NFPA 5000 — May 2002 ROP — Copyright 2001, NFPA...Unless otherwise prohibited, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D shall be permitted to meet the requirements of this column unless

NFPA 5000 — May 2002 ROP — Copyright 2001, NFPA

196

(Log #913) Committee: BLD-STR

5000- 401 - (7-5.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Sam Francis, American Forest & Paper Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Delete Table 7.3 and substitute the following table:

Table with values

Occupancy TYPE I TYPE II TYPE III TYPE IV P

Assembly

Large (>1000) a, b, e, f, g H UL 5 3 2 3 2 3 2 1

[no stage] A UL UL 15500 8500 14000 8500 15000 11500 5500

Medium (>300) a,b, e, f, g H UL 5 3 2 3 2 3 2 1

[no stage] A UL UL 15500 8500 14000 8500 15000 11500 5500

Small (>50) a, b, e, f, g H UL 5 3 2 3 2 3 2 1

[no stage] A UL UL 15500 8500 14000 8500 15000 11500 5500

ASSEMBLY H UL 5 3 2 3 2 3 2 1

multi-purpose A UL UL 15500 8500 14000 8500 15000 11500 5500

BUSINESS H UL 11 5 4 5 4 5 3 2

A UL UL 37500 23000 28500 19000 36000 18000 9000

BOARD & CARE I, j, k H UL 11 4 4 4 4 4 3 2

RESIDENTIAL-- <17 A UL UL 24000 16000 24000 16000 205000 12000 7000

BOARD & CARE I, j H UL 9 4 3 4 3 4 3 2

RESIDENTIAL-- >16 A UL 55000 19000 10000 16500 10000 18000 10500 4500

DAY-CARE H UL 5 3 2 3 2 3 1 1

A UL 60500 26500 13000 23500 13000 25500 18500 9000

DETENTION h H UL 4 2 1 2 1 2 2 1

AND CORRECTION A UL UL 15000 10000 10500 7500 12000 7500 5000

EDUCATIONAL H UL 5 3 2 3 2 3 1 1

A UL UL 26500 14500 23500 14500 25500 18500 9500

HEALTH CARE H UL 4 2 1 1 0 1 1 1

A UL UL 15000 11000 12000 0 12000 9500 4500

HEALTH CARE-- H UL 4 2 1 1 0 1 1 1

AMBULATORY A UL UL 15000 11000 12000 0 12000 9500 4500

INDUSTRIAL-- H UL 11 4 2 3 2 4 2 1

GENERAL A UL UL 25000 15500 19000 12000 33500 14000 8500

INDUSTRIAL-- H UL 11 5 3 4 3 5 3 2

SPECIAL PURPOSE A UL UL 37500 23000 28500 18000 50500 21000 13000

IND HIGH HAZARD

DETONATION H 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

A 21000 16500 11000 7000 9500 7000 7500 7500 0

DEFLAGRATION H UL 3 2 1 2 1 2 1 1

A 21000 16500 11000 7000 9500 7000 10500 7500 3000


197

Table with values (continued)

Occupancy TYPE I TYPE II TYPE III TYPE IV TYPE V

PHYSICAL H UL 6 4 2 4 2 4 2 1

A UL 60000 26500 14000 17500 13000 25500 10000 5000

HEALTH H UL 7 5 3 5 3 5 3 2

A UL UL 37500 17500 28500 17500 36000 18000 6500

HAZ MAT H 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2

A UL UL 37500 23000 28500 19000 36000 18000 9000

MERCANTILE H UL 11 4 4 4 4 4 3 1

A UL UL 21500 12500 18500 12500 20500 14000 9000

RESIDENTIAL

HOTEL H UL 11 4 4 4 4 4 3 2

A UL UL 24000 16000 24000 16000 20500 12000 7000

APARTMENT H UL 11 4 4 4 4 4 3 2

A UL UL 24000 16000 24000 16000 20500 12000 7000

SINGLE DWELLING H UL 11 4 4 4 4 4 3 3

A UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL UL

STORAGE H UL 11 4 3 3 3 4 3 1

A UL 48000 26000 17500 26000 17500 25500 14000 9000

PARK CLOSED H UL 11 4 3 3 3 4 3 1

A UL 48000 26000 17500 26000 17500 25500 14000 9000

PARK OPEN H UL 12 10 8 0 0 4 0 0

A UL UL 50000 50000 0 0 50000 0 0

SPECIAL STRUCTURES H UL 5 4 2 3 2 4 2 1

A UL 35500 19000 8500 14000 8500 18000 9000 5500

H=Height in stories above grade

A=Allowable area in square feet per floor

UL=Unlimited

NP=Not Permitted

a. For Height and Area modification restrictions by occupancy, see Chapters 15 through 33.

b. For sprinklering requirements by occupancy, see Chapters 15 through 33.

c. For sprinklering requirements by occupancy, see Chapters 15 through 33.

d. Unless otherwise prohibited, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D shall be permitted to meet the requirements of this column unless further restricted in Chapters 15 through 33.

e. Permitted if requirements of Table 15.1.6 are met.

f. For number of levels permitted below level of exit discharge, see table 15.1.6.

g. For exceptions to limitations, see Section 15.1.6.

h. Conditon 1 is permitted in unsprinklered buildings. Area is limited to 50% of the area permitted for sprinklered buildings.

I. One story prompt evacuation units with <9 residents are permitted to be unsprinklered. Area is limited to 50% of the area permitted for sprinklered buildings.

j. The Height and Area requirements ONLY apply to the floors normally occupied by the Board and Care residents.

k. Buildings of type V (000) construction are permitted to be 4 stories when fully sheathed.

l. Allowable area for fully sprinklered single story buildings is limited to 133% of the area permitted for multistory sprinklered buildings.

m. The Height and Area requirements for outdoor stadiums are unlimited. See Chapter 15 for other requirements.


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SUBSTANTIATION: The table derived from the Epcot Building Code was incomplete and failed to include most of the occupancy groups now included in this code. The data presented to the Structures and Construction TC indicate that the area of a building is not one of the significant factors in determining the safety of the building. Number, location and size of exits, travel distance and fire resistance of the structure do not change due to area. Therefore, the allowable areas in this code should not be less than those permitted under many of the building codes now in existence. The proposed table simply recognizes those facts and proposes areas which are currently permitted in the United States. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas. See Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4 and Tables 7.4.2 (A), 7.4.2 (B), 7.4.3 (A) and 7.4.3 (B). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 402 - (7-5.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Sam Francis, American Forest & Paper Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 7.5.7 Sprinklered Buildings. When a building is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system, the area of the building permitted in Table 7.3 shall be increased by 300 percent for single story buildings and 200 percent for multistory buildings. SUBSTANTIATION: The data presented to the Structures and Construction committee indicated that the single most important factor in preserving both life and property with the presence of a operating automatic sprinkler system. It is so significant that area limits for buildings equipped with a system are redundant or even unnecessary. To this end, a recognition o that contribution should be in the code. This proposal recognizes that importance. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas. See Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4 and Tables 7.4.2 (A), 7.4.2 (B), 7.4.3 (A) and 7.4.3 (B). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 403 - (7-5.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a new subsection titled “Automatic Sprinkler Increases:” The allowable areas of Table 7.3 shall be increased by 300 percent for one-story buildings and 200 percent for multistory buildings sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13. SUBSTANTIATION: Creating a separate section for Automatic Sprinkler Increases permits the increases allowed in other model building codes for fire sprinkler systems. This change is also required

if the proposal eliminating the column for automatic sprinklers is in Table 7.3 accepted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas. See Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4 and Tables 7.4.2 (A), 7.4.2 (B), 7.4.3 (A) and 7.4.3 (B). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 404 - (7-6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Elwin G. Joyce, Kentucky Division of Building Code Enforcement RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 7.6 Except in hazardous locations, the area of one story buildings completely protected by an approved automatic sprinkler shall in accordance with Section 11.3 housing Business, Mercantile, Industrial and Storage occupancies same not be limited when the building is surrounded and adjoined by public space, streets or permanent yards not less than 60 feet. SUBSTANTIATION: The statement (7.6) appears to allow an unsuppressed building to be of unlimited area and also may be allowing combustible construction to be of unlimited area. The suppression requirement is the main issue for revising the wording. Because an unlimited area building cannot be handled properly by most fire departments in the U.S. It a general fact that in the United Kingdom the regularly mercantile and industrial unlimited area buildings. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated a similar regulation for unlimited compartment area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 405 - (7-6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MACS) RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 7.6 Unlimited Area Buildings. 7.6.1 Except in hazardous locations, The floor area of one-story buildings housing Business, Mercantile, Industrial, and Storage occupancies shall not be limited when the building is surrounded and adjoined by public space, streets or permanent yards not less 60 less wide and is protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13.


199

Exception: The 60 ft (18288 mm) wide open space required to surround the building shall be allowed to be not less than 40 ft (12192 mm) provided all of the following requirements are met: (a) The open space less than 60 ft (18288 mm) wide shall be limited to not more than 75 percent of the building perimeter. (b) Any exterior wall facing the open space less than 60 ft wide shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours. (c) Any openings in the exterior wall facing the open space less than the 60 ft wide shall be protected with fire door assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 3 hours. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal makes it clear that unlimited area one story buildings permitted by this code were intended to be allowed in conjunction with the installation of an automatic sprinkler system which is mandated for all buildings under the EPCOT Building Code which served as a source document for NFPA 5000. In addition, we have deleted the phrase “except in hazardous locations” because this has no meaning within the context of this building code draft. And, we have also provided a new exception which allows the required 60 ft wide open space which surrounds the entire unlimited area building to be reduced to not less than 40 ft under specific conditions that address the fire safety issues for such buildings. This approach is consistent with several of the national model building codes and provides a degree of flexibility in the design and construction of these unlimited area buildings while not sacrificing fire safety. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated specific critieria for unlimited compartment area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 406 - (7-6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Robert J. Wills, American Iron and Steel Institute RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 7.6 UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS. 7.6.1 Unsprinklered, one-story. The area of a one-story building used as a Special Purpose Industrial Occupancy or as a S Occupancy with low hazard contents, shall not be limited when the building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18,288 mm) in width. 7.6.2 Sprinklered, one-story. The area of a one-story building used for B, I, M or S occupancies, and assembly uses intended for viewing of indoor sporting events with spectator seating, shall not be limited when the building is provided with a NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system, and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18,288 mm) in width. Exceptions: 1. Buildings and structures of Types I and II construction for rack storage facilities, which do not have access by the public shall not be limited in height provided that such buildings conform tot he requirements of Section 7.6.1 and NFPA 231C. 2. The automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in areas occupied for indoor Participant sports, such as tennis, skating, swimming and equestrian activities, provided that: 2.1 Exit doors directly to the outside are provided for occupants of the participant sports areas, and

2.2. The building is equipped with a fire alarm system with manual fire alarm boxes installed in accordance with Section 11.2. 7.6.3 Two story. The area of a two-story building used for B, I, M or S occupancies shall not be limited when the building is provided with a NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system, and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18,299 mm) in width. 7.6.4 Reduced open space. The permanent open space of 60 feet (18, 288 mm) required in Sections 7.6.1, 7.6.2 and 7.6.3 shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 40 feet (12,192 mm) provided the following requirements are met: 1. The reduced open space shall not be allowed for more than 75 percent of the perimeter of the building. 2. The exterior wall facing the reduced open space shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 3 hours. 3. Openings in the exterior wall, facing the reduced open space, shall have opening protectives with a fire-resistance rating of 3 hours. 7.6.5 High-hazard uses. Hazardous materials constituting deflagration, physical, or health hazards shall be permitted in unlimited area buildings having occupancies in Use Groups I and S, in accordance with the limitations of this section. Fire areas located at the perimeter of the unlimited area building shall not exceed 10 percent of the area of the building nor the area limitations specified in Table 7-3 as modified by Section 7.5, based upon the percentage of the perimeter of the fire area that fronts on a street or other unoccupied space. Other fire areas shall not exceed 25 percent of the area limitations specified in Table 7-3. Fire-resistance rating requirements of fire barrier assemblies shall be in accordance with Table 6.3. 7.6.6 Group E buildings. The area of one-story buildings of Type II, II-211 or IV construction, used for Educational occupancies shall not be limited when the following criteria are met: 1. Each classroom shall have not less than two means of egress, with one of the means of egress being a direct exit to the outside of the building. 2. The building is equipped throughout with a NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system. 3. The building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18,288 mm) in width. 7.6.7 Motion picture theaters. In buildings of Type I or II construction, the area of one-story motion picture theaters shall not be limited when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18,288 mm) in width. 507.5 Sprinklered one-story. The area of a one-story, Assembly building used as an auditorium, church, community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court of Type II construction shall not be limited when all the following criteria are met: 1. The building shall not have a theatrical stage other than a raised platform. 2. The building is equipped with a NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system. 3. The assembly floor is located at, or within 21 inches (533 mm) of street or grade level and all exits are provided with ramps to the street or grade level. 4. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60’ (18 m) in width. SUBSTANTIATION: All the unlimited area building provisions being proposed are commonly used in various areas of the country. These allowances should not be eliminated without evidence of a problem. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated specific critieria for unlimited compartment area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24


200

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 407 - (7-6.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Dick M. Glumac, Glumac International/Rep. Golden Gate Chapter ASHRAE RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: “Except in hazardous locations, the area of one or two-story buildings housing Business, Mercantile, Industrial, and Storage occupancies shall not be limited when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout and is surrounded and adjoined by...”. SUBSTANTIATION: Unlimited area buildings with no restriction on construction type should have some level of fire protection. Automatic sprinklers can address this issue and may allow these buildings to be of two-stories. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated specific critieria for unlimited compartment area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 408 - (7-6.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: David C. Tabar, The Sherwin-Williams Co. RECOMMENDATION: Delete first four words in 7.6.1 as follows: 7.6.1 Except in hazardous locations, the The area of one-story buildings housing Business, Mercantile, Industrial, and Storage occupancies shall not be limited when the building is surrounded and adjoined by public space, streets or permanent yards not less than 60 feet wide. SUBSTANTIATION: Certain properly - constructed “hazardous location” occupancies are permitted to be unlimited in area. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated specific critieria for unlimited compartment area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 409 - (7-6.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 7.6.1 to read as follows: “Exception hazardous locations, the area of one-story Buildings Housing Business, Mercantile, Industrial and Storage Occupancies shall not be limited when the building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system and is surrounded by public spaces, streets or permanent yards not less than 60 feet wide.” SUBSTANTIATION: The current text was from the Epcot code that required all buildings to be sprinklered and therefore automatic sprinklers were not shown in this section. The other model codes would only permit unlimited area buildings when protected by automatic sprinklers. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated specific critieria for unlimited compartment area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 410 - (7-6.2 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. AAMA Smoke Vent Task Group RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section 7.6.2 to read as follows: 7.6.2 Industrial and storage occupancies complying with 7.6.1 shall be provided with automatic smoke and heat vents in accordance with NFPA 204. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal simply puts back into the NFPA 5000 draft Section 7.12.3 (b) of the EPCOT Building Code. This section would require the installation of automatic smoke and heat vents in the roofs of one-story unlimited area buildings permitted by Section 7.6. This requirement would be consistent with several of the national model building and fire codes which generally trigger the requirement for smoke and heat vents in such buildings at 50,000 sq. ft. It is highly unlikely that an unlimited area building would be built to less than 50,000 sq. ft to take advantage of this section which also requires the minimum open space around the building of at least 60 ft. The provision of automatic smoke and heat vents is also a property protection as well as a fire fighter safety issue. These vents will minimize the need for the fire fighter to get on the roof of the building to ventilate the building in the event of a fire condition and will also aid in limiting property damage caused by heat and smoke. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Committee Action on Proposal 5000-399 (Log #879). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 411 - (7-6.2 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MACS) RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 7.6.2 High Hazard occupancies shall be allowed in unlimited area buildings classified as Factory or Storage occupancies in accordance with the requirements in this section. The High Hazard occupancy shall be separated from the rest of the building in accordance with Section 6.3. A High Hazard occupancy located adjacent to an exterior wall of the unlimited area building shall have a floor area not greater than 10 percent of the floor of the unlimited area building nor the allowable area specified in Table 7.3 as modified by Section 7.5, based upon the percentage of the perimeter of the High Hazard occupancy that adjoins a public space, street, or permanent open space. A High Hazard occupancy located in other areas of the building shall not have a floor area greater than 25 percent of the allowable floor area specified in Table 7.3. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal adds a new section to the criteria for one story unlimited area buildings to provide a degree of flexibility with the allowable use of high hazard occupancies within these buildings which are classified either as factory or storage occupancies. It is not uncommon to have some limited amount of high hazard occupancy involved with these other occupancies so it is prudent to recognize that practice and provide regulations that allow it to occur in a fire safe manner. The conditions in this section limit the area of the high hazard occupancy while also specifying that it must be appropriately separated with fire resistive construction in accordance with Section 6.3. This section is consistent with several of the national model building codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: High hazard contents can be found throughout several different occupancies, since it is not considered a distinct use group. Therefore, the Technical Committee chose to reject this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 20 NEGATIVE: 1 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: GREENWALD: These provisions are necessary for this section on unlimited area buildings. Unlimited area concepts are not covered in any other occupancy chapter of NFPA 5000. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 412 - (7-6.2 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Sam Francis, American Forest & Paper Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Add new section 7.6.2 7.6.2 The area of a one story building which is surrounded and adjoined by public space, streets, or permanent yards 60 feet wide and which is provided with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 shall not be limited. SUBSTANTIATION: During one of the Structures TC Meetings, NFPA staff was asked to provide data by which the TC could analyze the contribution of areas of buildings to safety to life of occupants and protection of property. The reply was that the single consistent factor which contributed to protection of occupants and protection of property was sprinkler systems. Therefore, the information provided to the TC supports the contention that building areas are not in and of themselves contributors to the hazard. Insofar as travel distance, fire resistance ratings, permitted materials, number and size of exits do not change when building areas are permitted to increase,

the hazard remains similar. Since sprinklering reduces the hazard, the notion of area limits should be set aside in recognition of that fact. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although, the Technical Committee chose a different to approach to regulating heights and areas, the Technical Committee incorporated specific critieria for unlimited area buildings in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007), Section 7.4.3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

___________________ (Log #1115)

Committee: BLD-STR 5000- 413 - (7-7.1.1 (New) ): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section 7.7.1.1 as follows: “The area of a mezzanine shall not be required to be counted for compliance with Table 7.3. The area of a mezzanine shall be included in the fire area where fire sprinkler requirements are based on area.” SUBSTANTIATION: Adding text is required to clarify how the area of the mezzanine shall be included when computed floor areas for the sprinkler thresholds. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. If approved, add a new section 7.4.4.1.1 to Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007) as follows: “The area of a mezzanine shall not be required to be counted for compliance with Tables 7.4.3 (A) and 7.4.3 (B). The area of a mezzanine shall be included in the fire area where fire sprinkler requirements are based on area.” COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee's modification in the first sentence is editorial in nature. The Technical Committee deleted the second sentence because the language was inconsistent with the first sentence. Mezzanines are not counted for area and should not be counted for sprinklers. This modification will be incorporated as a new Section 7.4.4.1.1 in Committee Proposal 5000-391 (Log #CP1007). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

___________________ (Log #458)

Committee: BLD-STR 5000- 414 - (7-7.2.2): Accept SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Coordinate with Section 7.2.3.7.1.2. SUBSTANTIATION: If a Type I or II building is limited to two mezzanine levels, why can a lesser type of construction have more? COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 415 - (7-7.2.3): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 7.7.2.3. SUBSTANTIATION: See previous proposal submitted on new section 7.7.1.1. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee agreed that the base floor area of the room should be used to determine the area of the mezzanine; therefore, it is inappropriate to delete this section. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 416 - (7-8 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MACS) RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 7.8 Special Applications. A basement or first story above grade of a building shall be considered as a separate and distinct building for the purpose of determining allowable building area and type of construction, continuity of fire walls, and allowable number of stories provided all of the following requirements are met: 1. The basement or first story above grade is classified as Type I construction and is separated from the building above with a floor assembly having a fire resistance rating of not less than 3 hours. Openings in the floor assembly shall be protected by shaft, stair, ramp or escalator enclosures extending above and below such openings. The walls of such enclosures extending above and below such openings. The walls of such enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours and openings therein shall be protected by fire door assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than 1-1/2 hours. Exception: Where the walls of such enclosures extend below the floor assembly to the foundation and have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours with openings protected by fire door assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 3 hours, the enclosure walls extending above such floor assembly shall be allowed to have a fire-resistant rating of not less than 1-hour provided: (a) The building above is not required to be of Type I construction; and (b) The enclosure walls do not enclose an exit stair, ramp or escalator required to have enclosure walls having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2-hours. 2. The building above the floor assembly contains only Business, Mercantile, or Residential occupancies or Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of less than 300. 3. The building below the floor assembly is an enclosed parking garage used exclusively for the parking and storage of private motor vehicles. Exceptions: 1. Entry lobbies, mechanical rooms and similar uses incidental to the operation of the building shall be allowed. 2. Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of less than 300 and Business and Mercantile occupancies shall be allowed in addition to those uses incidental to the operation of the building including storage areas, where the entire building below the floor assembly is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13.

4. The maximum building height in feet shall not exceed the limits set forth in Table 7.3 for the least restrictive type of construction used. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal allows for a special treatment in the application of the allowable building height and floor areas in Table 7.3. It is based on the concept known as “pedestal construction” in which the lower levels are constructed of Type I construction with the top floor slab of that construction providing a minimum 3-hour fire resistance rating including structural supports which, in effect, achieves a “horizontal” fire wall to separate the lower building from the upper building. Then the upper building is constructed of any of the construction types allowed with that building considered as a separate building and the height limited by that type of construction. This special application has been found to be very useful throughout the country especially in downtown areas where buildings are often rehabilitated and additional stories added of the type of construction other than the original Type I construction. This is consistent with several of the national model building codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Committee Action on Proposal 5000-389 (Log #604). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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(Log #255) Committee: SAF-FIR

5000- 417 - (Chapter 8): Reject SUBMITTER: Richard Licht, 3M Company RECOMMENDATION: Add new sections as follows: Item 1 Chapter 8 Fire Resistive Materials and Construction 8.4 Smoke Barriers and Smoke Partitions. 8.4.1.5 Penetration and Miscellaneous Openings in Smoke Partitions. 8.4.1.5.1 Pipe, conduits, bus ducts, cables, wires, air ducts, pneumatic tubes and ducts and similar building service equipment that pass through smoke partitions shall be protected as follows: (1) The space between the penetrating item and the smoke partitions shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Through penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with UL 1479, Section 6, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the penetrations shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. (2) Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke partition, the sleeve shall be solidly set in the smoke partition, and the space between the item and the sleeve shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is design for the specific purpose. a. Through penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with UL 1479, section 6, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the penetrations shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction


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(3) Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Through penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with UL 1479, section 6, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the penetrations shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. 8.4.1.5.2 Openings located at points where smoke partitions meet the outside walls, other smoke partitions, smoke barriers, or fire barriers of a building shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Joints shall be protected by an approved joint smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with ASTM 1966 or UL2079, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the joints shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. Item 2 8.4.2.6 Penetrations and Miscellaneous Openings in Floors and Smoke Barriers. 8.4.2.6.1 Pipe, conduits, bus ducts, cables, wires, air ducts, pneumatic tubes and ducts and similar building service equipment that pass through smoke barriers shall be protected as follows: (1) The space between the penetrating item and the smoke barrier shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Through penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with UL 1479, section 6, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the penetrations shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. (2) Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke barrier, the sleeve shall be solidly set in the smoke barrier, and the space between the item and the sleeve shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Through penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with UL 1479, section 6, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the penetrations shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. (3) Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Through penetration shall be protected by an approved penetration smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with UL 1479, section 6, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the penetrations shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. 8.4.2.6.2 Openings located at points where smoke barriers meet the outside walls, other smoke partitions, smoke barriers, or fire barriers of a building shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke.

b. It shall be protected by an approved device that is designed for the specific purpose. a. Joints shall be protected by an approved joint smoke seal installed as tested in accordance with ASTM 1966 or UL2079, Air leakage rating. The air leakage value through the joints shall be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. SUBSTANTIATION: The code call for smoke sealing penetrations and joints in smoke partitions and smoke barriers but does not tell you how to measure smoke leakage or what type of testing is applicable. The addition of UL 1479 Air leakage rating will provide a means of testing smoke leakage and give a value that can be used in total smoke leakage through a partition and barrier containing penetrations. The addition of ASTM 1966 and UL 2079 will also allow testing and measurement of smoke leakage through joints in smoke barriers and partitions. Both of these standards measure air leakage at room temperature as well as at 400 degrees F, (Hot and Cold smoke). The air leakage test in UL 1479, UL 2079, and ASTM 1966 is based on the air leakage test for fire doors and can provide the user with a quantified value for smoke through penetrations and joints in smoke partitions and barriers. The language used today does not provide a test method or a measurement for smoke through these types of construction. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal has introduced a concept which is not fully defined for application. It refers to an air leakage rating which is to be included in the total leakage calculation for the smoke partition construction. The air leakage values referenced do not provide a means to evaluate or establish what would be an acceptable value for these particular installations. The technical committee also recognize that for a complete and appropriate application that the entire assembly, such as walls or floors, which includes all openings and the type of construction would need to be evaluated. By applying this activity to a single provision in an assembly it appears that there would not be any benefits if the entire assembly is not subject these conditions. The technical committee also did not have the opportunity to review the referenced UL standards for full application. The technical committee also recognizes that the requirement for what may be an acceptable value for air leakage should be addressed by the individual occupancies. There may not be a need to establish this provision for all installations but only for specific occupancies because of particular use conditions. The appropriate technical committee would need to review these particular conditions and establish what they felt is appropriate and applicable. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: General Statement: I am voting negatively on the following items because there seemed to be a lack of interest on the part of the FIR Technical Committee to establish any level of protection from the migration of smoke. It is not reasonable that NFPA would publish a code that does not reflect the organization’s own findings, that is, that smoke related deaths and injuries outnumber fire deaths and injuries, and is a significant cause of property damage. I do not support the following items which the Fire Protection Features Committee either rejected or revised in such as a way so as to require smoke protection that is overly generalized and/or subjective to the point of being unenforceable. Reason: Although the proposed new material may not have been perfect, the reasons for rejection are not acceptable. The fact that “The Technical Committee did not have the opportunity to review the referenced UL standards for full application” is unacceptable. The public proposals have been in the hands of the committee members for weeks, and the UL standards are easily available public documents. The fact that the committee members reviewed the standards is not an excuse for rejecting what seems to be a worthwhile proposal, at least in concept.


