)07.3 Whue .'C(luil:ed-fcll'oactiwin existing buildings m)(1
structures. An approved manual, automatic O!' manual and. au-
tmmltic fire al:Ulu system shall be iusltuled in I'xhling buildings
Lllld strll"ltH'e~ in 'll"X:()n.lmK'e "'''llh Sections 907.J..1 thmugb
907._U .S. \Vh..-rtl <luWlllatk sprinkler prOh~l1iL111 is pmviJed~in
tlccon:hlllc:e with Soctlon 9OJ,J.LJ ell' 903,J.1.2 and connected
to the building fi1'C alarm 5yst..m, lllltomallc ~t\l d\!tection re-
quired by thi~ s"'ction ,shallllQI be reqUired.
.An~lppl'OYOO automatic fire dctLxtiou system shall be in-
stalled In (ll'Cl.....d:ulCe with lhe provbion5ofthis code und NFPA
72. Devices, ('ombimltious of devio:s. upplium:es IInd equip-
memshaU be llppl\WClL The (Illtomatic fire delCl'lofl\ shaH be
smoke de.tel1.ors, ex cepl an apPlxwcd alternative type of d..tedor
,'\h:dl be installed in splIces Slwh .IS boiler rooms ",'here, during
2003 ",..reRNATIONAL FtRe cooe' COMMENTARY
APPENlHX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
91)1.2.22 -901.3.1.1
normal operation. products of cOllll'llstion lIre present in suffi-
cient quan.tity to IlClUale a smoke dcte(lO~,
-:- As indicated in Section 907.1, this s&etionis applicable
only toexlsting buUdlng5 a,nd structures.
Slm liar to Section 907.2, this section does not req ul re
automatic heat detection in exIsting buildings that are
fUllY sprinklered In complianoo with NFPA 13 or 13R.
The sprinkler head, incases where heat detection Is de-
sired, essentially ad.s asa heat detection device. this
provision assumes a heat detector is permitted In place
of a smoke detector (see commentary, Section 907.2).
"117,3.1 Ot.....:Uplllwy...hlmrcmerns. Afire :Ihmn system shaH be
insulJlcd in accordance with Sc.:tiol1$ 907.3,1.1 lhrough
907 .3.1.8.
Exception: lfi:cUptulcles with an existing. previously ap-
pl"Qved fire alarm sY~W)ll.
-:- This section specifies the occupancy conditions when
an approved fire alarm system is retroactively required
in an existing building.
The e.xcep!ion recogn !zes the infeasibil~y of requiring
existing previously approved fire alarm s)lstems to con-
form toaurrent code requirements. The existing fire
alarm system must be adequately tested, maintained
and shown not to creale a hazard.
~'"7.3.1.1 fkollp E. ^ fire alarm system sh:dl 1X' insl:llled in ex.-
i<aing; Gllitlp E oc(:upancies ill ;l\:('ord:Ull~e\Vilh Sa:~tion907.2.3.
Exceptions:
1. A building with a Ill:Lxinwm :1Te'J. of 1.000 square feet
(93 m2) thnt oontains:1. single dassroom and is located
no closer than 50 feel (15 240 nUll) from :molher
building.
2. Group E with an occupant Jcmd l.::ss than 50.
-=- Group E occupancies are limited. to educational pur-
poses through the 12" grade, Because of the .potennauy
young age and matur1ty of the occupants, more time
may be needed to safely evacuate th e bUilding.. The re-
q:uirement for retroactive in.sta.llation of at least a fire
alarm system recognizes that many e:x i sting previously
approved unsprinkJered educational facilities would
most likely require sprinklers under current code pro.vl-
slons (see Section 903..2..2).
Although not limited to this use condition, Exception 1
recognizes the current use of mobile t.raile.r-type facili-
ties on site as additional educational classroom facili-
ties. This exception doesn't exempt the main building,
but It would exempt thase auxiliary bu,Udlngs of lim1ted
size that do not present an exposure hazard because of
the required separation distance.
Exoep'tion 2 would exempt small day care centers
that serve children older 1'l1an .2 years of age, a small
Sunday sohool classroom at a churoh or similar limited
!i-57
PAGE A-59 OF A-69
901.3.1.2- 907.3.1.7
educational use areas (seecommenlary, Section
907.2.3).
lJH7.J.I.2 Gnlllp (.1. A fire alarm ~y~telU ~ball be in~tallcd in
existing Gl'OlIp 1-1 residentbl Care/assisted livIng fm::ilities.
EU'Cplion: Where each ~Ioopin,l! l\Xlfll has ameuns of egress
dool' opening directly to an exterior egress balcony that I..ads
directly to the exits in 1U.X1ordance with Section 1013.5. and
the building is not more than tbrei"~tories in height.
-:~Group r~1 facilities are assumed to have more than 16
occupants who because of their age, menta.! disabilUyor
other reasons must live in a superVised environment 24
hours a day. This section would require existing Group
1-1 occupancies to ha.\Ie an appl'lJ\led fire alarm system
as required by Section 907.2.6. The term "residential
care/assisted living facinties. includes, but is not IImlted
to, residential board and care facilities, assisted living
facilities. halfway houses, group homes and alcohol and
drug abuse centers.
The exception recognizes the increased deg roo of life
safety resulting from having directaccess to the exterior
from the Sleeping rooms. The occupants are not forced
to eVacuate through the interior of the building during a
potential fire.. The exterior egress balconies must be
sufficiently open to the atmosphere and constructed to
minimize the accumulation of smoke and toxic gases.
l)O7.3.1.3 Gmup (.2. A fire ahum system shall be inshuled in
existing Group 1-2 o>;;cup.Uldes in ac.;-ordance \'lith Section
907.2.6.
.;~ Because oHhe potential I ncapacltation of the occupants
and the subsequent reliance on staff, an approved fire
alarm .system is required in existing Group 1~2 occupan-
des. The system must oomply with Section 907.2.6
(see commentary, Section 907..2.6).
l}07..U.4 Group I.,t A flre llltmn system shall be installed in
existing Group I.J, oceujJ.Uldes in ac.;-ordanee with Section
90l2.6.1..
-:- Because of the potential restraint of the OQCupants and
subsequent evacuation difficulties, an approved fire
alarm system is required in existing Group 1-3 occupan~
des. The system must comply with Section 907.2..6.2
(see commentary, SecUon 907.2.6.2).
907..\,.1.5 GnlUp f{.f hotels and motels. A fire ltltlrtl1 system
'slull be inlilallcd in existing Group R-I hotcL~ and Jllotels more
dum Ihr\!'e .\.torie~ or with mol'\!' th:m 20 guestrooms.
Exccplion: Buildings less than two stories in height where
all gllcslromlls. Ultic~ and crawl spat't'S are septtrated by
l-ho\lrfire-tt'>i istlllK'c-mtcd ,'oJ\1\h\ll.,tion und cIldl guestroom
ha1\ direct a;:~>::ss to tl publk way, exit COUll or Yllrd.
..;;. This section specifies the conditions when a fire alarm
system is required in existing Group R~1 hotels and mo.
tels. The two main criteria are independent of each
other in that a fire alarm system is required If the build.
ing: Is mora than three stories above grade regardless of
9068
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
the number of guestrooms, or contain's 20 guestroorns
regardless oHhe number of stories. Occupants of these
types of Group R-1 facilities are assumed to be more
transie nHI1 an the occupanls of Group R-1 boardingand
roomit19 houses regulated by Section 907.3.1.6.
The exception recognizes the incr'aaserllevel of 6fe
safety afforded by adequate 00 mpa.rtm entation using
1-hour fire-resistance-ratedconstrlJction between
guestrooms and direct exterior access for egress.
907.3.1.6 Group 1t.1 boarding llnd 1'l:I0111inghouses. A fire
ahmll ,system shall he inslal1,,'d ill existing Crollp R-I boarding
:md rooming hOll~es"
Exception: Buildings that have single-station slllokl.~ ulnnns
m:ecti ng or eJ\"l~eding the requi lVlllel1t.s of Se.:'li(lll 907.2.1 0.1
.md \,ihel'e the fire :dllnn svstl'l11 ind(ld.~s.lt .least. one IJlllnU,11
fire ahmn box pel' floor ar'rllUged to initiate the allll'lR
.;. Group R~1 boarding and rooming hous,es are 'St~1 as-
sumed to be transient residential occupancies.. The
functional use of a boa.rding; and rooming' house is differ-
ent from that of a typloa.i hotel/moleL Boarding and
rooming houses tend to have more extended living ar-
rangements and border on being classified as Group
R-2 facilities. For this reason, this section requires
Group R.1 ooarding and rooming houses to be
equipped with a fire alarm system regardless of the
height ofttte building or number of sleeping rooms.
