FIREPROTECTIONNARRATIVE

WestBoylstonMunicipalLightPlantRenovations
4CrescentSt.
W.Boylston,Massachusetts

DATE: JUNE 28, 2019

TO: W. Boylston Building Dept.

FROM: Keith Young – Fire Protection System

Jeremy Careau – Fire Alarm System
BLW Engineers

SUBJECT: West Boylston Municipal Light Plant Renovations

4 Crescent St. W. Boylston, MA
PROPOSED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

COPIES TO: File

___________________________________________________________________________________

Gentlemen, in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code 9th Edition
Chapter 9, we respectfully submit for your review this narrative on the proposed new fire
protection systems at the existing building located at 4 Crescent St. W. Boylston, MA.

SECTION 1 – BUILDING DESCRIPTION

1. Building use group is Business, B, Low Hazard Storage, S-2.

a. Basement floor area = 2,000 square feet
b. First floor area = 1,200 square feet
c. Second floor/Attic area = 1,000 square feet
2. Type of Occupancy Within Building – Garage, Light storage in basement. Office
on First floor. Light storage on Second floor.
3. Construction Type III-B combustible
4. Hazardous Material Storage – not applicable.
5. High Piles Storage Over 12 Feet – not applicable.

SECTION 2 – APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

1. 780 CMR THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE, 9th

Edition
2. 780 CMR CHAPTER 9, “FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS”
3. NFPA 13 STANDARD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS latest accepted edition
4. NFPA 25 STANDARD FOR THE INSPECTION, TESTING, AND

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MAINTENANCE OF WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION

latest accepted edition
SYSTEMS latest accepted edition
5. M.G.L. 148 MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAW CHAPTER 148 “FIRE
PREVENTION” (as applicable)
6. 527 CMR FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS (as applicable)
7. NFPA 24 “STANDARD FOR PRIVATE SERVICE MAINS”
8. All applicable regulations and criteria of the local fire department and the owner's
insurance authority.
9. All applicable sections and regulations of OSHA and ADA.
10. NFPA 70 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE
11. NFPA 72 NATIONAL FIRE ALARM CODE
12. Town of W. Boylston – Fire Department Rules and Regulations for Fire Alarm
and Sprinkler Systems.

SECTION 3 – DESIGN RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

The sprinkler contractor shall provide a registered professional engineer (PE) who shall
produce a complete set of hydraulically calculated sprinkler systems drawings as required
by NFPA-13 latest accepted editions. Due to the size and mixed used group of the
building NFPA-13R will not be used for this project. The sprinkler contractor’s
registered engineer shall make the drawings complete in every respect and shall show all
piping runs, lengths, dimensions, fittings, elevations call-outs, sprinkler head locations,
pipe sizing, hangers, seismic bracing, equipment layouts, hydraulic calculation nodes and
all appropriate details. The sprinkler contractor’s registered engineer shall provide all
hydraulic calculations to verify the pipe sizing of the sprinkler systems. The sprinkler
contractor’s registered engineer shall stamp all sprinkler drawings and hydraulic
calculations and shall submit these to the fire department and owner for approval and
permit. No fire protection work shall begin until the sprinkler contractor has obtained
approval for all sprinkler systems from the fire department and the owner. The sprinkler
contractor shall conduct a new hydrant flow test at the site in order to obtain current flow
and pressure data. The sprinkler contractor shall use this newly obtained data to perform
the hydraulic calculations for the fire protection system shop drawings.

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SECTION 4 – FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS TO BE INSTALLED

The new sprinkler system will be an automatic wet pipe sprinkler system for the
Basement, First floor. A dry pipe system shall be installed to protect the unheated attic
areas and the Second floor. Building sprinkler systems will be designed in accordance
with NFPA-13. All sprinkler heads shall be listed quick response type. Temperature
ratings for all sprinkler heads shall be in accordance with NFPA-13.

The new fire sprinkler systems in the building will be supplied via a new underground
fire service main connected to the city water main. The new underground fire service
main will be brought into the Basement Sprinkler room. The new fire service will be
provided with a new double check valve backflow preventer. New wet system and dry
pipe system risers will supply all of the automatic sprinkler systems in the building. A
fire department connection will be located on the outside of the building and at a point of
vehicle access. The fire department connection piping will be provided with a check
valve in accordance with NFPA-13. The fire department connection will have the ability
to charge all of the sprinkler systems in the building. An electric alarm bell will be
provided on the outside of the building adjacent to the fire department connection.

