Tanks for the replies. Section 603 is a dead end. NFPA #31 just requires rigid noncombustible supports. The main issue is that the AHJ is classifying the fuel tank as fuel storage and then applying 3404.2.7.7 Design of supports rather than turning the page and finding 3404.2.9.1.3 Fire Protection of Supports.
I find it difficult to understand the view point of the AHJ. I really do try to understand so that I may better anticipate their concerns and clarify those concerns before they become a plan review issue. I will try to summarize the AHJ's concerns about the tank. AHJ Summarized: Concerned about a fire in the pump room that weakens the S40 pipe legs supporting the tank, causing the fuel tank to kneel down and there by loose the gravity feed to the fire pump. My comment: I don't think it should be a concern because the only fuel for a fire in the room is in the tank and if the fuel is on the floor burning there wouldn't be any fuel to the drive the engine anyway. Also the overhead sprinklers should take care of a fire until the FD responds and the pump room is of rated construction to help prevent the fire from spreading to the warehouse. AHJ: We can't control what may be stored in the pump room. My comment: The permitted plans label the room as "pump room" not "pump/storage room." We can't base or work on what if's, if we did every storage building would be hung from a fusible link above a pond. Enough rambling. Thanks to all for your replies. Ron Fletcher Aero Automatic Phoenix, AZ -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Eric Shelton Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 5:02 AM To: Eric Shelton; [email protected] Subject: RE: Diesel pump fuel tank protection - IFC 3404.2.7.7 If I hadn't hit "send" before I meant to I would have also pointed out that NFPA 30 has a similar statement excepting tanks connected to oil-burning equipment, and an appendix note to the "applicability" paragraph points you to NFPA 31, in which I don't see any requirement for a sprinkler under an inside storage tank. -----Original Message----- From: Eric Shelton Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:54 AM To: '[email protected]' Subject: RE: Diesel pump fuel tank protection - IFC 3404.2.7.7 IFC 3401.2, item 3 states that Chapter 34 does not apply to storage and use of fuel oil in tanks connected to oil-burning equipment, and that such storage and use shall be in accordance with Section 603. Section 603 doesn't really say much except to design such storage in accordance with applicable codes and regulations. Does that get you out of it? Eric Shelton Hankins and Anderson, Inc. _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
