The problem is that PODS are not mentioned in any sprinkler code or reference so there is a "hole of interpretation" that is very confusing and dangerous. The Insurance company was reportedly consulted and their response was basically the typical "whatever the local AHJ requires and as long as it meets code" variety pack. I have doubts about this, but the owner currently has insurance with this carrier in his existing warehouse and they did not give specific references for that one. We did the 1st warehouse as a revamp 3 years ago before we could get good info on PODS and the storage was only 16' versus 24' in the new one. The AHJ at the time allowed us to maximize the water supply without adding a pump to the existing building. We just removed and replaced all of the branchlines and used the existing cross mains.
The local AHJ now does not know what to do as his expertise is limited to black and white book knowledge and then he relies totally on the engineer who stamped the design criteria (req'd in Florida). Therefore we are on our own at this time and if I tip off the AHJ I will forever alienate the GC on this project and could possibly cost him the job since it is not under contract yet. I am going to write a letter outlining our position and give a take it or leave it ultimatum. Thanks for the advice, Greg Living Water Fire Protection, LLC 1160 McKenzie Road Cantonment, FL 32533 850-937-1850 Fax: 850-937-1852 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Richard Matsuda Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 12:52 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: owners information certificate here in Dallas we require the owner's certificate in the form of a letter from the owner stating his intended storage arrangements. I think it's our job as the AHJ to insure that the use of this or any existing building is within the design parameters of the sprinkler protection. We will not allow an existing light hazard building to be converted to high-piled storage use without upgrades. If after obtaining a CO, the owner decides to increase his storage or make changes in the previously stated arrangement, then the fire inspector will issue a notice requiring either (1) lower the storage to the stated height, or (2) redesign the sprinkler system for the new higher storage. The owner is generally given a 2-week period to respond or start some type of correction, either lower the storage or contracting for redesign. After this period without any compliance, the owner is given a citation. This can escalate further to requiring a fire watch at his expense or even closing his business. Normally it does not get to this stage as the owner makes the required corrections. Since the Owner's Certificate is part of our records and subject to public information, I wonder if the insurance carrier can deny any fire loss claims if they can show that the owner knowingly exceeded the sprinkler design. rick matsuda, city of dallas >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 03/20/07 10:03AM >>> Part A: What do we (as an industry) do when an owner completes the Owner's Information Certificate incorrectly to deliberately mislead an AHJ? Part B: What do we do when they technically tell the truth as in building a warehouse that has no storage above 12' initially but they have every intention (because they tell you so) to store PODS 24' high after they get a CO? _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
