An Introduction To Fire in Buildings

PDHonline Course G258W (2 PDH)
An Introduction to Fire Protection

Engineering for Buildings (Live Webinar)
Instructor: J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI
2012
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This seminar will introduce you to fire

protection engineering fundamentals related
AN INTRODUCTION TO to building materials and design, water supply
for fire protection, fire extinguishing systems,
FIRE PROTECTION fire alarm systems, special occupancies and

hazards, and storage of flammable and
hazardous materials. You will be introduced
ENGINEERING to the basics of using occupancy hazard
classification for determining sprinkler
densities and hose streams, and procedures
IN BUILDINGS for determining fire flow demand for
unsprinklered facilities.
1
© J. Paul Guyer 2009 © J. Paul Guyer 2009 2
The presenter….
Topics to be covered….
J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A.
I. The five fundamental elements of fire protection engineering….
Paul Guyer is a registered fire protection
engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, A. Building materials and design
and architect with over 35 years experience in B. Water supply for fire protection
the design of buildings and related C. Fire extinguishing systems
infrastructure. For an additional 9 yyears he D. Fire alarm systems
y
was a senior-level advisor to the California E. Special occupancies and hazards
Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay
issues, including those involving fire and life 2. We will also look at….
safety. He is a graduate of Stanford
University and has held numerous national, F. Occupancy hazard classification system
state and local positions with the American G. Codes and other professional resources
Society of Civil Engineers, Architectural H. An Afterword: The NFPA/ICC Issue
Engineering Institute and National Society of
Professional Engineers.
© J. Paul Guyer 2009 3 © J. Paul Guyer 2009 4
A. Building Materials and Design
B. Water Supply
1. Basic criteria
2. Fire areas
1. Demand for sprinklered facilities
3. Height limitations
2. Demand for unsprinklered facilities
4. Interior fire spread
3. Pressure requirements
5 Egress
5.
4
4. R
Required
i d quantities
titi and
d on-site
it storage
t
6. Interior finishes
5. Fire pumps
7. Insulation
6. Distribution systems
8. Roof coverings
9. Roof and fire department access
10. Air handling
11. Plastic pipe and conduit
12. Fire retardant wood products
PDHonline Webinar G258W © J. Paul Guyer, RA, PE Page 1
C. Fire Extinguishing Systems
D. Fire Alarm Systems
1. Automatic sprinkler systems
2. Foam ((AFFF)) systems
y 1. Detection systems
3. Standpipes 2. Reporting systems
4. Dry chemical systems 3. Evacuation systems
5. Carbon dioxide systems
6. Halon 1301 and “clean agent” systems
7. Portable extinguishers
E. Special Occupancies and Hazards Topics to be covered….
1. In general F. Occupancy hazard classification system

2. Food preparation
3. Medical facilities
4
4. D
Detention
t ti ffacilities
iliti
5. Electronics and telecommunications facilities
6. High Rise Buildings
G. Codes and other professional resources Topics to be covered….
H A
H. An Aft
Afterword:
d Th
The NFPA/ICC Issue
I
Some points to keep in mind….

• Managing fire department reviews requires a special level
• Fire protection engineering is almost completely code-and- of diplomacy and care. Absent the fire department approval,
regulation driven. With the exception of the hydraulic principles of your project will never get built. As fire departments have
fluid flow in sprinkler system pipes, there is little in the field that is developed over the years, the individuals who review
theoretical in nature. This means that in order to find out what you drawings for new construction are almost always individuals
need to do in a g given situation yyou will almost alwaysy need to refer who began their careers as fire fighters
fighters. Rarely is a
to a code or regulation. professional engineer the reviewer at the fire department.
Occasionally a fire department reviewer may feel a bit
• Fire safety is a highly regulated enterprise. This means that your defensive when dealing with a professional engineer during
building designs will be meticulously reviewed by the regulatory the review process. The only way to manage this type of
authorities. In the case of a typical commercial building design situation is to take special care to clearly explain your design
project, this means the local building department and the fire in terms as non-technical as possible, deferentially accept
department. the fact that the fire department reviewer controls the fate of
your project, and just plain be diplomatic.
The first step in fire protection design….
The Design Analysis

A fire protection Design Analysis is required for all designs and must
•Keep in mind that this course is only an address the fire protection requirements of the project as required by
introductory overview of fire protection applicable codes and regulations. Where applicable, discuss the
engineering As noted above
engineering. above, in practice you minimum fire p protection p
provisions ((include required
q vs. p
provided))
must always be guided by the codes and indicated in Figure 1:
regulations applicable to your project in your
local jurisdiction. References to specific codes
and regulations in this course are for illustration
only.
Figure 1
Typical Design Analysis Contents Now we will look at….
Building code analysis (i.e., type of construction, height and area
limitations, and building separation or exposure protection) A.Building Materials and Design
Classification of occupancy
Compliance with applicable codes and regulations
1. Basic criteria
Requirements for fire-rated walls, fire-rated doors, fire dampers with
their fire-resistive ratings, smoke compartmentation, smoke barriers 2. Fire areas
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code application 3. Height limitations
Analysis
y of automatic sprinkler
p systems
y and suppression
pp systems
y and 4. Interior fire spread
protected areas, including hydraulic analysis of required water 5. Egress
demand 6. Interior finishes
Water supplies, water distribution, location of fire hydrants 7. Insulation
Smoke control methods and smoke control systems 8. Roof coverings
Fire alarm system, type and location of equipment
9. Roof and fire department access
Fire detection system and location of detectors
Standpipe systems and fire extinguishers 10. Air handling
Interior finish ratings 11. Plastic pipe and conduit
Alarm reporting system
Identification of occupancy and hazard areas
Fire department access
Building Materials and Design….