The exception, however;, allows the omission of the
fire alarm .system If single-station smoke alarms com-
plying with the minimum requirements of Soot ion
907.2.10.1 and at least one manual flrealarm box per
floor are installed. The single-sla.t.ion smoke alarms giv,e
the desired early warning notification to the OCCLlpants
and the manual fire alarm box isan additional means to
activate the building smoke alarms.
IXl7 ~t 1.7 Group 1l-2. Afire alarm SysteUl s.haH he InstaIl...,d in
exj"'tlng Group R-2 ol'el1pllnl~ies more th"n three s.todes. in
h('i.ght or with more than 16 dWiJlling UJllL" or s\ceplng lUlilS.
Exceptions:
I. Where each living unit. is. sqnlmted fmm other cOiltigll-
ous living units b)' fire banicrs h11Ying: 11. fire-resistanc,e
rating of nol less than 0.75 h(}(lL lmd where el\Ch hving
ullit has either its. own indeplmdcllt exit or its llwn.inde-
pendent stairw:!)' O!" mmp disdlarging at grad,,~.
2. A ~ep.u'.ile fir.. .11arm ,system is not reqtlire:din buHd-
infSlhutlll\) equipped throughout wilh an llpproved su-
pervised uutomatk $prinkler system installed ill
accord.me/:' with Section 903.3. LI or 903.::U.2 and
!t.wing n 10.'a1 Illanll to notify all oc,'tlpanK
J. A fire lllarm syskJm is notwqllilvd :il~ buildings that db
oot have interim cOIl'idor~ serving d'ilielling units and.
areproteo;:tcd by an llppm\'cd UUWtlllttil.~ sprinkJer sys-
tt'll! installed in anxm:kuK'C with Sectk'ns 903,3.L1 or
ro::U.1.2. provided th;1l dwelling lIllilS dfbeJ have a
mel.lllS of egre~~ doorop<lning dire,.tly 10 ,m ,-"xterior exit
at'Ce~ thallcads dll'<~CIJy to th", ",xits OJ: 11re s/:'J\'ed hy
2OQ31NTERNAtloNAL FIRE. coOel'lCoMMENTARY
PAGE A-60 OF A-69
li'l~ PROTECTION SYSTEMS
open-ended COlTidors de~igned ill accordan(:e wilh S.x'-
t.iiJU 1022.6, Ex.:eption 4..
{.l This section spedfles tl1& conditions lNhen a fire alarm
system is required In existing Group R-.2 apartment
buildings based on height or the number of dweUing
unIts. Occupants of Group R-2 foolllties tend to be more
permanent than those in Group R-1 facUltles.
Exception 1 recognizes the Increased degree of life
safety afforded by compartmentatlon using flre.resls-
tance.-raled construction and independent means of
egress (see Section 907.2.9).
As indicated in Exception 2, existing buildings that are
fullysprinklered.ln accordance with NFPA 13 or 13Rdo
not need a manual fire alarm system If local alanns will
sound upon acl.lvation of the sprinkler system.. The ex-
ception essentially eliminates the need for manual fire
alann boxes If evacuation alarms can still be heard
throughout the bUilding upon sprinkler system water
flow.
Exception 3 mlrro.rs Section 907.2.9, Exception 3 and
recognizes the superior fire record of sprinklered'
multiple-family occupancies by allowing omission of a
fire alarm system when a building Is fully sprlnklered,
has no interior egress corridors ,and provides direct ex-
terior egress from each dwelling unit Note that In such
buildings, rated fire separations are stili required be-
tween units,
907...1,1.8 G"olll) R..J, A IIN tllann s)'sl;:nl shall be instilled in
CX,lslin,g Group R-4 residenlial cllIe!lls8.lsled living flldlillcs.
EXf'Cplion..:
L Where there arc interconnectoo smoke alanns mooting
thl:' 1\!lt,]uir"'fIIen'l s of S.~ctioll 9/)1"2. m and there is aI,
least one man.UlII fire t1lartIl box per noor armnged to
sQund conlinuously Ihe slllok<: .Ilarms.
2. Other manually activated. continuously sounding
ahtrms approwd by the fire code official.
... Existing Group R-4 residential care/assisted Ivlng raelll-
Ues must have a fire alarm system.. Group R.4 residen.
Ual care.asslsled Uving facUlties are residential occu.
pancias with more than five but not more than 16
occupants. Although this section requires a fire alarm
system in an existing Group R-4 occupancy subject. to
the Iisl,ed exceptions, it is not the 'Intent of Section
907.3.1.9 to establish requirements beyond those re-
quired for a Group R-4 occupancy of ne\N construction
(see Sections 907.2.10.1.2,907..2.10.3 and 907,3.1).
Exception 1 allows the omission of the fire alarm sys-
tem If' Installed Interconnected smoke alarms can be
manually activa.ted by at least one m8nul;l1 fire alarm
box on eachnoor.
Exception 2 allows the fire code official to approve al-
ternative means of manually activating the alarms in
place of a manual fire alarm box.
')07.3.2 Single- und mullipl('-sllltio"~lJIol.~ llhll'U1S. Singk-
.1nd nmltlplll-stationsllIoke .\!aIms ~:Ill:U be instlllled In existing
2003 INTERNATIONALF'I~E CODe" COMMENTARY
Ml't:NlJlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
1Iil1.3.1.8 - 9i)U,.:2.2
Group R \)('C1.1puudes in .lccon:Jal1ce with Sediolls 907,3.2"1
lhmugh 9(170 12:.3,
0:> This section establishes the req uire-me-nls for the- instal.
lation of smoke alarms in existing: Group R occupan~
des. These requirements ,recognize tl1& benefit of in~
stalling5moke alarms in existing structures, bul provide
several exceptions for bUildings that are not undergoing
substantial renovations, Detached single-family dwell-
ings and multiple :single-famny d\Nellings constructed
under the International Residential Codfi" (I:RCQ>) (see
Section R1012 of the tRC) are not classifted in Occu-
pancy Group R and are, thereforel outside the scope of
Sections 907.32 through '907.3.2-3. See Section 704,2
of the International PropeJty Maintenance Code'"
(IPMC*') for single- or multiple-slation smoke alarm re.
quirements for existing dWel~ngs that are not regulated
in Occupancy Group R.
')117.3.2.1 GI.'lk....ll J. Exisling GI\)UP R ou:upandes Ilot already
pruvided withsingle-$talion sm()k~' llhlrms "hull be provided
with approved singlll-stalion smoke alllrms, IU$lllllal.wn ,shaUbe
in :lccNdunee whh SoX.ti(m 907..2.10, excc."P[ as pro\,lded: ill Sec.
tions 907,32,2 and 007.32,3,.
-:- This section requires that Group R occupancies be pro-
vided with slngle-statlonsmokealarms, if they are not
already provided with them. Essen tially, a reference is
made to Section 907.2.10 for ti1e primary requirements
except where Sections 907,3.2...2 and 907.3.2..3 are
more specific. Therefore, srnokea.larms n.eed to be pro-
vided in all locations required by Section 907.2.10, but
several exceptions related to Interconnection of als.rms
and power supply are provided. raccg:nizing ti18 praoli.
caltty of such instaHsitions in existing conditions,
9117..12.2 I nterconnl.'CtiQn. Vv'here more than 000 smoke Illmm
is required to be instwled: \\ithin un individual dwelliug unit in
Group R.2. R.) or R-4. Of within ~m individual sleeping unit in
Group R-l, illll Slw)kll ulanns shall be inhTl.'1JlIIlI.1cted in sm,h a
lllllnner that tJ:w IlclivlIlioQ of one warm will lIctiv.<lle all of tbe
.1I:m11>1 in tbe individual unit. Tbe tlhrm sbaUI"" dearly audihle
in all b,'(trooms o\'el' b.Kkgrollnd lloi~ k"\'0h wilh .1Il Ulterven-
iog dl.'X>I'S closed,
Ex{,eptions:
1. Interconnection is l1.O[ Nquired in buildings that are nor
undergoing t11teml:iol1s, l~pairs or COllSl:1l.1CliOH of any
kind.
