Daylighting can be a major energy-efficiency asset when combined with automatic lighting controls. For this reason, skylights are required in by the energy code for enclosed spaces greater than 2,500 square feet and meeting the following criteria (2015 IECC 402.4.2):
- Located directly under a room with not less than 75% of the ceiling area with a ceiling height greater than 15 feet, and
- The space is used as an office, lobby, atrium, concourse, corridor, storage space, gymnasium/exercise center, convention center, automotive service area, space where manufacturing occurs, nonrefrigerated warehouse, retail store, distribution/sorting area, transportation depot or workshop
The total daylight zone under skylights shall be not less than half the floor area and shall provide one of the following:
- A minimum skylight area to daylight zone under sky-lights of not less than 3 percent where all skylights have a VT of at least 0.40 as determined in accordance with Section C303.1.3.
- A minimum skylight effective aperture of at least 1 percent, determined in accordance with the following equation:
Skylight Effective Aperture = 0.85 (Skylight Area) (Skylight VT) (WF) / (Daylight zone under skylight)
where:
Skylight area = Total fenestration area of skylights
Skylight VT = Area weighted average visible transmittance of skylights
WF = Area weighted average well factor, where well factor is 0.9 if light well depth is less than 2 feet, or 0.7 if light well depth is 2 feet or greater
Light well depth = Measure vertically from the underside of the lowest point of the skylight glazing to the ceiling plane under the skylight
Exceptions to this requirement include
- Spaces where the designed general lighting power densities are less than 0.5 W/ft2.
- Areas where it is documented that existing structures or natural objects block direct beam sunlight on at least half of the roof over the enclosed area for more than 1,500 daytime hours per year between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Spaces where the daylight zone under rooftop monitors is greater than 50 percent of the enclosed space floor area.
- Spaces where the total area minus the area of day-light zones adjacent to vertical fenestration is less than 2,500 square feet, and where the lighting is controlled according to Section C405.2.3.
The threshold for skylights was reduced from 10,000 square feet in the 2012 IECC to 2,500 square feet in the 2015 IECC, which can quickly come into play with the open floor layouts that are commonly constructed today.
Want to learn more about this code change and how it may impact/help your projects? Contact us at info@crcfire.com for more information.
The progress of construction projects can’t slow down just because the temperatures dip below freezing. To allow for this, general contractors and developers must provide accommodations for temporary heat to allow for certain operations and to protect men and material from the elements. Many projects rely on natural gas fired temporary heaters to provide warm air into the building before the permanent systems are installed and commissioned.
This winter our project sites in certain cities/towns are at risk of not being served with natural gas given the labor dispute faced by National Grid. To that end, general contractors and developers must turn to alternative fuel sources such as diesel, steam, and propane to heat their buildings under construction.
In the City of Boston, the fire department has outlined specific requirements that must be submitted prior to the allowance of temporary propane heat on a construction site. Strict adherence to this “Interim Alternative Fuel Source Policy” is required for consideration. A link to the requirements can be found here: https://www.boston.gov/news/new-interim-alternative-fuel-source-policy-announced.
Item 1 of the BFD Policy requires the applicant to adhere to the requirements of 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code), NFPA 58 (Liquified Petroleum Gas Code) and NFPA 241 (Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations). Contact Code Red Consultants if you need assistance in developing a Propane Storage Compliance Narrative to address Item 1 as you apply for approval of your temporary installation (info@crcfire.com).
The fire-resistance rating of a mezzanine structure often comes into question during design. Common questions asked include: What materials are permitted to be used? What is the required fire rating of the structure? What penetrations of the mezzanine floor need to be protected?
As no specific direction is provided in the mezzanine section of the building code (IBC Section 505), the construction of mezzanines is required to conform to the following:
- Constructed of materials consistent with the construction type of the building. If the building is composed of Type I or II construction, the mezzanine structure must be noncombustible.
- Structure (columns, floors, beams, etc.) is required to be fire-rated consistent with the construction of the building in accordance with Section 601; and
- The fire rating of mezzanine floors is not required from a vertical opening perspective, only a structural stability perspective. As such, penetrations of the mezzanine floor are not required to be protected with approved firestop assemblies provided the omission of such assemblies does not compromise the structural integrity of the floor in a fire event.
For example, if a building is Type IIA Construction (non-combustible, 1-hour frame), a mezzanine is required to be constructed of non-combustible materials with a 1-hour fire rating. Penetrations of the mezzanine floor (i.e. pipe penetration) are not required to be protected with a firestop assembly provided this will not impact the integrity of the mezzanine structure during a fire.