The sprinkler system for the building will be completed in phases as the building is being
renovated.

Basement and First Floor: New pendent and sidewall sprinklers will be installed. New
ceilings will be installed within 6” of the bottom of the solid joists. There will be no
combustible concealed spaces, per NFPA-13.

Second Floor and Attic space: Upright sprinklers will be installed in the combustible attic
space and dry pendent sprinklers will be dropped down to protect the Second Floor areas
with new ceilings. Upright sprinklers will be installed in Second floor unfinished areas
without ceilings.

All sprinkler systems will be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA-13. All
control valves will be electrically supervised. All sprinkler systems shall be UL listed
and/or FM approved for fire service use. All sprinkler systems and equipment shall be
rated at 175 psi working pressure.

All sprinkler systems will be designed, tested and installed in accordance with the
applicable sections of the Massachusetts State Building Code 9th edition and NFPA-13
latest accepted editions as well as the regulations and guidelines of the local authority.
All sprinkler systems will be seismically braced in accordance with the Massachusetts
State Building Code 9th edition and NFPA. All sprinkler systems will be designed, tested

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and installed by a sprinkler contractor licensed and experienced in Massachusetts for fire
sprinkler systems.

SECTION 5 – TESTING CRITERIA

1. All Testing of the new underground fire service main and the building interior
sprinkler systems devices, piping, heads and valves, shall be performed by a
licensed sprinkler contractor, experienced in the installation and testing of fire
sprinkler systems in the state of Massachusetts. This sprinkler contractor shall
provide all coordination of the sprinkler tests with the fire department. All
sprinkler systems tests shall be witnessed by the fire department, owner’s
representative and owner’s insurance authorized personnel. Sprinkler contractor
shall give notification to the local fire department, owner's representative, owner's
insurance authority and all other authorities, prior to the conducting of any
sprinkler tests.
2. All sprinkler systems testing shall be performed in strict accordance with NFPA-
13, NFPA-24 and NFPA-25, latest accepted editions.
3. The sprinkler contractor shall provide all equipment, water, pumps, labor, etc.,
necessary to conduct all testing required by NFPA 13, 24 and 25, and shall obtain
all required approvals from the fire department, building code official, owner’s
insurance authority, and all other authorities upon completion of the sprinkler
systems testing. All dates and times of the sprinkler systems testing shall be
coordinated by the sprinkler contractor with the fire department, owner’s
representative, and the owner’s insurance authority.
4. The sprinkler contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the underground fire
service main flushing and testing reports to ensure that the underground fire
service main has been flushed in accordance with NFPA-24. The sprinkler
contractor shall verify that the underground fire service main has been flushed in
accordance with code prior to the connection of any building sprinkler systems to
the underground fire service main.

SECTION 6 – EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

1. The sprinkler contractor shall have at the site, at the time of sprinkler installation
and testing, and readily available for use and inspections, all tools, equipment,
permits, hoists, scaffolding, piping, fittings, valves and all required tools and
equipment necessary for the complete installation of all fire protection systems.

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2. The sprinkler contractor shall provide all gauges, valves, hoses, smoke, etc.,
required for an operational test of the installed fire sprinkler system. Remote test
and drain stations shall be provided for system performance testing.
3. The sprinkler contractor shall have, at the site, the manufacturer's instructions and
nameplate data for all fire sprinkler equipment, and devices being used in the
sprinkler systems installation.

SECTION 7 – APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Upon successful inspection and testing of all fire sprinkler systems, the sprinkler
contractor shall obtain written approval of the completed fire sprinkler system
from the fire department, owners' insurance authority, and all other code officials.
Copies of all written approvals shall be turned over to the owner representative.
2. If a code official or the owner should find cause to reject any portion of the fire
sprinkler system installation or testing, the sprinkler contractor shall be
responsible for correcting the problem in a timely manner. Upon completion of
all corrective measures undertaken by the sprinkler contractor, a new test and
inspection shall be again coordinated by the sprinkler contractor, and witnessed
by the fire department and all other authorities as previously stated.
3. The sprinkler contractor shall submit stamped and signed sprinkler design
drawings and hydraulic calculations and obtain all required permits prior to the
installation of any fire sprinkler systems. The sprinkler plans shall be in
accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code, 9th Edition, Chapter 9,
as well as the requirements in NFPA-13 latest accepted edition.
4. The sprinkler contractor shall obtain all document of acceptance as required by
the Massachusetts State Building Code, 9th Edition, Chapter 9, and shall submit
all such documents as required, to the owners' representative and building code
officials.

