Does a Tornado Shelter Require Fire Sprinklers?

1/16/2023

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.

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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.

Also, if the building gets knocked over, not much of a supply available, and if it's not being used at all (temp storage), there is nothing to catch fire. I can see a good argument for an extinguisher requirement and definitely some sort of detection during normal weather.

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.

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.

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.

Anthony

1/16/2023 02:30:40 pm

It's an occupiable room in the building and thus would need sprinkler protection.

An empty room will become a storage room if not today soon enough. This room will be here for 50+ years far after its 'intended use' is forgotten or mismanaged.

Also, in an emergency people do unpredictable (dumb) things. Someone might think it's a great idea to bring the company grill inside and continue the party while the storm passes etc. There is no way to know, if you have any doubts please search "Florida man" and you'll be adding sprinklers post haste.

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).

Depending on what is being stored and/or manufactured, the storage areas would (probably) be classified as Group S-1 Moderate-hazard Storage and any manufacturing area would (probably) be classified as Group F-1 Moderate-hazard Factory Industrial. Any assembly space (e.g. cafeteria) larger than 750 SF and with a calculated Occupant Load of >50 occupants would be classified as a Group A-3 Assembly.

The “pre-built tornado shelters within the buildings” would be required to be classified as part of the predominant OC (e.g. S-1 or F-1) or as an OC approved by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). Depending on the size (>750 SF?) and calculated OL (>50 occupants), the AHJ may require it to be classified as Group A-3 Assembly. A tornado shelter located outside the building may be classified as a Group U Utility and Miscellaneous.

Once the shelter has been classified with an Occupancy Classification (OC), Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems determines WHERE an ASPS is required …

[F] 903.2 Where Required
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.
Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

… based on its OC …

903.2.1 Group A
903.2.1.3 Group A-3
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3.The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
903.2.4 Group F-1
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3.The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
[F] 903.2.9 Group S-1
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).

… and/or if it meets the following “903.2.11 Specific Building Areas and Hazards”

In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.6.
903.2.11.1 Stories Without Openings
903.2.11.2 Rubbish and Linen Chutes
903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height
903.2.11.4 Ducts Conveying Hazardous Exhausts
903.2.11.5 Commercial Cooking Operations
903.2.11.6 Other Required Fire Protection Systems
TABLE 903.2.11.6 ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PROTECTION SYSTEMS

If the building is required to be protected by an ASPS per its OC (or based on its “specific hazard”), the associated tornado shelter would also be required to be protected by the ASPS.

Randy Rathert

1/17/2023 09:39:37 am

Nicely done Todd, You are seldom the first to respond, but always thorough.

Alex

1/17/2023 10:08:59 am

Late response here but wanted to provide my two cents

I would protect the shelter. No matter what is said, I can almost promise you, that it will be used to store more than just the bucket and drape.

Does a Tornado Shelter Require Fire Sprinklers?

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