2. SmOke IdtlflllS ill cxbting :u<:as .1l'C not requin:d IQ be
intcn:olluoXled where altemtions or repairs do not re-
~1I1t in the rCl1loVllt of interIor wallur ceiling fin is:hes
exposing the strLK,tur", unless there is all llttk. emwl
space or basement availll\:>k whlch could provide ac-
cess for intel'COl'lllectlOll without the l\.1UlOvil of illte.
do! finLShes...
.:- This section, like Section 9072.10,3, requires that
when multiple-statio" smoke alarms are present, they
are to be interconnecloo and be audible over back-
g,ti\)
PAGE A-61 OF A-69
00 1.3.2 .3- 00 1.4.2
ground noises.
There are two eXceptions. Exception 1 does not re-
quire Interconnection If the building Is not undergoing
any construction or repairs. Exception 2 clarifies to what
extent the building must be undergoing construction be-
fore interconnection is required, Generally, the excep.-
tions try to be reasonable based upon the practicality of
such Installations; therefore, unless areas suehas attics
or craw Is paces can still be utiltized wh De the interior fin-
ishes are being removed (i.e., drywan removed expos-
ing the studs), Interconnection would not be required.
Such renovations may only be limited to portions of a
structure; therefore, complete Interconnection may not
be practical or pOS;Sible. The intent Is that additional
walls,etc., should not be removed solely to Jnterconned
the smoke alarms.
Battery-powered alarms, as anowed by Section
907.3.2.3, may be required to be Interconnected. The
exceptions too nd In Section 9{)7.3.2.3 are similar to this
section. The only time battery.powered smoke alarms
may need to be Interconnected is when a. building Is not
supplied by a commercial power souroe.
-")7.3.2.3 Power l;OUrcC-. In Group R occupancies. single-sta-
iion"lllOkc lllat'ms 1\hllll receive their primary power fwm the
l:>uiJding wiring pl\'lvkll'd thaI "UI;hwiring h served frolll a ('om.
Uler.::ial source and ,~h:dl be equipped with a hattery backup..
Smoke ahlt11ls shall emit II signal wben lhe batteries are low.
\\tiring shall be permaneni :md \vithout :1 disconnecting switch
mlwrlban as required for OVl'lnrrrentplUteclion.
Exception: Smoke alarms are permitted 10 be solely battel)"
opemted; ill exi$ting buildings where no eonstJUi:'tiollis tllk-
ingplace~ in huilding,s th:l! ,lie not ,sen'l'tl from II ('OlluneITi;il
po""er SOUl\.,e: !Iud in eXisting lIreas ofbulldings undergoing
altendioJ1s or repairs tlUlt do not rcsult ill the removal of inle-
rior walls or (;emng finishes exposing the stru(..ture. unk~ss
there is IUI allie, cmwl space or b:lsemelll available \whiCh
mllld pnl\ide acc>ess forbl1ildingwiring withoull]le remonll
of im1'l'ior finl....o1\.
~ The section is very sintilar to Section 9072.10.2. The
primary difference is theexcep~on that allows 1f1e useof
batteries as the sole power source unders~ralcondi.
tlons. Two ofthe cond~ions are similar to the exceptions
to ,Section 907.3.2.2. If no construction or related re-
pairs are occuring In the building, and if changes are be.
ing made that do not expose the structure (removing,
drywall, etc.), then battery,;powered alarms are allowed.
There is also the additional stipulation that In buildings
where the wall or ceiling finish are notto be removed ex.
posing the structure but there is adequate ab~lty to use
the attic or similar space, the primary power supply
should be provided through the building's wiring. The
exception that Is unique from 8ecllon907.3.2.218 when
a commerclal power supply is not available, connection
to the building wiring is not required.
9-10
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE 'PAoTECTION SYSTEMS
1)1117.4 :\Iannul nr(~ ulm'llI boU's. Manual fit'i! alarm bO:lesshllll
L~ instlllkd in lIl'\:'Ordllnce with S.:ctions 907.4..1 Ul10ugh
007.4.5.
-> This section specifies the requirements for manual fire
alarm boxes that are parI of amanual fire alarm system.
-)IlI7,".II'-lCution. MllllllOll fire ul:um hoxes shull he I(.l(:lltcd 1I0t
more Ihnn 5 feet (J 524 mm) frOlU the o1ntran..::e to ellch exit Ad-
ditioollllllRnua/ firca/ann boxes shaH be IOealed so tballr.l\'el
d!lsmnce 10 the nCtlfCst box d.;;es not exceed 200 leet (60 960
mm).
Exception: Manual fire alarm hoxe.~ shall oot be I'(>quircd III
Group E OCC'llpllf\ci",~ WIICl"e the building is eqUiPPlX1
thfoughout with an apl,rovoo nUlnll1atic sprinkleI' ~YStC'Ul, the
lIotifkaliM applilmces will activllte 011 $pri:nlcll'.r water flow
IlJId nmnl/tll activation is pl\wid(xl. from a lJ(lfLmtl.ly Ot'\~llpi.:xl
location.
<- Manual nre alarm boxes must be located in the path: of
egress and be readily accessible to' the occupants.
They must be located within 5 feet (1 ,524 mm) ofth6en.
lrance to each exit on every story of the building.. This
would include the ne-ad to locate manual fire alarm
boxes near each horizontal exit, as well as entran.ces to
stairs and exit doors to the exterior.
Manual fire alarm boxes are located near exits to
ensure that an adequ ate n umber of devices Is available
in the path of egress to ~ansmlt an alarm In a timely
manner. These locations also encourage the actuation
of a. manual fire alarm 00:0: on the fire floor prior to enter.
ing the stair, resulting In the alarm being received from
the aclua I fire floor and not anO'ther floor along the path
of egress.
The location also presumes that individuals wHI be
evacuating the area where the fire originated. When
evacuation of the fire area 1-5 Unlikely, consideration
could be given to putting manual fire alarm boxes in
more convenient places. Examples of such instances
would be officer stations In Group 1-3 occupancies and
nurses' stations in Group [-2 occupancies.
The 200-foot (60 960 mm) travel distance limitalion is
consistent with the exit access travel distance permitted
for most nonsprinkleredoccupancies. [fthe 200.foot(60
960 mm) travel distance to a manual fire alarm box is
exceeded, ~n In a fully sprinklered building, additional
manual fire alarm boxes would be required_
The exception allows the, omiss,ion of the manuslffre
alarm boxes In Group E occupancies equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system if the ac.
luatlon of the sprinkler system will activate the building
evacuation alarms associated with the manual fire
alarm system.
~)IIn"'.2 H.eight. TI1", height. of t.he ll1~JlIml rim alarm h.)xes.,haJl
be II minimum of 42 inches 1L067 mOl) Rnd a maximum of 48
20113 INTERNAtiONAL ARE coDe" COMMENTARY
PAGEA-62 OF A-69
FIRI!PROTliiCTION SYSTEMS
inche; (U72 lIun) meilMlred vertically. fr'\ln lhe nO()f J.~yel t()
the llctivating handle 0)' leveer of the bOll;,
<~ Manual fire a !arm boxes must be reachable by the occu-
pants of the building. They must also be mounted hl911
enough to reduce the likelihood of damage or false
alarms from someth Ing accidentally striking the device.
Therefore, manual fire alarm boxes must be mounted a
minimum of 42 Inches (1 ,067 mm)anda maximum of 48
inches (U19 mm) above the floor level. The 48-lnoh
(1,219 mm) measurement corresponds tothe rna xlmum
unobstructed side reach height by a person in a
wheelchair.
907.43 CoIOl: Manmll fire alarm boxes shaU be n.xl in \:010J'.
+ Manual fire ala:rm boxes are to be painted a distinctive
r,ed to help building occupants Identify the device.
1)()7....4 Sigll.~. \\11Cl'e lire alarlll syskm$ are not monitored by It
supervising station, an approved permanent sign:l.hlllJ be in-
slaUedadjacelll to eadl UUIIlLlld fire ahml1 bOll; thatruads:
WHEN ALARlvl SOUNDS-CALL FIRE DEP;~RTIvIENT
Ex{'(~ption: Wbcre the ml!lJlufacturer' hU$ permllOOnlly pro-
vided tJlis Infimuatioll nn thl:'lll:lnmll firc~lla[ln om:.
+ This section has limited application because, as in{jj~
cated in Section 907 J 5, fire alarm systems generally
must be monitored by an approved sup.ervislng station.
