Because a significant number of processing work is conducted and numerous mechanical equipment is located in this area of the facility, the chances of smoke detectors in this area being dirty is high. Furthermore, it is unclear to what level of sensitivity these detectors have been programmed. It is recommended that the existing smoke detectors in this portion of the facility be replaced with new smoke detectors set to a high-sensitivity due to the nature of the work being conducted here, as permitted by NFPA 72.

 

Phase 2 Improvements

Zari Consulting Group recommends a complete upgrade to the fire alarm system for Phase 2 of the project. Unlike the existing fire alarm system, these recommended upgrades will meet the requirements of the 2012 IBC and the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 and will simultaneously provide additional security that nuisance alarms will be significantly reduced at the facility. The recommended upgrades are as follows:

 

Provide New Wiring in Coduit for New Fire Alarm System

As indicated in “Building Code Analysis Section of this report, existing fire alarm system wiring was not observed to be routed in conduit. Furthermore, in numerous areas the system wiring was observed to not be secured tightly to the building structure.

While not required by code, routing all system wiring in conduit will provide additional security that the wiring will be secured to the structure, will not wear down through rubbing on the structure, will provide less likelihood from tampering, and will have a much greater likelihood of accidental damage.

Furthermore, providing new wiring for the new fire alarm system will allow the existing fire alarm system to remain functional during installation of the new system. If existing wiring was to be reused, the new fire alarm system would need to be deactivated. During this period, a fire-watch would likely be necessary to monitor the building and notify occupants of an emergency. For a building this size, a fire watch would be very costly.

This improvement will significantly increase the longevity of the fire alarm system and reduce the likelihood of nuisance alarms.