There are two primary components to maintain a fire-safe construction site:
Phase 1
Development of a relevant Construction Fire Safety Plan (hereafter referred to as “the Plan”). The Plan must be specific to the project means/methods, associated hazards, proposed mitigation, logistics, etc. that will be present on a particular project(s). This Plan may be requested at the time of permit application. In any case, the Plan should be submitted to the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) proactively. The Plan must remain current based on changing site conditions and must remain available at the project location. The qualifications of the responsible party who authors the Plan is at the discretion of the AHJ and will vary based on the complexity of the project.
Phase 2
Implementation of the Plan. Every construction project must identify an individual(s) who is responsible for the implementation of the Plan. This individual(s) is referred to as the Fire Prevention Program Manager(s) (FPPM(s)). Depending on whether the construction project is a new development or is occurring in an existing building, the FPPM(s) will either be employed by the general contractor, owner, or third party. The reasonableness of who is serving in this capacity is at the discretion of the AHJ. Implementation is most often the most important function for achieving compliance with NFPA 241 and, more importantly, construction fire safety.
To learn more about writing an appropriate Plan for your project or how to implement said plan with ever-changing logistics, contact peterh@crcfire.com.
527 CMR and 780 CMR both require every outside opening accessible to the fire department that opens directly on any hoistway or shaftway communicating between two or more floors be plainly marked with a sign. The sign must have red letters on a white background that reads “SHAFTWAY” with letters that are at least 6 inches high. All required signage must be readily visible from the outside of the building. The purpose of the requirement is to warn responding personnel that such openings would be unsafe for landing a ladder on or gaining access through. The applicable requirements are found in 527 CMR 10.11.2 and 780 CMR 914.1. The figure at left is taken from the 2015 IBC Code Commentary – Volume 1, Figure 914.1.1.
The permit process can often be a challenging endeavor and one that can often impact project timeframes bottom lines. Understanding the required documentation at each step along the permitting process can help mitigate unnecessary pitfalls that are commonly felt by the applicant.
In Massachusetts, the document submittal process includes three (3) tiers of submittals per 780 CMR §901.2.1, Massachusetts State Building Code:
- Tier I – Construction Documents
- Tier II – Shop Drawings
- Tier III – Record (As-Built) Drawings
Prior to altering an existing building or erecting a new building, a building permit must first be acquired from the building department. In order to obtain a building permit, Tier I Construction Documents must be submitted and approved by the building department.
Tier I Construction Document packages are required to be produced by a Registered Design Professional and must contain sufficient information to completely describe each fire protection system(s) for which a permit is requested. This information is typically conveyed via the following documents:
- Design Drawings, stamped by the RDP
- Specification(s)
- Design Narrative Report, stamped by the Registered Design Professional (RDP)
- Minimally includes the design methodology, sequence of operations, and testing criteria
Tier II Shop Drawing packages are then generated by the installing contractor and are submitted to both the building and fire departments prior to installation/demolition or alterations to systems once the building permit has been issued. Tier II documents typically include the following:
- Design Narrative Report from the RDP
- Shop Drawings
- Generally includes of greater detail than that of the Tier I drawings
- Details depicting the interface to fire safety control functions and classification of supervising station for fire alarm projects
- Contains the installing contractor’s name, license number and license expiration date
- Manufacturer’s Data Sheets for all equipment and material(s)
- Calculations
- Hydraulic calculations for water-based fire protection systems
- Battery calculations and voltage drop calculations for fire alarm systems
Once the Shop Drawings are approved, the system(s) can be installed. The only way to close out a Tier II permit is for the building and fire officials to accept the installed system(s) which generally includes a final acceptance test with the AHJ and/or a 3rd Party present.
Tier III documents are generated by the installing contractor and are required to be submitted to the building owner. The drawings must indicate the approved, as-built condition of the system(s), which may deviate from the Tier II Shop Drawings. These documents must be provided to the building owner prior to any acceptance testing.
The requirements for building permits are often overlooked and misunderstood. 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, Section 105 addresses when building permits are required. Building permits are essential to help ensure that work is being completed correctly and safely. It is illegal and unlawful to complete work without first filing an application with the building official and obtaining the required permit, unless the work is otherwise exempt.
In general, a permit is required for most activities that are regulated by the Code and its referenced standards, and these activities cannot begin until the permit is issued by the building official. There are some cases where work such as repairs and finish work do not require a permit, although the work must still be completed in accordance with the applicable codes. The Q&A below has been developed to help clearly understand when building permits are required, when permits aren’t required, and examples of such work. These requirements are related to the Base (Commercial) Volume of 780 CMR.
When Is A Building Permit Required?
A permit is required to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure; or to change the use or occupancy of a building or structure, or to install or alter any equipment which is regulated by 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR 105.1). The permit must be granted by the building official prior to performing any work. Where replacement and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application must be submitted within the next business day to the building official (780 CMR 105.2.1)
When Is A Building Permit Not Required?
