There was a warehouse that was struck by a tornado in 2021 which is in my jurisdiction, and we are now seeing some warehouses wanting to place pre-built tornado shelters within their buildings (which is great).
My question is: do the pre-built shelters need to have sprinkler protection? My feelings are that the shelters are non-combustible, the only fuel-load would be from the 5-gallon bucket-style water closet and a privacy drape. Obviously, a fire in this unit while occupied would not be tenable long before a sprinkler head would activate. I also understand that if a portion of a building that would normally be sprinklered (a school hallway) and is "hardened" to make it qualify as a shelter would still require sprinklers. Thanks in advance for any help or guidance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
8 Comments
Dan Wilder
1/16/2023 06:53:55 am
We sprinkler bank vaults, mausoleums, personnel service tunnels, and several other non-combustible spaces that have very little combustible loading. I don't see a code or standard justified reason to exclude sprinklers however I can see an AHJ providing an exclusion to the requirement based on their local experiences.... similar to the approach of guard shacks or small ancillary buildings/structures.
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Jesse
1/16/2023 08:21:10 am
I get the logic for not protecting it. But I don't see a code exclusion to justify protecting it. LIke Dan says, we protect vaults and numerous other non-combustible spaces. I don't see why this would be different.
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Glenn Berger
1/16/2023 08:53:57 am
Storm Shelter Vaults that are part of a greater structure needs to be protected with sprinklers. These vaults are used as storage "rooms" during non-emergency times.
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Casey Milhorn
1/16/2023 11:20:38 am
I agree that protection per code is probably required, but if it's below grade and/or tightly sealed with no way to drain quickly, I would be worried about creating a swimming pool and trapping people in there. Also, if the door opens inwards I would be concerned even more with the volume of water pushing against the door and trapping them in there. Definitely an AHJ call.
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Anthony
1/16/2023 02:30:40 pm
It's an occupiable room in the building and thus would need sprinkler protection.
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Todd E Wyatt
1/17/2023 08:07:17 am
The scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC) identifies IF an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required for a building based on its Occupancy Classification(s) (OC).
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Randy Rathert
1/17/2023 09:39:37 am
Nicely done Todd, You are seldom the first to respond, but always thorough.
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Alex
1/17/2023 10:08:59 am
Late response here but wanted to provide my two cents
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