Elevator Inspection Subject to NFPA Standards?

1/3/2023

I am working on a NFPA 13R 3-story apartment building.

The Labor & Industries (Washington State) compliance elevator inspector is requiring sprinklers in the pit and in the machine room, because it has more than 2 occupants and it is a commercial elevator.

Can someone clarify if Labor & Industries requirements do not follow NFPA standards? If they do not, do their requirement supersede adopted NFPA standards?

Have others ran into similar situations like this?

Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Alex

1/3/2023 05:53:53 am

Washington State adopts the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 2016 amended from ASME A17.1. 2.8.3.3 states that "sprinkler systems conforming to NFPA 13 or the NBCC, whichever is applicable, shall be permitted to be installed in the hoist way, machinery space, machine room, control space, or control room.."

I'm not sure why you would be adopting the NBCC so NFPA standards would apply.

Jesse

1/3/2023 08:22:45 am

13R wouldn't require it, so I would presume its in their local or state amendments or some other code the AJ has.

Glenn Berger

1/3/2023 08:28:07 am

My experience is that the elevator inspector will review his items only. Basically are sprinklers provided - yes or no? Do the elevators have the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Operations? He will not check to see if the sprinklers are in compliance with NFPA.

Todd E Wyatt

1/3/2023 09:01:31 am

SHORT ANSWER
Request from the AHJ the adopted Code and/or Standard that requires this. AHJs enforce and interpret the adopted Codes and Standards.

EXPLANATION
The 2018 WA State Building Code (WSBC) is the scoping Code as to where an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required per the building’s Occupancy Classifications (OC). “903.3.1.1.1. Exempt locations” lists “(5) Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces” and “(6) Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008” but it does not specifically exempt elevator hoistways including the elevator pit.

WSBC Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems reiterates the exempt ASPS protection for Fire Service Elevator’s “machine rooms and (elevator) machinery spaces” and adds “control rooms, control spaces, and elevator hoistways”. WSBC Ch 30 also has a similar exemption of ASPS protection for “occupant evacuation elevators”

While the 2018 WSBC is the scoping Code for where an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required, the referenced standards identify HOW sprinklers are to be “designed and installed” per the 2016 NFPA 13 (for non-Group R OCs) or 2016 NFPA 13R (for Group R OC) as per Chapter 35 Referenced Standards.

2016 NFPA 13 Chapter 8 — Installation Requirements, 8.15.5 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms states :
8.15.5.1*
Sidewall spray sprinklers shall be installed at the bottom of each elevator hoistway not more than 2 ft (600 mm) above the floor of the pit.
A.8.15.5.1
The sprinklers in the pit are intended to protect against fires caused by debris, which can accumulate over time. Ideally, the sprinklers should be located near the side of the pit below the elevator doors, where most debris accumulates. However, care should be taken that the sprinkler location does not interfere with the elevator toe guard, which extends below the face of the door opening.
8.15.5.2
The sprinkler required at the bottom of the elevator hoistway by 8.15.5.1 shall not be required for enclosed, noncombustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.

Based on the adopted 2016 NFPA 13, some elevator hoistways require ASPS protection.

Ken

1/3/2023 09:56:56 am

Know that almost every state has a different take on the elevator code as related to sprinkler. And in most cases the elevator inspector will reign in that kingdom. For instance King county Washington requires a normally closed monitored valve for the elevator equipment room sprinkler. Port of Seattle has their own rules which are different from WA State and NFPA 13. In Washington you are also dealing with competing government agencies that have to remain relevant. DOD and GSA also have different requirements from all others. The elevator sprinkler has been a point of frustration for many years.

Dave

1/3/2023 11:24:41 am

Ditto Todd and Ken. And making it more confusing, after 2016, L&I determined its safety rules were not consistent with ASME, and began a rule changing process. As you have probably noticed, one result is that sections of the WAC we grew to know and love for as long as I can remember, such as 296-96-0245, were eliminated. See also adopted standards chart on WAC 296-96-00650.

Dave

1/3/2023 11:33:48 am

Oh, and let's not even get into elevator pit sump pumps, and those rule changes.

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Elevator Inspection Subject to NFPA Standards?

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