Is a Partial Fire Alarm for F-Occupancy Allowed?

12/12/2023

Fire alarm question for an ICC state that adopts 2012 IBC/IFC & NFPA 72, 2010 edition.

I have an existing mixed use F-1 & S-1 occupancy. This building was originally built in 1910 with two additions over the years. The building sustained fire damage a year ago and is undergoing repairs, no additions, just repairing fire damage that was quite extensive.

The building is not sprinkled (not required when built). They had a partial alarm system installed about 35 years ago.

The insurance will cover the cost to repair/replace the partial system only, which will require a new FACP, wiring and initiating devices. Insurance will pay for a new system to cover the entire building, if required by code.

We cannot find anything in NFPA 72 that requires the entire building to have alarm coverage. There is no requirement in the IBC for F occupancies (single story, grade level) to have an alarm system.

We do see where non-required systems shall be allowed to be partial.

The question is, since this alarm system is being modified, is there any requirement for the entire building to be alarmed in NFPA 72?

The AHJ would also like to see the entire building to be alarmed, but doesn’t think he can require it by code since it would technically be a non-required system per the IBC.

The only thing he could think of was the requirement for manual pull stations at each exit since the building is not sprinkled. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Chad

12/12/2023 07:00:33 am

Have you asked the AHJ yet for their input? I imagine they would help you find a way (or are you the AHJ?)

72 tells you how to fire alarm, it only tells you when/where for sleeping areas in chapter 29.

I am not as adroit with the IFC as I should be. We use this from NFPA 1 to require fire alarms in very specific circumstances:

4.4.4* Occupant Notification. In every building or structure
of such size, arrangement, or occupancy that a fire itself could
not provide adequate occupant warning, fire alarm systems
shall be provided where necessary to warn occupants of the
existence of fire

Joe

12/12/2023 08:37:09 am

You may want to review table 3206.2 of the ICC since the budling may have High pile storage, plus review the Hazmat chapters of the ICC to see if they are storing or using any materials that may require a alarm systems.

I would also review section 903 of the ICC to see if a Fire sprinkler system would now be require, the insurance company may pay for this upgrade if it is required by code.

Bob

12/12/2023 09:03:13 am

In warehouses where there is packaging/light assembly, we have required partial alarm systems in the areas where the concentration of workers are present. They must have adequate exiting etc. If there are demising walls we sometimes require the entire area of that specific occupancy only. Other times just the areas subject to the increased occupant load that triggers the alarm system.

Sean

12/12/2023 09:27:08 am

IFC/ NFPA 72 does require that when you elect to add a system component, that component or feature should comply with the code. i.e. if you are installing a manual system, then pull stations are required at all exits.

Partial detection is allowed by IFC but notification needs to be installed in all common areas and rooms with an occupancy greater than one.

The real trick is to talk with the AHJ and work through a plan. Document everything and save it with the final documentation.

Donovan Schmidt

12/12/2023 09:33:16 am

901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection systems.

A fire protection system or portion thereof not required by this code or the International Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or complete protection provided that such installed system meets the applicable requirements of this code and the International Building Code. A building owner or designer may elect to install a fire protection system that is not required in the code. Even though such a system is not required, it must comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 9. This requirement is based on the concept that any fire protection system not installed as required by the code is lacking because it could give a false impression of properly installed protection
Fire Protection System: Approved devices equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire, control or mange smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof.

Greg

12/12/2023 12:29:58 pm

Has the owner considered the business - end user requirements under OSHA, if applicable ?

Some conversation with occupant - business' safety lead regarding regulations from OSHA 1910 Subpart L may apply or through a State - OSHA plan. Providing occupant notification throughout the building may achieve the below sections from OSHA .

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.165

1910.165(b)
General requirements.

1910.165(b)(1)
The employee alarm system shall provide warning for necessary emergency action as called for in the emergency action plan, or for reaction time for safe escape of employees from the workplace or the immediate work area, or both.

1910.165(b)(2)
The employee alarm shall be capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels by all employees in the affected portions of the workplace. Tactile devices may be used to alert those employees who would not otherwise be able to recognize the audible or visual alarm.

1910.165(b)(3)
The employee alarm shall be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate the work area or to perform actions designated under the emergency action plan.

sean

12/31/2023 06:48:00 pm

consider that the consistent design is something that is discussed the code/standard.

There is one code section for notification that helps you 907.5 talks about system replacements and how notification upgrades can be brought up to code by the fire official.

Is a Partial Fire Alarm for F-Occupancy Allowed?

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