When a. system is not monitored, such filS possibly a fire
alarm system that is not required by code, adequate
signaga must be displayed to tell occupants what re-
sponse actions must be taken. Most building occupants
assu me that when an alarm device is activated, the fire
depa'ftment will automatically be notified as well. The
sign shoukl be conspicuously located next to the man-
ual fire alarm box unless thesignage is mounte<l on ttH!
manual fire alarm box itself by the manuf,acturer.
~)07.4,S I)rotedhll' (,OVCI'S. Thc fire code t11'l'idal i$ imlhol'izoo to
f,'qUi1''''' the Illst~llkltk.mof Ihl,'dmaJl\IUJ fire ,1lanll oox protCl1lW
CQV""'S to prevent mlllkioLl $ f,lbe ulm-m$ or p.rovid.e the 111 aHual
fire alarm box with protel'lion from physical damage. The pro.
teeti"" "over,hnll he lI:(uhparenl or f\'d in (:olor wjth a lrans.pllr-
ellt face to pennit vhibility of the nmlll1ul fire ;lIal111 bme Euch
cov,,"r 'lhall indude proper operating instruction!, A protective
cover thm emih a local ahmll Signal shall not be insl,lJ1ed unless
llpprOVc.:1.
.;. Although manual fire alarm boxes should be readily
available to all occupants in buDdlngs required te have a
manus.! fire alarm sys te in, this section permits the use
of protective covers iftlley are ,approved by the fire code
officiaL Protective covers are commonly used to reduce
either the potential for intentional false elatms or
vandalism,
2003 fNTERNA TIONAI. ARE caDEf) COMMeNTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
907.4.3 - 901.7
1107.5 PUWl'f' suppl)~ The p.rimary llnd secood\lry pow':l' supply
f~)r rhe fin~ alarm SYSlenl shall be provided in lK'cl'rdance with
NFPA 72,.
.;. The operation of fire slaml systems is essential to 'He
safety in bUildings and must be rel.iable in the e\!ent thf>
normal power supply fails, To ensure proper operation
of fire alarm systems, this section requires that the pri~
mary and secondary power supplies comply with NFPA.
72. Thi!j is in addition 10 the general requirements f.or
,eleclrh;:al installations in Chapter 27 of the lBe,. NFPA
72 offers three alternatives for secondary supply: a
24-hour storage battery; storage batteries with a 4~hour
capacity and a generator or multiple .generators.
NFPA72 requires that the primary and secondary
power supplies for remotely located control equipment
essential to the system operation must conform to the
requirements for primary ,and seconds.ry power sup plies
for the main system. Also, NFPA 72 contains require-
ments for monitoring the integrity of primary power sup-
plies and requires a backup power supply.
1.107 Ii Wi ring. Wiring sbnlt comply with tbe re\l11iremenL~ of rhe
lee Electrical Cl>t.le and NFPA 7:2, WireJe% protection systems
lItil17.tng mdio~fl'eqlle:u,cy tnmsmitlin.g devke~ sbaH comply
with the spedal J:li!qLliremcms lor stlperYiskm. of low-pow"",,
wireless systems III NFPA 71.
+ Wiring for fire alarm systems must be installed so that It
is se<;urea n{l will function reliably in an emergency. The
code requires that the wiring for fire alarm systems meet
the requirements of NFPA 72. This requirement Is in ad.
dition to the general requirements for electrlca I installa,.
tions set forth in Chapter 27 of the rBe and in the Ice
EG, For reliability, systems that use radio-frequency
transmitting devices for signal transmission are re-
quired to have supervised transmnting and receNing
equipment that conforms to the special requirements
contained In NFPA 72. This requirement is in addition to
the general requirements for .supervision in Sect.ion
907.15.
~)07.7 Adivutioll. \Vhere un ubrm notification system i~ re-
quired by another s(X'tioll of this eCldo, it ,'>ball be a~liYnted by:
1. Requin:d aLltomatic lhe ularm sy'stem.
2. Sprinkll"1' wl1lcr-flow d~"yiccs.
3. Required ma.nu:1l tire alarm boxes.
-> It is not the intent oflhis section to require that the vari-
ous lnttiatiog devices contained in the tist be identifie<l.
Rather. the section indicates that when such systems or
devices are installed, they must serve as alarm-initiat~
Ing devices. This section 8S$umes that alarm notifica~
Uon appliances are required by another section of the
code that may require either a manual fire alarm or an
automatic fire detectJon system.
9.71
PAGEA-63 OF A-69
901.8 - 907.10.1
1)07.8 !'rl's,ign Dlll}'S Will. Pres/gnal system", "haIl not be ill stalled
tUlless approved by the rift' code offlcialllnd the fire dt~pm1ment
Wbere a prc..;i!;oal system is imtalled. 24-houf personnel super-
VI sio n shall be provided al.l locatiun approvoo by the lire de-
pal'llllenl, in order thaltbe alarm sigmtl .~tm beactuat...d in Ute
event of fire 01' other emergency
.;. Presignal fire alarm systems have been a contributing
faclor in several muR.lple-death fire incidents. ~n most in,.
stances, the staff fafted to activate the general alarm
quickly and the occupants of the building were unaware
of the fire. Therefore, the use of presignal systems is
discouraged by the code. Presignal systems may be
used only if they are approved by th e fire code official
and the fire department.
1>07.1) 7:OIlt'S. E:lt:h f10Qr sban be zoned sepamtely and a 1.on<\
shall not eXc'eed ::n.500 square feet (J 860 m2). The length of any
zone shall not e:tceed 300 feel (91 440mm) in any direction.
Ex(X'plion: AlJlOnuttic sprinkler sy~teln zones ~all not ex-
ceed the at'Ca pemtittoo by NFPA 13,
.;. Since the fire alarm system also a,lds emergency per.
sonnel in locating the fire, the system must be zoned to
shorten response time to the fire area.. Zoning Is also
critical if the fire alarm system initiates certain other fire
protection systems or control features, such as smoke
control systems.
Ata minimum,each floorofa building mu.st cons Utute
onezoneofthesystem.lfthe floor area exceeds 22,500
square feet (2,090 m2), additional zones are required..
The maximum length of a zone is 300 feet (91440 mm).
The exception states that NFPA 13 defines the maxi-
mum areas to be protected by one sptinklersystem and
that the sprinkler system need not be designed to meet
the 22.500-square. fool area {2,OOO m2) limitations for a
fire alarm system zone. For example. NFPA 13 permits
s sprinkler system riser in a IIghl~hazard occupancy to
protect an area of 52,000 square feel (4,831 m2) per
floor. In accordance wlt!1 the exception, a single wa-
ter-flow switch, and consequently a single fire alarm
system zone, would beacceptable.lfother alerm~iniliat-
ing devices are present on the floor; they would need to
be zoned separately to meet the 22,500-stluare-foot
(2,090 m2) limitation
1'07.9,1 ZlIuing indicator. pllllel. A 7.oning indkat.or panel and
the (ls!i<ociuh.u .~on!J:\:lls shull hI: prrwlJed in nil appwwd .loca-
tion.. The visual zone indication shall lock in until tbe $Vl'tem is
reset und ~nll nm be canceled by the opem!ion of t~l lludi-
ble-atl1rmsilendng switch,
.;. The zoning indicator panel must be installed ina loca-
tion approved by the fire code official. The panel should
be located to permit ready access by emergency re-
sponders. Once an a.larm.lnltiating device within 8. zone
has been activated,. the annun elation of the zone must
lock in until the system is reset
9.12
APPENDlX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
'Ju7.'J.2 lIigh-rise hulldings. In buildings lhat huve 11ool's Jo-
euhxl more than 15 fel'1. (22860 nun) alxNc the lowest leve.lof
fire oopmtm<lnt .\'chide ~ln"ss thlll are (x,wpi\)d l{rr hmmm oc-
eupmlc)'. a separate lOlle by t100r sball be pmvided for all of the
foUowing types of ahlrl.n.-initi<lling d",,,,,kes where pmviikxl:
I, Smoke detel1ors.
2. Spdnklol' water"flow d.....ices,.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes^
4. Other approved types of automatic fire dctt'Ctlon dcvil'CS
or slIPPI,<,:;,.sion systems.
';'In addition to at least one zone per noor, h igll-rise bulld-
lngs must have a separala zone for each indicated type
of alarm-initiating device. Although, this feature may be
desirable in all buildings, the incremental rostdifferance
is substantially higher in low.rise buildings In which. ba~
sic fire alarm systems are Installed. State~of-the-.art fire
alarm systems Installed in higlHlse buildings allow such
distinctive zoning at a minimal cost difference.
