Folks.....I need some opinions.... I have multiple buildings that fall into a Group R category and also qualify for the use of NFPA 13R. These buildings all have either trash or linen chutes. The IBC (2006) states the following....
707.13.6 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with Section 903.2.10.2. 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section. 903.2.7 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area. 903.2.10.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed at the top of rubbish and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms. Chutes extending through three or more floors shall have additional sprinkler heads installed within such chutes at alternate floors. Chute sprinklers shall be accessible for servicing. 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. WHERE ALLOWED in buildings of Group R, up to and including four stories in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R. NFPA 13R Section 6.8.5 Sprinklers shall not be required in attic....elevator machine rooms....elevator shafts......and other concealed spaces not intended for living purposes or storage and do not contain fuel fired equipment. With the sections noted above I am thinking that the blanket statement that IBC is trying to make is that sprinklers are required in any linen/trash chute whether the building has a fire sprinkler system or it doesn't. However, I am of the opinion that if I meet the qualifications for a building to use the NFPA 13R standard then 903.3.1.2 acts as an exception to the previous rules in the "where required" section. Anybody else see it this way? I am having a hard time accepting that I don't need sprinklers in an elevator pit or elevator machine room (ya know flammable hydraulic fluid?), but make sure you protect the discarded Sara Lee pie pans (that can't be used as heat collectors anymore) or Aunt Ethel's stinky socks. Is everybody lost but me again????? Best Regards and Happy Holidays, Ken Holsopple _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
