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Insights Category: Technical Information

A wet pipe sprinkler riser is required to have specific components to perform as required per NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. A wet pipe system riser typically contains either an alarm check valve assembly or a “shotgun” riser assembly which are used to maintain system pressure and provide waterflow notification. Both styles of riser provide their own benefits and disadvantages that should be considered when designing a wet pipe system.

Historically, Alarm Check Valves provided notification of waterflow before electrical waterflow alarms were used. These valves controlled the flow of water to a bell called a water motor gong, which is discussed further below. An Alarm Check Valve consists of multiple components that make up the entire valve assembly. These components include the following:

  • Check valve clapper – The clapper is the component that maintains water pressure on the system side of the alarm check valve assembly. Once a pressure drop on the system side occurs from either an opened sprinkler head or other form of waterflow, the alarm check valve clapper will open and provide the system with water from the water supply. This clapper also controls the flow of water to the waterflow alarm.
  • Pressure Gauges – Pressure gauges are devices that indicate the current pressure with the sprinkler system. On an alarm check valve assembly, there is usually a pressure gauge on the system side and one on the water supply side of the clapper. Typically, the pressure on the system side of the clapper is greater than the water supply side of the clapper.
  • Pressure Switch – A pressure switch is a type of waterflow alarm, which simply detects the force of water pushing against it. When the clapper opens inside the Alarm Check Valve, water is allowed to push up against the pressure switch, sending an alarm signal to the building’s fire alarm panel. The fire alarm will then notify occupants and transmit a signal to a central station monitoring service or directly to the fire department.
  • Water Motor Gong – A water motor gong is a mechanical bell – driven by water – that provides localized notification when water is actively flowing through the system. Water motor gongs can be seen on older buildings as a large, flattened dome, cast iron bell mounted on an exterior wall. Gongs will always have a drain immediately beneath them. When the Alarm Check Valve clapper opens during a water flow, a pipe is uncovered which allows water to flow to the gong. This water strikes a water wheel inside the gong, spinning the wheel and driving the hammer inside the gong. The spent water then runs freely out the drain to the exterior of the building. Water motor gongs are seen less in newer system installations as they have been replaced by electric-powered bells.
  • Retard Chamber – A retard chamber is used to create a mechanical delay to mitigate false alarms caused by water surges in a system. The retard chamber is a small tank (typically 1 gallon) located between the Alarm Check Valve and the pressure switch and water motor gong piping. The tank must first fill with water before traveling through the trim piping and activating the notification devices, causing a mechanical time delay. This delay helps mitigate false alarms caused by water surges in the system by preventing immediate activation of the notification devices.

One benefit of an Alarm Check Valve is that it provides mechanical notification through the associated trim components, such as the water motor gong. Electrical power is not required to initiate an audible alarm signal, water pressure alone drives the alarm. This provides an alternate, backup alarm signal beyond the required fire alarm components. The necessity of a water motor gong is typically enforced by the AHJ as they are not required on wet pipe systems by NFPA 13. If a water motor gong is required by the AHJ to be installed for a system, an Alarm Check Valve assembly should be specified for the project.

A shotgun riser assembly has a similar function to an Alarm Check Valve – it maintains system pressure and initiates alarm signals. The main difference in these two styles is that a shotgun riser assembly does not contain the associated trim components that are provided on an alarm check valve assembly, such as a pressure switch, retard chamber, or water motor gong. The shotgun assembly is provided with a simple check valve (which is often the system’s backflow preventer and not a separate check valve), pressure gauge, and a waterflow alarm device. The waterflow alarm is typically a paddle-type switch, rather than a pressure switch. The paddle-type alarm has a plastic arm located inside the pipe. When water flows, it moves the paddle, activating an electrical switch mounted on the pipe. This sends an alarm signal to the building’s fire alarm system, notifying a central station monitoring company or the fire department. Shotgun riser assemblies are far simpler than an Alarm Check Valve, and do not require the associated trim components which usually helps to reduce installation costs.

It is important to understand the differences in the types of risers when designing and specifying the components for a new wet pipe system. Each type has benefits and downsides that should be considered on a project specific basis. If you have any questions on which type of riser assembly would be best fit for your project, please contact our office at info@crcfire.com.