Basic Criteria
Basic Criteria
Conform building construction to fire resistance requirements,
allowable floor areas, building height limitations, and building
• Type of Construction. Follow the requirements of the IBC to
separation distance requirements of the International Building Code
determine the permitted types of construction, except where approved by
(IBC). These include:
local authority Type V (wood) roofs may be constructed on buildings of
Type I or II construction provided that they are separated from all other
• Egress and Safety to Life. Comply with National Fire Protection
areas of the building by horizontal 2-hour
2 hour concrete or masonry fire
Association (NFPA) 101 for building construction related to egress
resistive construction. Such roofs will not require sprinkler protection but
and safety to life. For conflicts between the IBC and NFPA 101
will require draft stops to divide the spaces into areas not exceeding 3000
related to fire resistance rating, consider favoring NFPA 101.
SF, with self-closing and latching access doors of similar construction in
the draft stop where there is no other means of access to the area.
• Partitions. IBC fire resistance requirements for permanent
partitions do not apply to non-bearing partitions. For fire resistance
• Separation Between Buildings. Use the IBC to determine required
ratings of non-bearing partitions comply with NFPA 101. Occupancy
separation distances between buildings.
separation must comply with the “Required Separation of
Occupancies” table in the IBC.
Limiting Interior Fire Spread
• Partition Construction. Conform to IBC and applicable local codes

Building Materials and Design…. and regulations.
Fire Areas • Door Openings: Door openings, in fire resistive construction, must be
protected in accordance with NFPA 80, Fire Doors and Fire Windows. Fire
Conform to the IBC. door assemblies are required on each side of the door opening in 4-hour fire
walls when openings are fitted with 3-hour rolling or sliding fire doors. Use
H i ht Li
Height Limitations
it ti fi doors
fire d listed
li t d b
by U
Underwriters
d it L
Laboratories
b t i IInc. (UL)(UL), FM
FM, or a nationally
ti ll
recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). Do not modify approved fire doors in
Conform to the IBC. the field. Local fabrication of fire doors is not permitted.
• Penetrations: The protection of ducts at point of passage through

firewalls must be in accordance with NFPA 90A, Installation of Air-
Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and/or NFPA 90B, Installation of
Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems. All other penetrations,
such as piping, conduit, and wiring, through firewalls must be protected with
a material or system of the same hourly rating that is listed by UL, FM, or a
nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).

Interior Finish
Means of Egress
• Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish: Wall and ceiling finishes and
• Requirements: Comply with the requirements of NFPA 101. movable partitions must conform to the requirements of NFPA 101 for
interior finishes. Drop-out ceilings are not permitted.
• Means of Egress Marking: Mark means of egress in
accordance with NFPA 101. Signs must have lettering on an • Insulation Requirements: Use thermal and acoustical insulation with
opaque background
background. Internally illuminated signs must be light a flame spread (FS) rating not higher than 75
75, and a smoke developed
emitting diode (LED) type, electroluminescence (LEC), or cold (SD) rating not higher than 150 when tested in accordance with ASTM
cathode type. Incandescent fixtures are not permitted except E84 (NFPA 255), Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning
existing fixtures, which may remain in use. Radioluminous exit Characteristics of Building Materials. Test cellular plastic insulation in the
signs are not permitted. Photoluminescent exit signs and egress same densities and thicknesses as the material that will be used in
path marking is permitted only where provided with a reliable construction applications. For certain types of insulation exceptions apply.
external illumination (charging) source providing a minimum
illumination of 54 lux (5 foot-candles) of unfiltered fluorescent
light.

Roof and Fire Department Access
Roof Coverings and Roof Deck Assemblies
• Roof Access. All enclosed exit stairs that extend to the top floor in any
• Roof Coverings: Use roof coverings approved and listed by a building three or more stories in height must have, at the highest point of the
nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). The UL Roofing stair tower, an approved hatch opening to the roof with an appropriate ladder
Materials and Systems Directory lists three Classes (A, B, and C) of that conforms to 29 CFR 1910.27, Fixed Ladders. The hatch must be not less
acceptable roof coverings based on compliance with UL 790, Tests than 16 ft2 in area, with a minimum dimension of 2 ft. At least one stairway
for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials and NFPA 256
256, Fire must terminate at a standard door opening leading onto the roof surface,
Tests of Roof Coverings. Restrict Class C roof coverings to housing unless the roof has a slope greater than 4 in 12.
and buildings under 8,000 SF and that are not mission essential.
• Fire Department (Emergency Vehicle) Access. All buildings greater than
• Roof Deck Assemblies: Roof deck assemblies must be FM 5,000 sq ft, or more than two stories in height must have at least one means of
Class 1 approved or UL listed as Fire Classified or equal listing or all-weather ground access to allow emergency vehicles unimpeded access to
classification by an NRTL, with the exceptions of: (a) fully the building. All-weather ground access must be paved, start from the road,
sprinklered buildings and (b) buildings less than 8,000 SF. and terminate no farther than 33 ft from the building.
• Access to Residential Facilities. Residential facilities must be provided

with all-weather ground access to 3 sides, with a minimum of 2 sides having
access to sleeping rooms.

Roof and Fire Department Access
Air Handling
• Vehicle Access. All protection equipment, such as bollards or gates,
must not require more than one person to remove or open. Access may • Design Requirements. Air handling, heating, ventilation and
require fire apparatus to drive over a curb. Any locking device controlling exhaust systems must comply with the requirements of NFPA 90A.
vehicle access must be under control of the fire department or 24-hour
security personnel located at the specific facility. Dimensions of fire lanes • Corridors. Egress corridors must not be used as a portion of a
and turnarounds must comply with NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code. supply,
y return, or exhaust air system
y serving
g adjoining
j g areas. Air
transfer opening(s) must not be permitted in walls or in doors
• Aerial Apparatus Access. New facilities four stories or more in height separating egress corridors from adjoining areas. Exception: Toilet
and all new warehouses must be provided with suitable all-weather ground rooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, sink closets, and similar
access surface for aerial apparatus on a minimum of two sides of the auxiliary spaces may have air transfer openings, unless prohibited
perimeter of the structure. by NFPA 101, such as in residential occupancies.
• Fire Department Connection. Facilities with fire department connections

for sprinkler or standpipe systems must be provided with suitable all-weather
ground access surface for pumper apparatus within 150 ft of such fire
department connections.
Air Handling Building Materials and Design….
• Plenums. Plenums may be used as an integral part of an air handling system Plastic Pipe and Conduit
only if they conform to the requirements of NFPA 90A. Under no circumstances
may combustible materials be located within the plenum space. Electrical wiring Penetrations by plastic pipe or conduit through fire-rated walls, partitions, shafts,
passing through the space, including telephone and communication wiring, must and floors must be fire-stopped by an approved or listed method in accordance
be plenum rated or must be in metal conduit. Rooms or areas that form a plenum with ASTM E814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration
space
p or that are used as a p
plenum must not be occupied
p for any
y purpose
p p except
p Fire Stops or UL 1479
1479, Fire Tests of Through-Penetration
Through Penetration Firestops
Firestops. Plastic pipe
during repairs or maintenance operations to the air handling equipment. and conduit must not be installed in exit stair enclosures, or in air plenum spaces
unless specifically listed for that application.
• Smoke and Heat Vents. Smoke and heat vents may be considered in
buildings where a high rate of heat release is anticipated during a fire. In
buildings without automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat vents must be arranged to
operate automatically in accordance with NFPA 204, Smoke and Heat Venting. In
buildings with automatic sprinkler protection, smoke and heat vents must be
arranged to operate in the manual mode only. Skylights are the preferred method
of providing manual smoke and heat vents.
Now we will look at….