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The Committee Statement indicates that “The Technical Committee also recognizes that the requirement for what may be an acceptable value for air leakage should be addressed by the individual occupancies.” This is a very good point, but should not be a reason for rejection. Rather, this idea could easily be melded into the proposal by modifying the second sentence of each underlined subsection to read “The acceptable air leakage value through the (penetrations, joints) shall be as required in the Occupancy chapters of the Code.” This would then allow the individual occupancy chapters to specify an acceptable leakage value, or even to specify no leakage requirement at all. TARABA: Since a standardized test performed by a Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory exists to quantify the leakage of smoke, it should be used in some way when the Code is trying to instruct the user to “limit the transfer of smoke”. A revision to the submitter’s proposal which would seem to accommodate the concerns expressed in the Committee Statement would have been to state that the test shall be used, and that the allowable leakage shall be as specified in other chapters of the Code. Aside from technical issues, to leave the wording as it is presently in the draft Code is unacceptable based on proper use of English. The dictionary defines “limiting” as: 1. To confine or restrict within a boundary or bounds 2. To fix definitely, to specify In other words, the word “limiting” can only be used to limit TO something. One cannot simply limit. No bounds have been provided in the existing code wording, making it confusing, without true meaning, and potentially unenforceable.

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5000- 418 - (Chapter 8): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Change the name of this chapter and all references within as necessary. Fire Resistive Materials and Construction Fire and Smoke Barrier Construction SUBSTANTIATION: Smoke barriers and components are covered in this chapter while it is only labeled as fire related. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The current title is adequate. There are more elements found in Chapter 8 then what is suggested in the submitter's substantiation. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 419 - (Chapter 8): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Inc./Rep. International Fire Stop Council RECOMMENDATION: This proposal has been compiled using material from the NFPA 5000 Building Code Wording Draft, and the 2000 International Building Code, the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Revise Chapter 8 as follows: Chapter 8 Fire Resistive Materials and Construction Add to this section the following: 8.2.1 Fire Resistive Materials and System Materials, systems or devices are permitted to be incorporated into the fire resistive assembly which have not been tested as part of the assembly provided that pertinent data is be made available to the code official which demonstrates that the required fire-resistive rating is not reduced. 8.3 Fire Barriers - Horizontal and Vertical

(New Formatting) Include in (new) section 8.3.1 FIRE WALLS the following: Penetrations in fire walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6.(new formatting) Joints in fire walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.7. Include in (new) section 8.3.2 FIRE BARRIER WALLS the following: 8.3.2 Fire Barrier Walls. Fire barrier walls shall be constructed in accordance with NFPA 221. 8.3.2.1 Penetrations in fire barrier walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6. 8.3.2.2. Joints in fire walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.7. Include in (new) section 8.3.3 EXTERIOR WALLS the following: 8.3.3 Exterior Walls. 8.3.3.1 Penetrations in exterior walls required to have protected openings shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6. 8.3.3.2 Joints in exterior walls which are required to have a fire resistive rating shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.7. Include in (new) section 8.3.4 FLOORS AND FLOOR/CEILING and ROOF/CEILING the following: 8.3.4 Floors and Floor/Ceiling and Roof/Ceiling Assemblies. 8.3.4.4 Penetrations in floors, ceilings, or floor/ceilings and roof/ceilings constructed as fire barriers shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6. 8.3.4.5 Joints in floors and roofs shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.7. CREATE NEW SECTION 8.3.6 (NEW FORMATTING) AS FOLLOWS: 8.3.6 Penetrations. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through-penetrations and membrane penetrations in vertical and horizontal fire barrier assemblies. 8.3.6.1 Plans and Specifications. The plans shall clearly indicate the methods and materials for maintaining the required fire resistance rating for penetrations of fire resistance rated floors and walls by electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems. 8.3.6.2 Firestop Systems and Devices Required. Penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems that pass through a wall, floor or floor/ceiling assembly constructed as a fire barrier, or the ceiling membrane of a roof/ceiling of a fire barrier assembly, shall be protected by a firestop system or device. The firestop system or device shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E-814 or UL 1479 under positive pressure at a minimum positive pressure of 0.01 in. water gauge between the exposed and the unexposed surface of the test assembly. 8.3.6.2.1 F ratings: Firestop systems and devices shall have an F rating of at least one hour, but not less than the required fire resistive rating of the fire barrier penetrated. 8.3.5.2.2 T ratings: Fire barriers which are floor assemblies shall be required to have a T rating of at least 1 hour, but not less than the rating of the floor assembly. Exceptions: A T rating is not required for floor penetrations contained within the cavity of a wall assembly. A T rating is not required for penetrations through floors or floor assemblies and the penetration is not in direct contact with combustible material. 8.3.6.2.3 Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the fire barrier, the sleeve shall be securely set in the fire barrier, and the space between the item and the sleeve shall be filled with a material which complies with Section 8.3.6.2. 8.3.6.2.4 Insulation and coverings for penetrating items shall not pass through the fire barrier unless the insulation or covering has been tested as part of the firestop system or device.


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8.3.6.2.5 Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. It shall be made on either side of the fire barrier. 2. It shall be designed for the specific purpose. 8.3.6.3. A firestop system or device tested in accordance with ASTM E-814 is not required under the following conditions: 1. Penetrations tested and installed as part of the assembly in accordance with the approved NFPA 251 OR ASTM E-119 rated assembly 2. Where penetrations through floors are enclosed in a shaft enclosure designed as a fire barrier. 3. Membrane penetrations of ceilings which are not an integral part of a fire resistance rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly 4. Membrane penetrations of steel, ferrous, or copper conduits, pipes, tubes, or vents where the annular space is protected with an approved material, and the aggregate area of the openings does not exceed 100 square inches in any 100 square feet of ceiling area. 5. Electrical outlet boxes and fittings are permitted, provided that such devices are listed for use in fire resistance rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with their listing. 6. Where concrete, grout, or mortar has been used to fill the annular spaces around cast iron, copper, or steel piping which penetrates a concrete or masonry fire resistant rated assembly. The nominal diameter of the penetrating item should not exceed 6 inches (153 mm) and the opening size should not exceed 144 sq. in. (0.094 m2.) The thickness of the concrete, grout, or mortar should be the full thickness of the assembly. 8.3.6.4 Transitions. When piping penetrates a fire barrier assembly, combustible piping shall not connect to noncombustible piping in the vicinity of the firestop system or device unless it can be demonstrated that the transition will not reduce the fire resistance rating. 8.3.6.4.1 Unshielded couplings shall not be used to connect noncombustible piping to combustible piping unless it can be demonstrated that the transition complies with the fire resistive requirements of this section. 8.3.6.5 Required Inspection: Prior to being concealed from view, penetrations shall be inspected and approved. CREATE NEW SECTION 8.3.7 (NEW FORMATTING) AS FOLLOWS: 8.3.7 Joints. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect joints within or between fire barrier walls, floors, and floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies, and at the intersection of the exterior (curtain) wall and the perimeter of the floor assembly. 8.3.7.1 Plans and Specifications: Plans for all buildings shall indicate where joints will occur and the methods and materials for protection of such items. 8.3.7.2 Joint System Required. Joints made within or between fire resistance rated assemblies shall be protected with a joint system that is designed and tested to prevent the spread of fire for a time period equal to that of the assembly penetrated. Such materials, systems, or devices shall be tested as part of the assembly in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E-1966 or UL 2079. 8.3.7.2.1 Testing of the joint system shall be representative of the actual installation suitable for the required engineering demands without compromising the fire resistance rating of the assembly or the structural integrity of the assembly. 8.3.7.2.2 All joint systems shall be tested at their maximum joint width in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E-1966 or UL 2079 under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water for a time period equal to that of the assembly. All test specimens shall comply with the minimum height or length required by the standard. Wall assemblies shall be subjected to a hose stream test in accordance with NFPA 251 or ASTM E-119. 8.3.7.1 Curtain Wall and the Perimeter Joint. The joint that is created at the intersection of the exterior curtain wall assembly and the perimeter of fire resistance rated floor or floor/ceiling assembly shall be protected with a perimeter joint system in accordance with ASTM

Exxxx. The rating of the perimeter joint system shall be equal to the rating of the floor. The testing of system used to protect the perimeter joint system shall be in accordance with ASTM E xxxx under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water for a time period equal to that of the floor assembly . The test specimen shall be representative of the actual installation and suitable for the required engineering demands without compromising the fire resistance rating or the structural integrity of the assembly. 8.3.7.2 Required Inspection: Protection of joints shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved. 8.4 Smoke Partitions - Vertical and Horizontal (New Formatting) 8.4.1 Where required else in this code, smoke partitions shall be provided to limit the transfer of smoke. 8.4.1.1 Smoke partitions shall extend from the floor to the underside of the floor or roof deck above, through any concealed spaces, such as those above suspended ceilings, and through interstitial structural spaces and mechanical spaces. Exception: Smoke partitions shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of a monolithic where the following conditions are met: 1. The ceiling system forms a continuous membrane. 2. A smoke-tight joint is provided between the top of the smoke partitions and the bottom of the suspended ceiling. 3. The space above the ceiling is not used as a plenum. Add to this (new) section the following: 8.4.2 Penetrations. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through-penetrations and membrane penetrations of smoke partitions. 8.4.2.1 Plans and Specifications. The plans shall indicate the methods and materials for limiting the transfer of smoke through penetrations of smoke partitions by electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems. 8.4.2.2 Smoke-Tight Penetrations Required. Penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems that pass through a smoke partition shall be protected by a system or material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. 8.4.2.2.1 Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke partition, the sleeve shall be securely set in the smoke partition, and the space between the item and the sleeve shall be filled with a material capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. 8.4.2.2.2 Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. It shall be made on either side of the smoke partition. 2. It shall be designed for the specific purpose. 8.4.3 Joints. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect joints in between and at the perimeter of smoke partitions. 8.4.3.1 Plans and Specifications. Plans for all buildings shall indicate where joints in smoke partitions will occur and the methods and materials for protection of such items. 8.4.3.2 Smoke-Tight Joints Required. Joints made within or at the perimeter of smoke partitions shall be protected with a joint system that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. 8.5 Smoke Barriers (New Formatting) 8.5.1 General. Where required by Chapter s XXX-XX, smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide building spaces for the purpose of restricting the movement of smoke. 8.5.1.1 Continuity. Smoke barriers required by this code shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, from floor to floor, or from a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof. Such barriers shall be continuous through all concealed spaces, such as those found above a ceiling, including interstitial spaces. Exception: A smoke barrier required for an occupied space below an interstitial space shall not be required to extend through the


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interstitial space, provided that the construction assembly forming the bottom of the interstitial space provides resistance to the passage of smoke equal to that provided by the smoke barrier. Add to this (new) section the following: 8.5.2 Penetrations. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through penetrations in smoke barriers. 8.5.2.1 Plans and Specifications. The plans shall indicate the methods and materials for limiting the transfer of smoke through penetrations of smoke barriers by electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems. 8.5.2.2 Penetrations in Smoke Barriers. Penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems that pass through a wall, floor or floor/ceiling assembly constructed as a smoke barrier, or the ceiling membrane of a roof/ceiling of a smoke barrier assembly, shall be protected by a system or material capable of restricting the transfer of smoke. Where a smoke barrier is also constructed as a fire barrier, the penetrations shall be protected in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.3.6 to limit the spread of fire and to restrict the transfer of smoke for a time period equal to the rating of the assembly. 8.5.2.2.1 Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke barrier, the sleeve shall be securely set in the smoke barrier and the space between the item and the sleeve shall be filled with a material capable of restricting the transfer of smoke. 8.5.2.2.2 Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. It shall be made on either side of the smoke partition. 2. It shall be designed for the specific purpose. 8.5.3 Joints. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect joints between and at the perimeter of smoke barriers. 8.5.3.1 Plans and Specifications. Plans for all buildings shall indicate where joints will occur and the methods and materials for protection of such items. 8.5.3.2 Smoke-Tight Joint System Required. Joints made within or between smoke barriers shall be protected with a smoke tight joint system that is capable of restricting the transfer of smoke. Smoke barriers that are also constructed as fire barriers shall be protected with a joint system that is designed and tested to resist the spread of fire and restrict the transfer of smoke for a time period equal to that of the assembly penetrated in accordance with Section 8.3. 7. 8.5.3.2.1 Testing of the joint system in a smoke barrier that also serves as fire barrier shall be representative of the actual installation suitable for the required engineering demands without compromising the fire resistance rating of the assembly or the structural integrity of the assembly. 8.5.3.3 Inspection. Protection of joints in smoke barriers shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved. SUBSTANTIATION: This information was inadvertently omitted in the NFPA 5000 Working Draft. It reflects the code requirements, design, testing, and installation methods for through penetration firestops and fire resistance rated joint system which appears in the current editions of the model building codes, state and municipal codes and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. The sections which apply to plumbing and electrical penetrations are similar to the requirements found in the NFPA National Electric Code, and the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code. Although the protection of penetrations and joints is relatively simple conceptually, it can be very complicated in it’s execution. There are a wide array of materials in various sizes and combinations that penetrate fire resistance rated assemblies. The sizes of the openings range from small 1 inch round holes to hundreds of feet of lineal openings for joints. All of these types of openings left unprotected or improperly protected can compromise the integrity of the fire resistive assembly. It is important that the requirements be

clearly spelled out in the code for design, planning, installation and inspection professionals. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 420 - (Chapter 8): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Inc./Rep. Air Movement and Control Association RECOMMENDATION: This proposal has been compiled using material from the NFPA 5000 Building Code Wording Draft, and the 2000 International Building Code. Revise Chapter 8 as follows: 8.3 Fire Barriers - Horizontal and Vertical (New Formatting) Include in (new) section 8.3.1 FIRE WALLS the following: Ducts and air transfer openings which penetrate fire walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6.1. Include in (new) section 8.3.2 FIRE BARRIER WALLS the following: 8.3.2 Fire Barrier Walls. Fire barrier walls shall be constructed in accordance with NFPA 221. Ducts and air transfer openings which penetrate fire barrier walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6.1. Include in (new) section 8.3.3 EXTERIOR WALLS the following: 8.3.3 Exterior Walls. Ducts and air transfer openings which penetrate exterior walls which are required to have protected openings shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6.1. Include in (new) section 8.3.4 FLOORS AND FLOOR/CEILINGS and ROOF/CEILINGS the following: 8.3.4 Floors and Floor/Ceiling and Roof/Ceiling Assemblies. Ducts and air transfer openings which penetrate floors, ceilings, or floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling constructed as fire barriers shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.3.6.1. CREATE NEW SECTION 8.3.6.1 (New Formatting) AS FOLLOWS: 8.3.6.1 Ducts and air transfer openings. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect ducts and air transfer openings in horizontal and vertical fire barrier assemblies. 8.3.6.2.Fire Damper Requirements. Fire dampers shall be installed in ducts and air transfer openings which penetrate fire barriers. Fire dampers shall be designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL555 and shall have the minimum fire protection rating specified in Table 8.3.6.2 for the rating of the assembly penetrated. In systems that continue to operate in the emergency mode, dynamic fire dampers shall be required. 8.3.6.2.1 Fire dampers are required in the following locations: 1. Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating walls or partitions have a fire resistance rating of one or more hours. 2. Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating shaft walls having a fire resistance rating of one or more hours. 3. Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating floors which are required to have protected openings and the duct is not protected by a shaft enclosure. 4. Air transfer openings that occur in walls or partitions that have a fire resistive rating of one or more hours. 8.3.6.2.2 Fire dampers are not required in the following locations: 1. In buildings which do not require protected floor openings. 2. In duct systems serving only one floor and used only for exhaust of air to the outside and not penetrating a wall or partition having a


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required fire resistance rating of 2 hours or more or passing entirely through the system. 3. Where branch ducts connect to return risers in which the air flow is upward and subducts at least 22 inches long are carried up inside the riser at each inlet. 4. In duct systems penetrating 1-hour walls or partitions in fully sprinklered buildings.

Table 8.3.6.2 Fire Damper Rating Fire Rating of Assembly Minimum Damper Rating (Hour) 3-hour or greater fire resistance 3 rated assemblies ___________________________________________________ Less than 3-hour fire resistance 1 1/2 rated assemblies ____________________________________________________ Ceiling of floor/ceiling or Not less than roof/ceiling assemblies the rating of the assembly _____________________________________________________ 8.3.6.3 Installation. Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork and related equipment, including fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A or NPFA 90B as applicable. Existing installations shall be permitted to continue in service subject to the approval by the authority having jurisdiction. Such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer’s installation instructions, their listing, and the mechanical code. 8.3.6.4 Access and Identification. Access shall be provided to fire dampers and smoke dampers for inspection, testing and maintenance. The access openings shall not reduce the fire resistance rating of the fire barrier assembly. Access shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Mechanical Code. 8.3.6.5 Fire damper actuation device. The operating temperature of the fire actuating device shall be approximately 50 degrees F (27.8 degrees C) above the normal temperature within the duct system, but not less than 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), or shall be not more than 286 degrees F (141 degrees C) where located in a required smoke control system, or where a combination fire and smoke damper is installed, shall not exceed 350 degrees F (177C) where located in a smoke control system designed in accordance with the provisions NPFA 90A. 8.3.6.6 Ceiling Radiation Damper Requirements. Where the ceiling membrane of a floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly is an integral component of the fire barrier and is penetrated by a duct, a ceiling radiation damper shall be installed. Ceiling radiation dampers shall be designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL555C. 8.4 Smoke Partitions - Vertical and Horizontal (New Formatting) 8.4.1 Where required elsewhere in this code, smoke partitions shall be provided to limit the transfer of smoke. 8.4.1.1 Smoke partitions shall extend from the floor to the underside of the floor or roof deck above, through any concealed spaces, such as those above suspended ceilings, and through interstitial structural spaces and mechanical spaces. Exceptions: Smoke partitions shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of a monolithic where the following conditions are met: 1. The ceiling system forms a continuous membrane. 2. A smoke tight joint is provided between the top of the smoke partitions and the bottom of the suspended ceiling. 3. The space above the ceiling is not used as a plenum. Add to this (new) section the following: 8.4.2.1 Ducts and air transfer openings and Dampers. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction

used to protect ducts and air transfer openings and air transfer openings in smoke partitions. 8.4.2.2. Smoke Damper Requirements. Where a smoke partition is penetrated by a duct or air transfer openings, a smoke damper designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL555S shall be installed. 8.4.2.3 Installation. Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork and related equipment, including smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall be shall be in accordance with NFPA 90A or NPFA 90B as applicable. Existing installations shall be permitted to continue in service subject to the approval by the authority having jurisdiction. Such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer’s installation instructions, their listing, and the Uniform Mechanical Code. 8.4.2.4 Access and Identification. Access shall be provided to smoke dampers for inspection, testing and maintenance. Access shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Mechanical code. 8.4.2.5 Smoke damper ratings. Smoke damper leakage ratings shall not be less than Class II. Elevated temperature ratings shall not be less than 250°F (121°C). 8.4.2.6. Smoke detector. The smoke damper shall close upon detection of smoke by an approved smoke detector installed in accordance with NFPA 72 located within the duct under the following conditions: 1. When the damper is installed within the duct, a smoke detector shall be installed in the duct within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the damper with no air outlets or inlets between the detector and the damper. The detector shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature and humidity anticipated at the point where it is installed. 2. When the damper is installed in an unducted opening in a wall, a spot type detector listed for releasing service shall be installed within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of the damper. 3. In a ceiling, a spot type detector listed for releasing service shall be installed in the ceiling within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the damper. 4. In a corridor or ceiling, the damper may be controlled by a smoke detection system installed in the corridor 5. In lieu of an approved smoke detector located within the duct, ducts and air transfer openings that penetrate smoke partition above smoke partition doors shall have the damper arranged to close upon actuation of a smoke detector installed on either side of the smoke partition door opening. 8.5 Smoke Barriers (New Formatting) 8.5.1 General. Where required by Chapter s XXX-XX, smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide building spaces for the purpose of restricting the movement of smoke. 8.5.2 Continuity. Smoke barriers required by this code shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, from floor to floor, or from a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof. Such barriers shall be continuous through all concealed spaces, such as those found above a ceiling, including interstitial spaces. Exception: A smoke barrier required for an occupied space below an interstitial space shall not be required to extend through the interstitial space, provided that the construction assembly forming the bottom of the interstitial space provides resistance to the passage of smoke equal to that provided by the smoke barrier. Add to this (new) section the following: 8.5.2.3 Ducts and air transfer openings. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect ducts and air transfer openings in smoke barriers. 8.5.2.3.1 Smoke Damper Requirements. Where a duct or air transfer opening penetrates a smoke barrier, a smoke damper designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL555S shall be installed. Where a smoke barrier is also constructed as a fire barrier, a combination fire/. smoke damper designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of both UL555 and UL555S shall be installed.


