Does Reference in a Standard Pull in Other Code?

11/28/2022

I have a project involving spray application of resin, and an exhaust system including multiple 60-ft tall exhaust stacks.

We are located in Ontario Canada, and the Ontario Building Code takes precedence. Any other codes cited need to be enacted by the OBC, or by a code enacted by OBC in order to be relevant. NFPA 13 is relevant here.

Chapter 26 (NFPA 13-2019) includes material from other codes. Section 26.4 relates to Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials, and references NFPA 33.

I have not found a reference in NFPA 13 that states that an in-duct sprinkler system SHALL be provided.

It appears to me that Section 26.4 states requirements for IF a system is provided.

Unless otherwise stated, are the requirements of Chapter 26 to be used in isolation, without enacting the full text of the other NFPA Code/Standard cited?

If another NFPA Code/Standard is cited in Chapter 26, is the full text of the cited document to be followed?

Where is the line drawn between the two documents?

I have the NFPA 13 Handbook, and the supplemental text does not clarify this for me. Thank you very much for taking the time to read through this one.

9 Comments

Dan Wilder

11/28/2022 08:03:22 am

That section is provided IF an automatic fire protection system is used that falls into NFPA 13's purview (wet, dry, preaction..). The protection can also be water mist, dry chemical, CO2, or another gaseous agent.

NFPA 33 requires protection as outlined within Section 9.5. This references NFPA's 12, 13, 16, 17, 750, & 2001 as possible alternates.

Remember that Codes say "If and When" there is a requirement, Standards say "How - Means & Methods" to comply with that requirement. I.E., the IBC/IFC (I'm not familiar with the OBC, but assuming they are similar) says what occupancies require sprinklers, or allow alternate means if/when protection is provided (increase in floor areas or distances to exits, building construction requirement decreases...), NFPA Standards (most of them anyway) tell you how to make a sprinkler system compliant (fully sprinklered with possible exceptions that may or may not change the design approach like remote area reduction or increases...)

A code is a model, a set of rules that knowledgeable people recommend for others to follow. It is not a law, but can be adopted into law.
A standard tends be a more detailed elaboration, the nuts and bolts of meeting a code.

As taken from below:
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/Reporters-Guide-to-Fire-and-NFPA/About-codes-and-standards

Matt C

11/28/2022 08:48:30 am

In Ontario, it's Provincial Law. The Ontario Building Code is an Ontario Regulation that is enacted by it's sister Statute, the Building Code Act. Same goes for the Ontario Fire Code, just a different Regulation/Statute.

Corey Eppinghaus

11/28/2022 08:19:47 am

Have you not made your way to the Ontario fire code via the OBC? Might open up a way to get to NFPA 33

11/28/2022 08:35:02 am

This should help

A-1.5.1.1.(1) Application of Referenced Documents.
Documents referenced in the Building Code may contain provisions covering a wide range of issues, including issues that are unrelated to the objectives and functional statements stated in Parts 2 and 3 of Division A respectively; e.g. aesthetic issues such as colour-fastness or uniformity. Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) is intended to make it clear that, whereas referencing a document in the Building Code generally has the effect of making the provisions of that document part of the Code, provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements attributed to the provisions in Division B where the document is referenced are excluded.
Furthermore, many documents referenced in the Building Code contain references to other documents, which may also, in turn, refer to other documents. These secondary and tertiary referenced documents may contain provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements of the Building Code: such provisions - no matter how far down the chain of references they occur - are not included in the intent of Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) of Division A.

11/28/2022 08:40:36 am

The OFC does not apply to the scope that is under permit - that's where the distinction between the Fire Code and the Building Code come in. Once you commission/occupy that portion of the building or piece of equipment then the OFC kicks in and the maintenance of the system can be enforced, either via manufacturer's recommendations or an applicable NFPA Standard.

11/30/2022 10:23:08 am

The OBC references the OFC for flammable combustible liquids etc so the OFC would be applicable via Part 6 as the OBC has no requirements for spray booths

Todd E Wyatt

11/28/2022 08:41:50 am

ANSWER
Referenced documents, such as the NFPA 13-2013 Installation of Sprinkler Systems, by the Ontario Building Code (OBC) are only applicable “to the extent that the provisions relate to buildings, and the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B where the document is referenced.” NFPA 13 is referenced (15) times in the OBC such as the following, “… an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”.”

The OBC is the “scoping” document, it describes WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required.
The referenced standard (2013 NFPA 13) explains HOW an ASPS is to be “designed, constructed, installed and tested”.

REFERENCES
ONTARIO REGULATION 332/12
BUILDING CODE
Consolidation Period: From November 1, 2022 to the e-Laws currency date.

PART 1 GENERAL
Section 1.3. Referenced Documents and Organizations
1.3.1. Referenced Documents
1.3.1.1. Effective Date
(1) Unless otherwise specified in this Code, the documents referenced in this Code shall include all amendments, revisions and supplements effective to June 30, 2017.
1.3.1.2. Applicable Editions
(1) Where documents are referenced in this Code, they shall be in the editions designated in Column 2 of Table 1.3.1.2.
Table 1.3.1.2.
Documents Referenced in the Building Code

361. NFPA 13-2013 Installation of Sprinkler Systems
3.1.9.1.(4)
3.2.4.9.(2)
3.2.4.17.(1)
3.2.5.13.(1)
3.2.8.4.(7)
3.3.2.12.(3)
3.16.1.1.(3)
3.16.1.1.(4)
3.16.1.6.(2)
3.16.1.6.(8)
3.16.1.7.(2)
3.16.2.1.(1)
3.16.2.2.(1)
3.16.3.1.(1)
9.10.9.6.(11)

Section 1.5. Referenced Documents and Organizations
1.5.1. Referenced Documents
1.5.1.1. Application of Referenced Documents
(1) The provisions of a referenced document in Divisions A and B apply only to the extent that the provisions relate to,
(a) buildings, and
(b) the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B where the document is referenced.
1.5.1.2. Conflicting Requirements
(1) In the case of a conflict between the provisions of this Code and those of a referenced document, the provisions of this Code shall govern.
1.5.1.3. Applicable Editions
(1) Where documents are referenced in this Code, they shall be the editions designated in Subsection 1.3.1. of Division B.

PART 3 FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Section 3.2. Building Fire Safety
3.2.5. Provisions for Firefighting
3.2.5.13. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
(1) Except as provided by Sentences (2) to (4), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”.

11/28/2022 08:42:33 am

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332

Dwight

11/30/2022 10:19:16 am

I would be looking at the Ontario code that requires/regulates the installation of this exhaust system. I'm not in Canada, but in the US, it would be the mechanical code referenced by the building code.

Does Reference in a Standard Pull in Other Code?

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