 

Public subway systems and light rail stations serving urban communities contain a unique occupancy due to the nature of transient ridership throughout their operation. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes the distinct characteristics of rail stations and has developed NFPA 130, Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems, for the protection of such unique occupancies, which has been adopted in Massachusetts through 780 CMR The Massachusetts State Building Code.

Given the special challenges associated with the occupancy of rail stations, NFPA 130 evaluates the means of egress system using performance-based evaluations.  These evaluations are based on the performance of the station’s egress features and use timed 4- and 6-minute tests.  This approach differs from the normal method of evaluation in the building code for most other occupancies which uses occupant load factors and egress width factors.

A key component to these performance-based calculations is the determination of the anticipated occupant load (i.e. ridership) that will need to be evacuated from the station and/or platform, which is determined in a manner that accounts for numerous variables specific to the facility.  Another aspect of rail stations that differs from most other building types is that, often, station occupant loads are expected to grow over time to account for factors such as population growth, ridership increase, surrounding developments, etc.  This occupant load plasticity, in contrast to other occupancy types, necessitates the periodic re-evaluation of the means of egress of stations.

Apart from normal population growth, a station’s occupant load may be significantly impacted by projects and development in the surrounding area. Where this is the case, the previous egress system within the neighboring rail station(s), that may have once been adequate to support the original station’s ridership, may be rendered inadequate to support the resulting occupant load in the future. Such projects that may alter the occupant load and necessitate a re-evaluation of the station’s means of egress can include the following:

  • Projects located within the air-rights of an existing station;
  • Projects that are part of Transit Oriented Developments that is focused on the ease of access to a nearby public transportation; or
  • Projects involving a large new assembly facility such as a stadium or conference center located along a transit line.

Building or renovating near a transit station? Make sure thought is given to the effect this can have on ridership, station occupant load, and means of egress.

If you have questions regarding how to apply these requirements to your project, please contact us at info@crcfire.com.

Entrance canopies found at the main door of many buildings are considered “exterior projections” by NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and may require sprinkler protection when exceeding 4 feet in width and/or where storage is located below the canopy. The 2013 edition of NFPA 13 currently applicable in Massachusetts contains two exceptions applicable to entrance canopies exceeding 4 feet in width, which are outlined below.  It should be noted that, where storage of combustible materials is located below canopies, sprinkler protection is required when such canopies exceed 2 feet in width regardless of whether one of these exceptions is otherwise applicable (NFPA 13 §8.15.7.4).

The first exception states that sprinklers can be omitted where the canopy is constructed with materials that are noncombustible, limited-combustible, or fire retardant-treated wood (NFPA 13 §8.15.7.2). These types of materials are specifically defined terms in NFPA 13 and NFPA 703 Standard for Fire Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials (2012 edition referenced by NFPA 13-2013), and these definitions are reproduced below for reference. Note that this exception requires that the entire canopy assembly meet these construction requirements, not just the exposed surface.

The second exception states that sprinklers can be omitted from canopies of combustible construction where the exposed finish material is noncombustible, limited-combustible, or fire retardant-treated wood (NFPA 13 §8.15.7.3). To meet this exception, however, the concealed spaces within the combustible canopy must also meet one of the following alternative options:

  • Be provided with sprinkler protection within the combustible concealed space (NFPA §8.15.7.3);
  • Be filled entirely with noncombustible insulation (NFPA 13 §8.15.7.3(1));
  • Meet specific construction requirements to limit enclosed joist spaces to 160 cubic feet or less in volume in accordance with NFPA 13 §8.15.7.3(2); or,
  • Be located over canopy areas not exceeding 55 square feet (NFPA 13 §8.15.7.3(3)).

Entrance canopies exceeding 4 feet in width are only permitted to be unsprinklered if they meet one of the exceptions above.  For such canopies without sprinkler protection, storage of combustible materials below the canopy is not permitted.

Referenced Definitions:

Noncombustible Material – A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors, when subjected to fire or heat; materials that are reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, shall be considered noncombustible materials. (Reference NFPA 13 §3.3.17)

Limited-Combustible Material – Refers to a building construction material not complying with the definition of noncombustible material that, in the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259 Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials, and includes either of the following: (1) materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) that has a flame spread index not greater than 50; or (2) materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. (Reference NFPA 13 §3.3.16)

Fire retardant-treated wood – A wood product impregnated with chemical by a pressure process or other means during manufacture, which is tested in accordance with ASTME E 84 or ANSI/UL 723, has a listed flame spread index of 25 or less, and shows no evidence of significant progressive combustible when the test is continued for an additional 20-minute period; nor does the flame front progress more than 10.5 feet beyond the centerline of the burners at any time during the test. (Reference NFPA 703 §3.3.2).