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8.5.1.2.1.1 Smoke dampers are not required under the following conditions: 1. Where specifically exempted by provisions in Chapters 15. 2. Where ducts or air transfer openings are part of an engineered smoke control system and smoke dampers are not required in order to maintain proper operation. 3. When the air in ducts continues to move and the air handling system installed is arranged to prevent recirculation of exhaust or return air under fire emergency conditions. 4. Where the air inlet our outlet openings in ducts are limited to a single smoke compartment and the ducts are constructed as steel. 8.5.2.3.2 Installation. Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork and related equipment, including fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall be shall be in accordance with NFPA 90A or NPFA 90B as applicable. Existing installations shall be permitted to be to continue in service, subject to the approval by the authority having jurisdiction. Such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer’s installation instructions, their listing, and the Uniform Mechanical code. 8.5.2.3.3 Access and Identification. Access shall be provided to smoke dampers for inspection, testing and maintenance. Access shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Mechanical Code. 8.5.2.3.4 Smoke damper ratings. Smoke damper leakage ratings shall not be less than Class II. Elevated temperature ratings shall not be less than 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). 8.5.2.3.5 Smoke detectors. The smoke damper shall close upon detection of smoke by an approved smoke detector installed in accordance with NFPA 72 located within the duct under the following conditions: 1. When the damper is installed within the duct, a smoke detector shall be installed in the duct within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the damper with no air outlets or inlets between the detector and the damper. The detector shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature and humidity anticipated at the point where it is installed. 2. When the damper is installed in an unducted opening in a wall, a spot type detector listed for releasing service shall be installed within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of the damper. 3. In a ceiling, a spot type detector listed for releasing service shall be installed in the ceiling within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the damper. 4. In a corridor or ceiling, the damper may be controlled by a smoke detection system installed in the corridor.(?) 8.5.2.3.5.1 Smoke detectors are not required in ducts that penetrate smoke barriers under the following conditions: 1. Where ducts penetrate smoke barriers above the smoke barrier door and the door release detector actuates the damper. 2. Where smoke detector installations already exist that are exempt from NFPA 72. 3. Where a smoke damper is required in an air transfer opening, the damper shall close upon detection of smoke by a smoke detector. 8.5.2.3.5.2 Where a smoke damper is required in an air transfer opening, and the duct is provided on one side of the smoke barrier, the smoke detector on the duct side shall comply with NFPA 72 and Section 8.5.2.3.5.1. SUBSTANTIATION: This information was left vague in the NFPA 5000 Working Draft, and scattered throughout the document making it difficult to locate. This is a reorganization of the existing material and reflects additional material from other current code requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 421 - (Chapter 8): Reject SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Inc./Rep. Air Movement and Control Associatin RECOMMENDATION: Add a section in each occupancy chapter that states the following: “Ducts and air transfers that occur in fire walls, walls and floors serving as fire barriers, smoke partitions and smoke barriers shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 8.” SUBSTANTIATION: This chapter ties the requirements for the protection of ducts and air transfer openings which occur in each occupancy, depending on the services delivered, back to the core requirements in Chapter 8. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The basic requirement as noted in the proposal is already addressed in Chapter 8. This chapter adequately addresses the protection required for this particular building component. Noted in the proposal was to have this proposed text entered in each occupancy chapter. This detail is not necessary for these particular elements of a rated assembly. The occupancy chapters already contain a general reference to Chapter 8 and thus will provide the necessary referencing to address these elements and their protection requirements. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 422 - (Chapter 8): Reject SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Inc./Rep. International Fire Stop Council RECOMMENDATION: Add a section in each occupancy chapter that states the following: “Penetrations and joints that occur in fire walls, walls and floors serving as fire barriers, smoke partitions and smoke barriers shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 8.“ SUBSTANTIATION: This chapter ties the requirements for the protection of joints and penetrations which occur in each occupancy, depending on the services delivered, back to the core requirements in Chapter 8. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The basic requirement as noted in the proposal is already addressed in Chapter 8. This chapter adequately addresses the protection required for this particular building component. Noted in the proposal was to have this proposed text entered in each occupancy chapter. This detail is not necessary for these particular elements of a rated assembly. The occupancy chapters already contain a general reference to Chapter 8 and thus will provide the necessary referencing to address these elements and their protection requirements. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 423 - (Chapter 8 Annex): Reject SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Inc./Rep. Air Movement and Control Associatin & Intl Fire Stop Council RECOMMENDATION: Proposed new Annex for Chapter 8 in the NPFA 5000 Building Code Penetrations. Penetrations, such as cables, wire, pipes including insulation and coverings, tubes, conduits, vents, and similar items


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connecting more than two floors should meet the following criteria. Penetrations of fire barriers or smoke barriers required to have a fire resistance rating (wall, floor and floor/and roof/ceiling assemblies) should be tested for a period of time not less than the fire resistance rating of the assembly penetrated under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water column in accordance with: (a) ASTM E-814, Methods for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops or, (b) NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials, as part of the fire rated assembly, or (c) be contained in a fire resistance rated shaft enclosure. The standard ASTM E-814 defines hourly ratings for firestop systems. The F rating criteria prohibits flame through and requires an acceptable hose stream performance. An F rating equal to the assembly penetrated should be required in order to limit the spread of fire. The T rating criteria measures the temperature rise on the unexposed surface of the wall or floor assembly, on the penetrating item and on the firestop material, plus requires an acceptable hose stream performance. Where penetrating items through floors are located outside a wall cavity, the temperature (or T rating) of the firestop system should not exceed 325°F above ambient for at least 1 hour, particularly where the penetrating item will come into contact with combustible materials. T ratings may not be required in wall penetrations. In addition to the F and T ratings, the fire test and standard UL 1479 also includes the L rating as part of the rating criteria. The L rating criteria determines the amount of air leakage in cubic feet per minute per square foot of opening through the firestop system at ambient temperature and/or 400°F at an air pressure differential of 0.30 in. water column. The L rating provides information regarding the suitability of the firestop system for use in a smoke barrier, although no specific acceptability requirements are established by the standard. The suitability of a specific type of firestop system for the assembly penetrated should be determined in accordance with the construction conditions and the manufacturers installation requirements and listing. Unless membrane penetrations have been tested to maintain the fire resistance of the wall, floor/ceiling, or roof ceiling assembly, the aggregate area of all openings in wall and ceiling membrane penetrations should not exceed 100 square in any 100 sq ft. Combustible pipes, tubes, conduit, vents, and wires and cable with combustible jackets which penetrate only one floor should meet the same criteria. Steel, ferrous, or copper cables, cable or wire with steel jackets, pipes, tubes, conduit, or vents which penetrate only one floor should meet the same criteria, or may be firestopped with a material capable of preventing the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to the time temperature fire conditions of NFPA 251 under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 in. of water column (2.5 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the required fire resistance rating of the assembly penetrated. Concrete, grout, or mortar may be used to fill the annular space around iron, steel or copper cables, cables with steel jackets, pipes, tubes, conduit or vents that penetrate concrete or masonry fire barriers penetrating walls or connecting two floors. The nominal diameter of the penetrating item should not exceed 6 in. and the opening size should not exceed 144 sq in. The thickness of concrete, mortar, or grout should be the full thickness of the barrier or the thickness necessary to provide a fire resistant rating not less than the required fire resistance rating of the barrier penetrated. Where concrete, mortar or grout is used as a firestop material for dynamic piping systems which expand and contract, provisions may be needed to protect the piping from corrosion or chafing. Where sleeves are used, the sleeves should be noncombustible and securely fastened to the fire barrier. The (inside) annular space between the sleeve and penetrating item, and the (outside) annular space between the sleeve and the fire barrier should be firestopped.

Insulation and coverings on or in the penetrating item should not be permitted unless the specific insulating or covering material has been tested as part of the firestop assembly. Pipes and tubes carrying hazardous materials may require additional protection. The National Electric Code NFPA 70 contains requirements for installation and percentage of electrical conductor fill for conduit, cable trays and other electrical conductor raceways, which also effects the requirements for each type of electrical penetration and the suitability of the firestop system. The 1-hour T rating may not be suitable in electrical through-penetrations such as bus bars, bus ducts or cable trays where the effect of ampacity reduction has not been investigated. Openings for steel electrical boxes not exceeding 16 sq in. in area and are not listed for use in fire resistance rated assemblies should be permitted, provided the area of such openings does not exceed 100 sq in. for any 100 sq ft. of enclosure wall area. Outlet boxes on opposite sides of the enclosure should be separated by a horizontal distance of not less than 24 inch. Membrane penetrations for electrical outlet boxes of any material should be permitted provided that such boxes are tested for use in fire rated assemblies and installed in accordance with the tested assembly. Combustible penetrations of non-fire resistance rated wall and floor assemblies, are permitted provided that the annular space is filled with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and the products of combustion. Noncombustible pipes, conduits, tubes, wires, or cables may connect two floors provided the annular space in the walls and floor assemblies is firestopped with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and the products of combustion. Factory-built chimneys, masonry chimneys or metal chimneys and vents for fuel-burning (heat producing) appliances should be firestopped with a material capable to prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to the time temperature fire conditions of NFPA 251 under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 in. of water column (2.5 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the required fire resistance rating of the assembly penetrated. Chimneys and vents for fuel-burning (heat producing) appliances which penetrate non-fire rated assemblies should be firestopped with approved noncombustible materials to resist the free passage of flame and the products of combustion. DUCTS For the protection of air ducts, see NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B, Standard for Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for additional information on air-handling ducts passing through fire barriers. Air ducts which penetrate fire barriers connecting two or more floors should be contained within a fire resistance rated shaft enclosure. Air ducts which penetrate fire barriers walls or one floor should be protected with the following criteria. (a) Installation of a fire damper, or (b) be contained within a fire resistance rated shaft enclosure. (c) air ducts in fire barriers which also serve as smoke barriers may be required to be protected with a combination fire/smoke damper Penetrations by air ducts in a ceiling which is an integral part of a fire resistance rated floor/or roof/ceiling assembly should be protected with a ceiling radiation damper. Combustible ducts which connect one floor of a non-fire rated construction are not required to be protected. Unless specifically indicated as part of the manufacturer’s installation requirements for penetrations of fire resistance rated construction, an air duct which contains a damper should not be firestopped. Air ducts without dampers should be firestopped. JOINTS Expansion joints are usually found only in buildings (i.e., at least 200 ft in length and/or width) of steel or concrete construction. They are provided to permit the separate portions of the structural frame to


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expand and contract with temperature and moisture changes without adversely affecting the building’s structural integrity or serviceability. Expansion joints can usually be identified by the following characteristics: 1) a double row of columns, 2) a width of 1 in. to 3 in. Seismic joints may be found in buildings other than those that are rectangular in plan (e.g., L- and T- shaped buildings) in areas where the risk of an earthquake is moderate to high. Such joints in multistory buildings can be as much as 12 in. in width. They are provided to allow the separated portion of the building to act independently of each other to undergo differential lateral displacement when an earthquake occurs. With expansion or seismic joints, consideration should be given to the ability of the protecting system to remain in place and perform its intended function after repeated movements of the joints, and with the width of the joint varying from it’s maximum to minimum width. In the case of seismic joints, the protection system may be damaged during an earthquake that otherwise is not strong enough to cause major structural damage to the building. Therefore it is necessary to conduct an inspection of those joints after an earthquake. Methods of protecting expansion or seismic joints are a steel plate cover that is attached to the floor on the side of the joint and free to slide on other side, or an elastomeric sealant tested for fire resistivity and expansion/contraction capability. Two methods of determining the fire resistance rating of expansion and seismic joints are testing in accordance with UL 2079, Test for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems or ASTM E-1966, (Test for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems.) Expansion joints and seismic joints should not be confused with control or construction joints. Control joints are normally found in concrete or masonry wall and concrete slabs on grade. They are provided to (1) prevent cracking of the wall or slab due to excessive tensile forces in the concrete or masonry caused by shrinkage upon drying, or (2) induce cracking caused by drying shrinkage to occur at a predetermined location; hence the term "control" joint. Construction joints are used as stopping and starting point for two successive concrete placement (pours) in walls, floor and beams. Since a construction joint must be designed to transfer load across the joints, separation due to thermal or moisture induced movements is not anticipated. There are two other types of linear openings which occur in fire barriers 1) the intersection at the top of a masonry or wood framed wall and a fluted or corrugated ceiling or roof deck (i.e., head of wall), and 2) the intersection at the perimeter of a concrete floor of a multi-story building and the non-fire rated exterior wall assembly. Neither of these two intersections fall into the clear description of the "joints" previously discussed. However, both lineal openings may be several inches wide and be subject to movement induced by thermal expansion, wind loads, and live and dead loads. Appropriate protection is critical to the fire resistive integrity and continuity of the barrier. A fire resistance rated joint system designed and tested for these locations should be securely installed in or on the intersection for it’s entire length so as not to dislodge, loosen or otherwise impair it’s ability to accommodate expected building movements. The systems should also be able to resist the passage of fire and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to the time temperature fire conditions of NFPA 251 under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 in. of water column (2.5 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the required fire resistance rating of the fire resistance rated assembly. SUBSTANTIATION: None provided. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed material to be included in the annex of Chapter 8 is not presented in a comprehensive format to ascertain which sections of Chapter 8 would this text apply. The are significant changes being proposed to Chapter 8 in the Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602). This committee proposal will include material that is deem appropriate for the annex. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 424 - (8-1): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Howard Hooper, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add the following new text: 8.1 Standards and Certifications. Fire-resistive materials and systems, and related components and equipment shall comply with the requirements in this Section. 8.1.1 Construction materials and Assemblies. Building construction materials and assemblies shall withstand a fire exposure for the specified time, in minutes or hours, when tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials, ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, or ASTM 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. 8.1.2 Fire Resistive Joint Systems. Joints installed in or between fire-resistive walls, floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling and floors shall be protected with a fire-resistive joint system that has been found to resist the passage of flame for a period not less than the time required for the fire-resistive assembly, when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2079, Standard for Test for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems or ASTM E 1966, Standard Test Method for Fire-Resistive Joint Systems. 8.1.3 Through Penetrations. Through penetrations of fire-resistive rated assemblies shall be protected with a through penetration fire-stop system that has been tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1479, Standard for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops or or ASTM E 814, Standard Method of Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops. The fire-stop system shall include an F rating of not less than the required rating of the assembly being penetrated. 8.1.4 Fire Dampers. Fire dampers used for the protection of openings in walls, partitions, or floors with fire resistance ratings of less than 3 hours shall have a 1-1/2 hour fire protection rating and shall be listed in accordance with UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers. Fire dampers used for the protection of openings in walls, partitions, or floors having a fire resistance rating of 3 hours or more shall have a 3-hour fire protection rating and shall be listed in accordance wtih UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers. 8.1.5 Smoke Dampers. Smoke dampers used for the protection of openings in smoke barriers or in engineered smoke-control systems shall be listed in accordance with UL 555S, Standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for use in Smoke Control Systems. 8.1.6 Ceiling Dampers. Ceiling dampers or other methods of protecting openings in rated floor- or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the construction details of the tested floor- or roof-ceiling assembly or with listed ceiling air diffusers or listed ceiling dampers. Ceiling dampers shall be tested in accordance with UL 555C, Standard for Ceiling Dampers. 8.1.7 Fire Doors. Fire doors shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, UL 10B, Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies or UL 10C, Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Test of Door Assemblies. 8.1.8 Fire Windows. Fire windows and glass blocks shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 257, Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies or ANSI/UL 9, Standard for Safety Fire Tests of Window Assemblies. 8.1.9 Perimeter Fire Containment Systems. Openings between required fire-resistive rated floor-ceiling assemblies and exterior curtain wall assemblies shall be protected with an approved material secured in an approved manner. This perimeter fire containment system shall prevent the passage of flame and hot gases for the time period of the required fire-resistive floor-ceiling assembly. SUBSTANTIATION: The standards used to evaluate fire-resistive rated assemblies, opening protectives and other fire-resistive rated systems are not included in a single location that is convenient of the


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code user. In addition, many basic requirements for the items addressed in this proposal do not appear to be included in the NFPA 5000 draft. This proposal places requirements for several standards and certifications in the General Section. It also includes selected UL and ASTM standards that are referenced in other NFPA standards, including NFPA 90A, and in some cases requires products to be listed in accordance with the standards. It is recognized that the SAF-FIR committee has formed task groups to reorganize Chapters 8 and 9, and to address many of the same concerns addressed in this proposal. It is hoped that this proposal will assist the committee in its work, and also lay the foundation for future comments to further improve the code, if needed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Revise 8.3.6.6 (staff verify reference) as follows: 8.3.6.6 Ceiling Dampers. Ceiling radiation dampers or other methods of protecting openings in rated floor- or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the construction details of the tested floor- or roof-ceiling assembly or with listed ceiling air diffusers or listed ceiling dampers. Ceiling dampers shall be tested in accordance with UL 555C, Standard for Ceiling Dampers. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee recognizes that the provisions noted in this proposed are adequately addressed within Chapter 8 in numerous paragraphs as proposed by the technical committee. Proposed text for 8.1.6 was determined to be the preferred verbiage on this particular item and will be incorporated into the Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) on Chapter 8. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 425 - (Table 8-1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Correct references to the format of this code. SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Accept the intent of the proposal and incorporate the referenced updates when approriate. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Appropriate action will be taken during the development phases of the document to correct the references. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 426 - (Table 8-1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add the following: Note (3) to the heading “Walls and Partitions (Hours)” Note (4) to the heading “Opening Protectives (Hours)” Add text of notes (3) and (4) following item (2)(d): (3) Shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Building Construction and Materials

(4) Shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods for Fire Tests for Door Assemblies. SUBSTANTIATION: There are no test standards identified in Table 8.1. This proposal identifies the appropriate NFPA standards to comply with. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Action on Proposal 5000-510 (Log #561). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action on the referenced proposal should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 427 - (Table 8-1 Footnote (1)): Reject SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. BIFMA International RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: Notes: (1) Partitions dividing stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and which do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more persons shall be permitted to be movable, partial or full height, temporary nonpermanent or permanent and shall be permitted to be constructed without a fire resistance rating and of any material approved by this Code provided that: (a) They do not block required exits (without providing alternative conforming exits) and they do not establish an exit corridor. (b) Their location movability is restricted limited by their method of construction or by means of permanent tracks, guides, or other approved methods. (c) Flammability shall be limited to materials having a flame spread classification as set forth in Table 8.4 for rooms or areas minimum Class C rating. (d) The bathroom/restroom is not used for any other purpose that it is designed for. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal basically clarifies the application of this footnote to partitions designated as nonpermanent partitions which have been defined in another proposal. These are typically partitions that are found in flexible offices and other open plan environments where it is not unusual to see the partitions relocated to accommodate new office configurations as the needs of the tenants change or as new tenants move in and out of the building. The intent of this footnote with the clarifications is to indicate that such partitions may be used in any type of construction without having to provide a fire resistance rating and without having to be noncombustible construction when in Type I or II construction buildings, provided they meet the criteria established in the footnote. These criteria are very similar to several of the national model building codes presently in use. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This note has been deleted from Table 8.1 because it is more appropriately addressed by the applicable occupancy chapter. This proposal has been forwarded to the Technical Committee on Mercantile and Business Occupancies. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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(Log #758a) Committee: SAF-MER

5000- 428 - (Table 8-1 Footnote (1)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. BIFMA International RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: Notes: (1) Partitions dividing stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and which do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more persons shall be permitted to be movable, partial or full height, temporary nonpermanent or permanent and shall be permitted to be constructed without a fire resistance rating and of any material approved by this Code provided that: (a) They do not block required exits (without providing alternative conforming exits) and they do not establish an exit corridor. (b) Their location movability is restricted limited by their method of construction or by means of permanent tracks, guides, or other approved methods. (c) Flammability shall be limited to materials having a flame spread classification as set forth in Table 8.4 for rooms or areas minimum Class C rating. (d) The bathroom/restroom is not used for any other purpose that it is designed for. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal basically clarifies the application of this footnote to partitions designated as nonpermanent partitions which have been defined in another proposal. These are typically partitions that are found in flexible offices and other open plan environments where it is not unusual to see the partitions relocated to accommodate new office configurations as the needs of the tenants change or as new tenants move in and out of the building. The intent of this footnote with the clarifications is to indicate that such partitions may be used in any type of construction without having to provide a fire resistance rating and without having to be noncombustible construction when in Type I or II construction buildings, provided they meet the criteria established in the footnote. These criteria are very similar to several of the national model building codes presently in use. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new 27.3.7.1 as follows: 27.3.7.1 Partitions within office spaces occupied by a single tenant shall be permitted to be partial height, movable or non permanent, in locations where partitions are not required to have a fire resistance rating using any material permitted by this Code for any construction types provided that such partitions comply with all the following: a) They do not enclose a hazardous area, b) Combustible materials used in prefabricated nonpermanent partitions shall have a class C rating when tested as a composite assembly in the form intended for use including any trim exceeding the limits specified in Section 18.2 of UL 1286, Standard for Office Furnishings. Trim not exceeding those specified limits shall be tested in accordance with Section 18.4 or 18.5 of UL 1286 and meet the requirements specified therein. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This proposal was generated in response to the recent activities associated with the deletion of note 1 from Table 8-1. The proposed text addresses the intention of this note and its application to business occupancies. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 19 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 18 ABSTENTION: 1 EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: THORNBERRY: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-1063 (Log #58).

___________________

(Log #758b) Committee: BLD-STR

5000- 429 - (Table 8-1 Footnote (1)): Reject SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. BIFMA International RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: Notes: (1) Partitions dividing stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and which do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more persons shall be permitted to be movable, partial or full height, temporary nonpermanent or permanent and shall be permitted to be constructed without a fire resistance rating and of any material approved by this Code provided that: (a) They do not block required exits (without providing alternative conforming exits) and they do not establish an exit corridor. (b) Their location movability is restricted limited by their method of construction or by means of permanent tracks, guides, or other approved methods. (c) Flammability shall be limited to materials having a flame spread classification as set forth in Table 8.4 for rooms or areas minimum Class C rating. (d) The bathroom/restroom is not used for any other purpose that it is designed for. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal basically clarifies the application of this footnote to partitions designated as nonpermanent partitions which have been defined in another proposal. These are typically partitions that are found in flexible offices and other open plan environments where it is not unusual to see the partitions relocated to accommodate new office configurations as the needs of the tenants change or as new tenants move in and out of the building. The intent of this footnote with the clarifications is to indicate that such partitions may be used in any type of construction without having to provide a fire resistance rating and without having to be noncombustible construction when in Type I or II construction buildings, provided they meet the criteria established in the footnote. These criteria are very similar to several of the national model building codes presently in use. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Proponent indicated that the Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features deleted this footnote and this proposal is no longer relevant. The Technical Committee questioned the placement of these requirements in Chapter 7. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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(Log #CP608) Committee: SAF-FIR

5000- 430 - (8-1 through 8.7): Accept TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-FIR requesting that the TC give consideration to Mr. Koffel's comment on affirmative so as to make any needed changes. Coordination may be necessary between SAF-FIR (Chapter 8) and BLD-STR (Chapter 36). SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Revise 8.1 to 8.7 as follows: 8.1 General. 8.1.1 The Chapter addresses fire protection features intended to restrict the spread of fire and smoke beyond the compartment of fire origin.


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8.1.2 Where required by other Chapters of this Code, every building shall be divided into compartments to limit the spread of fire and restrict the movement of smoke. 8.1.2.1 Fire compartments shall be formed with fire barriers that comply with Section 8.4. 8.1.2.2 Smoke compartments shall be formed with smoke barriers that comply with Section 8.12. 8.2* Fire Resistive Rated Construction. 8.2.1 General. 8.2.1.1 The fire resistance ratings of structural elements and building assemblies shall be determined in accordance with prescriptive requirements of Section 8.2.2 based on the test procedures set forth in NFPA 251 or other approved test methods, or analytical methods in accordance with 8.2.3. Materials used to construct fire resistance rated elements and assemblies shall be limited to those permitted in this code. 8.2.1.2 Fire resistance rated assemblies having their required fire resistance ratings based on tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 251 shall not be considered to be restrained for the purpose of determining their fire resistance unless information satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction is provided by the registered design professional responsible for the fire resistance design to verify that the construction qualifies for a restrained classification in accordance with NFPA 251. Restrained construction shall be identified on the plans. 8.2.1.3 Interior walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be evaluated from both directions and assigned a fire-resistance rating based on the shortest duration obtained in accordance with NFPA 251 when tested on both sides. When the wall is tested with the least fire-resistive side exposed to the furnace the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side. 8.2.1.4 Construction in Flood Hazard Areas. Where conflicts arise between the flood resistance requirements of this Code and the fire resistance requirements of Chapter 7 and this chapter, for building materials and assemblies below the design flood elevations, the fire resistance provisions shall govern. 8.2.2 Prescriptive Requirements. 8.2.2.1 Fire Protection of Floors, Roofs and Walls. General Requirements. Floors and roofs shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter 36 and this section. 8.2.2.2 Fire Protection of Floors. Floors shall be fire protected as required for the type of construction in Table 7.2 and the special requirements based on the type of construction in Chapter 7. 8.2.2.3 Fire Protection Of Roofs. 8.2.2.3.1 Roofs shall be fire protected as required for the type of construction in Table 7.2 and Chapter 36. 8.2.2.3.2 Roof coverings shall be Class A or Class B as classified in NFPA 256. Exception No. 1: Brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tiles, exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets shall be recognized as Class A roofs coverings. Exception No. 2: Metal shingles and sheets shall be recognized as Class B roof coverings. Exception No. 3: Roofs of Type V buildings housing residential or storage occupancies shall be permitted to be Class C roofing. 8.2.2.3.3 Fire resistive rated roofs shall be permitted to have openings as permitted for floors in Section 8.3.4 and shall be permitted to have openings as otherwise permitted by this Code. (See Chapter 36 for construction of skylights.) Exception: Skylights and other penetrations through a fire resistance rated roof deck are permitted to be unprotected, provided that the structural integrity of the fire resistance rated roof construction is maintained. Unprotected skylights shall not be permitted in roof construction required to be fire resistance rated in accordance with Exception to 8.3.3.10.7. 8.2.2.4 Walls. 8.2.2.4.1 Fire-resistive materials and assemblies of materials for walls shall meet the fire-resistive requirements of Chapter 7 and this chapter. Fire-resistive materials, assemblies and systems used shall be limited to those permitted in this Code.

