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Insights Category: Technical Information

October Blog Series:  Fire Department Access

Learning from our best!  Code Red Consultants held an internal training session to review the requirements for Fire Department Access in accordance with 527 CMR 1.00.  The timely presentation was a nod to the upcoming 2021 Fire Prevention Week (October 3-9).  Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and serves as a reminder for the importance of fire safety in the places we live, work and play.

Code Red Consultants is fortunate to have full time staff members that wear a very important uniform outside of the office, giving their time and expertise back to the communities they call home.  Jeremy, Corey, Tyler and David are invaluable internal resources offering their perspective for the benefit of our clients and the safety of their projects, occupants and communities served.

In honor of these four guys, the local Fire Departments we collaborate with, and all the brave men and women that have chosen this profession, we will be celebrating Fire Prevention Week with a month-long blog series.  Check back each week as we cover four important areas of Fire Department access!

Click the links below to view the other Insights in the FD Access series:

Part 1 Roadway Dimensions

Part 2 Roadway Materials and Maintenance

Part 3 Proximity to Buildings

Part 4 Traffic Calming Devices

Throughout a construction project, the electrical foreman is responsible for the installation of listed firestopping assemblies for electrical items that may breach a fire-resistance rated barrier – a shaft, wall, or floor. Below are some tips for electrical foreman to be aware during construction projects.

Items that Penetrate Shaft Wall Assemblies

As discussed in our blog titled “Firestopping Sequencing Shaftwall Inspections”, items such as electrical metallic tubing (EMT), metal clad cables (MC), and similar that penetrate a shaft wall assembly typically require two rounds of visual and destructive inspections. Note that this only occurs when a firestopping assembly specifies that the penetrating item must be sealed at both layers. It is imperative that any firestopping at the shaft coreboard layer is installed and inspected prior to installation of the outer gypsum layer (which requires additional coordination with the drywall installer) to avoid opening of walls or rework.

Open Ended Conduits

Metallic or non-metallic electrical sleeves or open-ended conduit may penetrate a rated wall. Firestopping assemblies typically specify that after a wire or cable is run through the open end of the conduit or sleeve, the open end must be sealed to complete the installation. Due to the electrical sequencing on the project, the conduit or wire sleeve itself may be firestopped at the fire-resistance rated wall, however, wires and cables may not be run until later stages in the project. These incomplete installations can often be overlooked as the project nears completion. Additionally, firestopping inside the conduit or sleeve is often removed or damaged to run late-stage wiring, such as data cables or controls, and needs to be repaired.

Membrane Penetrations

A membrane penetration is a type of penetration where an item goes through only one side of a floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assembly, and is firestopped where it passes through the breach. If a membrane penetration were to pass through a fire-resistance rated assembly, it is required to be protected by a listed firestopping assembly just as a penetration through the full (both sides) fire-resistance rated substrate would. Typically, a different listed system is required for membrane penetrations than through-penetrations, even though the installation methodology is generally the same.

Electrical Box Firestopping

Membrane penetrations by electrical boxes may not require a firestopping assembly if they (1) have been tested for use in a fire resistance rated assembly and are installed per their listing or (2) they meet all of the following conditions (IBC 2015 714.3.2):

  • The electrical box area does not exceed 16 square inches;
  • The aggregate area of openings through membrane does not exceed 100 square inches in any 100 square feet of wall area; The annular space between the wall membrane and the box does not exceed 1/8”; and
  • If located on opposite sides of the wall, electrical boxes are separated by 24 inches in different stud cavities.

If these conditions are not satisfied, additional insulation, fireblocking, or listed firestop assemblies arranged per IBC Section 714.3.2 need to be added to achieve compliance with the code.

Potential products that may be permitted for use of firestopping electrical boxes, depending on the specific firestopping assembly used, include firestop putty pads, firestop box inserts, firestop cover plate gaskets and endothermic mats.

