>From the NFPA 25 Handbook: "Paragraph 5.2.2.3 provides an exemption from the inspection requirements for pipe and fittings in concealed spaces on the basis of two factors: 1. It is extremely costly and impractical to inspect piping in these spaces. 2. The inaccessibility of such piping means it is less likely to be damaged or otherwise affected than piping in an open space.
When working in concealed spaces, however, it is a good idea to conduct an inspection of the pipe and fittings in the space." I'd be curious to see a quote for doing a visual inspection of all pipe and fittings above the ceilings in a 27 story office building. Also a couple of statements don't make sense: "...it means that as far as I'm concerned the most hazardous spaces are inspection free." "In this particular case, the water supply for the tower was completely out of action for 90 mins. The electrical supply was on. That means that the flooding water could have started a fire in any lower floor with catastrophic consequences." How are ceilings above an office space considered a "most hazardous space"? Secondly, who do you figure flooding water was going to start a catastrophic fire? Please don't say because the electricity was on... Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 CH2MHILL Extension 74102 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dan Arbel Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 6:31 AM To: [email protected] Subject: NFPA 25 - inspection above suspended ceiling Dear Forum members, I had a case of quick coupling failure in a 27 floors office tower. The bolt holding the 3" coupling endured prolong corrosion (looks like several years, that consumed 90% of the bolt section area. There was no water dripping, just egress of a very small amount of water from the joint that was enough to cause the failure, but not enough to be detected "as a spreading wet stain on the ceiling elements. It is possible to raise the ceiling element and observe the corrosion on the coupling, but the maintenance contactors do not actually observe the piping above the suspended ceiling. Referring to NFPA 25, Items 5.2.2.3: Pipe and fittings installed in concealed spaces such as above suspended ceilings shall not require inspection. A.5.2.2.3 Examples include some floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, areas under theater stages, pipe chases and other inaccessible areas. It is stated elsewhere in the standard and the responsibility of the owner is to afford accessibility. So, non-accessible areas cannot be inspected. However, if the interpretation of the standard calls for total exemption for inspection in areas above suspended spaces, it means that as far as I'm concerned the most hazardous spaces are inspection free. In this particular case, the water supply for the tower was completely out of action for 90 mins. The electrical supply was on. That means that the flooding water could have started a fire in any lower floor with catastrophic consequences. I would appreciate any response. Dan www.riskmanage.com M: +972 (052) 6611337 T: +972 (04) 8243337 F: +972 (04) 8243278 Mail: [email protected] _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