8.2.2.4.2 The construction materials and details for fire-resistive assemblies and systems for walls described shall comply with all other provisions of this Code except as modified herein. 8.2.2.4.3 Interior walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be evaluated from both directions and assigned a fire-resistance rating based on the shortest duration obtained in accordance with NFPA 251 when tested on both sides. When the wall is tested with the least fire-resistive side exposed to the furnace the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side. 8.2.2.4.4 The required fire resistance rating of nonsymmetrical exterior walls shall be determined by exposure to the test fire from both the interior and exterior sides independently for the entire duration of the fire test. The assigned fire resistance rating for the exterior wall shall be the lesser of the two sides so tested. Exception: Exterior walls having a horizontal separation greater than 5 feet shall be permitted to be tested for exposure to fire from the interior side only. 8.2.2.4.5 Walls required to have a 1-hour rating shall be permitted to be constructed of tempered or laminated glazing when protected as described in Section 8.12.3, Exception No. 2. 8.2.2.5 Structural Elements. 8.2.2.5.1 Fire-resistive rating shall be provided for structural elements as set forth in Chapter 7 and other chapters of this Code. Thickness of the required fire-resistive protection shall be the net thickness of the material. 8.2.2.5.2 Structural elements including floors and bearing walls shall have a fire resistance rating not less than the fire resistance rating required for the structural element, bearing or nonbearing wall, floor or roof they support. Exception: Structural elements shall be required to have only the fire resistance rating required for the construction classification of the building where such elements support nonbearing wall or partition assemblies having a required fire resistance rating of 1 hour or less and where such elements do not serve as exit enclosures or protection for vertical openings. 8.2.2.5.3 Structural elements required to have a fire resistance rating and that support more than two floors, one floor and roof, a bearing wall, or a nonbearing wall more than two stories high shall be individually protected on all sides for their full length with materials providing the required fire resistance rating. Other structural members required to have a fire resistance rating shall be protected by individual encasement, membrane or ceiling protection in accordance with Section 8.6, or a combination of both. Columns shall also comply with Section 8.2.2.5.4. 8.2.2.5.4 Where columns require a fire resistance rating, the entire column including its connections to beams or girders shall be individually protected. Where the column extends through a ceiling, the fire resistive protection provided for the column shall be continuous from the top of the floor through the ceiling space to the top of the column. 8.2.2.5.5 The required thickness and construction of fire resistance rated materials or assemblies enclosing trusses shall be based on the results of full scale tests or combinations of tests on truss components or on approved calculations based on such tests to verify that the assembly is provided the required fire resistance. 8.2.2.5.6 The degree of fire resistance required for external structural members, defined as columns, trusses, girders and beams located beyond the perimeter of the building floor area, shall be permitted to be calculated by using approved analytical methods in accordance with the provisions set forth in 8.2.3. 8.2.2.5.7 Structural elements within exterior walls or located along the exterior perimeter of a building or structure shall have a fire resistance rating as required by Table 7.2 for exterior bearing walls based on the type of construction. Structural elements within an exterior wall located where openings are not permitted or where protection of openings is required in accordance with Table 7.3.1 shall have a fire resistance rating based on protection against exterior fire exposure as required for exterior bearing walls or the structural element, whichever requires the greater fire resistance rating. 8.2.2.5.8 Attached Metal Members. The edges of lugs, brackets, rivets and bolt heads attached to structural elements shall be permitted to extend to within 1 in. of the surface of the fire-resistive covering.


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8.2.2.5.9 Embedment of non-structural elements. Conduits, pipes, ducts or other construction elements shall not be embedded within required fire-resistive protection of any structural member requiring individual encasement to achieve the required fire-resistive rating. 8.2.2.5.10 Column Jacketing. Required fire-resistive materials covering of columns required to have a fire-resistive rating, where exposed to impact damage by moving vehicles, handling of merchandise, or by other means, shall be protected from damage. 8.2.3 Analytical Methods. 8.2.3.1 Analytical methods utilized to determine the fire resistance of building assemblies shall comply with 8.2.3.2 or 8.2.3.3. 8.2.3.2 Where calculations are used to establish the fire resistance rating of concrete or masonry elements or assemblies, they shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with ACI 216.1/TMS0216.1. Where calculations are used to establish the fire resistance of elements or assemblies incorporating other materials, the provisions of ASCE/SFPE 29 shall be permitted to be used. 8.2.3.3 Except for the method listed in Section 8.2.3.2, analytical methods used to calculate the fire resistance of building assemblies or structural elements shall be approved. Where an approved analytical method is utilized to establish the fire resistance rating of a structural element or building assembly, the calculations shall be based upon the fire exposure and acceptance criteria specified in NFPA 251. 8.3 Fire Walls. Each part of a building separated by one or more fire walls shall be permitted to be considered a separate building where the fire wall meets the following requirements: 8.3.1 Fire walls shall be of not less than 3-hour fire-resistive construction in buildings of any types of construction, unless otherwise permitted by Chapters 15 through 33. 8.3.2 The total width of all openings in fire walls shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall in each story. No single opening shall exceed 120 square feet. Exception: Openings shall not be limited to 120 square feet where both buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. 8.3.3 Structural Stability and Strength. 8.3.3.1 Fire walls shall be designed and constructed to remain stable after the collapse of the structure due to fire on either side of the wall. Fire walls constructed in compliance with the requirements of 8.3.3.4, 8.3.3.5, or 8.3.3.6 shall be deemed to provide the required stability. 8.3.3.2* All fire walls and their supports shall be designed to withstand a minimum uniform load of 5 psf (0.24 kPa) from either direction applied perpendicular to the face of the wall. All fire walls shall be non-load-bearing. Structural framing within the plane of the wall shall be permitted to be load-bearing. 8.3.3.3* Where the fire wall is subject to impact damage from moving vehicles or the handling of merchandise or other activity, protection against impact damage shall be provided for an appropriate height but not less than 5 ft (1.5 mm) from the finished floor. 8.3.3.4* Cantilevered or freestanding fire walls shall be entirely self-supported and non-load-bearing. There shall be no connections to the building(s) or contents on either side other than to the flashing. Such walls shall be erected where there is a complete break in the structural framework. The wall shall be secured to the foundation to resist overturning due to design loads. 8.3.3.5* Tied fire walls shall be centered on a single column line or constructed between a double column line. Structural framing on either side of the wall shall line up horizontally and vertically and shall support the roof. The framework on each side of the fire wall shall be continuous or tied together through the wall. The framework on each side shall be designed so that it can resist the maximum lateral pull that can be developed due to framework collapse in a fire on the opposite side. Tied fire walls shall be laterally supported by the building framework with flexible anchors. Where centered on a single column line, structural framing (i.e., columns and beams or trusses) at the column line shall have a fire resistance rating of not less than the required fire resistance rating of the fire wall. Where the wall is installed between double column lines, framing along the first column line immediately on each side of the fire wall shall have a fire

resistance rating of not less than the required fire resistance rating of the fire wall. 8.3.3.6* A double fire wall consists of two back-to-back walls. There shall be no connections, other than to the flashing, between the walls as shown in figures 8.3.3.6(a), (b) and (c). Each fire wall shall be laterally supported by the building frame on its respective side and shall be independent of the fire wall and framing on the opposite side. 8.3.3.7 A wall which is located on a property line and used to separate buildings shall be constructed as a fire wall. 8.3.3.8* A cantilevered fire wall shall be constructed from the foundation to the top of the parapet for the lower roof. The upper wall section shall be permitted to have an exterior fire resistance rating of one hour less than the required fire resistance rating of the lower cantilevered portion but not less than a 2-hr rating. The upper wall shall be connected to the framework of the higher building and shall be structurally independent of the cantilevered wall. 8.3.3.9* Clearance. 8.3.3.9.1 Clearance to allow for expansion of unprotected structural framework shall be provided. This space shall be provided between cantilevered walls and structural framework on each side and between double walls. 8.3.3.9.2 In areas of moderate and high seismic risk, sufficient separation shall be provided between cantilevered walls and adjacent framing on each side and between double walls to allow independent movements of the elements without contact. 8.3.3.10 Extent of Fire Walls. Fire walls shall extend from the foundation to a point at least 36 in. above the roof. Alternative methods shall be permitted to be used in accordance with 8.3.3.10.1 through 8.3.3.10.9: 8.3.3.10.1 Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate tight against the underside of noncombustible sheathing when the roof assembly is of at least 2-hour fire-resistance rated construction. 8.3.3.10.2 Two-hour fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing, deck, or slab provided:

1. The roof assembly within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the wall has not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating and the entire length and span of supporting elements for the rated roof assembly has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

2. Openings in the roof shall not be located within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall.

3. Each building shall be provided with not less than a Class B roof covering. 8.3.3.10.3 Firewalls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of noncombustible roof sheathing, deck, or slabs In buildings of Type I or II construction, where both buildings are provided with not less than a Class B roof covering. Openings in the roof shall not be located within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall. 8.3.3.10.4 In buildings of Types III, IV, and V construction, fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of fire-retardant-treated wood within 4 feet (1220 mm) of each side of the fire wall where both buildings are provided with not less than a Class B roof covering. Openings in the roof shall not be located within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall. 8.3.3.10.5 Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the roof sheathing or deck in Types III, IV and V construction provided:

1. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed of approved noncombustible materials or of fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the wall, or

2. The roof is protected with 5 /8 inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board directly beneath the underside of the roof sheathing or deck, supported by a minimum of 2-inch (51 mm) ledgers attached to the sides of the roof framing members, for a minimum distance of 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire wall, and

3. Openings in the roof shall not be located within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall, and

4. The roof is covered with a minimum Class C roof covering. 8.3.3.10.6 Buildings located above a parking garage that is separated by a 3 hour fire rated horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have the fire walls for the buildings located above the parking garage


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extend from the horizontal separation between the parking garage and the buildings. 8.3.3.10.7 Where a fire wall separates parts of a building having different heights, such wall shall be permitted to terminate at a point 36 in. above the lower roof level when the exterior wall for a height of 10 feet above the lower roof is 1-hour fire-resistance rated construction with openings protected by a 3/4-hour fixed or automatic opening protective. Exception: The fire wall shall be permitted to terminate at the sheathing of the lower roof when the wall is without openings and when the roof is of at least 1-hour fire-resistive noncombustible construction for a width of at least 10 feet, measured from the wall. 8.3.3.10.8 Where horizontal projecting elements such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees, and architectural projections cross the terminus of the fire wall, such projecting elements shall be interrupted at the terminus of the fire wall by construction having a fire resistance rating equal to the fire wall not less than 1 hour fire resistance rated construction. 8.3.3.10.8.1 Fire walls need not extend to the outer edges of horizontal projecting elements, such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees or architectural projections where the building on each side of the fire wall is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3.1.1 or 11.3.1.2. 8.3.4 Openings. 8.3.4.1 Doors and windows used as opening protectives shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.7. 8.3.4.2 Fire and smoke dampers for ducts and air transfer openings used as opening protectives shall comply with the requirements of Section.8.8.8. 8.3.5 Penetrations. Penetrations in fire walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.8. 8.3.6 Joints. Joints in fire walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.9. 8.3.7* Horizontal Continuity. 8.3.7.1 Fire walls shall be continuous from exterior wall to exterior wall and shall extend at least 18 inches beyond the exterior surface of exterior walls except as modified by 8.3.7.2. 8.3.7.2 Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior face of exterior sheathing, siding, or other exterior finishes where the exterior sheathing, siding, or other exterior finishes are noncombustible or limited combustible and extend 4 feet on both sides of the fire wall. 8.4 Fire Barrier Walls. 8.4.1 All fire barrier walls and their supports shall be designed to withstand a minimum uniform load of 5 psf (0.24 kPa) from either direction applied perpendicular to the face of the wall. 8.4.2 Opening Protectives. 8.4.2.1 Doors and windows shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.7. 8.4.2.2 The total glazing area in fire door assembly and fire windows shall not exceed 25% of the wall common to any room. 8.4.2.3 Fire and smoke dampers for ducts and air transfer openings used as opening protective shall comply with the requirements of Section.8.8.8. 8.4.3 Penetrations. Penetrations in fire barrier walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.8. 8.4.4 Joints. Joints in fire barrier walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.9. 8.4.5 Continuity. Fire barrier walls required by this Code shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, from a floor below to a floor or roof above, or from a fire barrier wall to another or a combination thereof. Such barriers shall be continuous through all concealed spaces, such as those found above a ceiling, including interstitial spaces.

Exception: A fire barrier required for an occupied space below an interstitial space shall not be required to extend through the interstitial space, provided that the construction assembly forming the bottom of the interstitial space has a fire resistance rating not less than that of the fire barrier. 8.5 Exterior Walls. 8.5.1 General. Exterior walls shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 35 and this section. 8.5.2 Openings. Where required in accordance with Chapter 7, Openings shall be protected in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.7 or 8.8. 8.5.3 Continuity. Exterior walls required to be fire resistance rated by Table 7.3.1 because of horizontal separation shall be continuous from the foundation to not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the roof. 8.6 Horizontal Assemblies. 8.6.1 Floor-Ceiling and Roof-Ceiling Assemblies. 8.6.1.1 Construction assemblies required to be fire-resistive floors or roof or combination of floors or roofs and ceilings shall have not less than the fire-resistance rating set forth in Table 7.2 or as otherwise required by this code. 8.6.1.2 Where a ceiling forms a protective membrane for fire-resistive floor-ceiling or roof ceiling assemblies, the construction and supporting horizontal structural members need not be fire protected individually unless required by 8.2.2.3.3. 8.6.1.3 Ceilings shall form continuous fire-resistive membranes but shall be permitted to have steel, ferrous or copper conduits, electrical outlet boxes, pipes, tubes, combustion vents, exhaust vents, concrete, or masonry penetrating items where the annular space is protected to prevent the free passage of flame and the products of combustion where the ceiling penetrations aggregate area is not more than 100 square in. for any 100 square feet of ceiling. 8.6.1.4 Where 1-hour fire-resistive construction is required for floor or floor-ceiling assemblies, the fire resistive protection shall be permitted to be omitted from the underside of the floor in the crawl space area at grade and from the attic area of the ceiling where the roof forms the upper surface of the attic. 8.6.2 Openings. 8.6.2.1 Floor fire door assemblies used as opening protectives shall be installed per 8.7.7 8.6.2.2 Fire and smoke dampers for ducts and air transfer openings used as opening protective, shall comply with the requirements of Section.8.8.8. 8.6.3 Penetrations. Penetrations in floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.8. 8.6.4 Joints. Joints in floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies shall comply with the requirements of Section 8.9. 8.6.5 Continuity. All floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies shall be continuous without openings or penetrations except as provided by this chapter. 8.7 Opening Protectives. 8.7.1 General. Where required doors and windows serve as opening protectives shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 80. 8.7.2 Opening protective shall have a minimum fire protection rating as specified in Table 8.7.2. 8.7.3 Unless otherwise specified, the fire doors shall be self closing or automatic closing. 8.7.4 Detection devices activating the closer shall conform to NFPA 72.


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Table 8.7.2 Minimum Fire Protection Ratings for Opening

Protectives

Component

Walls and Partitions (Hours)

Fire Doors

(Hours)

Fire Windows (Hours)

Elevator Hoistways 2 1

1-1/2 1

NP1 NP

Vertical Shafts (including stairways,

exit and refuse chutes)

2 1

1-1/2 1

NP NP

Fire Walls 3 3 NP

Fire Barrier 3 2 1

3 1-1/2 3/4

NP NP 3/4

Horizontal Exit 2 1-1/2 NP Corridors, Exit access3 1

1/2 1/3 1/3

3/4 1/3

Smoke Barrier3 1 1/3 3/4 Smoke Partition2,3 1/2 1/3 1/3

Exterior Walls

3 2 1

1-1/2 1-1/2 3/4

1-1/2 1-1/2 3/4

Notes to Table 8.1 1. NP = Not Permitted 2. Residential Board and Care, see 25.2.3.1.1 3. Fire doors not required to have hose stream test per NFPA 252

8.7.5 Fire Doors and Windows. 8.7.5.1 General. Wall openings required to have a fire protection rating by Table 8.7.2 shall be protected by approved listed and labeled fire doors and fire windows and their accompanying hardware, including all frames, closing devices, anchorage and sills in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 80, except as otherwise specified in this Code. 8.7.5.2* Fire protection ratings for products intended to comply with this section shall be as determined and reported by a nationally recognized testing agency in accordance with NFPA 252 or NFPA 257. All such products shall bear an approved label. 8.7.6 Fire Door Assemblies. 8.7.6.1 Opening protectives in fire walls and fire barrier walls shall have a fire protection rating in accordance with Table 8.7.2. 8.7.6.2 Opening protectives shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. 8.7.6.3 The maximum size of fire doors shall not exceed that specified in NFPA 80, except as shall be permitted to be modified by Chapter 12. 8.7.7 Floor fire door assemblies, used to protect openings in fire resistance rated floors, shall be tested in the horizontal position in accordance with NFPA 288, Standard Method for Fire Tests of Floor Door Assemblies, and shall achieve a fire resistance rating not less than the assembly being penetrated. Floor fire door assemblies shall be listed and label. 8.7.8 One-quarter in. thick wired glass labeled for fire protection purposes shall be permitted to be used in approved opening protectives with the maximum sizes in accordance with their listing. Other glazing materials which have been tested and labeled to indicate the type of opening to be protected for fire protection purposes shall be permitted to be used in approved opening protectives in accordance with their listing with the maximum sizes tested. 8.7.9* Fire window assemblies shall be permitted in fire barriers having a required fire resistance rating of 1 hour or less and shall be of an approved type with the appropriate fire protection rating for the location in which they are installed. Fire windows shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, and shall be of a design that has been tested to meet

the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 257, Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies. 8.7.10 Three-fourths-hour fire- protection rated windows in exterior walls shall be permitted to have an area not over 84 square feet with neither width nor height exceeding 12 feet. Fire windows shall be either fixed or automatic closing. 8.7.11 Nonsymmetrical fire-protection-rated glazing systems shall be tested with each face exposed to the furnace, and the assigned fire-protection rating shall be the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance with NFPA 257. Annex A A.8.2 NFPA 251, ANSI/UL 263 and ASTM E119 are considered nationally recognized methods of determining fire resistance and have been found to yield equivalent test methods. A.8.3.3.2 Other loads, such as seismic loads or interior pressure differences due to wind, can govern and should be considered in accordance with local code requirements. Parapets should be designed for wind loads, including appropriate pressure coefficients. A.8.3.3.3 Walls intended to be used as cantilevered fire walls in the future and used as temporary exterior walls will be vulnerable to wind damage. Such walls should be designed to resist required wind loads. If the future cantilevered wall is temporarily fastened to the building frame until the additional building is built, care should be taken to ensure that all ties to the wall are fully cut when new construction is completed. A.8.3.3.4 Walls intended to be used as cantilevered fire walls in the future and used as temporary exterior walls will be vulnerable to wind damage. Such walls should be designed to resist required wind loads. If the future cantilevered wall is temporarily fastened to the building frame until the additional building is built, care should be taken to ensure that all ties to the wall are fully cut when new construction is completed. A.8.3.3.5 Tied fire walls [see Figure A.8.3.3.5(a)] are fastened to and usually encase members of the structural frame of the building. To remain stable, the pull of the collapsing structural members on the fire side of the wall must be resisted by the strength of the structure on the other side.

Figure A.8.3.3.5(a) Typical tied fire wall used with continuous building framework.

(as shown in draft at the end of this report) Since a fire can occur on either side of the wall, the wall preferably should be located at the center of strength of the building frame. The center of strength is the plane within the building frame in which the structural framing on either side has equal resistance. In small structures, the center of strength generally is in the middle of the building. [See Figure A.8.3.3.5(b).] In large buildings, the center of strength might lie midway between two double-column line expansion joints. [See Figures A. 8.3.3.5 (c) and A. 8.3.3.5 (d).] Single-column line expansion joints utilizing beams with slotted connections do not break the continuity of the building frame. [See Figure A. 8.3.3.5(e).]

Figure A. 8.3.3.5 (b) A tied wall at the center of a continuous steel frame. The pull from collapsing steel on either side must be resisted

by the lateral strength of steel on the other side. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A. 8.3.3.5 (c) Tied wall where framing is not continuous throughout the building.

(as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A. 8.3.3.5 (d) Double-column line expansion joint. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)


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Figure A. 8.3.3.5 (e) Single-column line expansion joint frame is continuous.

(as shown in draft at the end of this report) Bolts with nuts and washers are permitted to be used to tie framework across a double-column line. In order to prevent the defeat of the purpose of the expansion joint created by the double-column line, nuts should be backed off slightly about 3/4 in. (19 mm). Where the primary roof framing is perpendicular to the fire wall, two bolts should tie the roof framing together over each column to provide concentric load distribution. Where the primary roof framing is parallel to the fire wall, single bolts are permitted to be used; however, intermediate ties might be needed between column lines. A registered civil or structural engineer should be consulted to provide more exact details. [See Figures A. 8.3.3.5(f) and A. 8.3.3.5(g).]

Figure A. 8.3.3.5(f) Through-wall tie — primary roof framing perpendicular to wall.


Figure A. 8.3.3.5(g) Through-wall tie — primary steel parallel to fire wall.


If the wall is not located at the center of strength, the lateral resistance of the frame on either side of the wall should be sufficient to resist the maximum horizontal component of the force that could result from collapsing structural framework on the opposite side. The horizontal force at each tie should be computed by using the following formula. where:

H = horizontal pull per tie [lb (kg)] w = dead load plus 25 percent of the live load of the roof [lb/ft2

(kg/m2)] L = span of the structural member running perpendicular to the

wall [ft (m)] B = distance between ties [ft (m)] S = sag in ft (m) that can be assumed as 0.07L for open-web trusses 0.09L for solid beams 0.06L for wood trusses

[See Figure A. 8.3.3.5(h).]

Figure A. 8.3.3.5(h) Tied fire wall with ties at each beam. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

A.8.3.3.6 Figures A.8.3.3.6(a), A. 8.3.3.6(b), and A. 8.3.3.6(c) provide three configurations for construction of a double fire wall.

Figure A. 8.3.3.6(a) Double fire wall — no connections. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A. 8.3.3.6(b) Double fire wall — separate horizontal and vertical flashing sections.


Figure A. 8.3.3.6(c) Double fire wall — separate flashing sections. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Where there is an uncontrolled fire on either side of a double wall, one building frame will collapse, pulling the wall on that side with it. The other wall, supported by structural framework on the protected side, will remain in place to stop the spread of fire. Since there should be no connections between the walls, particular attention should be paid to the details at openings in the walls. A double fire wall is most adaptable where an addition to a plant requires a fire wall between an existing structure and a new building. The existing wall, which is secured to the building frame, is altered, if necessary, to provide the proper fire resistance. Another fire wall is then constructed adjacent to the existing one and secured to the new building frame. A.8.3.3.8 The exterior fire-rated wall above the cantilevered wall should not overlap the cantilevered wall on the side of the lower building. It can be installed above the cantilevered wall or overlap the cantilevered wall on the side of the higher building [see Figures A.8.3.3.8(a) and A.8.3.3.8(b)]. In either case, the integrity of the fire resistance rating of the fire wall should be maintained by protecting the joint between the cantilevered wall and the exterior fire wall attached to the higher building. In some cases, the parapet can be omitted from the higher wall only; however, such a judgment should consider the severity of exposure from the occupancy in the lower building and the elevation difference between the exposure and the top of the higher wall.

Figure A.8.3.3.8(a) Fire wall arrangement at elevation difference (double wall).