The electrical trades often have the greatest variety of firestopping installations on a project, and as such, bear the greatest burden in managing installations. Careful attention paid to the firestopping systems in use and how they are being constructed in the field can streamline the inspection process and reduce or eliminate rework and delayed timelines.

As defined in NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC), there are three types of emergency and standby power systems: emergency power, legally required standby power, and optional standby power.

  • Emergency power is required by codes for systems whose operations are essential for life safety.
  • Legally required standby power is required by codes for systems that are not categorized as requiring emergency power, but whose failure could create hazards or hamper rescue or firefighting operations.
  • Optional standby power is not required by code and provides backup where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system.

With these parameters, the need for emergency or standby power is determined and described in either a building code, fire code, and/or referenced standard. Specific requirements for emergency and standby power systems design will vary based on building occupancy type, facility use, critical function, and equipment served.

Emergency systems are defined by NFPA 70, Article 700 as: systems legally required and classed as emergency by municipal, state, federal, or other codes, or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the primary power supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for life safety. When primary power is lost, emergency power systems shall be able to supply secondary power within 10 seconds.

Legally required standby systems are defined by NFPA 70, Article 701 as: systems required and so classed as legally required standby by municipal, state, federal, or other codes or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply power to selected loads (other than those classed as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the primary power source. Legally required standby systems provide secondary power to aid in firefighting, rescue operations, control of health hazards, and similar operations. When primary power is lost, legally required standby power systems shall be able to supply secondary power within 60 seconds, instead of the 10 seconds or less required of emergency power systems.

Optional standby systems are defined by NFPA 70, Article 702 as: systems intended to protect public or private facilities or property where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system. Optional standby power systems are intended to supply secondary power to selected loads either automatically or manually.

The emergency and legally required standby power supply is the source of electric power of the required capacity to carry the connected loads. The supply system is defined as the Emergency Power Supply (EPS) and may include: Storage Batteries, Generator Sets, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), DC Microgrid Systems, Fuel Cells and/or Separate Utility Power Sources. NFPA 70, Articles 700 and 701 within the fine print notes (FPN) references NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. NFPA 110 further defines the requirements for the classification of the emergency power supply system (EPSS).  The EPSS refers to the secondary power system in its entirety. It includes the EPS, automatic transfer switches (ATS’s), and all control, supervisory, and support devices up to and including the load terminals of the transfer equipment needed for the system to operate as a safe and reliable source of secondary power.

NFPA 110 defines the Class, Type and Level of the EPSS. The Class is defined as the minimum time, in hours, for which the EPSS is designed to operate at its rated load and are designated as follows:  Class 0.083 (5min.), Class 0.25 (15min.), Class 2 (2hr), Class 6 (6hr), Class 48 (48hr), Class X (as required by the application, code, or user). The Type defines the maximum time, in seconds, that the EPSS will permit the load terminals of the transfer switch to be without acceptable electrical power and are designated as follows: Type U, (Uninterruptible), Type 10 (10 seconds), Type 60 (60 seconds), Type 120 (120 seconds) and Type M (Manual). The Level defines systems with a direct impact on life safety. The standard recognizes two levels of equipment installation, performance, and maintenance. Level 1 systems are installed where failure of the equipment to perform could result in loss of human life or serious injuries and correspond well with the requirements of NFPA 70, Article 700: Emergency Systems. Level 2 systems are installed where failure of the EPSS to perform is less critical to life safety and correspond well with the requirements of NFPA 70, Article 701: Legally Required Standby Systems.

NFPA 110 only defines systems with a direct impact on life safety. As such, the systems described in NFPA 70, Article 702 (Optional Standby Systems) do not fall under the purview of NFPA 110. NFPA 110 does not state which applications or equipment specifically qualify as Level 1 or Level 2. Provision of other NFPA Standards and Building Codes state the required Type, Class and Level of EPSS system and whether the systems fall under NFPA 70 Article 700 (Emergency Systems) or NFPA 70Article 701 (Legally Required Standby).