NFPA 704 Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response is intended to standardize basic hazardous material signage into a simple, easily understood, and recognizable system.  Commonly referred to as “NFPA 704 diamonds”, these signs communicate four hazard categories: health hazard (blue), flammability (red), instability (yellow), and special hazard (white).

The degree of hazard for health, flammability, and instability hazards is on a scale of 0 – 4, with 4 assigned to materials that are the most hazardous, and 0 to materials that are the least hazardous. Recognized special hazards are represented by unique symbols in the special hazard quadrant and address water reactive materials (“W” with a horizontal line through it), oxidizers (“OX”), and simple asphyxiant gases (“SA”).

There may also be additional jurisdiction requirements for NFPA 704, so it is important to work closely with the local Fire Department in developing a coordinated and consistent signage package.  As an example, for new and existing laboratories, the Boston Fire Prevention Code specifies a slightly modified version of the NFPA 704 Diamond including a “G” designation for categories where hazardous compressed gases are included.

Detailed information and definitions pertaining to each of the hazard rankings is provided in NFPA 704 including primarily NFPA 704 Table 5.2 (health hazards), Table 6.2 (flammability hazards), and Table 7.2 (instability hazards).  However, the simple numerical system on the NFPA 704 diamonds allows Emergency Responders to quickly identify the relative hazards of a given material or space, and the potential severity thereof, prior to entering the space.  Understanding the hazards present helps inform the safest course of action to take during an emergency event.

Required locations of signage can be found in 527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, NFPA 704, as well as based on local jurisdiction requirements.  Refer to the Code Red Consultants blog post, Laboratory Emergency Signage, for more information on the types of laboratory signage.

If there is more than one chemical present in a specific area, or the building, there are three methods to indicate the hazard ratings applicable to the space:

  • Composite Method – If multiple chemicals are present, a single sign can be used to represent the maximum rating contributed by a material in each category. If there are special hazards, those would be listed as well on the sign.
  • Individual Method – If only a few chemicals are present, signs for each of the individual chemicals can be posted with the chemical name written on the sign.
  • Composite-Individual Combined Method – This method would employ the composite method for some spaces and the individual method for other spaces, depending on the number of chemicals within each area.

If you have any questions or would like assistance with fire and life safety code compliance relative to laboratories, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@crcfire.com.

 

New FPPM Requirements in Boston – Updated February 2, 2023

Given the increasing number and severity of construction fire incidents in Boston, the Boston Fire Department (BFD) has established a new training requirement for Fire Prevention Program Managers (FPPMs) on construction sites in the city. Effective January 1, 2023, all FPPMs and Alternate FPPMs serving Boston construction sites are minimally required to have taken the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) online FPPM Training prior to assuming the FPPM or AFPPM role.

This new expectation is driven by recent frustrations experienced by BFD, where many project FPPMs have voiced or demonstrated that they were not aware of the responsibilities of the position. An FPPM is not just a “check in the box,” but is a crucially important part of fire and worker safety on a jobsite. Among the responsibilities are such elements as:

  • Overall responsibility for safeguarding life and property during construction, alteration, and demolition projects;
  • Authority to enforce the NFPA 241 Plan – including speaking with the authority of the GC or the Owner;
  • Knowledge of fire protection codes and standards, available fire protection systems, and fire inspection procedures;
  • Providing training to workers;
  • Supervising hot work permitting;
  • Coordinating impairments

Given these responsibilities, and that FPPMs on many projects in the city do not have the necessary backgrounds to be serving in the role, BFD has set this new training expectation for all FPPMs in the city.

The NFPA FPPM Training is available at the NFPA’s website, a link is provided at the end of this post. The online training program takes approximately five to six hours to complete. This training is currently the only program that is acceptable to BFD.

