Greetings list, I'd like to just offer yet another opinion on the thread going on regarding the SC Sofa Store fire and a question earlier on what do / can local authorities do when / if they find a building with an over taxed or under designed system in it.
Presumably if you are performing inspections you have some legal 'teeth' to deal with truly imminent dangers such as a building that has evolved into 30 foot rack storage of plastics from what once was a brick packaging plant. It would vary from place to place just how the Certificate of Occupancy or similar document actually works or if it would even apply to a tenancy change in an existing structure. So I'm going to leave that aveneue of attack alone and focus on something else .... What document or standard do you use to apply periodic testing and maintenance of the sprinkler system ? Unless you have some extra comprehensive local ordinance I would think you'd be using a model code which likely contains a reference to NFPA 25. Speaking from NJ - thats how it works here and will continue to work with the upcoming transition into newer editions of the ICC codes. How does the group feel about NFPA 25-2002 Section 4.1.5 which states (paraphrased) Owners and occupants shall not make changes to use, occupancy, processes, storage or usage of materials without an evaluation of the sprinkler systems. It then goes on in 4.1.5.1 to identify certain common issues specifically found in past losses to be contributing causes like office space to warehouse space, Process changes to include plastics, and building renovations. If that doesnt seem to fit your problem close enough go one step further and look at 4.1.6 which basically says you dont change hazards, water supply, commodity, storage arrangement, or building modification without engineering analysis. The code then goes on to mandate compliance with the corrective actions indicated by the evaulating professional. It has been my experience and success to use these sections of the referenced standard to get some of these types of problems corrected, usually with more efficiency than pursuing CO's and such. Once a building is built the construction inspectors may never got back in 50 years if there are no permits applied for to do work. The tenancy, and the related hazards, may change monthly and the only chance for identifying and correcting these conditions would rest with the local fire authority who is performing the annual or periodic inspections. The codes have given us a very big tool in our toolbox .... we just have to know when to apply it for the benefit of all involved. Thanks for the vent time - Dave An AHJ in New Jersey _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