Examples of common secondary power systems required by the Building Code and their associated loads include the following:

Emergency / Type 10, Level 1, Systems include (but may not be limited to):

  • Means of egress illumination and exit signage.
  • Electrically powered fire pumps (where secondary power is required).
  • Elevator cab lighting.
  • Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
  • Automatic fire detection systems.
  • Fire alarm systems.

Legally Required / Type 60, Level 2, Systems include (but may not be limited to):

  • Ventilation for smokeproof enclosures.
  • Smoke control systems.
  • Elevators.
  • Jockey Pump (NFPA 101 for high-rise buildings).
  • Air Compressors serving Dry and Pre-Action Sprinkler systems (NFPA 101 for high-rise buildings).
  • Power and lighting for the fire command center.
  • Emergency responder radio coverage systems.

When specifying, reviewing or installing emergency power and standby power systems the requirements of NFPA 70, NFPA 110, other referenced NFPA Standards and the applicable Building Codes need to be taken into consideration to not only verify the proper equipment is connected to the proper secondary power system, but also that the EPSS is rated for the correct Class, Type and Level. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@crcfire.com.

As an increasing number of laboratory core and shell, fit out, and building conversion projects are hitting the market, a frequent point of confusion we hear about is what is the difference between a flammable permit and a flammable license and when are each needed?  The sections below have been designed to help identify the regulatory landscape on this important topic, as it is an often overlooked, but critical piece of laboratory permitting.

How are flammable and combustible liquids defined and regulated?

The storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids is regulated by law in accordance with 148 MGL Sections 9 & 13, Massachusetts General Laws as well as 527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Massachusetts Fire Safety Code describes provisions for flammable and combustible liquids based on their hazard classification, which can be found defined within NFPA 30: “Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code” follows[1]:

Flammable Liquids

  • Class IA:  Flash Point less than 73°F; Boiling Point less than 100°F
  • Class IB ‐ Flash Point less than 73°F; Boiling Point equal to or greater than 100°F
  • Class IC ‐ Flash Point equal to or greater than 73°F, but less than 100°F

Combustible Liquids

  • Class II ‐ Flash Point equal to or greater than 100°F, but less than 140°F
  • Class IIIA ‐ Flash Point equal to or greater than 140°F, but less than 200°F
  • Class IIIB ‐ Flash Point equal to or greater than 200°F

Using the classifications above, and based on the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids used within a building or tenant space, 527 CMR Table 1.12.8.50 outlines the quantity thresholds subject to permitting or licensing by the municipality.  Specific care should be taken to review any local city or town amendments with respect to the need for permitting and licensing.

Flammable license or permit?

In simple terms, a flammable permit is obtained by each building tenant and is enforced at a local municipality level. It is used to communicate to the fire department the maximum quantity that the tenant will have in their space at any point in time. A flammable license differs in that its held by the building owner and contains the maximum amount of flammable liquids in the entire building across all tenants.

Flammable Permits are applied for within and issued through the local Fire Department, whose processes for issuance vary by municipality but are commonly listed in detail within the Fire Department’s website. A typical Flammable Storage Permit application can include:

  • Completed Massachusetts Standard Permit Form FP-006, or specific Fire Department Permit form(s) for your municipality;
  • Description or list of Flammable and Combustible Liquids by classification to be stored within the facility or portion thereof;
  • Application processing fees

A key understanding for flammable licenses is that they are only required when certain thresholds contained in 527 CMR Table 1.12.8.50 are exceeded.  The flammable license application and approval is a much more robust process that is performed through the municipality’s Clerk, Selectman, or governing authority and involves approvals by the fire department and local licensing authority after a public hearing. The flammable license is a single grant that is held by the landlord or building owner and is attached to the property parcel and as such, only a single Flammable License can be active for the property. Similarly, specifics on what is included within the flammable license application varies by municipality, but a typical Flammable Storage License application can include:

  • Completed Massachusetts Standard Permit Form FP-002, or specific Municipality Licensing application form(s);
  • Certified Civil Site or Plot plan with markup detailing the locations of the storage, building exits, fire department access, cross streets and public ways, and direct abutters to the property;
  • Description or list of Flammable and Combustible Liquids by classification to be stored within the facility or portion thereof;
  • Copies of active flammable and combustible permits within the building
  • Application processing fees, public hearing fees, publication fees

If you have any questions or would like assistance with securing a flammable storage permit or license, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@crcfire.com

 

[1] Flash points determined in accordance with closed-cup test methods.

 

 

With the demand for laboratory space continuing to grow, new core and shell laboratory projects are coming up daily, whether it’s a new high-rise building in downtown Boston or the repositioning of an existing building in the suburbs. While these types of projects range vastly in size and complexity, there is one feature that is common to the design of nearly all core and shell lab buildings: chemical storage rooms. As the overall chemical storage and use strategy is one of the primary components of a laboratory building, the design of the chemical storage rooms will play an important role in determining the overall portion of the life science market that a space may appeal to.

How should a chemical storage room be designed?

While this question may be the same for every project, the answer can vary drastically from one project to another. The need to provide certain features as part of the base building design depends on several factors, including the types of tenants, number of tenants, and the desired functionality of the room. Ultimately these factors will need to be reviewed in the context of the overall building chemical storage and use strategy to find a balance between the level of flexibility provided for tenants and the impact on the core and shell design.

What types of features need to be considered?

There are several protections features that should be considered as part of the design of a chemical storage room. These features will directly impact the functionality and future flexibility of the room, and thus the types of tenants that a space may appeal to. Key features include:

  • Fire-rated separation. The fire-resistance rating for a chemical storage room will impact the quantity of chemicals that can be stored in the space. While it is common for chemical storage rooms to be designed as control areas as part of the base building design, it is important to consider whether there is a desire to provide flexibility for future conversion to a High-Hazard Group H occupancy, which would necessitate a greater fire-resistance rating.
  • HVAC design. The types of chemicals and operations within a chemical storage room may necessitate a specialty HVAC system to protect the hazards present. For example, a room designed for storage of flammable and combustible liquids will not require as robust an HVAC design as one where dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids will occur due to the presence of flammable vapors under normal operating conditions. At the time of core and shell construction, it can be difficult and costly to speculatively provide a system that is flexible enough to handle the wide array of chemical and operational hazards tenants may require. Often landlords elect to allocate shaft space to allow such systems to be provided at the time of tenant fit out once a known hazard can be identified.
  • Secondary containment. The need for secondary containment is based on the sizes of chemical containers that will be present within chemical storage room. The sizes of containers that can be accommodated within a room will affect tenant operating procedures (for example, waste collection procedures). If there is a desire to accommodate larger containers, consideration should be given to providing secondary containment as part of the base building design.
  • Fire protection. The required sprinkler design criteria for a chemical storage room depends on the types of chemicals and the storage arrangement within the room. The fire code references specialty standards in addition to the base NFPA 13 sprinkler design requirements to address specific hazards. Further, insurance carriers may have suppression design standards for chemical hazards. A basis of design for the sprinkler system should be established as early as the time of core and shell design with these additional requirements in mind to ensure the water supply and sprinkler supply piping are appropriately sized for a more robust sprinkler design to accommodate a greater variety of chemical types and storage arrangements.
  • Electrical area classification. The presence of certain types of chemicals and operations (for example, dispensing of flammable liquids) could necessitate explosion proof or intrinsically safe electrical equipment within the chemical storage room. Consideration should be given to providing electrically classified equipment as part of the base building design to provide flexibility for the types of chemicals and operations that can be present within the room.