907.1 II ,\Iarm floliricntillll lIpplian('es. Alarm nQtifit'";lllon ap-
pJiulKes shall he prov.id<~d ~llld shUll he listed for their plll])O~.
.;. The code requires that flrealarm systems be. equipped
with approved alarm notification appliances sothatin an
emergency, the fire alarm system will notify the occu-
pants of th'8 need for evacuation or implementation of
the fire emergency plan. Alarm notification: devices rEI.
qui red by the code are of two general types: visible and
audible. Except for voice/alarm signaling systems, once
the system has been activated, all visible and audible
alarms are required to acti~ate. Voice/alarm signaling'
systems are special 5lgn,allng systems that are acti-
valecl selectively In response to specific emergency
conditions.
907.10.1 Visible lllul:ms. Visible llhum notltkation llppljtllK'CS
shall he provided io lI('Cord,mce .with Sedinns 907.10,1.01
t!ll"OlIgh 907.10.1..4..
Exceptillns:
L Visible alann nOlifk:uion lIpplhlll.:'es Ill:.:' llot l:~qU ired
in :altcmliolls, e~l'c"t Wh"'l\1 an O;);I;iSliJlg fire til<lrIU sys-
tem is upgmded oncpltl.:'cd. or a llew fire lll~Ulll system
is installed.
2" Visible alarm llotific~\tion lIppliances shall not be re-
qll.irctl in exit 5 as defiu.xl in Section 1002. L
.;. This section contains alarm system requirements for
occupants who BrB hea.ringimpalrect. Visible alarm noti.
fication appliances should be located and orlentedso
that they will display alarm signals throughout a space.
Exception 1 states that visible alarm devices are not
required in previous~; approved existing fire alarm sys~
terns or as part of minor alterations to existing fire alarm
systems. Extensive modifications to an existing fire
alarm system such as an upgradeorreplaoementwould
~equlre the installation of visible alarm devices even if
the previous existing systl;lrll neither had them nor re~
2003lNTERNAfIONAL FIRe COOeflCOMMENrARY
PAGEA-64 OF A-69
tH~E ,PROTECTION SYSTSMs
qulred them,
[n Exception 2, visible alarm devices are not required
In exit elements because of the potential distraction dur-
ing evacuation. Exits as defined in Section 1002.1 could
include exit enclosures or exit passageways but not exit
access corridors.
~)o7.10.1.I Public lInd conlllHlIl arcas. Vi:>ible uhlrm notlfica-
lion Ilpp!ianteS~lall be pnwidcd in ptlhlkaro.'lLs alld COl1ln1C1n
lU'eas.
-:. Visible alarm notification appliances must provide cov-
erage in aJI areas open to the pUblic as well as all shared
or oommon areas (e.g., corridors, public restrooms,
shared offices, classrooms, etc). Areas where visible
alarm notification appliances are not required include
private offices, mechanical rooms or simBer spaces.
907.10.1.2 ElUp'oy~'I(~ work areas. 'Vlwre employee work lU'l:II~
Inl\'e audible alarm coveragi::. thi:: wiring system shall be de-
siE'ned so thal visible ahem notifixntiollllpplillllces "an be inlt'-
grated illlO the "Iarm s}'sUm.
-:-1111$ section allows for those with hearing Impairments
to be accommodated as necessary, but reduces the ini~
tisl COMtructlon oostas such alarms may not be neces.-
saryin every situation.
'J07 .10.1.3 Gl'oups I-I lllld R- L GI'OUp I-I llnd R-I sle~~pl.llg
units in uccordancewith Table 907.10.1.3 shall be provided w^llh
a visible alnrm nolilicarion applillll(X'. lldivllt.xl by both the
in-room smoke ahum and the bunding fire alann sy~el1l.
.;. Fire alarm systems in Group !-1 and R~1 sleeping ac-
commodations must be equipped with visible alarms to
the extent stated in Table 907.10.1.3.
The visible alarm notification devices in these rooms
are to be activaled by both the required in-room smoke
a.la.rmand the bUilding fire alarm system. All visible
alarm notifioaUon appliances in a building, however,
need not be activated by individual room detectors. It is
nota requirement thatthe accessible s'leeping units be
provided with visible slann notification appllanoes even
thougrhsome elderly patients or residents may be both
mobility and hearing impaired.
l)jJ7.1O.1.4 GI'OOp U.-2. In Group R-2 occupancies l't'quired by
SiXlion 907 to bave a fire aluml svstem, all dwelline umts ,uld
sleeping units shall be pl'oYidl.'>:l \;llh tl1.:\ (~apllhil.ily~to ~11P1)(1l1
visible ,dann notification uppliance.s in acoordancl/l with Ice
A 117. I..
.;. Group R~2 occupancies with a fire alarm system are re-
quired to have all dwelling untts wired to support visible
alarm notification appliances. This Includes all dwelling
and sleeping units, not just those classified as eilher
Type A or B. By reference to Sections 1004.2 through
1004.4.4 of ICC A117.1, the buUding alarm system wir~
ing must be extended to the unit smoke detectors 'so
tl1at 8. udiblelV is ible alarm notification appliances may be
oonnecled to the buUdlng firs, alarm system to notify res-
idents with hearIng' Impairments of an emergency situs.
2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE COO.&" CO:MM.ENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
907.10.1.1-907.10-2
tion. Chapter 11 of the IBC oontalns additional informa-
tion on the c1a.ssiflcation criteria and requirements for
accessible dwelling units.
TABLE gOT~ 10.1.3
Vl6lBLE AND AUOI:BLE ALARMS
NUMBER OF SLEEPING SLJEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS WITH
UNITS VISIBLE AND AUDIBLE ALARMS
6t025 2
26 to 50 4
51 to 75 7
76 to 100 \)
101 to t50 12
!5\ to 200 14
201 to 300 17
301 to.wo 20
401 to 500 22
501 to 1.000 5% or total
I ,00 J and OV~f 50 phiS 3foread!. lOOove:r 1,000
.;. This table specifies the minimum number of sleeping
units that are to be equipped with visible and audible
alarms. The numbers are based on the total number of
sleeping accommodations in the facility. The. r,equire-
ments in this table are intended to be consistent with the
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines
for Buildings and f;acilities (ADAAG).
~)07.1O.2 Audible ulunns. Audible aklfm notllk,ltIon appli-
ances s.htlU be provided and '\Qund a dbtim:tivc<<'oulld thaI is not
1.u be used for all)'pllfpO~e{)lher than (hIll of ,1 fire tII:JfI11. The (lU-
dible ahrrll.lllotifimtion ,Ipplhnces $h~IU pr,wJde II $OllOd pres-
sur~' It'Vel of 15 dedl.'I<'!s (dRA) <lhove the av,,"mge mnbient
~Ol!lld level or 5 dDA .Ibove the lm~;>,;imulll ~oul1d level having a
dUl'lltlOll ofat le!l~I60 secolld~, w'hichever'is grenter. in eveI)' Ol~-
,~upied. space wilhin the building. The minimum sound pres'IllN
l~'eb shall be: 70 dBA in oecupundes ill Groups R and I-I; 90
>::IBA in medlllnkal equipment ro,~Il.lS; (mil 60 J.DA in other oc-
CUp<llle:ies. The lll.~LXinllun sound pws~u.re lev.. I for :llIdible
alarm notification appliances shaH be 120 dBA at the ml nl mum
h.;-aring dh.taUl:C from Ihe audible :rpplilmce. Where Ihe average
llnibienl noiw is gft'llIel' than 105 dBA, visible alarm notifica-
tion appliances gball N provided in aecj)rdmK~e with NFPA 72
and alldihlc alarm nOlifiC'.uion :lppli,mc~s shallnClt be requ.il'ed.
E~ccptjlln: Visible (llano notificmion (lppnance..~ shall be al~
low",l in lieu of audihk a1ann notifi';lltion appliaIlccs in criti-
'::11 care 1I1'(!;l$ of Group 1-2occupandes.
-:. To attract the attention of bu Ilding occupants, audible
alarms must Pe distinctive, using a sound tl1at is unique
to the signaling' system" and be capable of being heard
above the ambient noise in !he space'. In no case may
the sound pressure exceed 120 dBA at the mininlum
hearing dLstance from the audible a.ppl1ance. Sound
9-73
PAGEA-65 OF A-69
907.11-901.13
pressures above 120 dBA can cause pain or even per.
manent hearing loss.