Water Supply….
B.Water Supply Demand for Sprinklered Facilities
1. Demand for sprinklered facilities • Factors Influencing the Water Demand for Sprinklers. The water
2. Demand for unsprinklered facilities demand required for sprinkler protection depends upon occupancy,
3. Pressure requirements discharge density, design area, and type of sprinkler system (wet or
4. Required quantities and on-site storage dry), type of construction, and other building features.
5. Fire pumps
6. Distribution systems
Water Supply….
Demand for Sprinklered Facilities

Water Supply….
Water Demand for Sprinklers. The water demand required for Demand for Sprinklered Facilities
sprinklers must be determined from Figure 2. (Figure 2 is, as always,
for illustration purposes only. Applicable codes and regulations must be • Hose Stream. The hose stream demand for sprinklered
used.) occupancies must be determined from Figure 2.
Design Densities. Design densities indicated in Figure 2 are minimum • Total Water Demand. The total water demand for sprinklered
densities,, and each sprinkler
p in the design
g area must discharge
g at least occupancies is equal to the sum of the domestic/industrial demand
the flow rate required to produce the stipulated density. plus the sprinkler system(s) water demand and the hose stream(s)
demand. The total demand must be available at the sprinkler system
Design Areas. Design areas shown in Figure 2 are the hydraulically connection to the underground main, and at the pressure necessary
most remote areas. Hose streams are needed concurrently with to produce the required sprinkler density over the required
sprinkler discharge in order to effect final extinguishment or to wet down hydraulically most remote area of sprinkler operation.
adjacent structures.
Water Supply….
Demand for Sprinklered Facilities

Water Supply….
FIGURE 2
SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND WATER SUPPLY DESIGN REQUIREMENTS Demand for Unsprinklered Facilities
FOR SPRINKLERED FACILITIES
Water demands for buildings and facilities that are not fully
sprinklered are based on fire department hose stream requirements.
Occupancy Sprinkler System Hose Stream Duration of
Classification Allowance, GPM Supply, minutes The following factors affect the water demand and duration and must
Design Density, Design Area, SF be considered to determine the specific demand and duration within a
GPM/SF
given range.
g g
Light Hazard 0.01 3000 250 60
Ordinary Hazard, 0.15 3000 500 60 • Occupancy classification

Group 1 • Response time by fire department
• Type of construction
Ordinary Hazard, 0.20 3000 500 90 • Number of stories
Group 2 • Separation distances
• Building floor area
Extra Hazard, 0.30 3000 750 120
Group 1 • Firefighting access
Extra Hazard, 0.40 3000 750 120

Group 2
Water Supply….
Water Supply….
Demand for Unsprinklered Facilities
• Building floor area
A recognized procedure determining demand uses weighted factors 7500 SF or less - 1
as follows: 7501 to 15000 SF - 2
15001 to 25000 SF - 3
• Response time by fire department 25001 to 40000 SF - 4
Less than 2 miles - 2 Greater than 40000 SF - 5
More than 2 miles - 3
• Type of construction • Separation distances
Type I (IBC) 1 More than 60 feet - 1
Type II 2 21 to 59 feet - 2
Type III 3 Less than 20 feet - 4
Type IV 2
Type V 5 • Maximum hose layout (first 3 stories)
• Number of stories 180 feet or less - 1
Single 1 181 to 230 feet - 2
Two or more 2 More than 230 feet - 4
Demand is then determined from Figure 3.
Water Supply….
Figure 3 Water Supply….

Water Demand for Unsprinklered Facilities
Occupancy Fire Flows, GPM @ 20 PSI residual Duration, Minutes Petroleum/Oil/Lubricant (POL) Storage
Hazard pressure
Classification Weighted Values Weighted Values Areas where POL materials are stored require special
consideration Figure 4 shows required fire flow rates for
consideration.
6-10 11-15 >16 6-10 11-15 >16
above ground atmospheric POL tanks. Figure 5 shows
Light 750 1125 1500 60 90 120 required fire flow rates for above ground pressurized POL
Ordinary 1000 1500 2000 90 120 150 tanks.
Group 1
Ordinary 1500 2250 3000 90 120 150
Group 2
Extra 2500 3750 5000 150 195 240
Water Supply….
Water Supply….
Petroleum/Oil/Lubricant (POL) Storage
Petroleum/Oil/Lubricant (POL) Storage
Figure 5
Figure 4 Pressurized POL Tank Cooling Water
Atmospheric POL Tank Cooling Water
Tank Group Size Fire Flow Rate,
GPM
Tank Diameter, Inches Fire Flow Rate, GPM
Single tank less than 30,000 gallons capacity 250
0 – 64 500
Single tank more than 30,000 gallons capacity 500
65 – 119 750
2 to 6 tanks, one or more tanks greater than 30,000 gallons capacity 500
120 -154 1000
2 to 6 tanks, each greater than 30,000 gallons capacity 1000
155 – 199 1250
7 or more tanks, each tank less than 30,000 gallons capacity 1000
200 or greater 1500
7 or more tanks, one or more tanks greater than 30,000 gallons 1500
Minimum duration: 240 minutes capacity
Minimum duration: 240 minutes
Water Supply….
Quantities of Water Required
Water Supply…. Requirements for fire protection water storage are based on the assumption that there will
be only one fire at a time. The quantity of water required is equal to the product of the fire
protection water demand and the required duration. This quantity represents fire
Water Supply Pressure Requirements
protection requirements only, and must be available at all times. Water supply for
domestic, industrial, and other demands must be added to these requirements to
Pressure required for sprinklered facilities must be the most demanding
determine the total amount of water that is necessary at a facility.
pressure of the domestic/industrial demand, sprinkler demand, or hose
stream demand and must be determined by hydraulic calculations.
• Total Storage Capacity. The total supply stored for fire protection purposes must be
sufficient to meet the maximum required fire flow demand for the durations specified in
applicable codes and regulations.
• Reduction in Storage Capacity. In computing the fire protection storage

requirement, a reduction in storage capacity is acceptable if an adequate replenishment
source is available. Factors that must be evaluated include the reliability of the makeup
facility, its sustained flow capacity, its method of operation (automatic or manual), and flow
limitations imposed by the capacity of treatment operations.
• Replenishment of Storage. The water storage must be self-replenishing. It must