Figure A. 8.3.3.8(b) Fire wall arrangement at elevation difference (cantilever wall).


A.8.3.3.9 Table A.8.3.3.9 is based on steel framework. This table provides clearances that are conservative for other types of framework materials. It is based on an average temperature of 800°F (427°C) in two adjacent bays.

Table A.8.3.3.9 Minimum Recommended Clearance for Thermal Expansion Between Unprotected Structural

Framework and Fire Walls or Between Double Fire Walls Length of Bay Perpendicular to the Fire Wall

Minimum Clearance Between Wall and Structural

Framework and Between Double Walls

ft m in. cm 20 (6.1) 2 1/2 (6.4) 25 (7.6) 3 1/4 (8.3) 30 (9.1) 3 3/4 (9.5) 35 (10.7) 4 1/2 (11.4) 40 (12.2) 5 (12.7) 45 (13.7) 5 3/4 (14.6) 50 (15.2) 6 1/4 (15.9) 55 (16.8) 7 (17.8)

60 or longer

(18.3) 7 1/2 (19.1)

Source: FMRC DS 1-22, Criteria for Maximum Foreseeable Loss Fire Walls and Space Separations.

Adequate clearance should be provided between storage and fire walls to prevent damage to the wall that might result from swelling of absorbent materials due to contact with water. A.8.3.7 To ensure that a fire barrier is continuous, it is necessary to seal completely all openings where the fire barrier abuts other fire barriers, the exterior walls, the floor below, and the floor or ceiling above. In the exception to 8.1.3, the fire resistance rating of the bottom of the interstitial space is provided by that membrane alone.


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Ceilings of rated floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies do not necessarily provide the required fire resistance. A.8.7.5.2 Some doors have been tested to meet the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials. Where such assemblies are used, the provisions of 8.3 or 8.4 should be applied instead of those of 8.7.5.2. A.8.7.9 Some window assemblies have been tested to meet the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials. Where such assemblies are used, the provisions of 8.2 should be applied instead of those of 8.7.9. SUBSTANTIATION: The following section pertains to sections 8.1 through 8.7 which address construction provisions for fire walls, fire barrier walls, exterior walls, horizontal assemblies, and opening protectives. It is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. This proposal has incorporated the public proposes into the referenced text when it is appropriate. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 3 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CLARK: Section 8.3.9.2 needs to clearly delineate that moderate and high seismic areas are those buildings located in Seismic Design Categories C, D, E and F. Section 8.3.3.10.8 refers to fire walls not having less than a 1-hour hour fire resistance rating but there is no such thing as a fire wall with less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating. Section 8.3.3.10.9 should refer to “fire walls” and not “fire division walls” since the latter term is not used or defined in this code. HOLMES: I am voting negative on the Committee Action to accept Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) related to the following sections or paragraphs: 8.3.3.10.3 As proposed, this paragraph will allow Fire Walls in Types I and II construction to terminate at the underside of noncombustible sheathing with not less than Class B roof covering. This arrangement will not provide for adequate fire wall separation between fire divisions. The construction types allowed include roof decks without a fire resistance rating (Type 11 - 000). While the sheathing may be noncombustible, the roof assembly may be combustible. Further, Class B roof coverings do not provide any fire resistance rating. Class B roofs are evaluated for external fire exposure and are not rated for internal fire exposure, combustibility, or fire resistance. This provision, as proposed, would allow two hour fire walls to terminate at non-rated, combustible roof assemblies. This could allow a fully developed fire to propagate through or over the fire wall. The intent of providing a fire wall to contain a fully developed fire would be negated. Practices allowed by other codes not withstanding, this is not good fire separation design practice and should not be allowed by the NFPA Building Code. 8.3.3.10.4 As proposed, this paragraph will allow Fire Walls in Types II, IV, and V construction to terminate at the underside of fire-retardant treated wood decks with not less than Class B roof covering. This arrangement will not provide for adequate fire wall separation between fire divisions. The construction types allowed include roof decks without a fire resistance rating. Fire-retardant treated wood is not noncombustible and will propagate fire when exposed to large, fully developed fires. While the deck or sheathing may be limited combustible, the roof assembly may be combustible. Further, Class B roof coverings do not provide any fire resistance rating. Class B roofs are evaluated for external fire exposure and are not rated for internal fire exposure, combustibility, or fire resistance. This provision, as proposed, would allow two hour fire walls to terminate at non-rated, combustible roof

assemblies. This could allow a fully developed fire to propagate through or over the fire wall. The intent of providing a fire wall to contain a fully developed fire would be negated. Practices allowed by other codes not withstanding, this is not good fire separation design practice and should not be allowed by the NFPA Building Code. 8.3.3.10.5 As proposed, this paragraph will allow Fire Walls in Types III, IV, and IV construction to terminate at the underside of decks with noncombustible materials or sheathed with Type X gypsum board within 4 feet of the fire wall and with not less than Class C roof covering. This arrangement will not provide for adequate fire wall separation between fire divisions. The construction types allowed include roof decks without a fire resistance rating and which may be combustible. Further, Class C roof coverings do not provide any fire resistance rating. Class C roofs are evaluated for external fire exposure and are not rated for internal fire exposure, combustibility, or fire resistance. This provision, as proposed, would allow two hour fire walls to terminate at non-rated, combustible roof assemblies. This could allow a fully developed fire to propagate through or over the fire wall. The intent of providing a fire wall to contain a fully developed fire would be negated. Practices allowed by other codes not withstanding, this is not good fire separation design practice and should not be allowed by the NFPA Building Code. 8.3.3.10.9 As proposed, this paragraph will allow fire division walls to terminate and not extend to protect against fire propagation along combustible balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees, or architectural protections if the building is protected on both sides of the fire division wall by automatic sprinklers. This provision does not provide good fire division separation. Under reasonable adverse conditions, the fire division wall and automatic sprinkler systems will perform in concert to provide sound fire separation. However, the primary purpose of fire division walls is to provide fire separation if the installed automatic sprinkler system fails to operate or fails to control fires. Allowing fire division walls, as proposed, to not protect combustible extensions of construction totally defeats the intent of providing the required fire division walls. (Note that the automatic sprinkler systems are not required to be independent of each other and are subject to common-mode failure.) Practices allowed by other codes not withstanding, this is not good fire separation design practice and should not be allowed by the NFPA Building Code. KLUVER: Several modifications are necessary to correct and improve the format, language and intent of the revised draft of Chapter 8 as contained in Log #608. These modifications are as follows: Revise 8.1.2.1 to read: “Fire compartments shall be formed with fire barriers and horizontal assemblies that comply with Sections 8.4 and 8.6, respectively.” Reason: Fire compartments are formed by horizontal as well as vertical (wall) assemblies. Revise 8.2.1.3 as follows: Change the word “shortest” to “shorter” in the first sentence. Reason: Because only two sides are being tested, the word “shorter” is correct. Revise 8.2.2.1 as follows: Delete the words “Chapter 36 and”. Reason: Chapter 36 only applies to “roof assemblies and roof structures”, whereas this section also applies to floors and walls. The reference to Chapter 36 is appropriately provided for in Section 8.2.2.3.1, and is therefore unnecessary language in this section. Revise 8.2.2.4.1 as follows: Delete the last sentence that reads: “Fire-resistive materials, assemblies and systems used shall be limited to those permitted in this code”. Reason: The sentence being deleted provides a general scoping statement, which has already been stated in slightly different language in the last sentence of Section 8.2.1.1. Delete 8.2.2.4.3. Reason: This section is a repeat of Section 8.2.1.3, which is the more appropriate location for this general scoping requirement. If the


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section is retained, the word “shortest” in the first sentence should be changed to “shorter”. Revise 8.2.3.3 as follows: Revise the fourth word in the first sentence: “method”, to read “methods”. Reason: Editorial. Revise 8.3.1 to read as follows: “Fire walls shall be of not less than 3-hour fire-resistive construction in buildings of any types of construction, unless otherwise permitted by Chapter 15 through 33.” Reason: It is critical important that fire walls maintain a high level of fire-resistance to provide the equivalent of separate building status when used to separate buildings. The fire-resistance rating of a fire wall that is provided for in Chapter 8 should be the minimum, and permission to reduce this value should not be relegated to each occupancy Technical Committee. Revise 8.3.3.6 as follows: Delete the words “as shown in figures 8.3.3.6(a), (b) and (c)”. Reason: The three figures being referenced are not found in the current draft. Revise 8.3.3.8 as follows: Revise the last sentence and add a new sentence to read: “The upper wall shall be connected to the framework of the higher building and shall be structurally independent of the cantilevered wall. The lower cantilevered portion of the wall shall not provide any support for vertical loads contributed by the upper wall.” Reason: To clarify intent, the end of the sentence is deleted and replaced with an additional sentence. Revise 8.3.3.9.1 as follows: Revise the first sentence to read: “Clearance to allow for expansion of unprotected structural framework shall be provided.” Reason: Clearance is necessary for “protected” as well as unprotected structural framework, since protected framework will also experience an increase in temperature resulting in expansion. Revise 8.3.3.9.2 as follows: Revise the beginning of the first sentence to read: “In buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F areas of moderate and high seismic risk, sufficient separation shall be provided…” Reason: “Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F”, is the language used in the structural chapters of the code to designate areas of moderate and high seismic risk. Revise 8.3.3.10.8 as follows: Revise the end of the section to read: “…shall be interrupted at the terminus of the fire wall by construction having a fire resistance rating equal to the fire wall, not less than 1 hour fire resistance rated construction.” Reason: Since fire walls are always have fire-resistance ratings greater than 1-hour, the portion of the sentence at the end is confusing, and should be deleted. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: FRANCIS: I am voting affirmatively on this log. However, the sections impacted by the action of Proposal 5000-154 (Log #240) should be addressed if my negative ballot on that log is successful. The whole chapter should be corrected for E119 references. HABER: The section to which I object is 8.3.7 - Horizontally Continuity. There is no fire data to show that an 18 inch extension to a firewall is required (8.3.7.1). The exception in 8.3.7.2 which requires noncombustible exterior finishes for 4 feet either side of a firewall is not justified either. This exception will severely limit the use of vinyl or wood siding for townhouses and apartments. Our formal comment will be submitted by NAHB when the ROP is issued. KOFFEL: 1. Requirements for roofs in Section 8.2.2.3 need to be coordinated with the requirements in the Chapter 36 on roofs. 2. Whether an exterior wall is required to have a fire resistance rating based upon a horizontal separation of 5 feet or not, is not within the scope of Chapter 8. The exception should reference the applicable provisions in Chapter 7. 3. The reference to Exception No. 2 to 8.12.3 in 8.2.2.4.5 is not correct. The TCC directed the Committee to look at a glazing assembly that has been evaluated to be consistent with a one-hour fire resistance rating. That assembly is not the same as the one described in Exception No. 2 to 8.12.3. Furthermore, use of Exception No. 2 to 8.12.3 would also permit door assemblies that resist the passage of

smoke but may not have a fire protection rating. Therefore, if a one-hour corridor is constructed of glazing as permitted in the referenced exception, the door assemblies in that corridor need not have a fire protection rating. 4. An additional exception needs to be added to 8.2.2.5.2 to address the special requirements in Chapter 7 relative to the fire resistance rating of the construction supporting floor assemblies used to determine compartment area. 5. Section 8.3.1 requires fire walls to have a fire-resistance rating of at least 3 hours unless otherwise permitted. Section 8.3.3.10.2 contains requirements for two-hour fire walls. Are there requirements elsewhere in the Code that permit two-hour fire walls? 6. Section 8.3.2 which redistricts the quantity of openings in a fire wall should be moved to Section 8.3.4 which addresses openings in fire walls. 7. Section 8.3.3.7 seems to address a requirement for an exterior wall and should be located in Chapter 7 or Chapter 35. 8. Sections 8.3.4.2, 8.4.2.3, 8.6.2.2 reference smoke damper requirements to be found in 8.8.8. A review of Section 8.8.8 5000- 531 (Log #CP603) does not seem to indicate any requirements for smoke dampers. 9. Why is Section 8.3.4 titled “Openings” while Section 8.4.2 is titled “Opening Protectives”? 10. Section 8.5.3 requires parapets for certain exterior walls while Chapter 35 also contains requirements for parapets for certain exterior walls. 11. Section 8.7.2 should be revised to read as follows: “Opening protectives in walls and partitions required to have a fire resistance rating shall have... (remainder unchanged). This is necessary to clarify that Table 8.7.2 does not require certain fire resistance ratings of the walls or partitions (such as smoke partitions); but rather, provides the criteria for opening protectives in walls and partitions required to have a fire resistance rating. 12. Are fire doors permitted to be automatic-closing by fusible link per 8.7.3? 13. The following revisions to Table 8.7.2 should be made. a. All components shall be either singular or plural. b. Exit passageways are not addressed. Possibly the second item should be “Vertical Shafts and Exit Enclosures.” c. The use of “exit” in the parenthesis of under Vertical Shafts does not appear to make sense. 14. Paragraph 8.7.5.2 needs to be revised to address the issue of positive pressure testing. 15. In paragraph 8.7.7 the last word should be “labeled.”

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5000- 431 - (8-2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Michael Gardner, Gypsum Association RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read as follows: 8.2 Materials or assemblies shall have their fire-resistance rating determined in accordance with the test procedures set forth in NFPA 251 or ASTM E 119. SUBSTANTIATION: Chapter 8 currently contains no reference to any established fire-resistance testing method. NFPA 101 is already written to reference NFPA 251; therefore, it is assumed that a reference to that standard will be incorporated into the text of NFPA 5000. However, NFPA 5000 should also reference the use of the E 119 test. While many building materials and systems are fire tested in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 251, it is also the case that many are fire tested using the criteria established by the ASTM E 119 test. Model building code material testing requirements have traditionally been written around the use of the E 119 test. While the two standards - NFPA 251 and ASTM E 119 - are generally viewed as interchangeable, without a specific reference to E 119 one could be left with a situation where a static interpretation of an NFPA 5000


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document written solely to reference the NFPA 251 test would prohibit the use of a material tested solely to the E 119 test. In addition, very few building code officials are familiar with the NFPA 251 document. Most building officials, however, have a comfortable working relationship with the ASTM E 119 standard having seen it referenced in existing model code documents for many years. Referencing the ASTM E 119 test will create a situation where the NFPA 5000 document will be viewed as no less user-friendly than other model code documents. At present, NFPA 251 and ASTM E 119 contain content that is almost identical. The two standards currently being harmonized to make their subject matter completely identical, a process that, when complete, will create two standards that are indistinguishable in content and differ only in presentation format. The process is scheduled to be completed within two years. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for complete action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will address the requirements associated this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 432 - (8-2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 8.2 as follows: 8.2 Fire Resistive Materials and Systems Fire and Smoke Barriers 8.2.1 Fire Resistive Materials and Systems Fire Barriers 8.2.1.1 Fire Resistive Barrier materials and assemblies... SUBSTANTIATION: The change in language is consistent with what is being addressed in these paragraphs and subparagraphs. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for complete action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 433 - (8-2): Accept SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 8.2.1.3 to address fire rated walls and partitions: 8.2.1.3 Interior walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be evaluated from both directions and the assigned a fire-resistance rating shall be based on the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 251. When the wall is tested with the least fire-resistive side exposed to the furnace the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side. SUBSTANTIATION: Nonsymmetrical walls and partitions should be tested for their performance based upon fire exposure to both faces of the wall or partition unless evidence is available to determine the least fire resistive side. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. Add a new 8.2.1.3 to read: 8.2.1.3 Interior walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be evaluated from both directions and the assigned a fire-

resistance rating shall be based on the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 251 when tested on both sides. When the wall is tested with the least fire-resistive side exposed to the furnace the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The revisions on this provision were done for editorial clarification. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Comment on Affirmative on Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608).

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5000- 434 - (8-2.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joseph J. Messersmith, Jr., Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.2.1.1 Fire resistive materials and assemblies of materials shall meet the fire resistive requirements of Chapter 6 and this chapter. The fire resistance rating of structural elements and assemblies, and nonbearing walls required to have a fire resistance rating by this code shall be based on testing conducted in accordance with NFPA 251 or on calculations performed in accordance with Section 8.2.1.2. Fire resistive materials, assemblies, and systems used Materials used to construct fire resistance rated elements and assemblies shall be limited to those permitted in this code. Where calculations are used to establish the fire resistance rating of concrete or masonry elements or assemblies, they shall be performed in accordance with ACI 216.1/TMS0216.1. Where calculations are used to establish the fire resistance of elements or assemblies incorporating other materials, the provisions of ASCE/SFPE 29 shall be used. 8.2.123 No change to existing text. SUBSTANTIATION: There is no general requirement in Chapter 8 that the fire resistance of structural elements or assemblies be proven by subjecting a specimen to the NFPA 251 fire test. I doubt if this omission is intentional. The proposal will also adopt by reference two (2) relatively new consensus standards that contain procedures for calculating the fire resistance of assemblies based on the fire exposure and acceptance criteria of NFPA 251. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 8.2.1.1 and 8.2.3.2 as follows: 8.2.1.1 The fire resistance rating of structural elements and assemblies, and nonbearing walls and assemblies required to have a fire resistance rating by this code shall be based on testing conducted in accordance with NFPA 251, or on calculations performed in accordance with Section 8.2.1.2, or shall be determined in accordance with the analytical methods in Section 8.2.2. Materials used to construct fire resistance rated elements and assemblies shall be limited to those permitted in this code. 8.2.3.2 Where calculations are used to establish the fire resistance rating of concrete or masonry elements or assemblies, they shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with ACI 216.1/TMS0216.1. Where calculations are used to establish the fire resistance of elements or assemblies incorporating other materials, the provisions of ASCE/SFPE 29 shall be permitted to be used. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The revisions are done for clarification and to recognize the different provisions available for determining fire resistance ratings. These revisions have been included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28


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VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Comment on Affirmative on Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608).

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5000- 435 - (8-2.1.3 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: William A. Webb, Performance Technology Consulting, Ltd./Rep. Albi Manufacturing Division of StanChem RECOMMENDATION: Add the following new paragraph: 8.2.1.3 Spray applied fire protection materials for exterior use and fire resistive intumescent materials for interior or exterior use shall be tested for environmental exposure in accordance with their use and listing. SUBSTANTIATION: Suitable accelerated aging tests are needed to evaluate the long term performance of spray-applied fire-protection materials. Experience has shown that such tests are not needed for interior applications of sprayed fiber and cementious mixtures. The tests are needed for exterior applications of such materials and for interior and exterior applications of intumescent mastic coatings. Intumescent materials, whether for interior or exterior use, need to be subjected to accelerated aging because intumescent coatings provide fire protection via an active system. That is, they must, during the life of the building, be able to intumesce in the event of a fire. This intumescent reaction is a chemical reaction set off by heat. The purpose and value of accelerated, simulated interior and exterior environmental tests is to begin to measure a material’s ability to retain its intumescence over time. For example, a heat aging test for interior materials is not performed to show a material’s ability to resist 158 degrees F for nine months. Rather, by running the test at 158 degrees F for nine months, one is attempting to compress years of normal use of the material into a defined time table without having to run product testing for years. Both ICBO ES and ULI require environmental tests. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal applies to a wide range of materials but only identifies those that are sprayed on or are intumescent materials. There are other materials that are applied by different methods that would not be included in this requirement. It is the understanding of this technical committee that there is an ongoing activity by the ASTM E-6 Committee to develop accelerated aging tests. Currently there is no pass or fail criteria established for this requirement. There are concerns on the criteria associated with the testing of these materials between the interior and exterior applications. It is also possible that some materials used for joint protection and penetrations would be required to comply with this requirement. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 436 - (8-2.1.3 (New) ): Accept TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-FIR requesting that the TC develop modifications to former 1.13.3.1.5 [now 1.8.7.3.1.4 per Proposal 5000-1 (Log #CP2047)] as needed to achieve the coordination referred to in the Committee Statement. SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. W. R. Grace & Company RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows:

8.2.1.3 Fire resistance rated assemblies having their required fire resistance ratings based on tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 251 shall not be considered to be restrained for the purpose of determining their fire resistance unless information satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction is provided by the registered design professional responsible for the fire resistance design to verify that the construction qualifies for a restrained classification in accordance with NFPA 251. Restrained construction shall be identified on the plans. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal is consistent with both the 2000 ICC International Building Code and the 1997 ICBO Uniform Building Code for the purpose or regulating how fire resistance ratings are determined. in particular, this new proposed section addresses the issue of restrained and unrestrained construction as specified in NFPA 251. The testing and acceptance criteria for restrained and unrestrained structural elements and systems or assemblies are different and must be considered int he fire resistance design of a building and its structural components. Generally speaking, a restrained assembly or beam will achieve a higher degree of fire resistance with the same amount of fire resistive protection provided as compared to an unrestrained beam or assembly. Therefore, it is very important that the registered design professional be able to clearly show whether a construction assembly is truly restrained to meet the criteria in NFPA 251 to allow fire testing of that assembly to determine its fire resistance rating based on its degree of restraint. To be on the safe and conservative side, this should be state with a default to the conservative unrestrained design condition unless adequate proof is provided to the authority having jurisdiction to show substantial restraint meeting the criteria for fire testing of restrained assemblies in NFPA 251. This puts the burden of proof on the registered design professional who want to utilize lesser fire resistive protection for a building construction assembly or beam than that which would be required for an unrestrained condition. This proposal is structured so that a fire resistance design will err on the side of property protection and life safety if such proof is not provided to the authority having jurisdiction since the fire resistance ratings would then be required to be determined in accordance with an unrestrained testing condition. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee accepted this proposal but noted that the designer should identify if the assemblies are restrained or unrestrained on the required plans. The requirements of 1.13.3.1.5 should be coordinated with this provision. This is shown as 8.2.1.2 in Commitee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Comment on Affirmative on Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608).