If you have any questions or would like assistance with determining the best approach for the design of your chemical storage room, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@crcfire.com

How are the quantities of generator fuel oil storage regulated by the building code?

The most common emergency generator fuel source we see utilized on projects is diesel, which is classified as a Class II combustible liquid, in accordance with International Building Code (IBC) hazardous materials classifications. The storage or use of Class II combustible liquids within a building is regulated either as part of a control area, or as a High-Hazard Group H occupancy if control area maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) limits are exceeded. One exception to this is fuel oil storage. Specifically, IBC Table 307.1(1) footnote i exempts fuel oil storage complying with Section 603.3.2 of the International Fire Code (IFC) from control area MAQ limits. There are two major thresholds to consider when determining if IFC Section 603.3.2 can be satisfied:

  1. The aggregate capacity of all tanks is not permitted to exceed 660 gallons, or 3,000 gallons if in protected above-ground tanks (integral secondary containment, thermally insulated, listed per ANSI/UL 2085) complying with IFC Section 5704.2.9.7.
  2. Tanks in basements must not be located more than two stories below grade plane.

If both above criteria cannot be satisfied and assuming the fuel storage quantity exceeds control area MAQ limits, a High-Hazard Group H occupancy would be required. This does however come at a cost with potential upgrades to room fire resistance ratings, ventilation, and emergency alarms to name a few.

Irrespective of whether a High-Hazard Group H occupancy is triggered, it is important to note that compliance with NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, is required. The criteria within this standard would apply in addition to the requirements previously outlined above with examples such as increased room fire resistance ratings, specialty ventilation, and spill containment.

If you have any questions or would like assistance on the generator fuel oil storage approach for your project, please do not hesitate to contact us info@crcfire.com.

Fire pumps are an essential component of many water-based fire protection systems. They are used in instances where a building’s demand pressure exceeds the pressure that can be provided by the water supply. They are common in high rise buildings, as well as buildings with large sprinkler demand (high hazard storage, for example). Fire pumps can only be used to increase the available pressure, not the available flow. If there is inadequate flow, a fire pump alone will not be an effective solution – a water storage tank will also be required, often requiring a fire pump as well.

Just as a car needs to get its oil changed or tires rotated, a fire pump also requires preventative maintenance and care. The requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire pumps can be found within Chapter 8 of NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. A summary of the ITM requirements can be found in Table 8.1.1.2 of NFPA 25, 2014 Edition. One of the tests that is required is the annual flow condition test, which is to be performed by a qualified sprinkler service contractor. NFPA 25 describes the different testing methods that can be utilized for this test.

Three separate scenarios occur during the annual flow test:

  • No-flow (Churn): This represents the pump at minimum flow which should not exceed 140% of the rated pressure
  • 100% rated flow: This represents the pump’s rated flow at its rated pressure
  • 150% rated flow: This represents a pump’s flow at 65% of the rated pressure

These flows are achieved by discharging specific amounts of water through the fire pump test header using approved testing devices that measure the flow and pressure coming from each test port. Once the desired flows are reached, the results are recorded, and they are then graphically represented on what is known as a pump performance curve, which is typically found on a Test Report. Below is a basic example of pump test results.

The Fire Pump Rating can be found on the fire pump’s name/data plate, the Test Results are the results recorded by the service contractor, and the Theoretical Results are what is expected based on the original manufacturer’s specifications. When added to a graph, they typically look as shown below in Figure 1, with the blue line being the Test Results and the green line being the Theoretical Results.

Figure 1: Fire Pump Performance Curve – Performing as Expected

A new fire pump is required to perform in accordance with NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. The curve provided by the manufacturer is the preferred basis of comparison when determining of a pump is performing as it should. NFPA 25 § 8.3.7.3 and § 8.3.7.4 outline what is considered acceptable when it comes to the fire pump performance test. It states that if a pump yields results less than 95% of the pump’s rated pressure and flow, than an investigation must be conducted as to why the pump is yielding a degraded performance. The example above shows that the pump is within the 95% rated performance meaning the pump test results are acceptable and no further investigation is needed.