reach required volume during normal consumption within 48 hours, and within 24 hours
curtailing normal consumption.
Water Supply….
Water for Fire Protection Water Supply….
One or more of the following reliable means shall provide water to an installation for On-Site Storage
fire protection:
Where on-site storage is part of a sole-source water supply, or is
• Multiple connections to looped or gridded public water distribution system(s) needed to provide the required fire flow, the storage facilities must
arranged so that during any single-point failure, at least 50% of the maximum required be divided into two or more approximately equal capacity tanks or
fire flow demand plus 100% of domestic demand can still be supplied to the activity / reservoir sections, arranged so that at least one-half of the water
facility. supply will always be available during tank or reservoir
maintenance The discharge or suction line(s) from each individual
maintenance.
• A single connection to a public water distribution system, plus on-site storage that tank or reservoir section shall be sized to deliver the maximum
is adequate to supply domestic demand for 24 hours plus the maximum required fire required fire flow.
flow demand in the event the connection to the public system is lost.
• One or more on-site sources, such as wells or open bodies of water, with treated
water storage capacity adequate to supply domestic demand for 24 hours plus the
maximum required fire flow demand.
• For a small, non-essential activity, a single connection to a looped or gridded

public water distribution system, capable of providing concurrent domestic and fire
flow demands to the facility, is acceptable.
Water Supply….
Water Distribution Systems Water Supply….
• Distribution Mains. The distribution system must be sized to Water Distribution Systems
accommodate fire flows plus domestic and industrial or flushing
demands that cannot be restricted during fires. Distribution must be • Hydrants. Fire hydrants must be UL listed, FM approved, or listed or classified
looped to provide at least 50 percent of the required fire flow in case of by an NRTL and must have two 65 mm (2-1/2-inch) hose outlets and one 115m (4-
a single break. Dead-end mains must be avoided. Distribution 1/2-inch) suction connection with national standard fire hose threads in accordance
systems must be designed in accordance with American Water Works with NFPA 24 and NFPA 1963, Fire Hose Connections. Wet-barrel or California-type
Association Manual M31 Distribution System Requirements for Fire hydrants are preferable in areas where there is no danger of freezing. Dry barrel or
Protection, NFPA 24, Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and traffic-type hydrants must be used in areas where there is a danger of freezing.
Their Appurtenances. H d t mustt b
Hydrants be aboveground
b d ttype.
.
• Valves. Control valves must be provided in each source of water • Hydrants Installation. Hydrants must be installed adjacent to paved areas,
supply, such as tanks and pumps. Control valves must be either post- accessible to fire department apparatus. Hydrants must not be closer than 3 ft nor
indicating or outside-stem-and-yoke types. A sufficient number of farther than 7 ft from the roadway shoulder or curb line. Hydrants must be installed
sectional valves must be provided so that not more than a combined with not less than 6-inch connection to the supply main, and valved at the
total of five hydrants and sprinkler systems, or not more than three connection. Barrels must be long enough to permit at least 18-inch clearance
sprinkler systems must be out of service due to a single break. between the center of the 4-1/2-inch suction connection and grade. The ground
Sectional valves may be key-operated type. New valves must open by must be graded so that any surface drainage is away from the hydrant. Installation
counter-clockwise rotation of the stem. must be in accordance with NFPA 24, except as modified by this UFC. Suction
connection should be perpendicular to the street to allow straight lined connection to
the pumper.
Fire Extinguishing Systems….
Automatic Sprinkler Systems

• Characteristics. Properly engineered and installed automatic sprinkler
C.Fire Extinguishing Systems systems are designed to detect the presence of fire, activate both local and
remote (fire department) alarms, and distribute water in sufficient quantity to
1. Automatic sprinkler systems either control or extinguish the fire.
2. Foam (AFFF) systems
3. Standpipes
pp • Design Requirements. Sprinkler systems must use equipment and
d i
devices listed
li t d b
by a nationally
ti ll recognized
i d ttesting
ti llaboratory
b t (NRTL)
(NRTL).
4. Dry chemical systems
5. Carbon dioxide systems • Sprinkler Density and Hose Stream Requirements. Building and
6. Halon 1301 and clean agent systems structures requiring sprinkler protection must be provided with sprinkler
7. Portable extinguishers systems that are designed using the Area/Density Method of NFPA 13.
• Quick Response Automatic Sprinklers. The use of quick response

automatic sprinklers (QRAS) is limited to wet pipe systems.

• Hydraulic Calculations. New sprinkler systems protecting areas of Automatic Sprinkler Systems
1,500 ft² and greater must be designed using hydraulic calculations. Use of
pipe schedule designs is discouraged for any sprinkler system. Calculations • Interconnection of Risers. For facilities four (4) stories and
must follow the format of NFPA 13. Pipe friction losses and equivalent taller, there must be a combination sprinkler/standpipe riser in at
lengths of pipe for fittings and valves must be in accordance with NFPA 13
13.
least two stairwells that are interconnected on each floor. Each
• Sprinkler Coverage. In buildings protected by automatic sprinklers, floor control valve assembly for the sprinkler connection must
sprinklers must provide coverage throughout 100 percent of the building include a check valve. See Figure 6. The sprinkler system must
except as permitted by NFPA 13. This includes, but is not limited to, be hydraulically calculated using the most hydraulically
telephone rooms, electrical equipment rooms, boiler rooms, switchgear demanding riser. The calculations must not assume the use of
rooms, transformer rooms, and other electrical and mechanical spaces. both risers simultaneously.
Coverage per sprinkler must be in accordance with NFPA 13.

Water Spray Systems
Figure 6
Floor Connection to Riser Design requirements for water spray systems must conform to NFPA 15, Water
Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.
Foam Systems (Aqueous Foam Film Forming – AFFF)
Foam installations must be in accordance with NFPA 11, Low-, Medium-, and High-
Expansion Foam, and NFPA 16, Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-
Water Spray Systems. For additional information, the NFPA Fire Protection
Handbook and FM Global Data Sheets contain data and information concerning
installation and arrangement of foam systems for various types of flammable and
combustible liquids hazards.
Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems
Fixed dry chemical extinguishing systems are appropriate for the protection of
certain types of special occupancies, hazards, and facilities such as dip tanks, and
other operations involving flammable liquids. Dry chemical extinguishing systems
must conform to NFPA 17, Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems. Dry chemical
agents should not be used to protect sensitive electronics. Dry chemical
extinguishing systems are no longer UL listed or FM approved for the protection of
cooking equipment.

