In our State of South Carolina where we have not modified the text of 2015 IFC 903.1.1, it has two requirements, the first part that is often overlooked is that it must be recognized by the applicable standard, not just approved by the fire code official:
903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted instead of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official. 2013 NFPA 13 Section 22.14.2.3 is an example of where such a sprinkler trade-off is recognized by an applicable sprinkler standard: [cid:image003.png@01D57E99.71DCF5E0] Respectfully, David Blackwell David Blackwell, P.E. Chief Engineer (803)896-9833 Office of State Fire Marshal 141 Monticello Trail | Columbia, SC 29203 http://statefire.llr.sc.gov/ (803)896-9800 "Our firefighting starts with plan review..." From: Sprinklerforum <sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org> On Behalf Of Nick Maneen via Sprinklerforum Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 11:49 AM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org Cc: Nick Maneen <nman...@sentryfp.com>; 'Dane Long' <da...@bamfordfire.com> Subject: RE: Securing Institutional Heads *** SCDLLR NOTICE *** * This email is from an external email address. Please use caution when deciding whether to open any attachments or when clicking links. * Personally Identifiable Information (PII) should not be included in e-mail text or attachments. Do not save or transmit PII unencrypted. It varies from state to state with the adoption of different forms of the ICC Fire Code. Here in NC, 903.1.1 allows for alternate fire extinguishing systems when approved by the fire code official. Nick Maneen, SET c 704.791.7789 From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org] On Behalf Of Dane Long via Sprinklerforum Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2019 11:39 AM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org<mailto:sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org> Cc: Dane Long Subject: RE: Securing Institutional Heads Does anyone know of any codes that help omit sprinklers from bank vaults? Thanks, [cid:image005.png@01D57E99.71DCF5E0] [cid:image006.png@01D57E99.71DCF5E0] Dane Long, CET Design Technician | Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc. P: 785.825.7710 F: 785.825.0667 A: 1383 W. North Street Salina, KS 67401 From: Sprinklerforum <sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org<mailto:sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org>> On Behalf Of Larrimer, Peter A via Sprinklerforum Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 8:20 AM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org<mailto:sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org> Cc: Larrimer, Peter A <peter.a.larri...@va.gov<mailto:peter.a.larri...@va.gov>> Subject: RE: Securing Institutional Heads Phil, Are you using the institutional heads in a prison facility with "thick" ceilings such that the details in the typical sprinkler cut sheet would work, or in a medical psychiatric institution such that the ceilings are "thin" constructed of sheet rock or similar. We have had issues where the cut sheet details with the retaining flange don't work for psyche areas due to the thin ceiling construction. You have to come up with other options and we haven't had any manufacturer really help us with details. We've had to work that out on an individual basis. Most of the time when we specify institutional sprinklers, the installation is not done in accordance with the manufacturers cut sheet because the cut sheet details are limited and don't fit the construction type of our facilities. Thus, most of the institutional sprinklers can be pulled away from the ceiling allowing someone to hang from the escutcheon. Unless someone is really looking at the installation closely, they sprinklers are installed just like any other type. Unfortunately, we only find out about a bad installation after an incident. We have had suicides from hanging and are not really worried about the razor blades as suggested in another post. If you come up with some good suggestions that would help prevent someone from establishing an anchor point for hanging, I would appreciate hearing about them. We have considered using a "spacer" above the ceiling to use the retainer flange as one option. (We considered a pvc pipe cut in half with a retaining flange for an existing installation in one case after an incident.) Another suggestion, when the flange doesn't work, is to ensure that hangers are located directly above the sprinkler so that there is minimal deflection if someone tries to pull down the sprinkler away from the ceiling. Pipe clamps have been suggested as well, but overall, we haven't come up with anything that works for all cases. Look forward to hearing about some good ideas. Thanks Pete Larrimer VHA From: Sprinklerforum <sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org<mailto:sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org>> On Behalf Of Kerschner, Philip via Sprinklerforum Sent: Tuesday, October 8, 2019 3:35 PM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org<mailto:sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org> Cc: Kerschner, Philip <pkersch...@ballinger.com<mailto:pkersch...@ballinger.com>> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Securing Institutional Heads Certain institutional heads come with a retaining flange for installation above the ceiling to prevent the heads from being pulled away from the ceiling. For instance, one sprinkler manufacturer has a FAQ that includes: The retaining flange is provided as a way of securing the branch line piping, in the form of a nipple or arm-over, to prevent pipe movement initiated by the room occupant. If the retaining flange cannot be used due to larger piping or over-sized wall sleeves, alternative devices approved by the installing contractor or design engineer may be used to secure the piping from movement. Has anybody used 'alternate devices' to prevent tampering from inside of the room. I was considering placing a hanger on each side of the riser nipple but curious to hear what others may have done. Thanks, | PHIL KERSCHNER, PE FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY B A L L I N G E R 215 446 0380
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