Separate from the FPPM training, there are new expectations associated with the Construction Fire Safety Plan contents. Specifically, the following must be included with each submission to BFD:

  1. The NFPA FPPM Certificate for the FPPM and any AFPPMs.
  2. For any project that includes a standpipe (new construction of a building with a standpipe, or a renovation, demolition, or tenant fitout in a building that has standpipes), BFD is additionally requiring an affidavit that an FPPM is assigned the project. The affidavit includes contact information for the FPPMs (primary and alternate) and the building owner, and must be signed by the licensed builder responsible for the project. This affidavit is available on BFD’s Fire Prevention Division’s website, a link to the affidavit is provided below.

These new expectations are intended to bolster the already robust construction fire safety requirements in the city. As the pace of construction and the complexity of the projects continues, well-trained FPPMs on projects will help to ensure that the NFPA 241 Plans are followed. This should result in a reduction in hazards that contribute to construction fires and accidents.

If you have questions about this new training requirement, please contact our office at 617-500-7633 or info@crcfire.com to speak with our construction fire safety team.

The link to the NFPA Fire Prevention Program Manager Training:

https://catalog.nfpa.org/Fire-Prevention-Program-Manager-Online-Training-Series-P21761.aspx

The link to the BFD NFPA 241 Affidavit:

https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/file/2023/01/NFPA%20241%20Affidavit_1.pdf

The 9th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, which is based on the 2015 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC) contains specific state amendments to the required construction type for hospitals, nursing homes, and convalescent homes. 780 CMR contains two separate amendments which further reiterate that hospitals, nursing homes, and convalescent homes are required to be constructed of minimally Type IB construction (2-hour rated structure) regardless of the height and area of the building. Since these provisions are more restrictive than base IBC code requirements, it is important that designers and project teams are aware of these amendments.

The following bullet points highlight these amendments:

  • 780 CMR Section 407.1.1 is amended to include M.G.L. Chapter 111 Section 51 and 71, which require that all hospitals, nursing homes, and convalescent homes be constructed of at least Type IB construction:
    • 407.1 Add subsection as follows:
      • 407.1.1 M.G.L. requirements. Hospitals, nursing homes, and convalescent homes shall be constructed of at least Type IB construction in accordance with M. G. L. c. 111. §§ 51 and 71
  • 780 CMR Section 501.1 is amended to include M.G. L. Chapter 111 Section 51, which requires that all hospitals and nursing homes (Group I-2 occupancy classifications) minimally be constructed of Type IB construction.
    • 501.1 Add three notes, as follows
      • Note 1: Site plans may be required to contain fire lanes in accordance with 527 CMR. Any building fire protection system is governed by 780 CMR with the exception of M.G. L. c. 148 §26 laws.
      • Note 2: In 780 CMR 5.00 requirements for unsprinklered buildings may be overridden by sprinkler requirements of M.G.L. c. 148.
      • Note 3: M.G.L. c. 111 §51 requires hospitals and nursing homes of at least Type IB construction.
  • G.L Chapter 111 Section 51 states that no original license shall be issued to establish a hospital unless it consists of at least Type IB fireproof construction.
    • No original license shall be issued to establish a hospital, except a college and school infirmary, unless it complies with the construction standards of the state building code and is of at least type I-B fireproof construction.
  • G.L Chapter 111 Section 71 states that no original license shall be issued to establish a convalescent or nursing home unless it consists of at least Type IB fireproof construction.
    • Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this section, no original license for the establishment or maintenance of a convalescent or nursing home shall be issued by the department unless the applicant for such license submits to the department a certificate that each building to be occupied by patients of such convalescent or nursing home meets the construction standards of the state building code and is of at least type I-B fireproof construction provided, however that this paragraph shall not apply in the instance of change of ownership of a convalescent or nursing home at the time of application for a license to operate a nursing home. An intermediate care facility for persons with an intellectual disability shall be required to meet the construction standards established for such facilities by Title XIX of the Social Security Act (PL89-97) and any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and by regulations promulgated by the department

This requirement should be considered for projects where new hospitals or nursing homes are constructed, additions are made to existing buildings or a portion(s) of the building are undergoing a change in use to a higher hazard category (per the Massachusetts Existing Building Code).

If you have questions regarding how to apply these requirements to your project, please contact us at info@crcfire.com

During renovation projects it is imperative to maintain the fire-resistive rating of the exit stairs. Improperly maintained stairs may allow for smoke and fire spread between floors and impact larger portions of the building, including other floors under construction or other occupied areas of a building. Some common deficiencies and challenges to maintaining exit stairs during construction are outlined below.