A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs to structures (780 CMR 105.2.2). A repair is defined as “the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.” (780 CMR 202). Ordinary repairs do not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire rating, energy conservation, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities. A building permit is also not required for the following activities:
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds and similar uses that are less than 120 square feet;
- Fences not over 7 feet high;
- Oil derricks;
- Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height;
- Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallon and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1;
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route;
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work;
- Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery;
- Prefab swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 that are less than 24″ deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above grade;
- Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems;
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings;
- Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies supported by an exterior walls and do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support;
- Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5’9” in height;
- Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic firm used for agricultural purposes only;
- Replacement or repair of any component or components of a fire protection system, where such does not affect system performance and compatibility. Note that permits are required related to the impairment or temporary disconnecting of fire protection systems by the fire official.
What Are Samples of Work Requiring a Building Permit?
- Installation, removal, or reconfiguration of a wall, partition, door, or window.
- Installation, removal, or modification of any structural column, beam, or other load-bearing supports.
- Removal or change of any required means of egress including security or door-locking hardware.
- Rearrangement or change in occupancy that affects egress, mechanical systems, or other requirements affecting public health.
- The addition, alteration, replacement, or relocation of fire protection systems such as sprinkler, standpipe, or fire alarm systems.
Note that additional permits may be required the State Fire Code, State Plumbing Code, and Electrical Code.
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR, the width of a stairway is typically measured from outside stringer to outside stringer. Stairways are required to have a minimum width of 44”. Handrails are permitted to project into the required minimum width by a maximum of 4 ½” on each side of the stair.
If a floor has a total occupant load of less than 50 people, the minimum width of a stairway can be reduced to 36”.
In non-sprinklered buildings, stairways serving as an accessible means of egress are required to provide a minimum width of 48” between the handrails. Additionally, exterior stairs serving as a means of egress for an exterior area for assisted rescue are also required to provide a minimum width of 48”’ between handrails.
Have questions on how this affects your design? Contact us with questions regarding minimum stair widths!
What is “egress convergence” and when am I required to evaluate it?
Egress capacities are typically evaluated on a floor-by-floor basis, with the occupant load of each story considered individually in calculating the required capacity. The exception to this approach is where egress convergence results in two floors arriving at a component simultaneously (see image at top left).
Egress convergence occurs where the means of egress from stories above and below converge at an intermediate level, with occupants from multiple floors discharging through an egress component simultaneously. For example, in the second image, the egressing occupants from the 1st and 2nd Floors converge at the exit discharge door from Stair 1.
Where egress convergence occurs, the capacity of the means of egress component following the convergence is required to be the larger of (1) not less than the largest minimum width, or (2) the sum of the required capacities for the stairways or ramps serving the two adjacent stories (780 CMR 1005.6).
Egress convergence can result in drastically reduced egress capacities and allowable occupant loads from floors unless accounted for. When calculated, egress convergence may result in an increase in exit discharge door width, or the need for a double door at the exit discharge instead of a single door.
(Source: International Building Code (2015) Illustrated)
Through Floor Penetrations of Non-Rated Floor/Ceiling Slabs
A commonly asked question is whether or not penetrations of floor slabs, floor/ceiling assemblies, and roof/ceiling assemblies that are otherwise not required to be fire resistance rated, require protection by an approved through-penetration firestop system to maintain the integrity of the floor slab. In accordance with 780 CMR 714.5, the protection of such penetrations is dependent on the type of penetrant and the number of stories penetrated as outlined below:
1. All combustible penetrating items connecting more than two-stories and all noncombustible penetrating items connecting more than five-stories are required to be protected within a shaft in accordance with 780 CMR 713.
2. For all penetrating items connecting not more than two stories, the annular space of the penetrating item is required to be fireblocked in accordance with 780 CMR 718.2.5 to resist the free passage of flame and products of combustion (780 CMR 714.5.2). Such materials include batts or blankets of mineral wool or mineral fiber installed such as to be securely retained in place or cellulose insulation installed as tested for the specific application without requiring the application to be a listed firestopping assembly (780 CMR 718.2.1).
3. For all noncombustible penetrating items connecting not more than five-stories, the annular space of the penetrating item is required to be fireblocked in accordance with 780 CMR 718.2.5 to resist the free passage of flame and products of combustion or be filled with a fill, void, or cavity material that is tested and classified for use in a through-penetration firestop system (780 CMR 714.5.1). As such, these penetrations may either be protected as outlined by Item 2 above or the annular space may be filled with a listed product such as intumescent firestopping without requiring the application to be a listed firestopping assembly.
Continue to monitor the Code Red Consultants Blog for code updates and search “Firestop” for more information on firestopping assemblies are when Third Party Firestopping Special Inspections are required.
