Sprinkler Protection Required Inside Air Shower?

6/13/2024

May fire sprinkler coverage for an NFPA 13 system be omitted from inside an air shower?

Are there any square footage standards that would apply, or any other "exceptions" that would allow omission?

This is in a large industrial factory with hazardous materials.

The inverse question would be...is sprinkler coverage required inside an air shower?

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9 Comments

Dan Wilder

6/13/2024 07:53:31 am

NFPA 13 Section 4.1 states protection is throughout unless there are exceptions. Closets, chases, and other smaller locations require protection within, so I don't see a code-based exception for omission.

There may be a Performance based design approach that could argue the omission of sprinklers but as this is likely an egress path, that argument needs to be a very strong one.

Is there a specific reason for the omission? Pipes can be sealed entering the unit, they can also be run in several pipe types for corrosion or sanitary reason. Sprinklers also come in a variety of materials and finishes.

Anthony

6/13/2024 08:14:58 am

I agree with Dan, you'll need a sprinkler here. Try the 'clean room' gasket concealed sprinklers if there is a hard lid in the area. That'd keep the air/dust from leaking above the ceiling.

Glenn Berger

6/13/2024 08:16:42 am

Is your "air shower" a piece of equipment that will be installed in this facility? If its equipment, rather than a "constructed room," then an argument may be made to avoid the inclusion of sprinklers.

6/13/2024 09:38:42 am

I do not agree with this answer as a whole due to we had to provide coverage in 77 of 6'x8'x7' high enclosed soundproof auditing booths that were side by side spaced about 6" apart and there was coverage above. I agree it was a total waste, but I suggest speaking with the AHJ.

Jack G

6/13/2024 10:13:56 am

I m with Glenn.
While there is not a specific exclusion, if it’s a stand alone, not built in a definite argument could be made.
Also, the top of these things do not leave room for “ drop ins” like a fire sprinkler.

Jesse

6/13/2024 10:16:40 am

Agree with Glenn here.

As as general rule, you'd need to meet one the exceptions in 13 tot omit sprinklers. If it is a piece of equipment that is installed you may be able to make a case.

Todd E Wyatt

6/13/2024 11:12:28 am

The adopted scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) determines WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required to be installed and the Reference ASPS Standard (e.g. NFPA 13-2019) prescribes HOW a building’s/structure’s ASPS is to be designed, installed, inspected, and maintained.

The IBC-2021 includes “EXEMPT LOCATIONS” per 903.3.1.1.1 (7 exemptions) & 903.3.1.1.2 (1 exemption) :

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.3 Installation Requirements
903.3.1 Standards
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems
Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2.
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations
1. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
2. A room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.
3. A room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, where approved by the fire code official.
4. Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
5. Rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.
6. Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces.
7. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008.
903.3.1.1.2 Bathrooms
In Group R occupancies sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m2) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.

If the “air shower” meets one of these exemptions, an ASPS is not required.

Pete H

6/13/2024 12:39:23 pm

Not seeing any specific exclusion, I think you have to protect it unless you can get AHJ permission to go beyond code with the omission.

Wes

6/13/2024 12:50:03 pm

Also, keep in mind that air curtains or these clean air barriers are probably the sole ingress/egress path from a clean space.

We REALLY don’t want a fire starting, growing or spreading there without an alternative egress approach.

Sprinklers are automatic. Even smoke detection or extinguishers nearby require manual intervention, and aren’t a replacement for sprinklers here just because they might not be wanted.

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Sprinkler Protection Required Inside Air Shower?

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