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I'm an AHJ and we have a local ordinance, that, when taken literally and applied literally, would require sprinklers in the canopies over gas pumps.
I am wondering if anyone has experience, or opinions, on this type of application and if it even makes sense from a real-life point of view? I am interested in hearing thoughts and opinions and if there are code references, of course that helps too. Thanks. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
11 Comments
Taj
12/3/2021 05:48:47 am
In my experience, I've usually seen this practice in the northeast. A lot of local or state fire codes will require the use of a fire suppression system at a gas dispensing facility, which can get most of there language from NFPA 30A. I have seen in older NFPA 30A editions that there are administrative and engineering controls to implement to not have to install a fire suppression system (i.e. total flooding dry chemical). This usually includes having a "full-service" gas station and of course, emergency shut-off on the gas pump. I have seen AHJ's remove the locking mechanism on the gas pump dispensing handle as a control method. It does make sense from a real life point of view, if there was a fire larger than what a portable extinguisher is capable of handling, this comes into a large effect on the mitigation of fire spread to fuel supply or other sensitive items near the fire.
RJ
12/3/2021 08:13:21 am
In my humble opinion, what TAJ said above makes sense. But that and $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee. I'm old enough to remember a cup of coffee costing 10 cents. And yes, I really am that old!
Dan McLuen, PE
12/3/2021 08:18:20 am
I have only seen canopy fire protection required where the canopy is attached to the store. In those cases protection consisted of a deluge sprinkler system arranged to protect the store from a fire involving the pumping area. 12/3/2021 08:19:03 am
I've designed and installed fire sprinkler systems in gas station canopies in Rohnert Park and Morgan Hill, California. The link below illustrates what can happen when no fire suppression is present. The hazard can be considered EH 2.
Glenn Berger
12/3/2021 08:45:42 am
The key here is what use can the fire sprinkler system in the canopy provide?
Alex
12/3/2021 11:12:46 am
Agreed. I haven’t seen a station in the northeast without protection.
Joshua Freedman
12/3/2021 11:18:08 am
I am in the Southwest and only occasionally see this arrangement and when I do, it is only exposure type sprinkler layout around the border of the canopy to prevent spread to the store if it is close, connected, or also under the canopy; or, to protect a nearby structure. I think I have seen the deluge exposure design approach really only designed for life safety considerations.
Dan Wilder
12/3/2021 11:23:08 am
Being from a warm city (Phoenix), our protected canopies just utilize a wet system most times (but we have buried a dry valve inside a built out column in some cases). My opinion on them is the ability for other cars to leave the area is better than having a canopy full of cars go up and you get dilution of the burning fluids, typically to a point where combustion is no longer viable away from the source. The car/truck on fire is typically lost just due to the shielding the frame provides but the adjacent equipment and structure of the canopy remains.
sean
12/13/2021 12:52:50 pm
Never seen it done around me. 11/5/2023 10:13:38 am
Useful submit! I really want this sort of article.. that is very beneficial for me. Leave a Reply. |
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