If it is not required by code, but you still need to submit to someone for approval, you can pursue the alternative means and methods as an approach for acceptance. However, in the design documents it needs to be clearly defined what the exact purpose and function of the system will be.
We've had special systems requested by owner's loss prevention groups but since they did not comply with recognized Codes and Standards, they were not identified as a fire suppression or fire control systems and with that in mind they were also not constrained to meet any requirements within those codes or standards. Call it a tank cooling spray system or whatever you wish but due to the non-compliance to NFPA 15, don't call it anything that would give an impression that it's for anything other than your intended purpose. All parties involved need to understand the limitations and function and sign off on the concept. Also don't put any notes about installing per NFPA 15 or NFPA 13, as that can lead to confusion on the intent. Remember, all you're doing here is cooling, not suppression. Once you have ignition it's just a controlled burn from there on out. Craig L. Prahl, CET -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Todd - Work Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2014 10:22 AM To: [email protected] Subject: non required system I have been asked to look at a new installation of 2 propane tanks at a small distribution facility. The size of the tanks is such that they do not require any protection by Code. However, the local Fire Marshal would like a water spray system. The owner has agreed to install it. However, there is no public water supply at this facility and what the Fire Marshal would like is a system connected to an FDC several hundred feet away. This would not be acceptable per NFPA 15 which requires an automatic water supply. That being said, it does have merit in that it would allow the fire department to get water on a fire in a potentially volatile situation from a relatively safe distance. Any thoughts on the best way to proceed with this? I'm thinking get a variance from the State Fire Marshal and go ahead with it, but have some reservations about doing non conforming systems. Todd G Williams, PE Fire Protection Design/Consulting Stonington, CT www.fpdc.com 860-535-2080 (ofc) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