Be aware that In certain work areas, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires em-
ployees to wear hea.rlng protection, possibly preventing
them from hearing ana.udlble alarm. Additionally, the
noise faotor In these areas Is high enough, that an audi.
ble alarm may not be discernible. In these areas, as well
as in others, the primary method of indicating, a fire can
be by a visible signal. Employees must be c8pllble or
identifying such a signal as indicating a fire. The oode
user Is advised that audible alarm notification appll.
ances are not required when visible a.larm notification
appliances are installed.
The exception recognizes tllat the occupants in criti-
cal oare areas of Group 1i-2 occupancies are usually In.
capac~ated. The a udlble alarms may have the effect of
unnecessarily disrupting the patients who are most
tikely not capable of self-preservation. Critical care ar-
eas are also assumed to be adequately staffed at all
times and ready to respond upon activation of a visible
alarm device.
1)(17.11 Fi.re safch flllldiulIs. Automatic fire dctector~ utillzed
for tbe purpose or'pert'oflning flle safety functions ~llIlJ be con-
ne,tcd to the. building'~ fire ularm \;'ontrol panel ....']\cre a fife
alarm sr;.tcmhrequired by Se,1tiol\ 907.:L DetocIOl.'S ,shall, upon
actuation, perfoffil the intended tbn,'tion and actIyate the alal111
notificAtion applian,'Cs or activlIIe a vhibk and audible sllpervi-
&'..)lY signal III a cOMtantly au('uJed localion. In bull dings not re-
quired to be equippcd with a fire alarltl system, the uummatic
fire dele,.tor i\hall be powered by l1onn,ll t~I<x'lJical sel'\'kc and,
t' pon actuation. pelfOlll1 the intended fu.oction. The detcctoTh
shall be lo{;ated in accordance with NFPA 72.
.;. When the code requires installation of automatic fire de-
tectors to perform a specific function, such as elevator
recall or smokeproof enclosure vanUation, or when de-
tectors are installed to comply with a permitted alterna-
~ve, st,lCh as door-closing d.evices, these detectors
must be connected to the building is automatic fire
alarm system if the building Is required by the code to
have such a system.
In addition to performing ~s Intended function (for ex-
ample. closing a door), If a detector is activated. it must
also activate either the building alarm d,eyloes or a su.
pervlsory signal at a constantly attended location _ This
requirement recognizes that these detectors and the
devIces they control are part of the building fire protec~
tion system and are expected to perform as designed.
Being connected to the automatic fire alarm system,
they wiD have the supervision necessary to ensure op-
erational refiability.
An exoeption is provided for fire safety function detec-
tors in buildings nol required to have a fire alarm sys-
tem. The riresafety function detectors must be powered
by the building electrical system and be located as re.-
quired by NFPA 72. Without this exception, these detec-
tors could not be expect.ed to performBs intended be-
cause there would be' no power supply.
9-14
Appt:NUlx i\.
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
1)1.11.12. Ducl smoke ddedol':I>. Dllcl. .smoke deteclors shall he
,~olllw~1ed to the building'.s til'.' ,J1~I)'m ,)f)lltl'ot pand. when afire
allll))}) ~ystem i~ provided, Activation of a ductsm6ke detector
stUll! initiat" It visible ill1d uudible supervisory si,gn:d at a ('on.
stantlv I1tltended locl\tion.. Dllct smoke detcctors sball not he used
as a s~ hstiulle for req,uircd open ~u<,a d"leclioll,
EU.X'ptillllS:
L The $Upervisory signal'll It cQnstltmly tlltended loca-
tion is not. nXluired when' dUl1 smoke dNeetors ;\cl.i-
vate the bllilding'sa.larm nQtificlltlt>1l appliances,
2. In occuplmdcs l10l fl"quired to be equipped w:ilh u fire
alarm system. aelul1tion oftl sll10ke del<.,clm sllall ~K1.i-
vnte u ':isible and ml audible signal in an llppJ'\:.>ved 10-
catipn. Smoke detector u'OtlbIe conditions sha.1l
activate avisible or audible sifnal il\ an approve..! loe't-
tionMld shall be idenlified as air dundele;:toftrouble,
-:-.It is not the intent of this section to send a signal to the
fire department or 10 activate the alarm notification de-
vices within 8 building. Instead, this section requires
that a supervisory signal be sent to a constantly al-
lendei;! location. Smoke detectors must be connected to
a fire alarm system where such systems are Installed.
Connection to the fire alarm system will activate a visi-
ble and audible supervisory signal al a constantly .at-
tended location, which will alert. building supervisory
personnel that a smoke alarm has activated and will
al5'O provide electronic sUp#t\lision of the duct detec-
tors, thereby indicating any problems that m.ay develop
in the detector system circuitry or power supply.
Exception 1 allows activation of the building alarm no-
tification appliances In place of a supervisory signal.
Causing the building fire alarm system to sound and in~
dicete an alarm would alert the occupants of the build-
ing that an alarm condition exists within the: air distribu-
tion sy.stem, thereby performing the same function as a
supervisory signal sent to a constantly attende<l IDea.
tion.
Exception 2 reoognizes the fact that 110t all buidings
are required to have a fire ala rm system.. A visib'1e and
audible signal must be 8.ctivated at an approved loca-
tion that will alert building supervisory pe:r:sonne'l to ta.ke
action. Additionally. the duct smoke detectors must be
electronically supervised to indicate trouble (system
fault) In the detector system circuitry m power supply. A
trouble condition must activate a distinct visible or audi-
ble Signal at a location that will alert the responsible
personnel.
1101.1.' ,\l"('(~li. Ao.'Css sb:dl be provided to each .klt,,'wr forpe-
riodic inspection. nllllntenaru;:e and lesdng^
-:-Automatic fire detectors, ElspeCielly smoke detectors,
require periodic clean ing to reduce tile likelihood of mal-
function.. Section 907.2.0 and NFPA 72. require in spec.
tlon and testing at regular intervals. Accass to pertorrn
the required Inspections, necessary maintenance and
testing is a particularly important consideration fort hose
detectors that. are installed within a concealed space,
such as an air duct.
2DO:! INTeRNATIONAL FIRe COQE€I COMMENTARY
PAGEA-66 OF A-69
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTeMS
~)01.1'4 Fire-i!xtinguishillg systems. Aulomalk tiJ"e-e.1tl.n.
guishingsystcms shull be connected 10 the building fire aluml
system where a fire altum sy,stem is l'CquiJ~'(1 by anolher s",,'lion
of lhis cod,,: 01' is otherwls.l insl~illed.
~. Thisseclion requires that alt~maUve automatic fire-ex~
tingulshing systems, such as a wet-chemical system for
a commercial kitchen exhaust 11000 and duct system,
be monitored by the building (ire alarm system, if there
is one. Again, it should be noted that this section does
not require electrical supervision of all fire-extinguishing
systems but only thosesystemsln buildings thatconlain
a fire alarm system.
1)01.1 :;:\IOllilol'illg. \Vhere requir""d by this ehap":J" or by the
llltermuional Hili/dins Code. all approwd sup:rvisillg Malion in
accon:lan_oe \\<"ill1 NFPA n. shall monitor tire ;llaml sy"tcm";
I~\wplioll: Supcrvisol)' selYke is notl'equir'Cd for:.
1. Single- anclmultiple-Slalion smoJo::, abnlll\ I'equired by
Section907.2..H},
2. Smolre detedor~ in GI'OLlp [.] occup:lndes,
3. AlItonmtic sprinkler sptcms in olle- ,(Oct two-family
dwellings,
{o Fire alarm systems required by Section 907 are to be
electrically supervised in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception 1 exempts single- and multiple-station
smoke alarms from being supervised due to the poten-
tial for unwanted false alarms.
Exception 2 recognizes a similar problem In Group 1-3
occupancies. Accordingly, due to the cone em over un-
wanted alarms, smoke detectors In Group 1-3 occupan-
cies need only sound an approved alarm signal that au-
tomatically ootllles staff (see Section 907.2.6.2.1).
Smoke detectors 'In such occupancies are typically sub-
ject to misuse and abuse, and frequent unwanteD
alarms would negate the effectiveness of the system.
Exception 3 clarifies that sprinkler systems In one-
and two-family dwellings are not part of a dedicated fire
alarm system and are typicellydeslgnea in 8coordance
with NFPA 13D, wh'ich does not require electrical
supervision.
