We are mixing apples and oranges. The below focused on protecting the
building while avoiding excessive loss of records. Recent tests that
led to changes in 13 identified that even presenting a heavier fuel
load, a light hazard classification was acceptable because it took so
long to generate enough heat to activate the sprinkler (50 minutes or
so was a common outcome). This does not minimize loss of records but
provides adequate protection for the building.
Roland
On Jan 20, 2011, at 12:18 PM, Jim Davidson wrote:
Rolling Aisle File Storage presents a severe fire load for the
sprinkler system to suppress. There were studies conducted by:
1. Fire Protection Study, Mobile Compact Shelving Fire Tests,
“Archives II”, Gage-Babcock & Associates, Dated June 1990.
2. Full Scale Fire Tests of Sprinklered Mobile Shelving Units for
National Library of Canada, Gage-Babcock & Associates, Dated May 1992.
3. Full-Scale Fire Tests and the Development of Design Criteria for
Sprinkler Protection of Mobile Shelving Units, G.D. Lougheed, J.R.
Mawhinney, and J. O’Neill, Fire Technology, First Quarter 1994,
Volume 30, Number 1, pp.’s. 98 - 133.
Fire testing involving archival records stored in mobile compact
shelving indicated that sprinklers were not able to prevent
extensive damage to records. An analysis of those fire tests
indicated that standard 212F temperature rated sprinklers did not
operate until the fire was well underway, particularly in the lower
levels of the units. Once the sprinklers operated, the water spray
could not effectively reach and control the fire. The close
proximity of the rows of stack units combined with typical unit
depth prevented the water discharge from the overhead sprinklers
from wetting the records and containers stored in the units, and to
effectively control and extinguish the fire.
Additional fire testing for the General Services Administration
(GSA) entitled “Archives II” has verified that quick-response
(QR) sprinklers along with enhancements in the operation and
construction features in the stack units greatly limited the fire
damage to archival records as compared to previous methods of fire
protection. The concept included a modification of the controls for
electric motor-driven unit, whereby in the early stages of a fire
following activation of a smoke detector, the rows automatically
shift to a uniform 4 to 5 inches spacing between each adjacent row
in a stack area. The verification fire tests indicated that with QR
sprinklers effective fire control was achieved with damage primarily
limited to two rows exposed to the incipient fire.
The first concept is not necessarily limited to electric motor-
driven stack systems. This concept can be applied to mechanical
assist systems when based on having at all times a minimum 6-inch
space between the mechanical shelving units. This will necessitate
the removal of one, or more as required, moving shelf storage unit
on each side of the fixed center shelf unit and the installation of
a “bumper” to maintain a minimum 6-inch space between the
shelving units at all times.
It was clear from the results of Archives II, Test No. 2 that close
proximity of the adjacent rows of stacks presented the same problems
for effective fire control as in the Factory Mutual (FM) tests
conducted on 1978 on Rolling Aisle Storage Arrangements. The
benefit of the QR sprinkler over the standard sprinklers was evident
in that the fire did not “jump” or spread across the access aisle
before or after sprinkler activation. In the previous FM tests, the
fire spread across the access aisle before the first standard
sprinkler actuated.
Since the sprinkler spray did not reach the fire burning below in
the lower levels of the stack units, simply increasing the water
flow rate from the sprinklers would not likely result in better
extinguishment.
The sprinkler system used in the Archives II test was designed to
provide a water flow rate of 30 gpm/sprinkler. This resulted in an
average system design density of 0.30 gpm/ft2. It is important to
recognize that use of the Archives II recommendations necessitates
verification that the existing sprinkler system can deliver the
design densities used in the tests of vertical stacks.
The hydraulic calculations should be based on a design density of
0.30 gpm over the hydraulically remote 3,000-sq. ft. using QR
sprinkler heads.
In addition to the sprinkler system modifications the storage
shelving arrangement will need to be modified as follows:
1. One or more of the rolling shelving unit(s) will need to be
removed on either side of the center non-moveable shelving section.
This applies to all of the shelving units arrays.
2. Provide a mechanical means to maintain at all times a minimum 6-
inch space between each shelving unit.
3. The compartment containing the rolling aisle storage shall be cut
off from the remainder of the facility with two hour fire rated
barrier (ceiling, floor and walls), with openings protected by 1½
hour, Class B, fire rated protective devices..
This is not just a sprinkler contractor solution.
Hope this helps.
Have a fire safe day!
Jim Davidson
Davidson Associates
Fire Protection • Medical Gas • Code Consulting
302-994-9500 Fax:302-234-1781
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]
] On Behalf Of Matthew J. Willis
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 2:46 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Rolling medical file storage
I am surprised it is not a deluge....
If they were put in since last inspection, Yes code violation. (4.1.6)
If built that way, No. (1.1.2)
R/
Matt
Matthew J. Willis, CET
Automatic Fire Sprinklers
Norred Fire Systems L.L.C.
318-387-1134 Voice
318-816-1087 Mobile
318-387-1163 Facsimile
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:sprinklerforum-
[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gregg Key
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 1:27 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Rolling medical file storage
It has been a while since I have been on and I think this has been
discussed
before but cant find it in the archives so here I go.
Doing a NFPA 25 inspection and find a medical storage room with
rolling
files that are within 8" of the sprinklers. Sprinklers spaced
12x12. This
system has 8 rolling files and only room for 1 to be open at a
time so no
way to get adequate coverage. Was told it was installed like this
from
beginning and was accepted. What sayest the Sprinkler forumites?
code
violation or not? How would you address it? BTW this is at a State
facility.
Thanks
C.Gregg Key, SET
Key Fire Protection Services,Inc
Project Manager
(O) 706-790-3473
(C) 706-220-8821
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