SECTION 8- FIRE ALARM SYSTEM and EMERGENCY LIGHTING

1. The building shall be provided with an addressable fire alarm system that meets UL, the
requirements for NFPA and any W. Boylston Fire Department Bylaws. The devices shall
be installed in accordance with the floor plan layouts. The main fire alarm control panel
will be located in Hall 101 in between the existing open office space and the Phase 1
scope of work area. The new fire alarm annunciator panel shall be located in the
building’s main entrance just inside of open office area 100. The building will be
provided with required pull stations, horn strobes and strobe-only units as required by
NFPA, ADA and Massachusetts State Building Code.

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2. Notification to the West Boylston Fire Department shall be via radio master box to
central station.
3. Audio/visual alarms shall be utilized throughout the facility and the coverage shall meet
the requirements of NFPA and ADA. Visual alarms shall be utilized in small areas such
as common bathrooms and corridors where ample audio alarm is present. System smoke
and heat detectors shall be provided in the common areas/hallways and areas which are
not being equipped with the sprinkler system during phase 1. Smoke/heat detectors shall
be spaced such that they are no more than 30 feet apart.
4. A red rotating beacon shall be installed outside the main entrance in location as
coordinated with the Fire Department. A blue rotating beacon shall be provided in same
location to indicate waterflow of sprinkler system per Fire Department requirements.
5. Batteries shall provide for 24 hours of operation followed by a 5-minute ring down.
Battery calculations shall be submitted by the Electrical Contractor with the cut sheets
and drawings to the fire department for review and approved.
6. Emergency lighting shall be provided throughout the scope of work area and consists of
LED exit signs with integral battery backup, and a combination of emergency battery
units with integral lighting heads, lighting fixtures with integral emergency battery packs,
and an emergency battery inverter to power egress lighting fixtures which do not have an
integral battery option. Lighting levels shall be provided to meet the Massachusetts State
Building Code 780 CMR Articles 1023 and 1024. Exit signs shall be constantly
illuminated, as required by MSB 780 CMR Article 1023.4.
7. Knox Box key boxes shall be provided at the building and located near the entrance at the
annunciator location.
8. Tamper, flow and pressure switches are being provided to accommodate the new
sprinkler systems. The tamper and flow switches shall be connected to the Fire Alarm
Control Panel via addressable modules. Tamper switches shall be programmed to show
as a supervisory signal on the control panel. All flow switches shall be programmed to
automatically alarm the control panel, trip the radio master box and notify the West
Boylston Fire Department via central station.
9. An exterior 120-volt alarm bell connected to the sprinkler system will be provided.

SECTION 9 - FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SEQUENCE OF OPERATION

1. Activation of a manual pull station shall:

a. Sound alarm at pull station activated.
b. Identify the station activated and sound alarm at control panel and at
remote annunciator.
c. Initiate horn/strobe devices.
d. Initiate exterior fire alarm (red) beacon.
e. Notify local fire department.

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2. Activation of smoke detectors shall:

a. Sound alarm at device activated.
b. Identify the device activated and sound alarm at control panel and at
remote annunciator.
c. Initiate horn/strobe devices.
d. Initiate exterior fire alarm (red) beacon.
e. Notify local fire department.

3. Activation of heat detectors shall:

a. Identify the device activated and sound alarm at control panel and at
remote annunciators.
b. Initiate horn/strobe devices.
c. Initiate exterior fire alarm (red) beacon.
d. Notify local fire department.

4. Activation of sprinkler flow switches shall:

a. Identify the device activated and sound alarm at control panel and at
remote annunciator.
b. Initiate horn/strobe devices.
c. Initiate exterior fire alarm (red) beacon and sprinkler waterflow (blue)
beacon.
d. Initiate sprinkler bell.
e. Notify local fire department.

5. Activation of supervisory circuit shall:

a. Identify the location of supervisory condition at control panel and remote
annunciators.
b. Initiate supervisory audible/visual signal at control panel and remote
annunciators.

6. Activation of trouble circuit shall:

a. Identify the location of trouble condition at control panel and remote
annunciators.
b. Initiate trouble audible/visual signal at control panel and remote
annunciators.