Carbon Dioxide Systems
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide (CO2) systems are normally effective against flammable liquid
(Class B) and electrical (Class C) fires. New total flooding systems are not Portable fire extinguishers must be provided where required by NFPA 101, Life
authorized in normally occupied areas. Carbon dioxide systems must conform to Safety Code. Portable fire extinguishers must be located and installed in
NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems. Carbon dioxide systems must accordance with NFPA 10, Portable Fire Extinguishers.
conform to NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
Halon 1301 Systems
Fixed wet chemical systems are suitable for protection of certain types of special
Gas extinguishing systems are highly desirable in facilities containing high
high-value
value
occupancies, hazards, and facilities, such as cooking surfaces, cooking exhaust
electronic equipment because the gases do not damage the equipment. A major
systems, and dip tanks. Wet chemical systems must conform to NFPA 17A, Wet
challenge with gas extinguishing systems, however, in facilities where people are
Chemical Extinguishing Systems.
present is that they rely on depleting the oxygen supply in order to smother the fire.
Halon 1301 was a proprietary chemical system that effectively addressed this issue
because, coupled with an annunciation (alarm) system, provided a safe environment
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
that allowed time for personnel to evacuate the fire zone. Regrettably, Halon 1301
was a fluorocarbon, and its use is now banned on environmental grounds. Thus, Clean agent fire extinguishing systems are suitable for protection of certain types
installation of new Halon 1301 systems is now prohibited. The only current of special occupancies, hazards, and facilities. Clean agent fire extinguishing
replacement technology for this type of facility is carbon dioxide, which is much systems are not a substitute for required automatic sprinkler systems. Clean
riskier for people who are present. Most if not all Halon 1301 systems have now agent fire extinguishing systems must conform to NFPA 2001, Clean Agent Fire
been de-commissioned. Extinguishing Systems.
Water Mist Fire Protection Systems Now we will look at….
Water mist fire protection systems are suitable for protection of certain
types of special occupancies, hazards, and facilities. Water mist fire D. Fire Alarm Systems
protection systems are not a substitute for required automatic sprinkler
systems. Water mist fire protection systems must conform to NFPA
1. Detection Systems
750, Water Mist Fire Protection Systems.
2. Reporting Systems
3 E
3. Evacuation
ti Systems
S t
Fire Alarm Systems….

Detection Systems
Detection Systems
• Detection systems, especially smoke detection systems, require
significant maintenance. It is critical that the required detectors are
• Fire detection systems must conform to the applicable provisions of
properly installed and maintained. Providing detectors in locations
NFPA72, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Detection
that are not required increases the already high maintenance costs
systems must be arranged to alert building occupants and to transmit
of alarm systems and strains the maintenance program for critical
a signal to a constantly attended location. Fire detection systems
detection systems.
y If a facilityy warrants p
protection and criteria does
mustt be
b independent,
i d d t stand-alone
t d l systems
t that
th t are nott an integral
i t l
not require detection, protection should be accomplished by a wet
part of a security system, or other building management, energy/utility
pipe sprinkler system. Wet pipe sprinklers provide superior
management systems. Fire detection systems may be connected to
protection with little maintenance.
security systems or building management, energy/utility management
systems for monitoring purposes only, but must in no way rely on any
• The area of protection for smoke detection devices permitted by
components of those other systems for operation.
NFPA 72 must be reduced by 50 percent where ceiling fans are used
(i.e., this may require additional smoke detectors for that area being
protected).
Evacuation Systems
Fire Alarm Systems…. Fire alarm evacuation systems must be provided in the following locations:
Reporting Systems • Buildings required by NFPA 101.
Fire alarm reporting systems are reporting systems that connect the • Buildings requiring automatic detection or suppression systems.
building fire alarm control panel(s) to the fire department. Required
systems are to be digital, telephonic, radio, or supervised conductor These systems consist primarily of initiating devices and notification appliances.
types. Consider compatibility of extensions of fire reporting systems Manual pull stations must be provided where fire alarm evacuation systems are
with existing equipment. Alarm reporting systems must conform to required Automatic alarm initiating devices such as detectors and water flow
required.
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 70, National Electric Code. alarms must be connected to these systems when provided. Fire alarm systems
must be connected to a central alarm location, fire department, or alarm
monitoring location. Building fire alarm evacuation systems must be installed in
accordance with NFPA 72. Fire alarm systems must be independent, stand-alone
systems that are not an integral part of a security, an energy monitoring and
control system (EMCS), or other system, except that a fire alarm system may be
combined with a building mass notification system or with a combination building
mass notification and public address system. Fire alarm systems may be
connected to security systems or an EMCS for monitoring purposes only, but
must in no way rely on any components of those other systems for operation.
Wireless interior fire alarms are not permitted.

Special Occupancies and Hazards….
E. Special Occupancies and Hazards
In General
1. In general There are many, many special occupancies and hazards,

2. Food preparation areas each of which is typically regulated by a special code or
sections of a code. Following are just a few for illustration
3. Medical facilities purposes.
4. Detention facilities
5. Electronics and telecommunications facilities
6. High rise buildings
Food Preparation Areas

• Hood and duct systems for commercial cooking equipment that
produces smoke or grease-laden vapors must comply with NFPA 96, Medical Facilities
Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking
Operations. Limit kitchen-extinguishing systems to wet chemical or Medical facilities include hospitals, composite medical facilities,
automatic sprinklers installed in accordance with NFPA 96. Install fire ambulatory health care centers, occupational health clinics, outpatient
suppression systems that sound a general building fire alarm and clinics, dental clinics, flight medicine clinics, medical logistics facilities,
transmit a signal to the fire department or to a constantly monitored biological safety and medical laboratories, and similar facilities. There
location. are many special requirements for medical facilities called for by
applicable codes and regulations. A discussion of these requirements is
• Areas, other than dwelling units, that are provided with residential far beyond the scope of this introduction to fire protection engineering
type range top cooking surfaces must be equipped with an approved principles.
residential range top extinguishing system. The range top extinguishing
system must be connected to the building fire alarm system to sound a
general building fire alarm and must automatically shut off all sources of
fuel and electric power that produce heat to the equipment being
protected by that unit.

Detention Facilities
Detention Facilities
Comply with NFPA 101 and the following:
• Individual fire areas must not exceed 50,000 ft2. • Provide for constant visual supervision of cell areas. If this
supervision is by direct line of sight, it must be separated by not less
• Construction type must not be less that Type I - A, as defined in the IBC. than one-hour fire rated construction.
• Provide a minimum separation

