Localized Sprinkler Protection

[skdesigner]

Got a set of consultant's drawings here showing a prelim sprinkler plan for a hospital. In the crawlspace beneath, sprinklers are only shown protecting unit heaters and other fuel fired devices, as oppose to the entire floor space. The space appears to be compartmentalized with rated walls and hardware.

My question is, do the mechies/architects know something I don't? Looking through the NBC (canada), I see nothing about localized protection.

 

[pipesnpumps]

Does NBC invoke NFPA 13?

If I may make an analogy to US codes, they would require an NFPA 13 system. When you read NFPA 13 it states in Chapter 8, special situations, that certain areas of non-combustible construction are exempted from requiring sprinkler coverage.

In hospital and clinic crawlspaces I allow the use of the exemption which is worded 'areas of non-combustible construction.. with LIMITED access..and NO STORAGE'.

My personal interpretation of that, is the crawlspace should not have a full-height door to use this exemption.. Only a hatch or manway to allow maintenance access, otherwise it turns into an unsprinklered storage area.

If there are mechanical or other occupiable areas with fuel fired equipment and full access, they would not meet this exception, and therefore are required to be sprinklered. I can't comment on the rated walls, not knowing the function of the rooms..

In older versions of US code (NFPA 101 anyway), hospitals were not required to be fully sprinklered. But hazardous areas were.. I am not sure what codes and standards apply to your situation there in Canada, but I can find out from an FPE friend if you really need to know.

 

[pipesnpumps]

Should have put this in the above post, to make it more succinct: NFPA 13, 2010 version, section 8.15.1.2.2 states:

" Concealed spaces of noncombustible and limited-combustible construction with limited access and not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles shall not require sprinkler protection "

 

[NJ1]

The main conflict here is that on this forum you have people from other countries asking for guidance, unfortunately not all countries adopt the same codes like in the US.
Like pipesnpumps said:
If that crawl space has limited access, is not used for storage and has no combustibles it may not require to be sprinklered however here is my take on this.
If this is a retrofit then they may want to sprinkler just what is required or what meet minimum requirements.
If is a new installation I do not see how can you get away with a partial sprinkler system.
I always said that if is a new installation you should sprinkler every area, room, etc., just to play safe unless water demand does not allows for such design.

 

[cdafd]

SKD


Does the project have to conform to nfpa 101????

 

[skdesigner]

NFPA 13 is in full force here. I understand the concept of certain sprinkler omissions, but from code to code it seems to be the same - all or none. No mention of localized protection.

NJ1: I agree, it's hard to pin things down when we're talking different countries, but our codes are pretty close to yours.

CDA: no, 101 hasn't been adopted by our jurisdiction yet.

 

[cdafd]

So is the rest of the building sprinkled???

And they are just adding extra heads in these spaces???

 

[skdesigner]

New construction, main floor shown fully sprinklered. Crawlspace clearly does not meet the concealed space requirements, so I'm just going to pick it off per 13, and qualify it in my bid letter.

Thanks for the responses guys

 

[cdafd]

Sounds like it is coming out of 101

 

[pipesnpumps]

Sounds like a plan.. Crawlspaces are high on the list of major "oopsies". It really gets ugly when it isn't caught until the shop drawings are submitted, so that was a good catch..