D) All of the above

John Drucker


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Johnson, Duane (NIH/OD/ORS) [C]
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 9:33 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: occupancy classification vs occupancy hazard

I don't know what is worse, a sprinkler technician assigning
classification of occupancies playing the EOR role, an architect
assigning classification of occupancies playing the EOR role, or an
underqualified EOR assigning classification of occupancies playing the
EOR role. 

Duane Johnson, PE
Program Manager
Division of the Fire Marshal (Contractor) Office of Research Services
National Institutes of Health
301-496-0487

"Protecting Science - One Sprinkler at a Time"


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 8:44 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: occupancy classification vs occupancy hazard

Understanding the hazards present is probably one of our biggest
challenges.   One of the biggest errors I deal with is incorrectly
classified occupancies.    People will look at the examples and NFPA 13
and really not expend a whole lot of time really asking pertinent
questions regarding the use of areas.  Case in point was a fabrication
plant, HUGE machine shop producing HUGE machine parts (parts that were
in the 20-60 ton range).  60 ft tall building with warehousing.  The
architects start their code analysis first, ask some questions and then
assign the Building Code occupancy category.  Fire protection then
determines requirements based on their analysis.  Unfortunately in this
scenario FP got called in way late in the game.   Architects asked what
was being stored in the warehouse, owner states steel tubing.  OK, no
problem, non-combustible stuff, it's an S-2.  Owner's happy, NO
SPRINKLERS!  

Only problem was there was almost 60 tons of combustible crating and
foam packing around these "steel tubes".  So out the window with an S-2.
Now FP has to break the news that this WILL be a sprinklered building. 

You've got to ask questions, very specific questions.  Sadly I've found
few designers and engineers who are capable or willing to play detective
to the extent of being able to provide a substantiated occupancy
classification for unusual occupancies.  Don't assume anything, ask
questions, lots of questions.  The list of hazards in NFPA is only the
tip of the iceberg.  In the industrial world, the list is probably 25
years or more out of date.  Every day a new industry emerges that isn't
anywhere on any list.  You have to do your research and your homework.
The last thing you want to see is your design project on the six-o-clock
news.




Craig Prahl   



-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Brad Casterline
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2014 7:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: occupancy classification vs occupancy hazard

BTW, there are (4) reasons why I posted this:
1) it is in the Body of 13
2) it comes with a Shall Not
3) it feels like it has 'over-all importance'
4) i am NICET certified, so I should thoroughly understand what I am
responsible for applying

> On Mar 7, 2014, at 6:24 PM, Brad Casterline <[email protected]>
wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> On Mar 7, 2014, at 6:08 PM, Brad Casterline <[email protected]>
wrote:
>> 
>> NFPA 13, 5.1.2 (i'm looking at 2007):
>> "Occupancy classifications shall not be intended to be a general
classification of occupancy hazards".
>> 
>> I have finally said "well, uh, ok" to 5.1.1, but am still saying
"huh?" to 5.1.2.
>> 
>> This is not a pressing issue, I am not trying to cause a stir, and I
wish I had a real world hands on type something to share.
>> 
>> Happy Friday,
>> Brad
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