When is PIV Not Subject to Mechanical Damage?

3/8/2024

According to NFPA 13 2022 Section 16.9.8.2 it is to our discretion what we consider a location " where they are not subject to mechanical damage?

When installing a Post Indicator Valve, what do you consider "not subject to mechanical damage?"

Where is the line drawn, so to speak?

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8 Comments

Jesse

3/8/2024 09:01:56 am

Placed in areas not subject to vehicular traffic. i.e. Off the parking lot / lane in a grassy area, etc.

Obviously "subject to mechanical damage" is the sticky party. In my loss control days I would say we protect against the "probable loss" not the "possible loss". My example would be that the International space station could slip out of orbit and hit their building.

While that's "possible" it simply isn't "probable" And we're not going to loose sleep trying to figure out to protect against that.

RYAN HINSON

3/8/2024 09:51:38 am

Have you reviewed Section A.16.9.8? Since PIVs are typically used in an underground scenario and extend above grade, thus creating a potential 'target', I suggest looking at NFPA 24 (2022). NFPA 24 Section 6.3 echos NFPA 13 Section 16.9.8.2 regarding mechanical damage.

NFPA 24 Section 10.4.2 discusses protection of piping with Section 10.4.2.2 getting into protection from mechanical damage such as crushing from loads above- or being struck laterally from wayward vehicles (which I think is your concern). NFPA 24 Section 10.4.2.2.2 requires at least 2½ ft of cover where frost is not an issue as a buffer for vertically oriented mechanical damage...likely where it is possible for vehicles to drive over the pipe.

If bollards in accordance with IFC Section 312 or other physical obstructions prevent vehicles from actually driving over- or in the vicinity of where the valve or piping is located, then the 2½ ft minimum depth may not be required. There are other means to mitigate mechanical damage possibilities. Obviously, if heavy-haul vehicles are going to be driving in areas of PIVs, then neither standard bollards nor minimum depth of cover may be sufficient to prevent such damage and additional measures would be needed. In either scenario, coordination with civil or structural folks is recommended.

Franck

3/8/2024 10:07:06 am

Still in the prevention World and the probable events :)
I make the recommendation (for hydrants as well) whenever it is too close to vehicle paths.
Very quick to have a truck driving back and damage them !

Si fully in line with Jesse !

J GOLDEN

3/8/2024 10:44:18 am

I will add,
Not in the building / Structure collapse zone.

Glenn Berger

3/8/2024 12:51:44 pm

Away from normal vehicular traffic.

Jack G

3/9/2024 04:28:54 pm

Please review Myer fire 1/24/2019

I ve used wall pics where building was closer than 40 feet from the street, the wall was a rated wall, and there was a door next to it to go into the valve room.
Building height and rating plays a key hence the 40 foot rule

Todd E Wyatt

3/12/2024 08:39:13 am

The adopted scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) determines WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required to be installed based on the building’s Occupancy Classification(s) (OC) and/or Specific Building Areas and Hazards (per IBC-2021 903.2.11).

An at grade parking lot does not meet the IBC-2021 definition of a “building” but once PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF PANELS (PRP) were added, it could now be considered a “building” since the PRP provides “shelter” for the “Group S-2 Low-Hazard Storage.”

Review of IBC-2021 Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, 903.2.10 Group S-2 Parking Garages identifies (3) conditions WHERE an ASPS is required :

903.2.10 Group S-2 Parking Garages
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages where any of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage in accordance with Section 406.6 exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. Where the enclosed parking garage in accordance with Section 406.6 is located beneath other groups.
Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
3. Where the fire area of the open parking garage in accordance with Section 406.5 exceeds 48,000 square feet (4460 m2).

If the Project meets any of these (3) conditions, an AHJ may require it to be protected by an ASPS.

BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF PANEL (BIPV ROOF PANEL) are referenced in more detail in IBC-2021 Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures. Requirements for an ASPS in Chapter 15 are not included.

Todd E Wyatt

3/12/2024 08:39:39 am

REFERENCES
IBC-2021

Chapter 2 Definitions
BUILDING. Any structure utilized or intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF PANEL (BIPV ROOF PANEL). A photovoltaic panel that functions as a component of the building envelope.
OPEN PARKING GARAGE. A structure or portion of a structure with the openings as described in Section 406.5.2 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.5.3.
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE. A complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics and other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate DC power when exposed to sunlight.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL. A collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired and designed to provide a field-installable unit.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL SYSTEM. A system that incorporates discrete photovoltaic panels, that converts solar radiation into electricity, including rack support systems.
STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.

Section 311 Storage Group S
311.3 Low-Hazard Storage, Group S-2
Storage Group S-2 occupancies include, among others, buildings used for the storage of noncombustible materials such as products on wood pallets or in paper cartons with or without single thickness divisions; or in paper wrappings. Such products are permitted to have a negligible amount of plastic trim, such as knobs, handles or film wrapping. Group S-2 storage uses shall include, but not be limited to, storage of the following:
Public parking garages, open or enclosed
311.3.1 Public Parking Garages
Public parking garages shall comply with Section 406.4 and the additional requirements of Section 406.5 for open parking garages or Section 406.6 for enclosed parking garages.

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.2 Where Required
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.
903.2.10 Group S-2 Parking Garages
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages where any of the following conditions exists:
4. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage in accordance with Section 406.6 exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
5. Where the enclosed parking garage in accordance with Section 406.6 is located beneath other groups.
Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
6. Where the fire area of the open parking garage in accordance with Section 406.5 exceeds 48,000 square feet (4460 m2).

Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
Section 1505 Fire Classification
1505.8 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Products
BIPV products installed as the roof covering shall be tested, listed and labeled for fire classification in accordance with Section 1505.1.
1507.17 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Roof Panels
The installation of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof panels shall comply with the provisions of this section.
1507.17.1 Deck Requirements
1507.17.2 Deck Slope
1507.17.3 Underlayment
1507.17.4 Underlayment Application
1507.17.4.1 High-Wind Attachment
1507.17.4.2 Ice Barrier
1507.17.5 Material Standards
BIPV roof panels shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 7103 or with both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2.
1507.17.6 Attachment
1505.9 Rooftop Mounted Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Systems
Rooftop mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems shall be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 2703. Listed systems shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and their listing. The fire classification shall comply with Table 1505.1 based on the type of construction of the building.

UL
1703—2002 Flat-plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels—with Revisions through September 2018 1507.17.5, 3111.3.1
2703—2014 Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels-with Revisions through December 2019 1505.9
7103—19 Outline of Investigation for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Roof Coverings Table 1504.2, 1507.16.6
61730-1—2017 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification - Part 1: Requirements for Construction 1507.16.6, 1507.17.5, 3111.3.1
61730-2—2017 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification - Part 2: Requirements for Testing 1507.16.6, 1507.17.5, 3111.3.1

When is PIV Not Subject to Mechanical Damage?

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