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5000- 437 - (8-2.1.3 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James A. Rossberg, American Society of Civil Engineers RECOMMENDATION: Part 1: Add the following new Section: 8.2.1.3 The structural fire resistance for specific materials or combinations of materials shall be permitted to be determined by the calculation methods contained in ASCE/SFPE 29-99, Standard Calculation Methods for Structural Fire Protection. Part 2: Add the following reference standard in Chapter 2: ASCE/SFPE 29-99 Standard Calculation Methods for Structural Fire Protection. SUBSTANTIATION: While the level of fire resistance required is prescribed the Code appears to lack requirements on how to


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determine the fire resistance of structural elements. The proposed referenced standard contains methods for calculating the structural fire resistance of elements constructed of concrete, steel, wood and masonry. Note: Supporting Material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Action on Proposal 5000-434 (Log #407). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The referenced proposal contains the reference to ASCE/SFPE 29 document. This should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 438 - (8-2.1.3 (New) ): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance For Codes and Standards (MCAS) RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 8.2.1.3 The required fire resistance rating of exterior walls shall be determined by exposure to the test fire from both the interior and exterior sides independently for the entire duration of the fire test. The assigned fire resistance rating for the exterior wall shall be the lesser of the two sides so tested. Exceptions: 1. Exterior walls of symmetrical construction shall be permitted to be tested for exposure to fire from only one side of the wall. 2. Nonbearing exterior walls having a horizontal separation greater than 5 feet and not more than 30 feet shall be permitted to be tested for exposure to fire from the exterior side for not less than one-half the required fire resistance rating, provided the interior side is tested as required by this section. 3. Nonbearing exterior walls having a horizontal separation greater than 30 feet shall be permitted to be tested for exposure to fire from the interior side only. SUBSTANTIATION: Especially for exterior bearing walls, we have concerns about fires which may break out of an opening in an exterior wall to expose the exterior wall from the outside while simultaneously exposing the exterior wall from the inside. No standardized fire test presently evaluates such an exposure to determine a fire resistance rating for an exterior wall application. This type of exposure would be significantly more severe than the standard NFPA 251 fire exposure, yet the Draft code does not specify how the wall would be tested to address this potential fire scenario. We believe that the exterior bearing wall application is the most critical from a structural perspective and should be required to be fire tested from each side to assure its integrity. The 5 ft separation distance limitation is based on the maximum projection of a flame plume extending out of an exterior wall opening in an adjacent building which could be located on the property line. For those cases, even non-bearing exterior walls should be required to be fire tested from each side. Standard exterior wall fire testing based on NFPA 251 does not take into consideration the effects of radiant heat exposure from a fire in an adjacent building. Exterior non-bearing walls with a fire separation distance greater than 5 ft but not more than 30 ft should be tested from both the inside and the outside, but need only be tested from the outside for one-half the fire resistance rating required for the wall in order to address radiant heat exposures. However, for exterior nonbearing walls with a fire separation distance of 5 ft or less and for exterior bearing walls regardless of the fire separation distance, the fire resistance rating should be determined by tests having a fire exposure to each side of the wall for the full duration of the required fire resistance rating. The 30 ft limit was chosen based on Table 7.3.1 Exterior Wall Openings as being the horizontal separation distance beyond which are exterior nonbearing

walls are allowed to have unlimited amounts of unprotected openings. Fire testing for the determination of the required fire resistance ratings of exterior walls is especially critical in this Draft code since there are no specific provisions for fire districts or fire limits. Generally, the requirements for fire districts specify a high degree of fire resistance for the exterior walls of buildings to assure that propagation of fire from building to building will not occur especially within congested downtown areas where buildings are generally in close proximity to each other. Thus, providing for a method of testing fire walls for exposure both from a fire within the interior as well as a fire exposing it from the exterior provides some redundancy and assurance that the exterior walls will perform as intended to prevent fire spread from building to building. This will also assist the fire department in combating fires in these buildings while assuring structural stability of the exterior walls, especially where they are in close proximity to adjacent property lines or buildings. As a point of information, the 1997 ICBO Uniform Building Code (UBC) Section 709.5 Nonsymmetrical Wall Construction requires all exterior walls of nonsymmetrical construction, regardless of horizontal separation distance or whether they are bearing or not, to be tested from both sides with he fire resistance rating determined by the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in accordance with UBC Standard 7-1 (ASTM E119). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Revise 8.2.2.4.4 as follows: 8.2.2.4.4 The required fire resistance rating of exterior walls shall be determined by exposure to the test fire from both the interior and exterior sides independently for the entire duration of the fire test. The assigned fire resistance rating for the exterior wall shall be the lesser of the two sides so tested. Exception: Nonbearing exterior walls having a horizontal separation greater than 30 5 feet shall be permitted to be tested for exposure to fire from the interior side only. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The text was revised to recognize the current practice for the requirement of the exposure test. There was no documention provided to highlight the problems associated with the current practice of five feet to require the different provisions as proposed. The exceptions appear to address the application of radiant heat exposure which applies to the ignition effects of the wall instead of the fire resistance rating of the wall which is the intention of the charging paragraph. The exception was revised to address bearing walls also. There was no reason to limit this exception to one particular type of application. This proposal is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CLARK: The issue of this change deals with 1) exposing the exterior of a wall to a fire that has broken out of an opening and 2) exposing the exterior of the wall to radiant heat from an adjacent structure. This would expose an exterior wall to fire from both sides. These are real concerns that need to be addressed and are not with the current text. There are no existing standardized tests for this type of real-world situation. KLUVER: We agree with the language proposed by the proponent of Log #741 because of concerns about fires that may break out of an opening in an exterior wall to expose the exterior wall from the outside while simultaneously exposing the exterior wall from the inside. No standardized fire test presently evaluates such an exposure to determine a fire-resistance rating for an exterior wall application. This type of exposure would be significantly more severe than the standard NFPA 251 fire exposure, yet Exception 3 would allow the wall to be tested from the inside only if the fire separation distance is 5 feet or more.

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5000- 439 - (8-2.1.3 (New) ): Accept in Part TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-FIR requesting that the TC: (1) revisit the subject now that a draft of Chapter 100 Flood Resistant Design and Construction is available via Proposal 5000-1421 (Log #623). (2) give consideration to Mr. Kapalczynski's comment on affirmative on conflicting requirements so as to make any needed changes. SUBMITTER: James A. Rossberg, Christopher P. Jones, American Society of Civil Engineers/Rep. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mitigation Directorate RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 8.2.1.3 Construction in Flood Hazard Areas. Where conflicts arise between the flood resistance requirements of this Code and the fire resistance requirements of Chapter 7 and this chapter, for building materials and assemblies below the design flood elevations, the fire resistance provisions shall govern. In such instances, fire resistive materials and assemblies shall be selected and installed so as to achieve maximum flood resistance. SUBSTANTIATION: Makes code provisions compliant with National Flood Insurance Program regulations for buildings and structures in flood hazard areas - where a conflict exists between flood and life-safety provisions, life-safety shall govern. Note that this proposal is one of a series of proposals that will insure NFPA 5000 compliance with NFIP regulations. Although submitted separately, the proposals comprising the series should be considered together. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Add 8.2.1.4 as follows: 8.2.1.4 Construction in Flood Hazard Areas. Where conflicts arise between the flood resistance requirements of this Code and the fire resistance requirements of Chapter 7 and this chapter, for building materials and assemblies below the design flood elevations, the fire resistance provisions shall govern. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The last sentence introduces ambiguous language and would not be appropriate to be included in this provision. This proposal is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: KAPALCZYNSKI: This wording of this section appears to acknowledge that conflicting requirements are identified and remain unresolved within this document. The intent can be stated as a requirement. For example: Where the flood resistance requirements of this Code and the fire resistance requirements of Chapter 7 and this chapter both address building materials and assemblies below the design flood elevations, the fire resistance requirements shall be used.

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5000- 440 - (8-2.2.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Trusses, girders, and beams supporting all bearing walls, columns, girders, and trusses shall have the same at least the fire resistance of the element supported. SUBSTANTIATION: 1. These are times the supporting member needs greater fire resistance. 2. Editorial clarity. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Action on Proposal 5000-443 (Log #374). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on the referenced proposal should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28


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5000- 441 - (8-2.2.3 (New) ): Accept SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 8.2.2.3 and renumber present Section 8.2.2.3 as 8.2.24. 8.2.2.3 Structural elements required to have a fire resistance rating and that support more than two floors, one floor an roof, a hearing wall, or a nonbearing wall more than two stories high shall be individually protected on all sides for their full length with materials providing the required fire by individual encasement, membrane or ceiling protection in accordance with Section 8.5.5, or a combination of both. Columns shall also comply with Section 8.2.2.3.1. 8.2.2.3.1 Where columns require a fire resistance rating,t he entire column including its connections to beams or girders shall be individually protected. Where the column extends through a ceiling, the fire resistive protection provided for the column shall be continuous from the top of the floor through the ceiling space to the top of the column. 8.2.2.3.2 The required thickness and construction of fire resistance rated materials or assemblies enclosing trusses shall be based on the results of full scale tests or combinations of tests on truss components or on approved calculations based on such tests to verify that the assembly is provided the required fire resistance. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal provides detailed criteria for how various structural elements are to be protected to achieve their required fire resistance ratings specified elsewhere in this code. These provisions are consistent with the national model building codes. They specify when a structural element as defined in Section 3.3.133 is required to be individually protected as opposed to being allowed to be protected by membranes such as a ceiling which is part of a fire resistive floor ceiling or roof ceiling assembly. These new sections basically provide clear guidance on how the fire resistive protection is to be provided and determined for these various structural elements in the building required to have a fire resistance rating. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. Revise 8.2.2.5.3, 8.2.2.5.4 and 8.2.2.5.5 as follows: 8.2.2.5.3 Structural elements required to have a fire resistance rating and that support more than two floors, one floor and roof, a bearing wall, or a nonbearing wall more than two stories high shall be individually protected on all sides for their full length with materials providing the required fire resistance rating. Other structural members required to have a fire resistance rating shall be protected by individual encasement, membrane or ceiling protection in accordance with Section 8.6, or a combination of both. Columns shall also comply with Section 8.2.2.5.4. 8.2.2.5.4 Where columns require a fire resistance rating, the entire column including its connections to beams or girders shall be individually protected. Where the column extends through a ceiling, the fire resistive protection provided for the column shall be continuous from the top of the floor through the ceiling space to the top of the column. 8.2.2.5.5 The required thickness and construction of fire resistance rated materials or assemblies enclosing trusses shall be based on the results of full scale tests or combinations of tests on truss components or on approved calculations based on such tests to verify that the assembly is provided the required fire resistance. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee accepted the proposal with the revision for clarity. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 442 - (8-2.2.3.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. W. R. Grace RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 8.2.2.3.1 Structural elements within exterior walls or located along the exterior perimeter of a building or structure shall have a fire resistance rating as required by Table 7.2 for exterior bearing walls based on the type of construction. Structural elements within an exterior wall located where openings are not permitted or where protection of openings is required in accordance with table 7.3.1 shall have a fire resistance rating based on protection against exterior fire exposure as required for exterior bearing walls or the structural element, whichever requires the greater fire resistance rating. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal clarifies how structural elements that are located along the exterior for a building or within the exterior walls for a building are to provided with the required degree of fire resistance based on the requirements in Table 7.2 for the types of construction. For those cases it makes sense that the structural elements should meet the same requirements as those required for exterior bearing walls since they perform the same function and are essentially located coincident with the exterior walls. Thus, there is a need to be concerned not only with the bearing capability of the structural element during an interior fire exposure, but also during its potential exposure to fire on adjacent properties. This new section is also consistent with several of the national model building codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This proposal is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log#CP608) as 8.2.2.5.7. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FRANCIS: I am voting negatively on this item because the proposal as accepted by the committee overlooks the important distinction of structural elements, such as wood studs, which are part of a fire resistance rated assembly but which derive some of all of their fire resistive features from the assembly rather than from inherent properties of the elements. The effect of this proposal would be to prohibit wood construction where any fire resistance is required. That would be true for Type V III construction and Type IV construction. Thus those two types of construction would be prohibited. The proposal should be amended to read: “Structural elements within exterior walls or along the perimeter of a building or structure of Type I or Type II construction ...” in order to avoid the conflict mentioned above. However, I do not support that approach either since it simply disregards the contribution the assembly has in fire performance.

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5000- 443 - (8-2.2.4 (New) ): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. W. R. Grace RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 8.2.2.4 Structural elements including floors and bearing walls shall have a fire resistance rating not less than the fire resistance rating required for the structural element, bearing or nonbearing wall, floor or roof they support. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed new section specifies that any structural elements as defined in Section 3.3.133, as well as floors and bearing walls, that may be supporting other fire resistance rated structural elements, bearing or nonbearing walls, or floors or roofs that are required have fire resistance ratings by other provisions of the code, must have the same or greater degree of fire resistance as

the assembly they are supporting. This is a logical application of fire resistive design to assure that the fire resistance rated assembly or element being supported will be able to perform its intended function based on the required degree of fire resistance specified elsewhere in the code. This proposal is also consistent with all of the national model building codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Revise 8.2.2.2 as follows: 8.2.2.2 Structural elements including floors and bearing walls shall have a fire resistance rating not less than the fire resistance rating required for the structural element, bearing or nonbearing wall, floor or roof they support. Exception: Structural elements shall be required to have only the fire resistance rating required for the construction classification of the building where such elements support nonbearing wall or partition assemblies having a required fire resistance rating of 1 hour or less and where such elements do not serve as exit enclosures or protection for vertical openings. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This proposed text will replace 8.2.2.2 of the NFPA 5000 draft. This proposed text is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) as 8.2.2.5.2. The term "structural element" is currently defined in Chapter 3 identifying those elements which this requirement would be applicable to. The exception was added to recognize those elements that would not need this minimum requirement. The exception is from the NFPA 101, 8.2.3.1.1, Exception No. 1. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 444 - (8-2.3.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Peter J. Gore Willse, Industrial Risk Insurers RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.2.3.1 Columns supporting masonry bearing walls, shall have the fire-resistive rating of the wall supported. SUBSTANTIATION: There are masonry walls that are not load-bearing (exterior masonry in-fill walls) that require columns to support the lateral loads applied to them such as from wind that should not be required to have a fire resistant rating. Section 8.2.2.2 only covers fire-resistive protection requirements for trusses, girder and beams. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The requirements associated with 8.2.3.1 is adequately addressed within the provisions of 8.2.2.2 as revised in Proposal 5000-443 (Log #374). There is no particular need to establish specific material references as noted in 8.2.3.1. The text of 8.2.2.2 provides a generic application for the supporting or structural elements by establishing the minimum protection requirements. This section is being proposed for deletion as noted in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 445 - (8-2.3.1): Reject SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text: “...shall have at least the fire resistive rating of the wall supported.” SUBSTANTIATION: Clarity. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Committee Statement on Proposal 5000-444 (Log #128) for supporting reason for Committee Action. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 446 - (8-2.3.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 8.2.3.2. SUBSTANTIATION: This section is not required to establish fire resistive rating of columns since the information would be included in the installation standard. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 447 - (8-2.7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Morgan J. Hurley, Society of Fire Protection Engineers RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 8.2.7 Bonded Prestressed Concrete Tendons. Single or multiple bonded tendons in prestressed concrete beams, girders and solid slabs shall be fire protected as required in NFPA 251 by either 8.2.7.1 or 8.2.7.2. Unbonded tendons shall be permitted to be accepted when substantiated by test, with the required thickness of fire protection at all locations. 8.2.7.1 Protection as required to achieve the required fire endurance when tested in accordance with NFPA 251. 8.2.7.2 Protection as required to achieve the required fire endurance with the calculation methods in ASCE/SFPE 29-99, Standard Calculations Methods for Structural Fire Protection. SUBSTANTIATION: ASCE/SFPE 29 provides accepted calculation methods for calculating fire endurance that may be used as an alternative to testing. These calculation methods, while only recently standardized thought ASCE’s ANSI process, have been accepted and used within the engineering community for a number of years. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 5000-434 (Log #407) for related Technical Committee Action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The revisions noted in Proposal 5000-434 (Log #407) provide the reference to the proposed documents. This section is being proposed for deletion as noted in the Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Comment on Affirmative on Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608).

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5000- 448 - (8-2.8): Accept SUBMITTER: Joseph B. Zicherman, IFT Inc./Fire Cause Analysis/Rep. Plastic Pipe and Fitting Association+ RECOMMENDATION: Revise the text and move to Section 8.3.3 as new subsection 8.2.2.4 and renumber accordingly.

8.2.8 8.2.2.4 Embedment of non-structural elements. Conduits, and pipes, ducts or other construction elements shall not be embedded within required fire protection except as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction of any structural member requiring individual encasement to achieve the desired fire protection rating. SUBSTANTIATION: As proposed the current text will cause potential enforcement problems due to a lack of clarity in wording and will produce requests for unnecessary review by Authorities Having Jurisdiction due to this lack of clarity. Its current location also is confusing and relocation as a subset of 8.2.2 places it in a more useful location. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This proposal is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log#CP608) as 8.2.2.5.9. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 449 - (8-2.9): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. W. R. Grace RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: Section 8.2.9 Column Jacketing. Fire-resistive materials covering of columns required to have a fire resistance rating, where exposed to impact damage injuryby moving vehicles, by handling of merchandise, or by other means, shall have sufficient strength to resist such damage or shall be protected by a method approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal clarifies the intent of this Section and also provides a performance criteria for having sufficient strength of the fire resistive material to resist such impacts. For those cases where the material is sufficiently strong there would obviously be no need to protect it. Otherwise, a simple method for protection of the fire resistive materials is required based on approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 8.2.2.5.10 as follows: 8.2.2.5.10 Column Jacketing. Required fire-resistive covering of columns, where exposed to injury by moving vehicles, by handling of merchandise, or by other means, shall be protected from damage. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The text was revised for clarification and to recognize that equilivant concepts are already permitted in the code and is not necessary to be repeated. This proposal is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) as 8.2.2.5.10. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 450 - (8-3): Accept SUBMITTER: David Hammerman, Ron Nickson, Marshall Klein and Associates/Rep. National Multi-Housing Council RECOMMENDATION: In Section 8.3.1.5.1, add the word "assembly" after the word "roof" so that Section 8.3.1.5.1 reads as follows: 8.3.1.5.1 Fire division walls shall be permitted to terminate tight against the underside of noncombustible sheathing when the room assembly is of at least 2-hour fire resistive construction. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed change is intended to clarify the intent of this section by adding the word "assembly" to the text of the paragraph. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This proposal is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) as 8.3.3.10.1. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KLEIN: Abstain due to client interest.

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5000- 451 - (8-3): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Joseph J. Messersmith, Jr., Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.3 Fire Walls and Fire Barriers 8.3.1 Requirements for Fire Division Walls. Each part of a building separated by one or more fire division walls shall be permitted to be considered a separate building when the fire division wall meets the following requirements: Fire walls shall have sufficient structural stability to withstand collapse of the structure on either side of the wall due to a fire and shall comply with the additional requirements of this section. Fire walls constructed in accordance with the requirements of Sections 2.3 through 2.5 of NFPA 221 shall be deemed to provide the required stability. 8.3.1.1 Fire division walls shall be not less than 3 hour fire resistive construction in buildings of all types of construction constructed with noncombustible materials and shall have a fire resistance rating of not less than 4 hours where separating hazardous occupancies and where separating a hazardous occupancy from another occupancy, and not less than 3-hours in other cases. In Sections 8.3.1.2, 8/3/1/4(2 places), 8.3.1.5, 8.3.1.5.1 and 8.3.1.5.2 and its exception, deleted "division." In 8.3.1.3, change "fire-resistive" to "fire resistance." In 8.3.1.4, delete 'area" and replace "fire-resistive" with "resistance rated." In 8.3.1.5.1, replace "fire-resistive" with "fire resistance rated." In 8.3.1.5.2, and its exception, replace "fire-resistive" with "fire resistance rated." SUBSTANTIATION: The definition of "fire wall" found in Chapter 3 indicates that its is "a wall separating buildings to prevent the spread of fire and having a fire resistance rating and structural stability." In addition, other provisions and other proposals make it clear that a fire wall creates separate building status for the portions of the structure on each side of a fire wall. The requirement in the definition that the wall have "structural stability" needs to be emphasized in this section. Sections 2.3 through 2.5 of NFPA 221, "Standard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls" gives requirements for 3 types of fire walls (cantilevered or freestanding, tied, and double) that are deemed to provide the structural stability intended by the definition. Section 8.3.1.1 has been revised to indicate that fire walls separating hazardous occupancies on one or both sides of the wall must have a fire resistance rating of not less than 4 hours. This is necessary to recognize that some of these occupancies may have very high fire loads, and/or materials that when burned generate higher than normal temperatures. The proposed requirement that fire walls be constructed of noncombustible materials is consistent with requirements found in many building codes for the past 100 years or more. Other changes are editorial in nature. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Revise the following paragraphs: 8.3.3.9.1 Clearance to allow for expansion of unprotected structural framework shall be provided. This space shall be provided between

cantilevered walls and structural framework on each side and between double walls. 8.3.3.10.7 Where a fire wall separates parts of a building having different heights, such wall shall be permitted to terminate at a point 36 in. above the lower roof level when the exterior wall for a height of 10 feet above the lower roof is 1-hour fire-resistance rated construction with openings protected by a 3/4-hour fixed or automatic opening protective. Exception: The fire wall shall be permitted to terminate at the sheathing of the lower roof when the wall is without openings and when the roof is of at least 1-hour fire-resistive noncombustible construction for a width of at least 10 feet, measured from the wall. 8.3.3.10.8 Where horizontal projecting elements such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees, and architectural projections cross the terminus of the fire wall, such projecting elements shall be interrupted at the terminus of the fire wall by construction having a fire resistance rating equal to the fire wall not less than 1 hour fire resistance rated construction. 8.7.2 Opening protective shall have a minimum fire protection rating as specified in Table 8.10. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed revisions to 8.3.1 are addressed in the Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) in 8.3. The proposed change to 8.3.1.1 was not accepted as it was felt it was overlay restrictive for the different levels of hazards. The occupancy chapter should establish and determine the level of separation required. There is also no requirement for a hazardous occupancy classification within this document. Chapter 33, Hazardous Occupancy, should address some of these concerns and the occupancy separation requirements of Chapter 7. The paragraphs noted above correspond with the following cross referencing: 8.3.1.3 is 8.7.2 8.3.1.4 is 8.3.3.10.8 8.3.1.5.1 is 8.3.3.9.1 8.3.1.5.2 is 8.3.3.10.7. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CLARK: There is a long-standing history of requiring a minimum of 4-hour fire resistive non-combustible construction for fire walls separating hazardous occupancies. This is supported by ample evidence of fires involving very high fire loads or very high temperatures. KLUVER: Fire walls separating hazardous occupancies should have a minimum 4-hour fire-resistance rating because some of these occupancies may have very high fire loads, and and/or materials that when burned generate very high temperatures. We also continue to support a requirement that fire walls be constructed of noncombustible materials, which is consistent with requirements found in many building codes for the past 100 years or more. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: HOLMES: Among other provisions the submitter intended that noncombustible materials be required “ consistent with requirements found in many building codes for the past 100 years or more.” The committee action included revising 8.3.3.10.8 to read: Where horizontal projecting elements such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees, and architectural projections cross the terminus of the fire wall, such elements shall be interrupted at the terminus of the fire wall by construction having a fire resistance rating equal to the fire wall not less than 1 hour fire resistance rated construction. Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) later added 8.3.3.10.9 to exempt fire division separation for such combustible projecting elements, thus negating the intent of the submitter. See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) re 8.3.3.10.9.

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5000- 452 - (8-3): Reject SUBMITTER: Richard J. Davis, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.3 Fire Walls and Fire Barriers. 8.3.1 Requirements for Fire Division Walls. Each part of a building separated by one or more fire division walls shall be permitted to be considered a separate building when the fire division wall meets the requirements of NFPA 221 and the following requirements: 8.3.1.1 Fire division walls shall be of not less than 3-hour fire-resistive construction in buildings of all types of construction. 8.3.1.2 The total width of all openings in fire division walls shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall in each story. No single opening shall exceed 120 square feet. Exception: Fire doors exceeding 120 square feet shall be permitted provided they that are specifically labeled or certified according to the test agency. 8.3.1.4 Fire division walls need not extend to the outer edges of horizontal projecting elements, such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees or architectural projections when the exterior wall at the terminus of the area fire division wall and projecting elements above are not less than 1 hour fire resistive construction without openings for a width equal to the depth of the projecting elements, with a minimum of 5 feet projection. Wall openings within such widths shall be protected by not less than 3/4 hour fixed or automatic opening protectives. 8.3.1.35 Fire division walls shall extend from the foundation to a point at least 30 36 in. above the roof. Alternative methods shall be permitted to be used as follows. 8.3.1.4 5.2 Where a fire division wall separates parts of a building having different heights, construction shall be according to NFPA 221. such wall shall be permitted to terminate at a point 36 in. above the lower roof level when the exterior wall for a height of 10 feet above the lower roof is 1-hour fire resistive construction with openings protected by a 3/4 hour fixed or automatic opening protective. Exception: The fire division wall shall be permitted to terminate at the sheathing of the lower roof when the wall is without openings and when the roof is of at least 1-hour fire resistive noncombustible construction for a width of at least 10 feet, measured from the wall. 8.3.2 Fire Barrier Walls 8.3.2.1 Fire Barrier Walls shall be designed and constructed according to NFPA 221. 8.3.2.2 1.5.1 Fire barrier division walls shall be permitted to terminate tight against the underside of the roof or floor deck above when protected according to NFPA 221. noncombustible sheathing when the roof is of at least 2-hour fire resistive construction. 8.3.3 Protection of Openings. 8.3.3.1 1.3 All openings in fire walls and fire barrier walls shall be protected according to NFPA 221 and NFPA 80 by an approved opening protective having a 3-hour fire resistive rating. 8.3.4 2 Hazardous Utilities. 8.3.4.1 2.1 Each building having fire division walls or fire barrier walls occupancy or tenant separations shall have individual feeders, switches and shutoff valves for each part of the building as required by Chapters 48, 49, and 50 unless otherwise approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 8.3.4.2 2.2 Other Utilities other than noted in section 8.3.4.1. that shall be permitted to constitute a hazard, shall be regulated by the applicable requirements of this Code and shall be subject to additional requirements as specified by the Authority Having Jurisdiction SUBSTANTIATION: There are numerous inconsistencies between the current text of 8.3 and NFPA 221, the “Standard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls”. Separate sections are proposed for fire barrier walls (which have less stringent requirements than fire walls), and protection of openings (which apply to both types). The proposed exception to section 8.3.1.2 reflects that oversized fire doors can receive FM labels or UL letters of certification.