7. In the event of a low battery condition, open circuit in the system, a ground fault, or
short circuit, or any other system trouble shall cause the following:
a. Display type of trouble received, location and description on the main FACP
and remote annunciator’s LCD displays.

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b. Sound the on-board buzzer indicating a trouble condition on both the main
FACP and remote annunciators LCD displays until acknowledged or event
clears.
c. Flash the on-board amber LED indicating a trouble condition on both the
main FACP and remote annunciators LCD display until acknowledged or
event clears. Upon acknowledgement the amber LED shall stay lit solid
until event causing the trouble clears.
d. Send a trouble signal to central station via the radio master box.
e. Record the event on the system log.

8. All events shall be recorded at the fire alarm control panel and shall indicate time
and date of occurrence and list device initiated.

SECTION 10 – FIRE ALARM SYSTEM TESTING CRITERIA

1. Fire Alarm Tests: Upon completion of the installation, the system shall be subjected
to functional and operational performance tests [including tests of each installed
initiating and notification appliance]. Tests shall include the meggering of all system
conductors to determine that the system is free from grounded, shorted, or open
circuits. The megger test shall be conducted prior to the installation of fire alarm
equipment. If deficiencies are found, corrections shall be made and the system shall
be retested to assure that it is functional. Testing shall be in accordance with NFPA
72.

2. The recommended tests in NFPA72 shall be considered mandatory and shall verify
that all previous deficiencies have been corrected. The test shall include the
following:
a. Test of each function of the control panel.
b. Test of each circuit in both trouble and normal modes.
c. Tests of alarm initiating devices in both normal and trouble conditions.
d. Tests of each control circuit and device.
e. Tests of each alarm notification appliance.
f. Tests of the battery charger and batteries.
g. Complete operational tests under emergency power supply.
h. Visual inspection of all wiring connections.
i. Opening the circuit at each alarm initiating device and notification appliance to
test the wiring Construction Supervisory feature.
j. Ground fault

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k. Short circuit faults

l. Stray voltage
m. Loop resistance

3. Manufacturer's Field Service: Provide services of a factory-authorized service

representative to supervise the field assembly and connection of components and the
pretesting, testing, and adjustment of the system.
4. Pretesting: After installation, align, adjust, and balance the system and perform
complete pretesting. Determine, through pretesting, the conformance of the system to
the requirements of the Drawings and Specifications. Correct deficiencies observed
in pretesting. Replace malfunctioning or damaged items with new ones and retest
until satisfactory performance and conditions are achieved. Prepare forms for
systematic recording of acceptance test results.
5. Report of Pretesting: After pretesting is complete, provide a letter certifying the
installation is complete and fully operable, including the names and titles of the
witnesses to the preliminary tests.
6. Final Test Notice: Provide a 10-day minimum notice in writing when the system is
ready for final acceptance testing.
7. Minimum System Tests: Test the system according to the procedures outlined in
NFPA 72. Minimum required tests are as follows:

a. Verify the absence of unwanted voltages between circuit conductors and

ground.
b. Test all conductors for short circuits using an insulation-testing device.
c. With each circuit pair, short circuit at the far end of the circuit and measure
the circuit resistance with an ohmmeter. Record the circuit resistance of each
circuit on the record drawings.
d. Verify that the control unit is in the normal condition as detailed in the
manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual.
e. Test initiating and indicating circuits for proper signal transmission under
open circuit conditions. One connection each should be opened at not less
than 10 percent of the initiating and indicating devices. Observe proper signal
transmission according to class of wiring used.
f. Test the system for all specified functions according to the approved operation
and maintenance manual. Systematically initiate specified functional
performance items at each station, including making all possible alarm and
monitoring initiations. For each item, observe related performance at all
devices required to be affected by the item under all system sequences.
Observe indicating lights, displays, signal tones, and annunciator indications.

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g. Test Both Primary and Secondary Power: Verify by test that the secondary
power system is capable of operating the system for the period and in the
manner specified.
8. Retesting: Correct deficiencies indicated by tests and completely retest work affected
by such deficiencies. Verify by the system test that the total system meets the
Specifications and complies with applicable standards.
9. Report of Tests and Inspections: Provide a written record of inspections, tests, and
detailed test results in the form of a test log. Submit log upon the satisfactory
completion of tests.

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