1)II7.H'i AulOlllllllc lclepholle.dlallng dctit'clli. AU!Ollllltic ti:'le-
phone-di.tlillg devI,'es used to Ir,lmnlil~1ll emergency a]mm
shull not he cO::lnnectoo lO~my tll'e depurtlllenltdcphone number
unless uppn.w..xl by the nre .:Illef.
-:> Upon hltlation of an alarm, supervisory or trouble sig-.
nal, an automatic telephonEH:Ilaling device takes control
ofthe telephone line for the reliability of transmission of
all signals. The devIoe" however, should not be con-
nected to the fire department telephone number be.
c.."lUse that could disrupt any potential emergency (911)
calls. NFPA 72 contains additional guidance on such
devices including digit.al alarm-oommunlcator systems.
1)07.17 Al."l:cpuml:'e ksl". Upon completion of tire instu]hltion
of the fire alarm sY$ten1,~hlJm notific~l!ioll appliances and cif.
euits. alarm-initiating devices and dr':;ll'its, superdsmy-"ignal
2003INTERlIlATlONAL ARE CODE. COMMENTA:RY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
9Q7.14 - 9tT1.20.1
lUlltMlnl!, d;:vkes Iilnd cir..::uits, slgn:lling line c1l\:uilS, and
primary and seeondalY PQw"er supplies shall be tested in ac.:;ol'-
dam...... with NFPA 72.
<- A complete performance lest of the fire alarm system
must be conducted to determine that the system is op.
erating as requi.red by the code; The aooeptance test
must Include a test of each oi rcu It; alarm-Initiating de-
vice, alarm notification appliance and any supplemen-
tary functions, such aS8c:tivation of closers and damp-
'ers. the operation of the primary and secondary
(emergency) power suppUes must also be tested, 85
well as the supervisory functIon of the control panel..
Section 001.5 of the 1,13C assigns responsibility for con-
ducting the acceptance testB to the owner or the
owner's representative.
NFPA 72 contains specific acceptance test proce-
dUres. Additional guidance on periodic testing and in,.
spectlon can be also obtained' from Section 9'0720 and
NFPA 72.
901.18Ih.'l.:"nl of .:ollll)letiou. A f,,'txlrd of cOlnpletkm jna,x~ol'-
dll11l'e wi.1h NFPA n verifying thallhe sysl.:'UI has be.'.n installed
in \ll,;coruanc:l: with the .\pproycd pbM .and :;:pcdficlllion~ shall
b.> pl'Ovided.
-:>In acco.rdance with NFPA 72, lhls section .requires a
written statement from the In5ta,,"ng contractor that the
fJre alarm system has been tested and installed in com.
pliance with the approved pia ns and the manufacturer's
s peclflcations.
'107.11) InstrucliullS. Operating. 1C$liul!;\nd maimenuncc in-
structkms .1lId re~'Old drawings ("'as bl1ilts~) and C"{uipll1.:'nt
spc..::iJJcatioJls sh.lI] be provided at an lIpplU\-..::d k"'~ltion_
-:>Topermit adequate testing, maintenance and trou-
ble-shooting of the installed fire alarm system, an
owner's manual with complete installation instructions
should be kept on :site or in another approved location.
The instruotions should .include B. description oflha sys.-
tem, operating procedures and l.esting and mainte-
nance requirements.
I)07.20Inspl.'C.ion. .('sting and mllint"mmcc. The malnte-
mum: and testing lO:;hedu]efi and pmn:dmcs for lit'\: al.arm iiIlld
nH~ dele.,tioll systems sluilllw in accordance wit.h lhb :\i'clion
and Cha.pter 7 of NFPA 71.
.:. Fire a.la.rms and tire detection systems aTe to be in-
spected, tested and maintained in a.ccordance with
Sectionls 907.20.1 through 907.2IL5 and the applicable
requirements In Chapter 7 ofNFPA 72. It is the building
owner's responsibility to keep these systems operable
,al all times.
~)07;20.l t\lalnh.'l1Il11ce I'('llllinl(). \Vhcnever or whel't'Vcr any
dc\'i.,<\ equipment., l\y:;t(~.m, ~"mdlti()n, arrang.emcnt, level of
prl11iXtiol'l Of llny olher feature is required for eOl1lpliUfiC e Wilh
tbe pr<)\~il\ions of this code. ",uch d",vice, equipment, "ystem,
condition. an:ttngemenl. level of'protC\.'tiou or other felltul'cshall
9'75
PAGE A-67 OF A-69
907.20.2 - 907.20.4
thereafter b>;\ cOlltinuously maintained in ,lcco!xlamX' with iIPI'Ii-
cable NFl' A requirements 01' as d iroctoo b}' the fire code official.
{-Periodic maintellance keeps systems In good working
order or ellows repair of defects discovered during in-
spections or testing. BaCBuse specialized tools and
!raining are needed, only properly trained teChnicla ns or
specialists should perform required periodic mainte-
nance. Most maintenance Is required only a.s n'eeded,
but many manufacturers suggest or require regular pe-
riodic replacement of parts subject to wear or abuse.
')(17.211.2, 'J'Csting. Testing shall be perfonned in 3Cl'On:l:mce with
t.lre sdHxl,ules in Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 Of more frC{llk~lltly
\\'here r\:!quired by the ftre code o:ffidnL Where nUlOlllnticlest.
ing is perfonncd III tllllst weekly by a remotdy lllonit(\J'Cd fire
alann m11trot unit ~ecifkaUy !iste.;! for the application, the
ll.lluutnl testing frequency mllll be pennitled to be euende,d to
~lllllLHlt
[.:\O:'lllioll: rk\'kes 01' equipment thllt are i!HII'l.'e~slbl.e for
safety COltsidcmtions sbaH bi.'l tested during scheduled ~ut-
down~ ~ihel:C appro\'~-d by the fire l'Odc offichl!, but not less
than every IS months.
0) Chapte(7o(NFPA 72' includes schedules for testing fre-
quencies of (ire alarm and fire detection systems and
their components. Periodic tasts that follow slandard~
!zed methods are intended to confirm the results of ln~
speclfons, determine that all components function prop-
erly and that systems meet their original design
specifications. Tools, devices or equipment are usually
requited to perform lests. B&eause tests are more de-
tailed than Inspections, they are usually done only once
or twice iper year in most cases. Some tests, however,
may be required as frequantly as bimonthly or quarterly.
Because specialized knOWledge and equipment are re-
quired, tasts must usually be performed by technicl,ans
or Speclalists trained In the test methoclslnvolved..
Although Section 907.20.2 specifically addresses
tesUng, Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 also contains schedules
for visual inspedionfrequencies. An inspection consists
of a visual check of a system or device to verify it Is in
operating roOOltlon and free rrom visible defects or
damage.
Obvious damage and the general condition of the
system should always be noted and recorded. Partly
because of their oursory nature, inspections are con-
ducted more frequently than tests and maintenance.
Because special knowledge and tools are not required.
inspections may be done by any reasonably competent
person.
The exception recognizes the impracticality of testing
every device or piece of equipment related to a fire
alarm or flradeteolJon system.. Some devices may be in-
accessible for safety oonsiderations such as those in
continuous process operations. Testing, however,
should be done during scheduled shutdowns.
~"17.20.3 Dcfl..'(~lorsem;ithjty. Dctcl"1or sensitivity sball be
ch,,'('ked within I vellr after installation und every ahern;ltew,lr
thereafl er.. After the second clIlibration test, where sensiti~i ty
9.16
APPJ:iNl>1X A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
FIRE P:ROTEC"rION SYSTEMS
tests indkale lhat the dct<x,tor hllS remaln,,"'l w'ithin ils listed and
marked seMitivity range (qr 4-pelx~ent OhSt,lmtion lighl grey
s,ll1Oke. if not Iluu'kedt the length of time l1<'tween caJihl'ation
te,sts.;l:mll beperU\iU~'d 10 be extended to a nuudmum of 5 yems.
'\Vh"ye 1110 fr~'\luency b ""xtendt'(!. records of d\:tcClnrCcllnsed
nu i Si,lllee ahlfllis andsnbscqucnt l11Jnds of these llhlrms shall he
m:lintllined. In zoni.'lS or arens where l1u.isance ttlarms show (my
inerl'\ll,se over the prel'ious year. c;;llibnltk'l1 le~ts shaU bo [>Cr-
formed,
.;. Usually, changes in detector sensitivity are caused by
inadequate maintenance. Regular sensit.ivity lesting is
intended to determine wheth&rdetectors req uire
recallbralion or maintenance. Thisseotion pres'cribes
the intervals for testing smoke detector senSitivity.