Missing or Inaccurate Floor and/or Stair Identification Signage (780 CMR 1023.9)

When new stair signage is included in a renovation, it is critical to not remove the existing signage prior to the installation of the new signage. Stair signage provides important information for egressing occupants to understand how to exit the building in an emergency. Additionally, stair signage allows the fire department to communicate their location within buildings during emergencies.

New Penetration Firestopping Installation

On some projects it may be necessary to create additional penetrations into the exit stairs. When this is done, these new penetrations should be firestopped with an approved UL system to maintain the rating of the stair. Without an approved firestopping system in place, fire and smoke can enter the stair through the annular space between the wall and penetrating item.

Doors Propped Open (780 CMR Chapter 10 and NFPA 80)

Especially during construction, stair doors are often left propped open to facilitate movement between floors within the building. Similarly to propped open doors, stair doors on floors under construction are often left with damaged or modified hardware which prevents the door from closing and latching properly. This compromises the rating of the stair and may allow fire and smoke to infiltrate the stair and can also compromise the operation of a building’s smoke control systems, where provided.

Pull Station and Smoke Detector Not within Five Feet of Every Exit Doorway

As required by NFPA 72, where a fire alarm system is installed, a pull station is needed at the entrance to each exit stair. If the stair contains a smoke control system, a smoke detector must be installed within five feet on every level. These items are sometimes removed or relocated during construction to mitigate false alarms or to install large mechanical equipment. These devices must be left in place to allow for fire alarm system activation and safe egress out of the building.

These important building features are provided to protect occupants, construction workers, and aid the fire department when responding to emergencies.

If you have challenges with maintaining your exit stairs during construction, contact us at info@crcfire.com for more information.

On large or relatively complex construction sites, wayfinding for first responders can be difficult and is oftentimes exacerbated by continually changing site conditions and tight neighborhoods. This concern applies to the general construction site, the interior of the building itself once vertical construction commences, or even within existing buildings as they are renovated. In the event of an emergency, first responders must be capable of properly orienting themselves in order to effectively coordinate their efforts.

While signage requirements for an occupied building are generally understood (https://coderedev.wpenginepowered.com/insights/building-signage-for-emergency-responders/ ), requirements for a construction sites and buildings under construction are generally less so and are dictated by many different Authorities (Fire, Transportation, Historic, etc.).

NFPA 241, The Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, provides some requirements related to construction signage. Section 7.5.6.5 states that “All exit stairs shall be provided with stair identification signs to include the floor level, stair designation, and exit path direction as required for provide for safe egress.” Signage meeting the intent of this requirement may look as follows:

Figures 1 and 2: Examples of Stair Egress Signage

However, guidelines for general site signage are not outlined. Therefore, it is imperative that the construction team proactively collaborate with the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction in order to meet expectations in relation to construction signage. Signage may be provided to communicate the most efficient way enter the site/building, for ease of accessing fire protection equipment, or to facilitate response and operations to abutters. Examples of some signage best practices are to denote the project name, address, and gate naming convention at each site entrance, denote the location of the fire command center, provide signage at each FDC outlining what the FDC serves and the required pumping pressures, and provide signage at gates that provide access to site hydrants.

Figures 3 and 4: Examples of Site Wayfinding Signage

All signage should be mounted such that it is readily visible and legible from a distance and isn’t continuously obstructed by ongoing construction operations. It is recommended to coordinate the size, content, and coloring of the signs with each of the authorities.

Providing and maintaining proper signage is an often-overlooked aspect of a construction site. However, ensuring that construction personnel and fire responders are able to properly orient themselves both inside and outside of a building under construction can go a long way in improving the overall safety of a project.

The 2012 Edition of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, as adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Joint Commission states that medical gas storage and administration areas are required to comply with the 2012 Edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code. NFPA 99 requires rooms that store nonflammable medical gases with a volume totaling greater than 3,000 ft3 to be stored in a 1-hour fire resistance rated room (NFPA 99 (2012), 5.1.3.3.2).  In addition to this requirement, these rooms are required to be provided with signage that notes the storage of oxidizing gases and positive pressure gases within.

