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We have encountered a situation not fully addressed before in our jurisdiction.
Scenario: Existing fully sprinklered hospital having renovation work done in multiple areas and floors. Some phases of work take months, others take 6+ months to complete. After ICRA walls (Infection Control Risk Assessment / temporary walls to isolate construction areas) are installed, the GC will remove the existing ceilings and commence with architectural demolition. At that time, we (sprinkler contractor) came in and removed the existing pendent sprinklers and replaced them with upright heads on short 3" sprigs (without regard to obstructions or distance down from structure). This is due to existing MEP trades yet to perform their scope of work, ie: HVAC, Plumbing demo, then new install. NFPA 241 indicates that the temporary upright sprinklers need to be installed with regards to the obstructions per NFPA 13. At this phase of construction, that would necessitate installing the upright sprinklers for ductwork that is scheduled to be demolished in a few weeks along with other MEP trades. By following the sprinkler obstruction rules of NFPA 13, the net effect is that we would constantly be relocating the temporary protection at the same time each trade completes a portion of their work. This issue has just arisen recently based upon an AHCA site visit (Agency for Health Care Administration). Prior installations of the uprights without obstruction spacing rules has not been called out. How has this issue of temporary sprinkler protection for buildings under renovation been delt with by others? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
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Is there any code that requires that fire alarm coverage be provided in areas that are in the process of major modifications, including asbestos abatement work?
We have a project which will undergo major asbestos abatement and are getting pushback that the fire alarm system must remain operational in the space during the renovation work. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe We have an oil storage warehouse project requiring a ceiling density of 0.60 gpm/sqft over 3,000 sqft.
This is basically 30 sprinklers using 1,900 gpm (sprinklers), and 500 gpm (for hoses). The municipal system is set up with three pumps that run sequentially based on residual system pressure. Each pump is larger than the last. We require Pump 3 to be in operation in order to get the required flow and pressure. We have conducted a flow test flowing two hydrants, and have not been able to kick Pump 3 into action. Assuming a K16.8 sprinkler has a 3/4" orifice, 30 heads would only equal a 4" diameter opening. If we can't activate the appropriate pump by opening multiple hydrants, how will we be able to achieve the required flow during a fire? Has anyone encountered a supply system like this before? I know that a tank and pump is a solution, but I'm looking for other options. Thanks. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe |
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