The curves in Figure 1 closely resemble one another which is also a good indication that the pump is performing as it should, but the values should still be fully analyzed. If there is an issue with the pump’s performance, the curves will typically look different from one another as shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Fire Pump Performance Curve – Under Performing

As seen above the test data results deviate more than 5% from the rated performance, and further investigation is needed. During this investigation is when issues with the pump components are typically discovered. The longer an issue is left unaddressed, the more costly the effect could be. An underperforming pump does not necessarily mean a complete replacement is needed, as there are numerous causes for poor performance test results.

The results of the test should be interpreted by qualified personnel who can properly analyze each aspect of the report. In many cases, a thorough analysis of a pump and its performance data can find a relatively inexpensive solution help resolve performance issues. Remember, fire pumps are an important part of the life safety system in a building, so proper performance is key.

If you have questions on fire pump testing, or need assistance with reviewing fire pump test results, please contact us at info@crcfire.com or 617-500-7633.

Did you know?

Hazardous materials are contained in two types of systems: closed and open systems. Establishing whether materials are in storage, open use, or closed systems is key to applying the Maximum Allowable Quantity tables. The building code establishes different maximum allowable quantities for hazardous materials in storage, open use, and closed use. Definitions for open and closed systems are below:

The storage of hazardous materials is defined as the keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.

A closed system is defined the use of a solid or liquid hazardous material involving a closed vessel or system that remains closed during normal operations where vapors emitted by the product are not liberated outside of the vessel or system and the product is not exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations; and all uses of compressed gases. Example of a closed system includes product conveyed through a piping system into a closed vessel, system or piece of equipment.

An open system is defined as the use of a solid or liquid hazardous material involving a vessel or system that is continuously open to the atmosphere during normal operations and where vapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations. Example of open systems includes dispensing from or into open beakers or containers.

When hazardous materials are expected to be used or stored within a new or existing building, each hazardous material should be classified under the International Building Code and International Fire Code (IBC/IFC) classifications in order to apply pertinent code provisions and evaluate against maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) limits. MAQ limits per control area are presented in tables 307.1(1) and (2) of the building code which are based on the various classification definitions found in Chapter 2.

Although there are several other classification schemes in the industry (including NFPA, DOT, GHS) which can make interpreting a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) confusing, IBC/IFC classifications are important for building design, construction, and operation. For example, a category 3 flammable liquid under GHS is classified as having a flash point between 73°F to 140°F while the IBC (which aligns with NFPA 30) classifies both Class IC and II liquids within the same range:

Listed below are definitions and classifications for some of the more commonly used materials, divided into sections for Physical Hazards and Health Hazards:

 

Please note that these definitions are paraphrased from the International Building Code definitions. For the full definitions of each hazardous material classification please refer to Chapter 2 of the building code.

Physical Hazards

Combustible Liquid: A liquid having a closed cup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C). Combustible liquids shall be subdivided as follows:

Class II: Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).
Class IIIA: Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C).
Class IIIB: Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).

Flammable Liquid: A liquid having a closed cup flash point below (100°F) (38°C). Flammable liquids are further subcategorized as Class I liquids:

Class IA: Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).
Class IB: Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point at or above 100°F (38°C).
Class IC: Liquids having a flash point at or above 73°F (23°C) and below 100°F (38°C).

Cryogenic Fluid (flammable or oxidizing): A liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).

Explosive: Chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. Term includes any material determined to be within scope of USC Title 18: Chapter 40 and also includes any material classified as an explosive other than consumer fireworks, 1.4G by the hazardous materials regulations of DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100-185.

Flammable Liquified-Gas: A liquefied compressed gas which under a charged pressure, is partially liquid at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) and which is flammable.