Termination of a fire-rated wall assembly below a roof deck is only permitted by NFPA 221 for fire barrier walls, and not fire walls, consequently, the original section 8.3.1.5.1 is proposed to be relocated to the section on fire barrier walls and reworded for consistency with NFPA 221. The original section 8.3.1.4 is in conflict with NFPA 221, which covers termination details and end wall protection at the junction of the fire wall with the exterior walls. Other strikeouts reflect inconsistencies with NFPA 221. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The referencing of the provisions related to NFPA 221, Standard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls, is currently accomplished within Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). These items will be effectively addressed by this reference. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HOLMES: The submitter proposed to delete (formerly) 8.3.1.4 that allowed fire division walls not to extend to the outer edges of combustible horizontal projections. The proposal is good fire protection practice and should have been accepted by the Technical Committee. See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000- 430 (Log #CP608) and my comments on Proposal 5000-451 (Log #409).

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5000- 453 - (8-3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance For Codes and Standards (MACS) RECOMMENDATION: Wherever the term “Fire Division Wall” occurs, change it to read “Fire Wall.”Add a new Section 8.3.1.1 to read as follows and renumber the remaining sections accordingly: Fire walls shall be constructed entirely of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials and shall comply with the applicable provisions in NFPA 221, Standard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls. SUBSTANTIATION: Part of this change is editorial in that it changes the term “fire division wall” to the term “fire wall” which is consistent with the terminology used in NFPA 221 for those walls intended to subdivide buildings into separate buildings. The other part of this proposal requires that such “fire walls” be constructed entirely of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials and that they also comply with the appropriate requirements in NFPA 221. The noncombustibility requirement is consistent with several of the national model building codes. It is specified to assure that these critical walls which are used to create separate buildings and allow essentially unlimited area structures will not be subjected to potential concealed fires if they were to be constructed with combustible materials being allowed. Fire walls are the last defense against the spread of fire from one building to the other and should not be subject to defeat based on combustible construction elements being used to erect these walls. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Accept the intent of the proposal and incorporate the necessary changes into the draft. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action on 8.3.1.1. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Appropriate action will be taken during the development phases of the document to identify and revise the references to a fire wall. The proposed action to 8.3.1.1 has been incorporated into Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) which should satisfy the intent of the proposal.


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NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 454 - (8-3 Fire Walls and Fire Barriers): Accept SUBMITTER: David Hammerman, Ron Nickson, Marshall Klein and Associates/Rep. National Multi-Housing Council RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 8.3.1.4 to read as follows: 8.3.1.4 Horizontal Extension 8.3.1.4.1 Fire division walls need not extend to the outer edges of horizontal projecting elements, such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees or architectural projections where the building on each side of the fire wall is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3.1.1 or, 8.3.1.4.2 Fire division walls need not extend to the outer edges of horizontal projecting elements, such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees or architectural projections when the exterior wall at the terminus of the area fire division wall and projecting elements above are not less than 1-hour fire-resistive construction without openings for a width equal to the depth of the projecting elements, with a minimum of 5 feet projection. Wall openings within such widths shall be protected by not less than 3/4 hour fixed or automatic opening protective. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed change is intended to recognize what has already been accepted by other model code organizations. It is an accepted balanced approach to prevent fire spread by the use of other accepted and recognized alternatives. For example, see NFPA 5000, Section 35.3.2 which allows alternative protection of exterior openings. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. Add a 8.3.3.10.9 as follows: 8.3.3.10.9 Fire division walls need not extend to the outer edges of horizontal projecting elements, such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees or architectural projections where the building on each side of the fire wall is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3.1.1 or 11.3.1.2. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed text was accepted. A reference for those fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13R was added. The complete technical committee action can be found in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 4 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CLARK: There was no evidence presented to substantiate this trade-off. Why should a fire wall be completely eliminated for a projecting element just because the wall has fire sprinklers on each side? No competent design professional would recommend this. FRANCIS: I am changing my ballot to a Negative Ballot. After reading Mr. Gerdes’ negative, I find that he has correctly identified a problem with the item. He points out that there is no minimum stopping point for the excepted items. Including words like at least to the inner edge makes the presumption identified in Mr. Gerdes’ ballot: it presumes these items to be exterior and it further presumes that the fire division wall extends at least to the outside of the exterior wall. Neither condition is mandated by this language. In fact, my reading based on Mr. Gerdes’ interpretation is that the wall could stop anywhere short of the outside edge of the item, including several feet short of an exterior wall. The idea proposed here is not the issue; I support the concept in this change. However, I agree that there are flaws herein. GERDES: The proposed language allows an incomplete fire wall within the building. There appears to be an assumption that the

projecting elements are beyond an exterior wall, which may not exist and probably is non-rated. Fire could spread around a fire wall in a concealed space. HOLMES: Practices allowed by other codes not withstanding, this is not good fire separation design practice and should not be allowed by the NFPA Building Code. See my Explanation of Negative for Proposals 5000-430 (Log #CP608) and 5000-452 (Log #708) and comments on 5000-451 (Log #409). EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KLEIN: Abstain due to client interest.

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5000- 455 - (8-3.1, 8.3.1.1, 8.3.1.2, 8.3.1.4, 8.3.1.5, 8.3.1.5.1, 8.3.1.5.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise Sections 8.3.1 through 8.3.1.2, 8.2.1.4 through 8.3.1.5.2 Fire Walls and Fire Barriers. Remove the word “division” from this description of Fire Walls. SUBSTANTIATION: The word division is not required to clearly identify a fire wall and could cause interpretive problems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will address these references. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 456 - (8-3.1,8.7.5.1, 8.7.5.2, 8.7.5.3, 8.7.5.4, 8.7.5.5, and 8.7.5.6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add a new subparagraph: 8.3.1.x Doors. Door opening protectives in fire walls and fire barriers shall comply with Section 12.2.1. and be fire resistance rated in accordance with Table 8.1. Door opening protectives shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. Delete 8.7.5.1, 8.7.5.2, 8.7.5.3, 8.7.5.4, 8.7.5.5, and 8.7.5.6. With the above paragraph, there is no need to extract the door, hardware, glazing and installation requirements from NFPA 80. SUBSTANTIATION: There is not currently a clear requirement for opening protectives in fire walls in this section that is heavily referenced in the remainder of the Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise the following: 8.7.6.1 Opening protectives in fire walls and fire barrier walls shall have a fire protection rating in accordance with Table 8.10. 8.7.6.2 Opening protectives shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The revisions are done for clarification. The numbering of this paragraph coordinates with the proposed layout as that of the Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). The provisions that are proposed to be deleted have been coordinated with the action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) and should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 457 - (8-3.1.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MCAS) RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.3.1.1 Fire division walls shall be of not less than 3-hour fire-resistive construction in buildings of all any types of construction and not less than 4-hour fire-resistive construction where separating any building classified as a High Hazard occupancy. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal requires that fire wall separating buildings containing a High Hazard occupancy have a minimum 4-hour fire resistance rating since such occupancies generally have significantly greater fire loads than other occupancies and may have unique fire hazards which pose a greater challenge to their containment. This would be consistent with the national model building codes and will help to assure that the fire wall will remain in place for the duration of any anticipated fire that may occur in a building containing a High Hazard occupancy y, thus assisting the fire department in preventing building-to-building fire spread. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This action was taken for consistency with the Committee Action on Proposal 5000-451 (Log #409). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CLARK: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-451 (Log #409). KLUVER: Fire walls separating hazardous occupancies should have a minimum 4-hour fire-resistance rating because some of these occupancies may have very high fire loads, and and/or materials that when burned generate very high temperatures.

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Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 458 - (8-3.1.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Joseph B. Zicherman, IFT Inc./Fire Cause Analysis/Rep. Plastic Pipe and Fitting Association RECOMMENDATION: Change the following section as indicated by underline: 8.3.1.3 All openings shall be protected by an approved opening protective having a minimum 3-hour fire-resistive rating. SUBSTANTIATION: There is no reason to preclude the possibility of installation of an opening protective that exceeds the minimum requirement. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. Revise to read: 8.7.2 Opening protective shall have a minimum fire protection rating as specified in Table 8.10. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The revision is for clarification of application as it relates to the different requirements associated with opening protectives. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 459 - (8-3.1.3): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: “All openings shall be protected by an approved opening protective having a 3-hour fire- resistive protection rating. Door assemblies shall

be tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies. Glazing in doors shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Building Construction and Materials.” SUBSTANTIATION: This section currently does not have a requirement for testing of opening protectives to NFPA standards. This revision requires testing of opening protectives to NFPA standards. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal would establish a conflict with the current requirements as proposed in this document and with the reference to NFPA 80 as it pertains to this particular application. The reference to the NFPA 251 test for glazing that is installed within a door is inappropriate and outside of the current scope of the NFPA 251 document which is for fire resistance testing of wall and floor/roof assemblies. The appropriate test procedure to use for this application is the NFPA 252 test method. Also, this test method is recognized and required by NFPA 80. The NFPA 251 test method establishes a limiting factor for heat transference where the current NFPA 252 test procedure does not contain this limitation. This would pose, if accepted, a significant requirement without justification being provided. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 460 - (8-3.1.5.1): Reject SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise roof construction rating from 2-hour to 1-hour for termination of fire division wall. SUBSTANTIATION: Later in this section, a fire division wall may terminate at a site with a 1-hour roof for 10 feet or one side, and unprotected wall openings on a higher building above. If this is safe, the wall should be able to terminate at a 1-hour roof with no openings above. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee recognizes that there are reductions for specific applications found within this document. The reference to another section in the document as noted in the substantiation represents a particular fire exposure and the proposed revision to 8.3.1.5.1 may not represent the same scenario. The technical committe wishes at this time not to reduce the level of protection required based on another single application within this document. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 461 - (8-3.1.5.3): Reject TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-FIR requesting that the TC give consideration to Mr. Francis' explanation of negative with respect to whether the Committee Action should have been "accept in principle." SUBMITTER: Joseph T. Holland, III, Hoover Treated Wood Products RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 8.3.1.5.3 In Type III, IV, and V construction the fire division wall shall not be required to extend above the roof when the roof is noncombustible or fire-retardant treated wood within 40 feet each side of the wall.


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SUBSTANTIATION: This provision has been a part of the model codes for at least 25 years and perhaps as long as 40. There has been no adverse fire record in that time. This currently allowed in the code for residential construction when only 4 feet each side. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed text does not reflect the current practices that are being used in the industry. The proposal does not address in detail the application of the intent of this provision as it relates to a roof assembly in total. The proposal could be addressing the roof deck sheating only and there are other components of a roof assembly that could have an inpact its performance. The application of the roof covering is also not addressed. These particular elements not being fully addessed in the proposal could compromise the effectiveness of a fire wall. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FRANCIS: I am voting negatively on this item. The committee reason is just plain wrong. The first sentence says that this does not reflect current practice. Not only is it reflective of current practice, it is the more desirable practice int he Northeastern United States. Furthermore, the fire record for those buildings is excellent. The item should have been treated as an Accept In Principle. 8.3.1.5.3 In Type III, IV, and V construction, the fire division wall shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing when the sheathing is noncombustible or is fire retardant treated wood within 4 feet of the intersection of the wall and the roof sheathing. KLEIN: Change my vote to negative based on Mr. Francis’ comment.

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5000- 462 - (8-3.1.6 (New) ): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MCAS) RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 8.3.1.6 A wall which is located on a property line and used to separate buildings shall be constructed as a fire wall with no openings allowed in the wall. Exception No. 1: Through-penetrations protected in accordance with NFPA 221 shall be permitted in the wall. Exception No. 2: Membrane penetrations protected in accordance with Section 8.6 shall be permitted in the wall. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal adds a new section which addresses the concept of “party walls.” However, that term has not been introduced since a party wall is basically a fire wall located on a property line and which is used to separate adjacent buildings on the adjoining properties. That is precisely what this sentence describes and specifies that such a wall must be constructed as a fire wall and in which no openings as allowed. This would be a comparable situation to the case of having exterior walls located directly on the property line. A comparison with Table 7.3.1 indicates that such exterior walls are not permitted to have openings when located within 5 ft of the property line. However, two exceptions are provided to allow for through penetrations or membrane penetrations of the wall in order to accommodate utility installations provided those penetrations are adequately protected as described in NFPA 221 or in the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Revise to read: 8.3.3.7 A wall which is located on a property line and used to separate buildings shall be constructed as a fire wall. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The exceptions where not accepted as they are addressed in the requirements for a fire wall as detailed in 8.3 of the Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). The

provsions of Table 7.3.1 would govern when the openings in an exterior wall are permitted and it is not necessary to address them here. Paragraph 8.3.1.6 was accepted and is included in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 463 - (8-3.2.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete reference to occupancy separation and tenant separation walls. SUBSTANTIATION: This may be a reasonable requirement for fire division walls, but most buildings have multiple tenants and/or occupancies. Requiring separate utilities is unnecessary. Also, this section is part of the fire division wall section. The requirements for other walls will be lost. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) is consistent with the recommendation of this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 464 - (8-3.6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joseph B. Zicherman, IFT Inc./Fire Cause Analysis/Rep. Plastic Pipe and Fitting Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 8.3.6 with subsections as presented below and renumber other sections accordingly: 8.3.6 Protection of Membrane and Through Penetrations in Fire-Resistance Rated Assemblies. 8.3.6.1 Membrane and through penetrations of fire-resistance rated floors, floor-ceiling, attic-ceiling, wall and partition assemblies shall be as described in this Section. 8.3.6.2 Plans and specifications shall include details and identify materials and methods for providing required fire-resistance ratings at penetrations of fire-resistance rated assemblies. 8.3.6.3 Constructions and materials to be used at penetration locations shall meet the requirements of ASTM E-814, ASTM E-119 or NFPA 251 test methods conducted with a minimum of +0.01 inch of water column (2.5 Pa) applied to the test specimen for the time period equivalent to the fire-resistive rating of the construction being penetrated. 8.3.6.3.1 Where ASTM E-814 fire testing is utilized, the penetration-firestop system used shall have an F rating which meets or exceeds the required fire-resistance rating of the barrier being penetrated. 8.3.6.3.2 Where ASTM E-119 or NFPA 251 are utilized for testing, the stated requirements for heat and flame transmission shall be met in terms of unexposed face-temperatures, integrity of penetrations, development of through openings and ignition of cotton waste for the time period equivalent to the fire-resistive rating of the construction being penetrated. Exceptions: Steel or ferrous or copper pipe, tube or conduit items that penetrate fire-resistive assemblies may be utilized where the annular space is protected with materials that prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to the ASTM E-119 or NFPA 251 time temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of +0.01 inch of water column (2.5 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period


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equivalent to the fire-resistive rating of the construction being penetrated. 8.3.6.4 Penetration fire-stopping materials and systems. Both approved generic and proprietary fire-stopping materials and systems may be used to protect penetrations for required time periods. SUBSTANTIATION: The preceding text supports the existing text of proposed Chapter 8 as it relates to the maintenance of fire-resistive integrity in fire-resistive constructions of all types. Such constructions, in virtually all cases, include utilities associated with plumbing and the fire resistive integrity of these installations must be addressed. The test and installation methods presented in the proposed text are widely accepted and have extensive historical track records in terms of fire endurance-testing for qualification as well as field use with all types of penetrating elements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) will address the requirements associated with penetrations and should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 465 - (8-4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise the title of this section to read: Smoke partitions and Smoke Barriers SUBSTANTIATION: This reversal of the order is consistent with the order in which partitions and barriers are addressed in the subsections that follow. In the alternative, place smoke barrier requirements ahead of smoke partition requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 466 - (8-4): Reject SUBMITTER: Joseph B. Zicherman, IFT Inc./Fire Cause Analysis/Rep. Plastic Pipe and Fitting Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete all proposed text in the NFPA 5000 draft - Section 8.4. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 8.4 should be deleted in its entirety or rewritten to include and reference accepted standard test methods for defining a “smoketight joint” (for example see Section 8.4.1.3 Exception) (B). Nowhere in this extensive, multipage section is there a single reference of use to a designer, architect or fire protection engineer. If the proposed text in Section 8.4 for NFPA 5000 is intended to refer to fire resistance rated construction, then the accepted methods used for testing to support fire resistance rated construction should be referenced.

If accepted as written, the entire concept advanced in this section is unenforceable and its inclusion will lead to contention and conflict in its field application. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The provisions of 8.4 are used within the document and should to be retained. Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will provide the necessary revisons to the text of 8.4 of this first draft to incorporate the neccesary changes to make it usable and acceptable for enforcement application. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: General Statement: I am voting negatively on the following items because there seemed to be a lack of interest on the part of the FIR Technical Committee to establish any level of protection from the migration of smoke. It is not reasonable that NFPA would publish a code that does not reflect the organization’s own findings, that is, that smoke related deaths and injuries outnumber fire deaths and injuries, and is a significant cause of property damage. I do not support the following items which the Fire Protection Features Committee either rejected or revised in such as a way so as to require smoke protection that is overly generalized and/or subjective to the point of being unenforceable. Reason: I concur with the justification provided by the submitter of Public Proposal (Log #683), which states that: “If accepted as written, the entire concept advanced in this section is unenforceable and its inclusion will lead to contention and conflict in its field application.” The committee needs to Accept in Principle and fix the real problem, which is the need for some meaningful criteria for the satisfactory construction details of a smoke partition. TARABA: The submitter of the Public Proposal was absolutely correct in pointing out that the existing wording regarding the “limiting of smoke” is absolutely unenforceable. Deleting all of Section 8.4 is not a realistic option to address that problem. However, fixing the problem by specifying some level of performance for the smoke barrier is what is really needed. The committee needs to Accept in Principle on this one and provide the needed guidelines in every paragraph which deals with smoke partitions throughout Section 8.4.

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5000- 467 - (8-4.1, 8.4.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Revise Sections 8.4.1 & 8.4.2 as follows: 8.4.1.6 Openings in smoke partitions shall be protected as indicated in Table 8.1. Also add 8.4.2.4 as follows: 8.4.2.4 Openings in smoke barriers shall be protected as indicated in Table 8.1. SUBSTANTIATION: Requirements for glazed openings are not currently addressed in Sections 8.4.2. or 8.4.1. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) should satisfy the intent of this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 468 - (8-4.1.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Delete all the subsections to 8.4.1.4 and create a new 8.4.1.4.1 to read: 8.4.1.4.1 Doors in smoke partitions shall comply with 12.2.1 through 12.2.8 and NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Doors. SUBSTANTIATION: The paragraphs deleted are repeating what is found in chapter 12 and are not necessary here with the reference. NFPA 105 is a new document that needs to be referenced here. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is recognized that the NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Doors, is a leakage rate test procedure with a minimum level established for pass/fail criteria within the document. The substantiation does not provide significant reasons indicating that there are problems or fire fatalities with the current installation requirements associated with doors in smoke barriers. There may be a need to have this particular installation for specific application but to require it on a general application has not been demonstrated. The technical committee also recognizes that NFPA 105 is still being processed for development as a standard and may not be available for referencing. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: General Statement: I am voting negatively on the following items because there seemed to be a lack of interest on the part of the FIR Technical Committee to establish any level of protection from the migration of smoke. It is not reasonable that NFPA would publish a code that does not reflect the organization’s own findings, that is, that smoke related deaths and injuries outnumber fire deaths and injuries, and is a significant cause of property damage. I do not support the following items which the Fire Protection Features Committee either rejected or revised in such as a way so as to require smoke protection that is overly generalized and/or subjective to the point of being unenforceable. Reason: The Committee Statement justifying the action of “Reject” states that requiring smoke doors “...on a general application has not been demonstrated”. Reading the proposed wording of 8.4.1.4 does not mandate the use of smoke doors “on a general application”, but rather requires them for smoke partitions only. If smoke doors are not meant for an assembly such as a smoke partition, then what are they for? This is an obvious pairing of the correct equipment for the smoke partition. If there were no intention for the specific wall to be a hindrance to smoke movement, then the Code would not have called for it to be a smoke partition. Using a door that appropriately inhibits the flow of smoke is the obviously correct choice for such a wall. To address the concern that NFPA 105 (1999) is currently a Recommended Practice, and may not achieve the status of a Standard by Fall 2002 as scheduled, Section 8.4.1.4.1 can be written as follows, and followed by an Appendix reference: 8.4.1.4.1* Doors in smoke partitions shall comply with 12.2.1 through 12.2.8. A.8.4.1.4.1 Doors in smoke partitions should comply with NFPA 105, Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke Control Door Assemblies. TARABA: NFPA 105 is scheduled to become a Standard (as opposed to a Recommended Practice, which it is now) in 2002, just like the Building Code. There are no indications that it has slipped or intends to slip that cycle. Therefore, writing the Building Code to reference a standard that is reasonably expected to be issued at about the same time as this Code seems like an acceptable course of action.

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5000- 469 - (8-4.1.5.1(1)a): Reject SUBMITTER: John Valiulis, Tulsa, OK RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.4.1.5.1(1) The space between the penetrating item and the smoke partition shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a smoke-impermeable material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke withstanding a temperature of 400°F without losing its integrity and without shrinking. SUBSTANTIATION: The regulations as currently written provide essentially no guidance on deciding what materials would be acceptable to seal penetrations or joints. Such guidance is here proposed. The proposed wording of “limiting the transfer of smoke” in the draft standard needs to be more specific. The term “limiting”, by itself, is an unenforceable term unless a statement is made regarding a limit value, such as “limited to 1 cu.ft./min of leakage per 100 linear feet of wall.” To replace “limiting”, the more precise term “smoke-impermeable” is proposed. No specific performance test is being proposed, since there is no readily applicable ASTM test protocol that I am aware of. If some performance requirement is desired by the committee, to further specify “smoke-impermeable”, a requirement of “smoke impermeable to XX Pa pressure” could be used, with a number XX chosen to represent typical fire compartment smoke pressures, such as 15-20 Pa. In addition, a smoke partition penetration and joint seal should be capable of resisting some amount of heat. Granted, most smoke partitions will be remote from the fire in accomplishing their mission. However, there will be walls and a ceiling immediately adjacent to the fire as well. Since the location of a fire is unpredictable, and the means of egress can exist immediately adjacent to that room, it should not be allowable to permit smoke to migrate past the confines of the room or origin due to ineffective sealing of penetrations. Smoke partitions are being permitted by the code in lieu of fire rated walls in cases where sprinkler protection is provided. Sprinklers will significantly reduce the temperature in a fire compartment as compared to a free burn situation. Therefore, the proposed temperature endurance value of 400°F is well below the temperatures that would be expected in a free-burn. However, even in a sprinklered fire, the walls and ceiling of the compartment will experience temperatures well above ambient, due to convective heat fluxes of moderate temperature and/or radiant heat fluxes. Foamed materials are sometimes currently being used in walls that are mandated as needing to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions by other codes. Such materials will lose their stability and start to deform at only 180°F, and could open up the potential for significant smoke movement through an otherwise solid barrier. If the gap that open up leads to a means of egress, that could render that means of egress unsafe for exit within a short period of time. As a first pass at providing some criterion, I have proposed the use of the temperature criterion for the maximum temperature allowable on the unexposed side of a fire rated wall, found in ASTM E119, “Fire tests of Building Construction and Materials” (i.e. ambient + 325°F). The committee can quite possibly find a better set of criteria to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable penetration and joint seals. Mineral wool or glass fiber are also sometimes being used as penetration or joint “seals” in walls that are designated to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions. Under the pressure caused by a compartment fire, smoke would be able to migrate through such material. The pressure due to a compartment fire is reported to be up to 17 Pa in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, and can be much higher than that if there is a stack effect, such as in a stairwell. To steer the Code’s user towards more appropriate solutions, a general requirement for the sealing material to be “smoke-impermeable”, or something similar, would seem to be warranted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The current text provides and addresses the minimum characteristics of the material that is permitted. The proposed term is not current defined within the document and could be viewed as requiring that the material have a 100 percent effectiveness for controlling smoke transferance. This proposal could possibly limit or not permit those materials that are currently being used without significant problems from being installed. Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) has developed the minimum requirements associated with penetrations. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586). TARABA: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586).