p from other structures and p
public ways
y of 20 ft. • Provide mechanical or closed circuit electrical gang release devices
whenever 10 or more locks must be operated to release prisoners
• Provide complete automatic sprinkler protection. Design must utilize confined in cells. Require gang release devices to open doors
institutional (breakaway) type sprinklers. Sprinkler piping in inmate areas must be necessary to evacuate prisoners to an area of refuge. Require heavy,
concealed. identically keyed, prison-type locks for exit and corridor doors not
requiring gang release devices that must be opened for evacuation in
• Provide smoke detection in all areas as required by NFPA 101and American the event of fire.
Correctional Association’s (ACA) Planning and Design Guide for Secure Adult and
Juvenile Facilities. • Interior finish including padded cells must be Class A flame spread
(i.e., 25 or less) and must have a SD rating not exceeding 50 when
• Provide an automatic smoke removal system in cell areas. In addition, provide tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.
manual system activation controls at a continuously manned position outside of
the cell area.
Special Occupancies and Hazards…. Electronics and Telecommunications Facilities
Electronics and Telecommunications Facilities • Electronic equipment installations must be located in buildings protected by
wet-pipe automatic sprinklers. Provide complete coverage throughout the
• These areas include major automatic data processing (ADP) areas, building including electronic equipment areas. Protect electrical equipment
communication centers, command and control systems, and other installations by disconnecting the power upon activation of the fire protection
mission critical systems. Incidental electronic equipment such as word system.
processing stations, printers, and systems; desk top computers; office
automation systems; individual data output stations (e
(e.g.,
g printers
printers, etc
etc.);
); • Consideration
C id ti may b be given
i tto th
the use off a supplementary
l t clean
l agentt fi
fire
individual computer work stations; telephones; video conference extinguishing system inside the electronic equipment units or a total flooding
centers; administrative telephone rooms; reproduction equipment; and system for the room and raised floor. Supplementary clean agent fire
similar equipment do not require protection under this section. extinguishing systems will augment the wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system
and will not be considered as a substitute.
• Construct and protect electronic equipment installations in
accordance with NFPA 75, Protection of Information Technology • Power and communication (data) cabling installed in spaces above ceilings
Equipment. or below raised floors must be plenum rated or installed in metallic conduit. If
this cannot be achieved, the spaces must be protected by an automatic fire
suppression system.

High Rise Buildings
F. Occupancy Hazard Classification System
• High rise buildings must comply with NFPA 101.
• The central control station must have exterior and interior

1. Light Hazard Occupancies
access, a 1-hour fire rated barrier, and must be a minimum of 96
ft² with
ith a minimum
i i di
dimension
i off 8 ftft. 2. Ordinary Hazard, Group 1
3. Ordinary Hazard, Group 2
• The central control station must also include air-handling 4. Special Occupancies
system status indicators and controls, a fire department control
panel for smoke control systems (includes visual status indicators
and controls), and schematic building plans indicating the typical
floor plan and detailing the building core, means of egress, fire
protection systems, fire-fighting equipment and fire department
access.
Occupancy Hazard Classification System

The principal occupancy classifications are light hazard, ordinary hazard,
and extra hazard. Listed below are the classifications with examples of Ordinary Hazard, Group 1
common occupancies listed under each. The basic hazard classification of Occupancies or portions of occupancies where combustibility is low, quantity of
occupancy does not define the fire hazard present in all areas of that combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 8 ft, and
occupancy. If more hazardous processes or areas exist within a given fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected. Modest, scattered
occupancy, protect these areas in accordance with the fire protection amounts of flammable liquid, in closed containers are allowable in quantities not
requirements pertaining to the hazard classification of that area. Determine to exceed 20 gal per fire area. Examples of this classification include: kitchens
the classification for unlisted occupancies from the definitions or by and bakeries, sheet metal shops, laundries, parking garages, theatres and
comparison with one of the listed occupancies. auditoriums.
Light Hazard Occupancies Ordinary Hazard, Group 2

Occupancies or portions of occupancies where the quantity and Occupancies or portion of occupancies where quantity and combustibility of
combustibility of the contents are low and fires with relatively low rates of contents is moderate, stockpiles do not exceed 12 ft, and fires with moderate rate
heat release are expected. Small, scattered amounts of flammable liquids in of heat release are expected. Moderate, scattered amounts of flammable liquids
closed containers are allowable in quantities not exceeding 5 gal per fire in closed containers are allowable in quantities not exceed 50 gal per fire area.
area. Examples of this classification include: offices, churches, Small amounts of flammable liquids may be exposed as required by normal
gymnasiums, and child development centers. operations. Examples of this classification include: department stores,
supermarkets, electrical maintenance shops, laboratories and switchgear rooms.

Now we will provide a list of ….
Special Occupancies
Special occupancies are facilities or areas that cannot be assigned a
G. Codes and Professional Resources
specific classification because of special protection requirements.
Refer to the appropriate NFPA codes and standards. Examples of this
classification include: warehouses and aircraft hangars.
Codes and Professional Resources Codes and Professional Resources
29 CFR 1910.27, Fixed Ladders, National Archives and Records Administration ASTM E 84, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
(NARA), http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html Materials, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Dr.,
West Conshohocken, PA, 19428, www.astm.org
29 CFR 1910.109, Explosives and Blasting Agents, National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA), http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and
Materials, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Dr.,
385-100, Safety Manual, Department of the Army, Standardization Documents Order West Conshohocken, PA, 19428, www.astm.org
Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Bldg 4D, Philadelphia, PA, 19111-5094
ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube
A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME International, Three Park Furnace at 750ºC, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Ave. New York, NY, 10016-5990, 1-800-843-2763 Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA, 19428, www.astm.org
ADAAG, Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, United States ASTM E 814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire
Access Board, http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm Stops, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Dr.,
West Conshohocken, PA, 19428, www.astm.org
AFMAN 91-201, Explosives Safety Standard, Department of the Air Force,
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/ B1.20.1, Pipe Thread, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 1819 L Street,
NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC, 20036, www.ansi.org
AR 385-64, Explosives Safety Program, Department of the Army, Standardization
Documents Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Bldg 4D, Philadelphia, PA, 19111- DOD 6055.9-STD, DOD Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards, Department
5094 of Defense, Washington Headquarters Service, http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/
EM-385-1-1, Safety and Health Requirements Manual, Department of the Army, Guidance for Family Housing Master Plans, (memorandum) 14 January 2002,
Standardization Documents Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Bldg 4D, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense,
Philadelphia, PA, 19111-5094
International Building Code (IBC), International Code Council (ICC), 5203
FED-STD-795, Uniform Federal Accessibility Act, United States Access Board, Leesburg Pike, Suite 600, Falls Church, VA, 22041, www.icc-safe.org
http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm
Manual M 14, Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross
FMDS 1-20, Protection Against Exterior Fire Exposure, Factory Mutual Global Connection Control, American Water Works Association (AWWA), 6666 W.
(FM), 1301 Atwood Ave., PO Box 7500, Johnston, RI, 02919 Quincy Ave., Denver, CO, 80235
FMDS 1-23, Protection of Openings in Fire Subdivisions, Factory Mutual Global Manual M31, Distribution System Requirements for Fire Protection, American
(FM), 1301 Atwood Ave., PO Box 7500, Johnston, RI, 02919 Water Works Association (AWWA), 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO, 80235
FMDS 1-53, Anechoic Chambers, Factory Mutual Global (FM), 1301 Atwood MIL-F-24385F, Fire Extinguishing Agent, Aqueous Film-forming Foam (AFFF)
Ave., PO Box 7500, Johnston, RI, 02919 Liquid Concentrate, for Fresh and Seawater, Department of the Navy,
Standardization Documents Order Desk, 700 Robbins Ave, Bldg 4D, Philadelphia,
FMDS 5-4, Transformers, Factory Mutual Global (FM), 1301 Atwood Ave., PO PA, 19111-5094
Box 7500, Johnston, RI, 02919
NAVSEA OP-5, Ammunition and Explosives Ashore Safety Regulations for
FMDS 8-33, Carousel Storage and Retrieval Systems, Factory Mutual Global Handling, Storing, Production, Renovation, and Shipping,
(FM), 1301 Atwood Ave., PO Box 7500, Johnston, RI, 02919
NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 13R, Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org Four Stories in Height, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 10, Portable Fire Extinguishers, National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org NFPA 13D, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings
and Manufactured Homes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
NFPA 11, Low-Expansion Foam, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 14, Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrant, and Hose Systems, National
NFPA 11A, Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems, National Fire Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA,
Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269- 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 15, Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, National Fire
NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-
Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, 9101, www.nfpa.org
www.nfpa.org
NFPA 16, Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems,
NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, National Fire Protection Association National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
(NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 17, Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages,
Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
www.nfpa.org MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 17A, Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection NFPA 37, Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas
Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, Turbines, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park,
www.nfpa.org Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 20
20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
Protection, NFPA 51, Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel
Oxygen Fuel Gas Systems for Welding,
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Cutting, and Allied Processes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 24, Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases
NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, National Fire Protection and Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, cylinders, and
Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, Tanks, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park,
www.nfpa.org Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 88A, Parking Structures, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1

NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
(NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 90A, Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, National
NFPA 70, National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org 9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, National Fire Protection Association NFPA 90B, Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems,
(NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
MA 02269
MA, 02269-9101,
9101 www
www.nfpa.org
nfpa org
NFPA 75, Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment,
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, NFPA 96, Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking
MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org Operations, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 80, Fire Doors and Fire Windows, National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
NFPA 80A, Protection of Buildings From Exterior Fire Exposures, National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269- NFPA 99B, Hypobaric Facilities, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
9101, www.nfpa.org Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
Codes and Professional Resources

Codes and Professional Resources
NFPA 241, Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations,
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of
NFPA 102, Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane
Building Materials, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1
Structures, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
NFPA 256, Fire Test of Roof Coverings, National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 211, Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances,
(NFPA) 1 Batterymarch Park,
(NFPA), Park Quincy
Quincy, MA,
MA 02269
02269-9101
9101, www
www.nfpa.org
nfpa org
NFPA 303, Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards, National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-
NFPA 220, Types of Building Construction, National Fire Protection Association
9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 307, Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers, and
NFPA 230, Standards for the Fire Protection of Storage, National Fire Protection
Wharves, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park,
Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101,
Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
www.nfpa.org
NFPA 312, Fire Protection of Vessels During Construction, Repair, and Lay-Up,
NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars, National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1963, Fire Hose Connections, National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA 430, Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers, National Fire Protection NFPA 2001, Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101,
www.nfpa.org www.nfpa.org
NFPA 434, Storage of Pesticides, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 NFPA 8503, Pulverized Fuel Systems, National Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
NFPA Handbook, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
NFPA 490, Storage of Ammonium Nitrate, National Fire Protection Association Park, Quincy, MA, 02269-9101, www.nfpa.org
Planning and Design Guide for Secure Adult and Juvenile Facilities, 1999,
NFPA 501A, Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Site and American Correctional Association (ACA), 4380 Forbes Blvd, Lanham, MD,
Communities, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch 20706-4322, 1-800-222-5646
SS 521-AA-MAN-010, U.S. Navy, diving and Manned Hyperbaric Systems Safety
NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist fire Protection Systems, National Fire Certification Manual, TI 800-01, Design Criteria, Appendix G, Department of the
Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269- Army, Standardization Documents Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Bldg 4D,
9101, www.nfpa.org Philadelphia, PA, 19111-5094
UFC 3-230-10A, Water Supply: Water Distribution, Unified Facilities Criteria

Program, http://dod.wbdg.org UFC 4-152-01, Piers and Wharves, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org
UFC 3-230-02, Water Supply Systems, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org UFC 4-159-01N, Hyperbaric Facilities, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org
UFC 3-460-01, Petroleum Fuel Facilities, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org UFC 4-213-10, Graving Drydocks, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod wbdg org
http://dod.wbdg.org
UFC 4-010-01, DOD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings, Unified
Facilities Criteria Program, http://dod.wbdg.org UFC 4-213-12, Drydocking Facilities Characteristics, Unified Facilities Criteria
Program, http://dod.wbdg.org
UFC 4-150-02, Dockside Utilities, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org UFC 4-442-01N, Covered Storage, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org
UFC 4-151-10, Waterfront Construction, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org UFC 4-451-10N, Hazardous Waste Storage, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org
UFC 4-510-01, Medical Military Facilities, Unified Facilities Criteria Program, USC Title 15, Section 2225, Hotel-Motel Fire Safety, Office of the Law
http://dod.wbdg.org Revision
Counsel, http://uscode.house.gov/
UFC 4-740-14, Child Development Centers, Unified Facilities Criteria Program,
http://dod.wbdg.org USC Title 15, Section 2227, Fire Administration Authorization Act, (also
referred
UL 790, Safety Tests for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials, to as the "Fire Safety Act,") Office of the Law Revision Counsel,
Underwriters Laboratory (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL, 30062-2096 http://uscode.house.gov/
UL 1479, Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops, Underwriters Laboratory

(UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL, 30062-2096
USC Title 10, Section 1794, Military Child Care, Office of the Law Revision
Counsel, http://uscode.house.gov/
USC Title 15, Section 272, Utilization of Consensus Technical Standards by

