Fire Protection Systems Requirements

Automatic extinguishing systems shall be provided at the Acme Corporation facility, as follows:

    1. IBC Section 903.2.4: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building if the Group F-1 occupancy exceeds 12,000 square feet.
    2. IBC Section 903.2.9: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building if the Group S-1 occupancy exceeds 12,000 square feet.
    3. NFPA 34 Section 9.2: The Authority Having Jurisdiction has the ability to require automatic sprinkler protection for areas where dipping or coating operations are conducted, no matter the size.
    4. NFPA 34 Section 9.6: Unless automatic closing process tank covers that close upon activation of the fire alarm system are provided, the printing process areas shall be provided with an alternative fire extinguishing system. Alternate extinguishing systems include foam systems, carbon monoxide systems, gaseous agent systems, or water spray systems.

Due to the small volume of solvents and inks used in the printing processes, the Acme Corporation facility utilizes containers rather than tanks, and therefore automatic extinguishing systems are not required for local application on the equipment.

  1. NFPA 34 Section 9.7: A local application automatic fire protection system is required for roll coating operations that aren’t covered.

An automatic extinguishing system installed “throughout” the building includes full sprinkler coverage along the facility’s ceiling and below all obstructions four feet or greater in width. Fire sprinkler coverage is not required inside of specific equipment or machinery.

 

Outdoor Storage Requirements

The outdoor storage of Class I flammable liquids (solvent and ink) shall be stored as follows per requirements of Chapter 34 of the IFC and NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code:

  1. NFPA 30 Section 9.4: Only metal containers meeting the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations in Title 49 are permitted to store Class I, flammable liquids outdoors.
  2. IFC Table 3404.4.2: The maximum volume of Class IB outdoor container storage is 2,200 gallons per pile with a maximum height of 12 feet. The piles shall be a minimum of 50 feet from lot lines and 10 feet from public ways.

If the outdoor storage containers cannot be located greater than 10 feet from the lot line, a 2-hour rated wall can be constructed within 5 feet of the lot line, as an equivalent method of protection. Per Table 602 of the 2009 IBC, exterior walls located less than 5 feet from adjacent property lines for F-1 occupancies are required to be 2-hour fire resistive rated construction. Constructing a 2-hour fire barrier at this location to protect exposure to the adjacent properties would be consistent with the intent of the IBC and good engineering practice. If requested by the Fire Department, a “Request for Alternate Means of Construction” prepared by a licensed engineer may be required for submittal to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.