Sprinkler Hazard Classification for Nail Salon?

11/6/2023

I had a discussion with other peers about the hazard classification of nail salons (not a hair salon in this case).

Peer 1 argued for OH2. It's semi-mercantile, typically behind the front desk they sell beauty care products of moderate flammability.

Peer 2 argued for OH1. It's not mercantile like we're used to; it's not aisles, it's a couple of cabinets by a front desk in the majority of cases. But the chemical storage in those beauty products to him says he can't go all the way light hazard even with mostly open floor space.

Peer 3 argued for Light Hazard. This is no different from a doctor's office. They have cabinetry, they have equipment, they have flammable chemicals (alcohol at the very least). Plus he'd really like to be able to use CPVC pipe for the light hazard occupancy to save money.

I see the argument for all three, so I figured I'd offer it to more peers. See where folks land on this. Thanks in advance.

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10 Comments

Alex

11/6/2023 05:23:47 am

I would argue against categorizing nail salons as a light hazard category. The presence of acetone and other solvents often requires flammability permits, indicating a risk beyond what light hazard protection would cover.

The decision between Ordinary Hazard Group 1 (OH1) and Ordinary Hazard Group 2 (OH2) classifications isn't straightforward. It should be based on several factors, including the size of the salon, an evaluation of the hazardous materials on-site reflected in the Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS), and the volume of flammable liquids used and stored.

A smaller nail salon with minimal use of nail polish removers might fit into the OH1 category. On the other hand, a larger salon with substantial storage of chemicals, especially if there's a designated chemical storage area, would more appropriately fall under OH2 classification.

Pete H

11/6/2023 06:40:22 am

I really like Alex's point about the size of the Nail Salon affecting it. So I'm going to piggy-back on that.

While I can understand the gent's point about light hazard, unless it's built architecturally similar to doctor's offices (lots of compartmentalized rooms that are typically no bigger than 250 square feet), I'd go Ordinary due to the open-ness of the room and combustibles.

For OH1, I'd probably peak out at roughly 2000-2500 square feet for the largest compartment.

And above that, I'd hit OH2.

Glenn Berger

11/6/2023 08:12:49 am

Generically - all of the positions have merit. BUT, one needs to consider the actual application, the actual planned quantities of hazardous materials that can be stored and handled at the this facility. Also, one needs to consider the size of this facility.

Jack G

11/6/2023 08:44:05 am

If it’s in a shopping mall or strip store, I d classify it OH 2, so that the system had enough density for down the road and a new tenant.
You could also overflow the heads you have near or next to the storage.

Anthony

11/6/2023 12:03:33 pm

I agree with this logic. Especially if its a small footprint. Otherwise LH would be fine.

Jesse

11/6/2023 09:39:00 am

Agree with Glenn. All positions have some merit. I think inherently the nail salon is LH unless they're keeping large quantities of Class I Flammable Liquids like acetone. I would argue this to be incidental to the use.

That being said, I would probably have my design staff treat this as OH 2 if we were modifying protection in the tenant space. The reason being that this is likely a small tenant space in a larger strip mall or retail building, and the extant protection is highly likely to be OH2. For us, the only difference in modifying for a tenant finish out would be coverage per sprinkler and in the case of a 1,000 sq. ft. tenant space, that difference being 3 or 4 sprinklers. I would find that much more expedient than trying to convince an AHJ its LH when they're concerned about some small quantities of Class I Flammable Liquid.

Robert M

11/6/2023 09:40:01 am

I have recently fought a fire in a large nail salon/bar occupancy where the stored chemicals fed the fire and led to a complete loss of the building. This building was not sprinklered as it was an older building that changed hands many times. The flammable liquids engulphed firefighters in flames (they were storing them in an attic). I don't know if there is an option for a flammables room with greater protection than the "retail" area.

Brian Cockburn

11/6/2023 09:58:15 am

If the water supply is up to it, I would design to OH2. You'll have more protection than would likely be needed and a future retail tenant would have a working sprinkler system with little need for modification.

Anthony Brown

11/6/2023 12:14:31 pm

I have done a number of Nail Salons and all but one was OH1 and accepted by the AHJ. The only hold out was OH2 and that was because the back store room also served as a storage area for two other Salons and some of the very flammable items were in one and five gallon containers stored in a locker.

sean

12/31/2023 11:20:00 pm

light hazard anytime, unless they lave bulk storage or combustible liquids

Sprinkler Hazard Classification for Nail Salon?

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