A common finding on regulatory surveys is that medical gas rooms are not provided with signage that meets the requirements of both NFPA 99 and the 2010 Edition of NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Opening Protectives (based on NFPA 80 Section 4.1.4.1 relative to the total area of signs).  When facilities are cited for inadequate signage, the signs created to resolve this deficiency often overlook the requirements for signage on fire rated doors, which results in the creation of noncompliant signs and ultimately, continued risk on regulatory surveys.

When creating signage for medical gas storage rooms the following code requirements should be considered to ensure that all applicable codes are accounted for:

Medical Gas Signage Requirements for fire-rated rooms (NFPA 99):

11.3.4 Signs.

11.3.4.1 A precautionary sign, readable from a distance of 1.5m (5ft), shall be displayed on each door or gate of the storage room or enclosure

11.3.4.2 The sign shall include the following wording as a minimum:

CAUTION:

OXIDIZING GAS(ES) STORE WITHIN

NO SMOKING

5.1.3.1.8 Locations containing positive pressure gases other than oxygen and medical air shall have their doors(s) labeled as follows:

Positive Pressure Gases

NO Smoking or Open Flame

Room May Have Insufficient Oxygen

Open Door and Allow Room to Ventilate Before Opening

5.1.3.1.9 Locations containing central supply systems or cylinders containing only oxygen and medical air shall have their door(s) labeled as follows:

Medical Gasses

NO Smoking or Open Flame

Signage Requirements on Fire Doors (NFPA 80):

4.1.4.1 The total area of all attached signs shall not exceed 5 percent of the area of the face of the fire door to which they are attached

4.1.4.2 Means of Attachment.

4.1.4.2.1 Signs shall be attached to fire doors by use of an adhesive

4.1.4.2.2 Mechanical attachments such as screws or nails shall not be permitted

4.1.4.3 Signs shall not be installed on glazing material in fire doors

4.1.4.4 Signs shall not be installed on the surface of fire doors so as to impair or otherwise interfere with the proper operation of the fire door.

The above requirements are based on the 2012 Edition of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, as adopted and enforced by the CMS and Joint Commission. State and Local codes which may adopt newer versions of these NFPA codes should also be referenced. If you have questions regarding how to apply these requirements to your project, please contact us at info@crcfire.com.

 

 

Smoke control systems are an important life safety feature in a building. Although there are many types of smoke control systems, they generally share one or more of the following objectives: (1) limit the spread of the products of combustion; (2) maintain tenable conditions for egressing occupants; (3) remove smoke from area(s) of incident; and (4) allow for safer conditions for first responders. To be effective in achieving these, the systems must be capable of operating in adverse conditions experienced during a fire event.

The International Building Code, Section 909, mandates many design features intended to improve the robustness of smoke control systems, allowing them to operate consistently and for the appropriate duration. A summary of the major smoke control protection requirements is outlined below.

  • Equipment (ducts, fans, dampers, etc.) must be suitable for its intended use and probable exposure temperatures.
  • Ducts must be leak tested to 1.5 times the maximum design pressure and supported directly from fire-resistance rated structural elements of the building by substantial, noncombustible supports.
  • Automatic dampers must be listed and conform to the requirements of approved, recognized standards.
  • Fans must be provided with an increased duty rating and extra belts.
  • Systems must be provided with legally required standby power. The standby power source and its transfer switches must be in a room separate from the normal power transformers and switch gears and ventilated directly to and from the exterior. The room is minimally required to be enclosed in 1-hour fire rated construction.
  • Elements of systems relying on volatile memory (i.e. Building Management Systems) must be supplied by uninterruptable power sources that span 12-minute primary power interruption. Elements of systems susceptible to power surges must be suitably protected by conditioners, suppressors, or other approved means.
  • Controlling equipment (Fire alarm and/or Building Management System) must be UL listed for smoke control use complying with UL 864.
  • Smoke control wiring must be enclosed within continuous raceways.
  • In addition to the above, there are fire rated separation requirements specific to stair and elevator pressurization systems. Certain design objectives of other types of smoke control systems may employ similar strategies.

It is critical that smoke control systems are both reliable and durable in order to achieve their intended performance objectives. Code Red as a wealth of knowledge and experience in consulting on, designing, modeling, inspecting, and testing smoke control systems. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like assistance with your existing or new smoke control system.