This has been a good discussion. Determining the required protection of storages is not an easy task. When you throw in the various hazards of an auto parts store, it raises the ante even higher. However, the approach to solving the "problem" is no different than any other. The starting point is good collection of information- identifying the planned storage configurations and commodities. Too often (IMHO) we tend to jump right into NFPA13. We need to spend the necessary time in the referring documents (IBC, IFC, IMC, etc.) We only get to apply the referenced codes/standards "to the prescribed extent of each such reference" (IFC 102.8). Is it high piled storage? Look at Chpt 23 for definitions and then proceed narrow it to rack or shelf. Identify the commodities- Figure 2303.7.4 will help define the commodity if it is limited quantities of Group A. As a FPE and having been the AHJ, I'm less concerned with whether the final answer "seemed" correct, and more interested in how you arrived at the answer- following the bouncing ball, as it were. The EOR has a responsibility to provide the details and supporting analysis arriving to their conclusion. The AHJ has the responsibility to review it for compliance to the applicable code. If they find holes, they need to clearly identify what was missing, or what sections were improperly used. Policing the storage configuration (height, aisles, commodities, etc.) is a real world issue. The 2009 edition helped with storage height by allowing the AHJ to require a visual indicator (IFC 2305.6). The design is based on the "planned" storage arrangement. The permit is issued based on that planned storage arrangement. The Certificate of Occupancy is based on the actual conditions being within the limits of the approved plans. If the conditions change, then a correction notice is issued, just like any other occupancy. Good documentation in the plan review files, and the occupancy/storage permit will go a long ways.
Travis ------------------------------------------------ Travis E. Allen, P.E. AEGIS Engineering, PLLC (425) 745-4700 office (206) 801-5797 fax www.AEGISengineering.com Fire Protection - Building Code Consult - Design - Engineer _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