Federal Agencies, Office of the Law Revision Counsel,
http://uscode.house.gov/
The NFPA/ICC Issue
The NFPA was formed in 1896 by a group of insurance companies for the purpose of
And now, an editorial…. standardizing the new market of fire sprinkler systems. The scope of the NFPA's
activities expanded over time to also include building electrical systems and other
H. An Afterword: The NFPA/ICC issue aspects of building design and construction.
The International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994 as a nonprofit

organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated
national model construction codes. The founders of the ICC are Building Officials and
Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building
Officials (ICBO), and Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI).
Since the early part of the last century, these nonprofit organizations developed the
three separate sets of model codes used throughout the United States. Although
regional code development has been effective and responsive to our country’s needs,
the time came for a single set of codes. The nation’s three model code groups
responded by creating the International Code Council and by developing codes
without regional limitations the International Codes.
So the set of codes you need to use depends on which set has been adopted by the
jurisdiction in which your project is located. When will this confusion be resolved?
Who knows.
The NFPA/ICC Issue The NFPA/ICC Issue
Notably absent from the group of the IBC developers was NFPA. NFPA Figure 7
joined ICC in a collective effort to develop the International Fire Code IBC UBC NFPA 220
(IFC). This effort however fell apart at the completion of the first draft of
the document. Subsequent efforts by ICC and NFPA to reach agreement Type I – FR Type I (443)
on this and other documents have been unsuccessful. Type I-A Type II - FR Type I (332)
Type I-B Type II (222)
The result is all sorts of conflicts and confusion in the industry. For
example Figure 8 shows there is not even agreement on basic building Type II-A Type II – 1 Hour Type II (111)
construction type definitions between the ICC’s IBC and NFPA 220 (as Type II-B Type II – N Type II (000)
well as the earlier widely used Uniform Building Code (UBC).
Type III-A Type III – 1 Hour Type III (211)
Type III-B Type III - N Type III (200)
Type IV (HT) Type IV (HT) Type IV (2HH)
Type V-A Type V - 1 Hour Type V (111)
Type V-B Type V - N Type V (000)
The NFPA/ICC Issue
And now, we will run through the….

So the set of codes you need to use depends on which set has been
adopted by the jurisdiction in which your project is located. When will
this confusion be resolved?
Who knows.
Quiz
1. Which of the following is not a fundamental element of fire protection engineering: 4. All buildings larger than ____________ or more than 2 stories in height must
have at least one means of all-weather ground access for emergency vehicles.
a. Structural analysis
b. Building materials and design a. 5,000 SF
c. Water supply b. 10,000 SF
d. Fire extinguishing systems c. 25,000 SF
e. Fire alarm systems d. 50,000 SF
2. The first step in the fire protection engineering process is: 5. Which of the following may not be located in air handling system plenums:
a. Environmental
E i t l review
i a.
a Combustible materials
b. Cost-benefit analysis b. Electrical wires
c. Design analysis c. Domestic water piping
d. Value engineering d. All of the above
e. Constructability review e. None of the above
3. Basic criteria for building and life safety is found in: 6. Petroleum/oil/lubricant (POL) storage facilities are classified as:
a. International Building Code (IBC) a. Light Hazard

b. NFPA 101 b. Ordinary Hazard, Group 1
c. Neither of the above c. Ordinary Hazard, Group 2
d. Both of the above d. May be any of the above depending on quantities stored
e. None of the above
7. On-site storage of water for fire suppression: 10. The Design Area used in sprinkler system design is ____________ for Light
Hazard occupancy:
a. May not be used
b. May not be used if a public water distribution system is available a. 10,000 SF
c. May be used b. 5,000 SF
d. May be used only with a looped or gridded public water distribution c. 3,000 SF
system d. 1,000 SF
8. Factors that influence water demand for sprinklers are: 11. Halon 1301 systems are not used in computer rooms because:
a. Occupancy and discharge density a. theyy can catastrophically

p y damageg sensitive electronic equipment
q p
b. Type of construction and type of sprinkler system b. AFFF systems are more effective in suppressing computer room fires
c. Design area and occupancy with less damage
d. All of the above c. of environmental concerns
e. None of the above d. they are prohibitively expensive
9. The Design Area used in sprinkler system design is __________ for Extra 12. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are normally appropriate for suppressing
Hazard, Group 2 occupancy: fires:
a. 1,000 SF a. in hospitals
b. 3,000 SF b. in computer rooms
c. 5,000 SF c. involving explosive solids
d. 10,000 SF d. involving flammable liquids
13. Water demand for unsprinklered buildings is based on:
a. fire department hose stream requirements

b. sprinkler density
c. design area
d. design density
14. Limiting interior fire spread requires consideration of:
a. Door openings
b. Roof covering
c. Smoke exhaust
d. Evacuation routes
15. Fire alarm systems must conform to:
a.
b.
NFPA 11
NFPA 15
That’s all folks!
c. NFPA 30
d. NFPA 72
e. NFPA 220
© J. Paul Guyer 2009 105 106

An Introduction To Fire in Buildings

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An Introduction To Fire in Buildings

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PDHonline Course G258W (2 PDH)

An Introduction to Fire Protection

Instructor: J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI

PDH Online | PDH Center

An Approved Continuing Education Provider

This seminar will introduce you to fire

FIRE PROTECTION fire alarm systems, special occupancies and

E. Special Occupancies and Hazards Topics to be covered….

1. In general F. Occupancy hazard classification system

G. Codes and other professional resources Topics to be covered….

Some points to keep in mind….

The first step in fire protection design….

The Design Analysis

Building Materials and Design….

Building Materials and Design….

Limiting Interior Fire Spread

• Partition Construction. Conform to IBC and applicable local codes

• Penetrations: The protection of ducts at point of passage through

Building Materials and Design….

Building Materials and Design….

• Access to Residential Facilities. Residential facilities must be provided

Building Materials and Design….

• Fire Department Connection. Facilities with fire department connections

Building Materials and Design….

Air Handling Building Materials and Design….

Now we will look at….

B.Water Supply Demand for Sprinklered Facilities

Demand for Sprinklered Facilities

Demand for Sprinklered Facilities

Ordinary Hazard, 0.15 3000 500 60 • Occupancy classification

Extra Hazard, 0.40 3000 750 120

Demand is then determined from Figure 3.

Demand for Unsprinklered Facilities

Figure 3 Water Supply….

Minimum duration: 240 minutes

Quantities of Water Required

• Reduction in Storage Capacity. In computing the fire protection storage

• Replenishment of Storage. The water storage must be self-replenishing. It must

Water for Fire Protection Water Supply….

• For a small, non-essential activity, a single connection to a looped or gridded

Water Distribution Systems Water Supply….

Fire Extinguishing Systems….

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

• Quick Response Automatic Sprinklers. The use of quick response

Fire Extinguishing Systems….

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Fire Extinguishing Systems….

Foam Systems (Aqueous Foam Film Forming – AFFF)

Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems

Fire Extinguishing Systems….

Fire Extinguishing Systems….

Water Mist Fire Protection Systems Now we will look at….

Fire Alarm Systems….

Fire Alarm Systems….

Reporting Systems • Buildings required by NFPA 101.

Now we will look at….

1. In general There are many, many special occupancies and hazards,

Special Occupancies and Hazards….

Food Preparation Areas

Special Occupancies and Hazards….

• Provide a minimum separation

Special Occupancies and Hazards….

Special Occupancies and Hazards…. Electronics and Telecommunications Facilities