Ben,
While the research and testing done by FM Global does support their
approaches to protection methods, it has to be a complete package,
including their requirements for construction, seismic, sprinkler system
installation, finishes, and so forth.
A very wise man from FM Global told me a short time ago that they're
seeing more and more systems designed to follow the sprinkler discharge
and pressure requirements from their storage data sheet (8-9), while
completely ignoring the caveat at the beginning of that document which
references all the other data sheets. The words he used were that it
was a "total package" and it wasn't applicable if only one portion of it
were selected and followed while the others were ignored.
Just my experience.
PARSLEY CONSULTING
Ken Wagoner, SET
760.745.6181 voice
760.745.0537 fax
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>e-mail
www.ParsleyConsulting.com <http://www.ParsleyConsulting.com>website
On 2/23/2011 9:09 AM, Ben Young wrote:
They can follow it using adopted codes, though. NFPA 13, 2007 edition, 1.5
"Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems,
methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire
resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by
this standard. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority
having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method, or
device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having
jurisdiction."
Boom, submit the FM design regulations under the equivalency clause. I
think that most fire marshal's would be hard pressed to ignore or claim that
FM didn't do their due diligence and research on their methods.
This way you only have to submit one layout and satisfy the FM requirements,
and those of the AHJ.
Benjamin Young
On Wed, Feb 23, 2011 at 11:33 AM,<[email protected]> wrote:
When there is no code reference to a subject I agree that the AHJ's in most
cases will defer to a recognized industry standard. BUT, when they have a
CODE, adopted by their jurisdiction which gives a clear direction, good luck
swaying someone to go a different route. We all know how it works but a
local govt official, is in most cases going to stick to the book he's been
told to follow.
Craig L. Prahl, CET
Fire Protection
CH2MHILL
Lockwood Greene
1500 International Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491
Direct - 864.599.4102
Fax - 864.599.8439
CH2MHILL Extension 74102
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:
[email protected]] On Behalf Of Thom
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 10:51 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: System Area Size
Actually I think this could make a difference even before (or if) adoption
by NFPA.
Remember that "AHJ" includes insurance underwriters like FM, and often a
"Local" AHJ (Fire Marshal) will defer to FM, due to their vast experience.
This could especially be the case if the TC has recommended approval of
these larger areas.
Making it into the Standards and code, isn't the only way we apply design
information. For years if NFPA didn't cover some situation but FM did,
no-one worried about whether it was "Code" or "Adopted". We simply used the
best available information.
I wouldn't be surprised to see these larger design areas before 2013.
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
[email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8:36 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: System Area Size
While it's nice that FM has made these concessions, what difference does it
really make? Until the adopted Codes and Standards accept or make any
changes, we got what we got to work with.
Craig L. Prahl, CET
Fire Protection
CH2MHILL
Lockwood Greene
1500 International Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491
Direct - 864.599.4102
Fax - 864.599.8439
CH2MHILL Extension 74102
[email protected]
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