Where two Buccessful tests have been cnndueted, the
frequency of the calibration tests can be extended toa
maximum of five years. This interval extension reoog-
nlzes the stability of both the environment and the de-
tector; However, if nuisance alarms occur during this
time InteNaJ extension, calibralJon tests may be needed
because of potential changes in the envi~onment where
the dele'c:lor is located or In the performance of the de-
tector itself,
'107 .2IlA lH~lhod. To enwre th~lt e:ld1 smoke dete<'tDr is within
its listed and m:lrked sensithcit)" .r:1IIgC, it shQU be tested using ei.
ther a calibrnted teslll.lcthoo,lhe UllllmbctLuer'S calibrated sen-
sitivity test instrument, list <xl' control equipment ammged fIJr the
purpose, a smoke d~"'<x:rodcolltrol IInil ,rn:,Ulgclllent whereby
the detector callses n signal at the control unit where ils seJl,sitiv-
it)' b ollbido its an"q'lUNescnsitlvily range or other calibnllt>d
sens.ilivlty te~ method acceptable to the fire ,,'ode official. De-
te...'tOl"S found to hllve II ~J1SilivilY outside the listed and marked
sensitivity range shall be de.med :lIld renilibrated OJ: rephlced.
E:\l.'t'lIUlIus:
1. Detecton; listed as freld.adJ!J.SHl.bJ", :'hall be permitted to
be either ;ldju.~ted within the listed am!. m~:rked sensi-
tivilymnge luttl c1elUled :md l'eealihml<'.d or they .".hllll
be replllct'lil,
2.. lbis requirement ,.;11:111 m.t apply to ~inglc-stmion
smoke alarms.
0) This seclfon prescribes acceptable test methods to en-
sure that each smoke detector is within itslisfed and
marked sensitivity rang e; any 0 f th e lis led test methods
may be used.
With regard to a calibration test method, many manu-
facturers ha~ dlaslgned their devices to be tested by
the application of a magnet ata test point on the outside
of the detector. This activates a reed switch or pulis a
fine wire into the det~ion chamber to simulate a prede-
termined level of obscuration.
Another test method may require that .a test device
such as a key.type tool be inserted in a test port This ei.
thera.ctivates a test switch or produces the desired level
or obscuration dlr&C~y.
One detector manufa.ctu rer supplies an interface de-
vice for connecting a volt-o hm-amp meter to a test porI.
Pressing a button on the interface device permits a di.
2M:! INTERNATIONAl. FI'REeObe"eOMMENTARY
PAGEA-68 OF A-69
~.
'.
-""-
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
red reading of detector chamber voltage in an alarm
condition.
Other detectors must be removed and inserted In or
connected to 8, device used to calibrate and test .the de-
vice. 1l1ecalibra,ted sensltivity.test instrument must sat~
isfy the manufacturer's r,&commendation for a specific
detector.
AddressableJanalQ9~type detectors produce direct
readings of the chamber voltage by the control unit.
Many of these systems perm~sensiti\lKy adjUstm&nts
withinacce-ptable limKs from the control unit ,as well,
This test method essentialy allows remote sensitivity
testing.
A system control/detector combination unit detects
changes in the environment and In the detector by com-
paring current readings to previously stored informa.tlon
in the memory of the- control unit. Significant chB.nges
would ina leats that the stability of either the environ-
ment or the detector ha.s changedandthat further main-
tenance or recalibratlon is required.
Any other method or device that permits the user to
chf!tCk the voltage dropacross a smoke detect.ion cham-
ber is acceptable subject to the approval of the fire code
official test device,s should be manufactured and Slip-
plied by the smoke detector manufacturer.
l)(I7.2"....1 Testing delict,. Detector sensitivity sJmH not be
tesled Of .measured using: :it de\' il~C th:itl administers ,an Ulllll<,a-
$ured concentration of smoke or other acro.!IOl into lhedetector.
.;. Functional testing using smoke or a smoke substitute,
suoh as aerosols, must comply with the manufacturer's
recommended test procedures. A preclsely measured
amount of smoke or other aerosol product must be used
to adequately determine detector sensttlvity. Some de-
tector manufacturers do not accept testing with aerosol
products and void detector warranties when this prod-
uct Is used.
The functional test method selected should not per~
manently affect detector performance.
~m7,20.:; \bintl."nlln{'l'. inspection lllld testing. The blrilding
owner shall be rcspon,<;iblc I' Of ensuring that the fire and life
sllfet)' systems are mllint~lilled in ~1I'1 operable \:onditioll ~11 aU
times, Service personnel shall meet the qualification require-
ments of NFPA 72 for mllintl1.inil~g, inspecting IInd t<"...ing such
sYMems, A wri lten record shaU be maintllincd and shall be made
ll.\'a\lable to the fire code olTkial.
0) This section clearly indicates that it is the responsiMty
of the building owner to mainlain aU fire alarm systems
in proper working order, Often, an outside agency that
employs adequately trained personnel, such as a fire
alarm contractor, wiN provldeany malntenanceandtest~
II1g that Is needed. Chapter 7 ofNFPA 72 contains add 1-
tional guidance on the qualifications for service person.
nel. Proper maintenance of fire alarm systems is
essential so that the systems wil perform as intended.
Inspection and test records provide a means for de-
termining compliance with Lhe requ.irements of the
rode. Inspectors should be prepared to determine tllat
2003INTERNATI0NA:L fiRE COOS. COMMENTARY
APPENDIX A
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT: MERIDIAN LANES
............,
"~'"
907.20.<l1 -908.3
inspection, lesl and tYlqintenance logs are accurate and
complete. Records mu.sNr1clude the nat.ure oHhe activ~
ity or service performed; when the activity occurred;
Who performed the actl v ity and who wibl essed testing or
approved the work upon completion. Failure to keep re-
cords of tests and maintenance is a 'code violation.
'....,.
SECTION 908 '
EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS
",
90S. I G mup U o{"(;ul)nncil's. Eme.rgency alarms for the detec-
tion and notification of all emergel1,,)' conditioll in Group H (ll~-
cllp~lnd.lJs ihall be pJ:o"jd~,,(\ as required in Chrlprer 27.
-=- Emergency alarm systems provide indication and warn..
ing of emergency situations involving' hazardous materi~
als. An emergency a.larm system Is requl~ed in all Group
H occupancies a.s indicated in Sections 2704.9 and
2705.4.4 as well as Group H-5 HPM facilitie.s as indi-
cated in Section 908.2, Th e Group H occupancy c1assi~
ficationassumes the storage or use of hazardous mate~
rials exceeds the maximum allowable quantities
specified In Tables 2703,1..1(1) and 2703.1" 1 (2),
An emergency alarm system shouldinolude an emer'"
geney atarm-Initiatlng devica outside each interior door
of hazardous material storage areas, a local ala rm de-
vice and adequate supervision.
Even though ozone gas-generator rooms (Section
908.4), repair garages (Section 908.5) and refrigerant
detectors (Section 908.6) are not typically classified as
Group H occupancies, the potennal hazards associated
with theseoccupa.ncy conditions are great enough to re-
quire additional means of early warning' detection.
-..........
~)08.2 GI'OUP 11.5 (lc{'III~UlC)'. Emergency 111ffi"ltls liJf uotifiCll.-
lion of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be pro-
yided as required in Sl'Ction 1303,11. A contilluom, gas
det(;'l.;tionsystem Sh~IU be prnqded fOJ: HP.M g:<lses ill ,Llx'ordallce
with See.lion 1803.13.
0} In addition to hazardous material storage a reas as regu..
lated by Section 2704.S,Section 1803.12"1 also r~
quires emergen<:y alamlS for service corridors, exit ac-
cess corridors and exit enclosures because of the
potent.lal transport of hazardous materials through
Lhese areas. Section 1803.13 requires a continuous gas
detection system for early detection of .Ieaks InareBs
where HPM gas is used. Gas detection systems are re-
quired to initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal t.o
the emergency control station upon detection (seecom~
mentary, Sections 1003,12.ano 1803.13).
90S.3 Highly 10;\:1<: and toxic materials. ""here nXlllired by
Secli.oll 3704.2"2. to. a gas dele>..'tion system .sball he pl\wjek.ct
tor indoor stofllge and use ,)1 highly toxic .,md toxic compres.sed
,gases,
<-A gas dete<:tion system in the room orarea used for in~
door storage or use of highly toxic or toxic gases gives
early notification of a leak that. is occurring before the
1l.T7
PAGE A-69 OF A-69