Inert Gas: A gas that is capable of reacting with other materials only under abnormal conditions such as high temperatures, pressures and similar extrinsic physical forces. Within the context of the code, inert gases do not exhibit either physical or health hazard properties as defined (other than acting as a simple asphyxiant) or hazard properties other than those of a compressed gas. Examples of common inert gases include argon, helium, krypton, neon, nitrogen, and xenon.

Oxidizing Gas: A gas that can support and accelerate combustion of other materials more than air does.

Organic Peroxide: An organic compound that contains the bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration), or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over time.

Oxidizer: A material that yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials and, if heated or contaminated, can result in vigorous self-sustained decomposition.

Pyrophoric: A chemical with an auto-ignition temperature in air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C).

Unstable Reactive: A material (aside from an explosive) which in the pure state or as commercially produced, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or become self-reactive and undergo other violent chemical changes, including explosion, when exposed to heat, friction or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor, or in the presence of contaminants or in contact with incompatible materials. Unstable reactive are further subdivided into classes (Class 1 through Class 4).

Water Reactive: A material that explodes; violently reacts; produces flammable, toxic or other hazardous gases; or evolves enough heat to cause autoignition or ignition of combustible upon exposure to water or moisture. Water-reactive materials are subdivided into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.

Health Hazard

Corrosive: Chemical that causes destruction of or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact for an exposure period of 4 hours.

Toxic: Chemical falling within any of the following below:

  1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
  2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.
  3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million, but not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than 2 milligrams per liter but not more than 20 milligrams per list of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

Highly Toxic: A material which produces a lethal dose or lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories:

  1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
  2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.
  3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

Please contact us at info@crcfire.com if we can be of assistance on your next Science and Technology project or general use and storage of hazardous materials.

During construction or fire protection impairments, the need to supply standpipes and sprinklers does not simply go away because of the impairment or because the building is under construction. The question of fire protection water supply is often dismissed with “the fire department will just pump into the system.” While this may be the case in many circumstances, it is not always possible.

The volume of water and pressures that the local fire department can provide during an incident depend on several key factors:

  • How much water is required
  • Where the water needs to be pumped
  • Capacity of the fire apparatus
  • Proximity and adequacy of the water supply (e.g. hydrants, municipal supply)

In order to determine whether the fire department can supply the required fire protection water during an event, first an understanding of how much water is required is necessary.  For the majority of buildings with sprinkler and standpipe systems, the standpipe demand will drive the overall fire protection water supply needs.  As such, this discussion will focus on standpipe system demands, but it is important to note that in cases where the sprinkler system (or other fire protection system) demand exceeds the flow or pressure requirements of the standpipe system, then similar considerations would need to be evaluated for those systems.  That said, the number of standpipes has a direct impact on the volume of water required.  A single standpipe requires 500 gpm, two require 750 gpm, and three or more standpipes require 1,000 gpm.  Current code requires these flows be provided at 100 psi minimum residual pressure at the hose connection outlet.

The next question is where does the water need to go? If the building in question is only three stories tall with two standpipes (750 gpm), it is likely that the local fire department can supply the standpipes with few problems. The difficulties begin as the building’s height increases. The taller the building, the greater pressure is required to overcome gravity’s influence on the water. An additional 0.433 pounds per square inch (psi) is needed for every foot of elevation. A building that is 150 feet tall requires 65 psi just to lift the water to the top, not including the friction loss through the piping or pressure required at the outlet. The presence of pressure restricting valves (PRVs) will only increase the required pressure at the Fire Department Connection (FDC), given the additional pressure loss attributed to the PRVs.

