Is a Vertical Shaft with Windows "Accessible"?

2/1/2022

What constitutes an "accessible" vertical shaft?

We have a vertical shaft in a high-rise building, without a door at the bottom, but with windows.

Is this "accessible" as dictated by NFPA 13?

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7 Comments

Anthony

2/1/2022 07:07:28 am

If you can stand in it and it has a door. then it is accessible.

You may be in concealed space rules. If the area has opening that are transitions between levels there are rules in 8.15 (NFPA 13 16ed) that specifically deal with odd occurrences.

Code does not have an answer for every single geometry of construction. Judgment is key for times like this.

Franck

2/1/2022 08:10:15 am

If you are using NFPA 13, it is probably because you want sprinklers in your vertical shaft.
Accessible means that you can access to sprinklers for possible check and maintenance purposes.
You don't need a door, but an access.

It is the same when you install sprinklers inside ducts (very common in the semi-conductor industry): you need access to the sprinklers to be able to maintain them.

Paul Pinigis

2/1/2022 08:16:27 am

The issue with access is that it gives the occupants the ability to enter the space and store items that would create a fuel load in the space. If all you have are fixed windows from the exterior, this would be an non-issue. In that case, I would not consider it accessible.

Note: I am shocked to see an architect give up space at the windows for a shaft.

Jack G

2/1/2022 08:18:00 am

You may want to look at the requirements in IBC that each window, if not fire rated glass, May require window sprinklers on both sides to prevent “ leaping of a fire between floors”.
Sounds like this was an atrium for light, for the interior of the building.

Jesse

2/1/2022 08:22:57 am

Doesn't sound like an accessible space per se, but rather concealed space. The issue may be the glass and whether or not it is fire rated. Fire rated glass is crazy expensive and most of the GCs in my area balk at it, which leaves us having to design window protection.

Todd Wyatt

2/1/2022 08:35:41 am

When a Code or Standard (e.g. 2022 NFPA 13) does not include a definition (e.g. accessible), the referenced dictionary shall be the resource : Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003. Its definition of "accessible" includes the following : capable of being reached; capable of being used or seen.

The referenced "accessible shafts" is part of "9.3 Special Situations." The "enhanced content" for 2022 NFPA 13 states the following :

"The requirements for special situations have been brought into Section 9.3 to consolidate the provisions that were previously spread throughout Chapter 8 of the 2016 edition. The situations addressed in this section do not fit the more usual building configurations such as “rooms” or “compartments.” Instead, they are often referred to as “spaces,” and provisions are provided to clarify where the required sprinklers need to be located within those spaces."

9.3.3 Vertical Shafts includes the following :

9.3.3.1 General.
Unless the requirements of 9.3.3.1.1 or 9.3.3.1.2 are met, one sprinkler shall be installed at the top of shafts.

9.3.3.1.1
Noncombustible or limited-combustible, nonaccessible vertical duct shafts shall not require sprinkler protection.

9.3.3.1.2
Noncombustible or limited-combustible, nonaccessible vertical electrical or mechanical shafts shall not require sprinkler protection.

ENHANCED CONTENT
Sprinklers are to be provided at the top of all shafts used for stairs or other shafts open to more than one floor. Concealed combustible shafts must be sprinklered. Concealed shafts of noncombustible or limited-combustible construction and contents in a suitably rated enclosure do not require sprinklers. For requirements on elevator shafts, see 9.3.6.

9.3.3.2* Shafts with Combustible Surfaces.
9.3.3.2.1

Where vertical shafts have combustible surfaces, one sprinkler shall be installed at each alternate floor level.

9.3.3.2.2
Where a shaft having combustible surfaces is trapped, an additional sprinkler shall be installed at the top of each trapped section.

9.3.3.3 Accessible Shafts with Noncombustible Surfaces.
Where accessible vertical shafts have noncombustible surfaces, one sprinkler shall be installed near the bottom.

Per these section, the combustible vs noncombustible nature of the shaft should be investigated first. If the "shaft" is actually a "vent shaft" which is "unobstructed to the sky", this "shaft" is actually a "court" and would not required automatic sprinkler protection.

Glenn Berger

2/1/2022 08:48:38 am

This is not an NFPA 13 item, but an NFPA 101 requirement. If using a window assembly, need to ensure the fire rating is met.

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Is a Vertical Shaft with Windows "Accessible"?

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