Once the in-building demands are defined, the capacity of the local fire apparatus needs to be understood. Most engines in New England are equipped with single-stage pumps ranging from 1,000 gpm to 1,500 gpm (although two-stage pumps or pumps with ratings over 2,000 gpm are not unheard of). In our area, engines in Boston and Cambridge predominantly have single-stage, 1,250 gpm pumps, with a few notable exceptions. This capacity is measured at 150 psi discharge pressure, “at draft.” This means the pump can pull from a static water supply, like a river, pond, or tank, and add 150 psi to the 1,250 gpm as it passes through. It also means that it can have a residual pressure of 0 from a fire hydrant, and still add 150 psi (though most fire departments will maintain at least a 20 psi residual pressure when working from a hydrant).

If the pressure is increased beyond 150 psi, the pump’s volume capacity begins to drop. At 200 psi, the pump will only flow 70% of its rated capacity (875 gpm for our example 1,250 pump). At 250 psi, it will only flow 50% (625 gpm). This is the pressure added to what is being supplied to the truck, so if the connected fire hydrant has a residual pressure of 100 psi at 625 gpm, the pump will provide 350 psi (100 psi + 250 psi) at 625 gpm at the pump outlet. That said, above 250 psi, many engines will start to see relief valves operate to protect the truck’s piping systems and hose lines. There is a practical maximum pressure that is available, and it is dependent upon how each individual engine was specified and built. Whether these flows and pressures are adequate will depend on the determined in-building demand.

The last factor discussed here is the proximity and adequacy of the water supply that will be connected to the engine. How far away are the fire hydrants, and can they supply the quantities and pressures that are needed? We often see “good” hydrants in large downtown areas – hydrants that can supply 1,200 gpm or 1,400 gpm with a 70 psi residual pressure, but can the hydrant nearest the FDC supply the quantities of water that are needed? Or is it at the end of a 6-inch main in a low-pressure part of the water distribution system? A hydrant that can provide 1,000 gpm but with only 20 psi residual can be problematic for systems that require high pressures.

If the hydrants are more than 100 feet away, the fire department will have to extend the hose lines to reach the FDC, which will lower the pressure available at the FDC. What size hose does the fire department use to connect to hydrants? A 25-foot length of 6-inch hose will provide far more volume – and have less friction loss – than a 100-foot length of 4-inch hose or two 3-inch hoses.

The answers to these and similar questions will impact whether “the fire department will just pump into the system,” and be capable of providing adequate water supply during an incident. Discussions with the local fire department, and an understanding of how their fire engines operate, is crucial to providing adequate fire protection during construction or impairments. A proactive and thoughtful approach can go a long way to mitigating the potential fire protection problems that could otherwise result during an incident response.

If you have questions on standpipes, impairment planning, or construction fire safety, please reach out to info@crcfire.com for additional information.

 

 

Providing appropriate means of egress can be a difficult challenge as site mobilization starts and the construction project is in its infancy.  All new buildings under construction over one-story in height are required to be provided with at least one stairway in a usable condition at all times that meets the requirements of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (NFPA 241 7.5.6). This stair is required to be lit and provided with appropriate stair identification signage as required to provide safe egress. This stair signage minimally shall include floor number, stair number, and direction of travel for safe egress. In addition, all means of egress features must be provided in accordance with Section 4.6.10 of NFPA 101, which requires doors, stairs, etc. be provided and arranged in a manner in which NFPA 101 can be reasonably applied.

Commonly, it is necessary due to coordination or scheduling issues that installation of the permanent stairs may be delayed, and alternative means of escape must be provided. This compliance is achieved by providing at least one, temporary, code compliant scaffold stair, and a second means of escape via a ladder, alternating tread device, etc. Where temporary, scaffold stairs are utilized, they are required to be 36” or greater in width, with maximum 7” risers and minimum 11” tread depths. Guards/handrails are provided for fall protection with a top and mid rail. Temporary stairs may be erected exterior to the building, or within a future mechanical shaft within the building not yet being utilized. As the permanent stair installation is completed, the temporary stairs can then be removed as they are no longer required for safe egress.

If you have any questions about how your project can provide appropriate, safe egress for the duration of construction, please reach out to info@crcfire.com for additional information.