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5000- 470 - (8-4.1.5.1(2)a): Reject SUBMITTER: John Valiulis, Rep. Hilti, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.4.1.5.1(2) Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke partition, the sleeve shall be solidly set in the smoke partition, and the space between the itema nd the sleeve shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a smoke-impermeable material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke withstanding a temperature of 400°F without losing its integrity and without shrinking. SUBSTANTIATION: The regulations as currently written provide essentially no guidance on deciding what materials would be acceptable to seal penetrations or joints such guidance is here proposed. The proposed wording of “limiting the transfer ” in the draft standard needs to be more specific. The term “limiting”, by itself, is an unenforceable term unless a statement is made regarding la limit value, such as “limited to 1 cu. ft/min of leakage per 100 linear feet of wall”. To replace “limiting”, the more precise term “smoke-impermeable” is proposed. I some performance requirement is desired by the committee, to further specify “smoke-impermeable”, a requirement of “smoke impermeable to XX Pa pressure” could be used, with a number XX chosen to represent typical fire compartment smoke pressures, such as 15-20 Pa. In addition, a smoke barrier penetration and joint seal should be capable of resisting some amount of heat. Granted, most smoke barriers will be remote from the fire in accomplishing their mission. However, there will be walls and a ceiling immediately adjacent to the fire as well. Since the location of a fire is unpredictable, and the means of egress can exist immediately adjacent to that room, it should not be allowable to permit smoke to migrate past the confines of the room of origin due to ineffective sealing of penetrations. Smoke barriers are in many cases being permitted by the code in lieu of fire rated walls in cases where sprinkler protection is provided. Sprinklers will significantly reduce the temperature in a fire compartment as compared to a free burn situation. Therefore, the proposed temperature endurance value of 400°F is well below the temperatures that would be expected in a free-burn. However, even in a sprinklered fire, the walls and ceiling of the compartment will experience temperatures well above ambient, due to convective heat fluxes of moderate temperature and/or radiant heat fluxes. Foamed materials are sometimes currently being used in walls that are mandated as needing to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions by other codes. Such materials will lose their stability and start to deform ant only 180°F, and could open up the potential for significant smoke movement though an otherwise solid barrier. If the

gap that opens up leads to a means of egress, that could render that means of egress unsafe for exit within a short period of time. The first pass at providing some criterion, I have proposed the use of the temperature criterion for the maximum temperature allowable on the unexposed side of a fire rated wal, found in ASTM E119, “Fire test of Building Construction and Materials” (i.e. ambient +325°F). The committee can quite possibly find a better set of criteria to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable penetration and joint seals. Mineral wool or glass fiber are also sometimes being used as penetration or joint “seals” in walls that are designated to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions. Under the pressure caused by a compartment fire, smoke would be able to migrate through such material. The pressure due to a compartment fire is reported to be up to 17 Pa in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, and can be much higher than that if there is a stack effect, such as in a stariwell. To steer the Code’s user towards more appropriate solutions, a general requirement for the sealing material to be “smoke-impermeable”, or something similar, would seem to be warranted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. See Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on this proposal was done for consistency with the action taken on Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592). Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) defers to the action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) which addresses the requirements associated with penetrations. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586). TARABA: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586).

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5000- 471 - (8-4.1.5.2): Reject SUBMITTER: John Valiulis, Rep. Hilti, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.4.1.5.2 Openings located at points where smoke partitions meet the outside walls, other smoke partitions, smoke barriers, or fire barriers of a building shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. They shall be filled with a smoke-impermeable material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke withstanding a temperature of 400°F without losing its integrity and without shrinking. SUBSTANTIATION: The regulations as currently written provide essentially no guidance on deciding what materials would be acceptable to seal penetrations or joints such guidance is here proposed. The proposed wording of “limiting the transfer ” in the draft standard needs to be more specific. The term “limiting”, by itself, is an unenforceable term unless a statement is made regarding a limit value, such as “limited to 1 cu. ft/min of leakage per 100 linear feet of wall”. To replace “limiting”, the more precise term “smoke-impermeable” is proposed. I some performance requirement is desired by the committee, to further specify “smoke-impermeable”, a requirement of “smoke impermeable to XX Pa pressure” could be used, with a number XX chosen to represent typical fire compartment smoke pressures, such as 15-20 Pa. In addition, a smoke barrier penetration and joint seal should be capable of resisting some amount of heat. Granted, most smoke barriers will be remote from the fire in accomplishing their mission. However, there will be walls and a ceiling immediately adjacent to the fire as well. Since the location of a fire is unpredictable, and the


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means of egress can exist immediately adjacent to that room, it should not be allowable to permit smoke to migrate past the confines of the room of origin due to ineffective sealing of penetrations. Smoke partitions are being permitted by the code in lieu of fire rated walls in cases where sprinkler protection is provided. Sprinklers will significantly reduce the temperature in a fire compartment as compared to a free burn situation. Therefore, the proposed temperature endurance value of 400°F is well below the temperatures that would be expected in a free-burn. However, even in a sprinklered fire, the walls and ceiling of the compartment will experience temperatures well above ambient, due to convective heat fluxes of moderate temperature and/or radiant heat fluxes. Foamed materials are sometimes currently being used in walls that are mandated as needing to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions by other codes. Such materials will lose their stability and start to deform ant only 180°F, and could open up the potential for significant smoke movement though an otherwise solid barrier. If the gap that opens up leads to a means of egress, that could render that means of egress unsafe for exit within a short period of time. The first pass at providing some criterion, I have proposed the use of the temperature criterion for the maximum temperature allowable on the unexposed side of a fire rated wal, found in ASTM E119, “Fire test of Building Construction and Materials” (i.e. ambient +325°F). The committee can quite possibly find a better set of criteria to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable penetration and joint seals. Mineral wool or glass fiber are also sometimes being used as penetration or joint “seals” in walls that are designated to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions. Under the pressure caused by a compartment fire, smoke would be able to migrate through such material. The pressure due to a compartment fire is reported to be up to 17 Pa in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, and can be much higher than that if there is a stack effect, such as in a stariwell. To steer the Code’s user towards more appropriate solutions, a general requirement for the sealing material to be “smoke-impermeable”, or something similar, would seem to be warranted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. See Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on this proposal was done for consistency with the action taken on Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592). Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) defers to the action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) which addresses the requirements associated with penetrations. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586). TARABA: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586).

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5000- 472 - (8-4.1.5.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.4.1.5.3* Air transfer openings in smoke partitions shall be provided with approved dampers listed in accordance with UL 555S, Standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems and installed according to NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems designed to limit the transfer of smoke. Dampers in air transfer openings shall close upon detection of smoke by approved detectors installed in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 90A provides installation requirements for dampers. UL 555S provides the testing criteria for such dampers. UL 555S is widely recognized as the standard for evaluations of smoke dampers. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) should satisfy the intent of this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 473 - (8-4.2.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Place 8.4.2.3 at the end of 8.4.2 - it is forced in under the general section when getting to the doors and penetrations have not yet been presented. Revise to read: A fire barrier shall be permitted to be used as a smoke barrier, provided that it meets the requirements of 8.4.2.4 through 8.4.2.6. SUBSTANTIATION: This cleans up the form of the section and the sentence as well. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) address this provision in 8.11.2. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 474 - (8-4.2.4.1, 8.4.2.4.3): TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that the action on this proposal be shown as "Accept in Part". Do as the submitter has recommended, but delete his second sentence dealing with NFPA 105. NFPA 105, which is a recommended practice and not a standard, cannot be referenced within the body of the Code. This action is consistent with Mr. Koffel's explanation of negative. SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Delete existing text and add the following: 8.4.2.4.1 Doors. Door opening protectives in smoke barrier walls shall comply with section 12.2.1. Door opening protectives shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Doors. Delete 8.4.2.4.3 and its appendix note. SUBSTANTIATION: There is now a standard to reference instead of the existing language. There is no need to reference closer requirements when they are included in NFPA 105 and under the broad reference to 12.2.1 as proposed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee recognizes that the requirement for when smoke barriers are required is dependent on the type of occupancy. The technical committee is encouraging that the individual occupancy occupancies review this particular application as it relates to their particular needs. It is also recognized that this document is being developed as a standard currently and may not be available for referencing. This may require additional review during the comment phase of the NFPA 5000 document. This provision is shown as 8.11.4.3 in Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605).


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NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 5 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BENDER: My reason for changing my vote is that I concur with the negative explanation given by Koffel on this item. KLEIN: Change my vote to negative based on Mr. Koffel’s comment. KOFFEL: There is no reason for the section to reference Section 12.2.1. Doors in a means of egress must comply with 12.2.1. If the door is not a door in a means of egress it need not comply with 12.2.1. Also the revision to NFPA 105 to establish the document as a standard has been returned to the Committee. Therefore, NFPA 105 is not a standard. LOVELL: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-466 (Log #683). TARABA: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-466 (Log #683).

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5000- 475 - (8-4.2.4.2): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeeffe’s Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Insert text into item (1) as follows: “(1) Door opening protectives, including fire doors and fire door assemblies, shall have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes...”. SUBSTANTIATION: Currently, section of NFPA 5000 does not clarify the term “door opening protective” applies to fire doors and fire door assemblies. This proposal makes that clarification. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is recognized that the terms fire door and fire door assembly define certain elements and have specific applications and should not be used as proposed. The technical committee agress that there is a need to define this term. This committee action is taken to be consistent with other action taken on related proposals. It is also recognized that the application of side lites are not addressed by this proposal and there are some concerns as it may relate to the overall application associated with the rating. The technical committee recognizes that a comprehensive review for application is needed to address this issue. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) provides the committee action taken on this item. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 476 - (8-4.2.4.2 Item (2)): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: (2) Fire windows shall comply with 8-2.3.2.2. Other opening protectives shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Building Construction and Materials. SUBSTANTIATION: This section referral is non-existent in NFPA 5000. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The intention of the current provision shown in the draft is to reference NFPA 257 for the testing of fire windows. This provision was derived from a similar provision found in NFPA 101. The requirement for the NFPA 251 for other opening

protectives would be inappropriate when there is a specific test procedure for fire windows. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 477 - (8-4.2.5.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.4.2.5.1 A listed An approved smoke damper complying with UL 555S, Standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems and installed according to NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, requirements designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided for each air transfer opening or duct penetration of a required smoke barrier, unless otherwise specifically exempted by Chapters 15 through 33. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 90A provides installation requirements for dampers. UL 555S provides the testing criteria for such dampers. UL 555S is widely recognized as the standard for evaluating the construction and performance of smoke dampers. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) should satisfy the intent of this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 478 - (8-4.2.5.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.4.2.5.3 Required smoke dampers in air transfer openings shall be listed in accordance with UL 555S, Standard for Leakage Rated Dampers for Use in Smoke Control Systems and installed according to NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems requirements, and shall close upon detection of smoke by approved smoke detectors installed in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 90A provides installation requirements for dampers. UL 555S provides testing criteria for smoke dampers. UL 555S is widely recognized as the standard for evaluations of smoke dampers. The title of NFPA 72 is added for clarification. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-536 (Log #CP605) should satisfy the intent of this proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 479 - (8-4.2.6.1 Exception (New) ): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to Section 8.4.2.6.1 as follows: “Exception were same were sprinklers penetrate a single membrane of a fire resistance rated assembly in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system, noncombustible escutcheon plates shall be allowed as a means of fire blocking such penetrations, provided that the space around each sprinkler penetration does not exceed one-half inch measured between the edge of the membrane and the sprinkler. SUBSTANTIATION: There’s no record of any fire or smoke being transferred around the sprinkler from one area to another in buildings protected with automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Revise the Exception for 8.8.7, Membrane Penetrations, as follows: Exception No. 4: The annular space created by the membrane penetration of a fire sprinkler is allowed provided the space is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The text descibing that this application could be used as a means of fire blocking was delete for clarification. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 480 - (8-4.2.6.1(1)a): Reject SUBMITTER: John Valiulis, Tulsa, OK RECOMMENDATION: Revise test as follows: 8.4.2.6.1(1) The space between the penetrating item and the smoke barrier shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a smoke-impermeable material that is capable of maintaining the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier capable of withstanding a temperature of 400°F without losing its integrity and without shrinking. SUBSTANTIATION: The regulations as currently written provide essentially no guidance on deciding what materials would be acceptable to seal penetrations or joints. Such guidance is here proposed. The proposed wording of “maintaining the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier” in the draft standard needs to be more specific. Since the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier is not quantified in any way, and would even be difficult to precisely establish qualitatively, an alternative is here proposed with the term “smoke-impermeable.” No specific performance test is being proposed, since there is no readily applicable ASTM test protocol that I am aware of. If some performance requirement is desired by the committee, to further specify “smoke-impermeable”, a requirement of “smoke impermeable to XX Pa pressure” could be used, with a number XX chosen to represent typical fire compartment smoke pressures, such as 15-20 Pa. In addition, a smoke barrier penetration and joint seal should be capable of resisting some amount of heat. Granted, most smoke partitions will be remote from the fire in accomplishing their mission. However, there will be walls and a ceiling immediately adjacent to the fire as well. Since the location of a fire is unpredictable, and the means of egress can exist immediately adjacent to that room, it should not be allowable to permit smoke to migrate past the confines of the room or origin due to ineffective sealing of penetrations. Smoke barriers in many cases are being permitted by the code in lieu of fire rated walls in cases where sprinkler protection is provided. Sprinklers will significantly reduce the temperature in a fire compartment as compared to a free burn situation. Therefore, the proposed temperature endurance value of 400°F is well below the

temperatures that would be expected in a free-burn. However, even in a sprinklered fire, the walls and ceiling of the compartment will experience temperatures well above ambient, due to convective heat fluxes of moderate temperature and/or radiant heat fluxes. Foamed materials are sometimes currently being used in walls that are mandated as needing to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions by other codes. Such materials will lose their stability and start to deform at only 180°F, and could open up the potential for significant smoke movement through an otherwise solid barrier. If the gap that open up leads to a means of egress, that could render that means of egress unsafe for exit within a short period of time. As a first pass at providing some criterion, I have proposed the use of the temperature criterion for the maximum temperature allowable on the unexposed side of a fire rated wall, found in ASTM E119, “Fire tests of Building Construction and Materials” (i.e. ambient + 325°F). The committee can quite possibly find a better set of criteria to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable penetration and joint seals. Mineral wool or glass fiber are also sometimes being used as penetration or joint “seals” in walls that are designated to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions. Under the pressure caused by a compartment fire, smoke would be able to migrate through such material. The pressure due to a compartment fire is reported to be up to 17 Pa in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, and can be much higher than that if there is a stack effect, such as in a stairwell. To steer the Code’s user towards more appropriate solutions, a general requirement for the sealing material to be “smoke-impermeable”, or something similar, would seem to be warranted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. See Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on this proposal was done for consistency with the action taken on Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592). Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) defers to the action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) which addresses the requirements associated with penetrations. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586). TARABA: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586).

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5000- 481 - (8-4.2.6.1(2)a): Reject SUBMITTER: John Valiulis, Tulsa, OK RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.4.2.6.1(2) Where the penetrating tiem uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke barrier, the sleeve shall be solidly set in the smoke barrier, and the space bewteen the tiem and the sleeve shall meet one of the following conditions: a. It shall be filled with a smoke-impermeable material that is capable of maintaining the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier capable of withstanding a temperature of 400°F without losing its integrity and without shrinking. SUBSTANTIATION: The regulations as currently written provide essentially no guidance on deciding what materials would be acceptable to seal penetrations or joints. Such guidance is here proposed. The proposed wording of “maintaining the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier” in the draft standard needs to be more specific. Since the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier is not quantified in any way, and would even be difficult to precisely establish qualitatively, an


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alternative is here proposed with the term “smoke-impermeable.” No specific performance test is being proposed, since there is no readily applicable ASTM test protocol that I am aware of. If some performance requirement is desired by the committee, to further specify “smoke-impermeable”, a requirement of “smoke impermeable to XX Pa pressure” could be used, with a number XX chosen to represent typical fire compartment smoke pressures, such as 15-20 Pa. In addition, a smoke barrier penetration and joint seal should be capable of resisting some amount of heat. Granted, most smoke partitions will be remote from the fire in accomplishing their mission. However, there will be walls and a ceiling immediately adjacent to the fire as well. Since the location of a fire is unpredictable, and the means of egress can exist immediately adjacent to that room, it should not be allowable to permit smoke to migrate past the confines of the room or origin due to ineffective sealing of penetrations. Smoke barriers in many cases are being permitted by the code in lieu of fire rated walls in cases where sprinkler protection is provided. Sprinklers will significantly reduce the temperature in a fire compartment as compared to a free burn situation. Therefore, the proposed temperature endurance value of 400°F is well below the temperatures that would be expected in a free-burn. However, even in a sprinklered fire, the walls and ceiling of the compartment will experience temperatures well above ambient, due to convective heat fluxes of moderate temperature and/or radiant heat fluxes. Foamed materials are sometimes currently being used in walls that are mandated as needing to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions by other codes. Such materials will lose their stability and start to deform at only 180°F, and could open up the potential for significant smoke movement through an otherwise solid barrier. If the gap that open up leads to a means of egress, that could render that means of egress unsafe for exit within a short period of time. As a first pass at providing some criterion, I have proposed the use of the temperature criterion for the maximum temperature allowable on the unexposed side of a fire rated wall, found in ASTM E119, “Fire tests of Building Construction and Materials” (i.e. ambient + 325°F). The committee can quite possibly find a better set of criteria to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable penetration and joint seals. Mineral wool or glass fiber are also sometimes being used as penetration or joint “seals” in walls that are designated to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions. Under the pressure caused by a compartment fire, smoke would be able to migrate through such material. The pressure due to a compartment fire is reported to be up to 17 Pa in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, and can be much higher than that if there is a stack effect, such as in a stairwell. To steer the Code’s user towards more appropriate solutions, a general requirement for the sealing material to be “smoke-impermeable”, or something similar, would seem to be warranted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. See Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on this proposal was done for consistency with the action taken on Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592). Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) defers to the action taken on Committee Proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) which addresses the requirements associated with penetrations. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586). TARABA: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-482 (Log #586).

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5000- 482 - (8-4.2.6.2(1)): Reject SUBMITTER: John Valiulis, Rep. Hilti, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.4.2.6.2 Openings occurring at points where floors or smoke barriers meet the outside walls, other smoke barriers, or fire barriers of a building shall meet one of the following conditions: (1) It shall be filled with a smoke-impermeable material that is capable of maintaining the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier withstanding a temperature of 400°F without losing its integrity and without shrinking. SUBSTANTIATION: The regulations as currently written provide essentially no guidance on deciding what materials would be acceptable to seal penetrations or joints such guidance is here proposed. The proposed wording of “maintaining the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier” in the draft standard needs to be more specific. Since the smoke resistance of the smoke barrier is not quantified in any way, and would even be difficult to precisely establish qualitatively, an alternative is here proposed with the term “smoke-impermeable. No specific performance test is being proposed, since there is no readily applicable ASTM test protocol that I am aware of. I some performance requirement is desired by the committee, to further specify “smoke-impermeable”, a requirement of “smoke impermeable to XX Pa pressure” could be used, with a number XX chosen to represent typical fire compartment smoke pressures, such as 15-20 Pa. In addition, a smoke barrier penetration and joint seal should be capable of resisting some amount of heat. Granted, most smoke barriers will be remote from the fire in accomplishing their mission. However, there will be walls and a ceiling immediately adjacent to the fire as well. Since the location of a fire is unpredictable, and the means of egress can exist immediately adjacent to that room, it should not be allowable to permit smoke to migrate past the confines of the room of origin due to ineffective sealing of penetrations. Smoke barriers are in many cases being permitted by the code in lieu of fire rated walls in cases where sprinkler protection is provided. Sprinklers will significantly reduce the temperature in a fire compartment as compared to a free burn situation. Therefore, the proposed temperature endurance value of 400°F is well below the temperatures that would be expected in a free-burn. However, even in a sprinklered fire, the walls and ceiling of the compartment will experience temperatures well above ambient, due to convective heat fluxes of moderate temperature and/or radiant heat fluxes. Foamed materials are sometimes currently being used in walls that are mandated as needing to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions by other codes. Such materials will lose their stability and start to deform ant only 180°F, and could open up the potential for significant smoke movement though an otherwise solid barrier. If the gap that opens up leads to a means of egress, that could render that means of egress unsafe for exit within a short period of time. The first pass at providing some criterion, I have proposed the use of the temperature criterion for the maximum temperature allowable on the unexposed side of a fire rated wal, found in ASTM E119, “Fire test of Building Construction and Materials” (i.e. ambient +325°F). The committee can quite possibly find a better set of criteria to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable penetration and joint seals. Mineral wool or glass fiber are also sometimes being used as penetration or joint “seals” in walls that are designated to be smoke barriers or smoke partitions. Under the pressure caused by a compartment fire, smoke would be able to migrate through such material. The pressure due to a compartment fire is reported to be up to 17 Pa in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, and can be much higher than that if there is a stack effect, such as in a stariwell. To steer the Code’s user towards more appropriate solutions, a general requirement for the sealing material to be “smoke-impermeable”, or something similar, would seem to be warranted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.


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See Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on this proposal was done for consistency with the action taken on proposal 5000-469 (Log #592). Proposal 5000-469 (Log #592) defers to the action taken on committee proposal 5000-529 (Log #CP602) which addresses the requirements associated with penetrations. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LOVELL: General Statement: I am voting negatively on the following items because there seemed to be a lack of interest on the part of the FIR Technical Committee to establish any level of protection from the migration of smoke. It is not reasonable that NFPA would publish a code that does not reflect the organization’s own findings, that is, that smoke related deaths and injuries outnumber fire deaths and injuries, and is a significant cause of property damage. I do not support the following items which the Fire Protection Features Committee either rejected or revised in such as a way so as to require smoke protection that is overly generalized and/or subjective to the point of being unenforceable. Reason: As supported by the fact that UL test procedures for smoke leakage (e.g. UL 1479, Section 6) test both at ambient temperature and at 400°F, it is reasonable to expect seals in smoke partitions to resist both cold smoke and some hotter smoke. The 400°F is well below the temperature of gases directly in the fire plume, but seems to be a reasonable (no overly conservative) requirement for smoke that might have originated at a fire some distance away. The committee should Accept in Part and at least include the requirement for the openings to be closed with a material that will not melt out, shrink, crumble, break, etc., when contacted by hot smoke (400°F). The proposed wording of “...without losing its integrity and without shrinking...” would be adequate. Although “impermeable” may not be the right word, the existing requirement to simply “limit the transfer of smoke” is completely vague and would not result in any uniform standard of application. This is poor code language, which is barely, if at all, enforceable. One could argue that polyethylene film or crumpled newspaper would “limit the transfer of smoke”, yet those are surely not the committee’s intent. If the committee is unwilling to directly specify a degree of resistance to smoke movement, then perhaps an approach such as that advocated in Proposal 5000-417 (Log #255) (as possibly modified as suggested above) might be the best option. The paragraphs covered by Proposals 5000-482 (Log #586), 5000-470 (Log #587), 5000-471 (Log #588), 5000-469 (Log #592), 5000-480 (Log #593), and 5000-481 (Log #594) could specify that “...the material or system used to maintain the smoke tightness of an assembly shall be tested per UL 1479, and shall have a leakage rating no less than that required by the occupancy chapters of this Code”, or some similar wording. Providing no requirements at all, as is presently proposed, should not be considered an acceptable solution. TARABA: Adoption of these Public Proposals, at least in Part (or in Principle) would provide some much needed guidance on what performance the smoke partitions need to achieve. If the committee’s problem is with the word “impermeable”, then that word can be omitted from the committee’s action. But the part of the proposal which states that materials or systems which close up the smoke partitions be able to stay intact when in contact with smoke at 400F is a reasonable one which should have been incorporated into the revised wording. 400F is used as the smoke temperature in many UL tests involving leakage through systems or assemblies, and is a reasonable number to use. As it is written now, plastic foam material could be used, and that would clearly not provide an assurance of smoke resistance if the fire were anywhere in the vicinity of the wall. As indicated in my negative vote for Proposal 5000-417 (Log #255), the current verbiage has a problem in that it specifies that smoke transfer shall be limited, without specifying what it shall be limited to. At the very least, the committee can state that any joints, penetrations,

openings, etc. shall be filled so that there is no obvious path for smoke travel, or something similar to that. The lack of some scientifically precise answer to this question does not negate the need to provide some objective criteria against which to evaluate a smoke barrier.

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5000- 483 - (8-5.2.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Thomas W. Fritz, Armstrong World Industries Inc. RECOMMENDATION: No Table 7.1. Should the Table 7.2 be 7.1? And 7.3 be 7.2? SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Accept the intent of the proposal and incorporate the necessary changes into the draft. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Appropriate action will be taken during the development phases of the document. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 484 - (8-5.3.2): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.5.3.2 Roof covering shall be Class A or Class B fire retardant as classified in NFPA 256, Standard Tests for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, ANSI/UL 790, Standard for Tests for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials or ASTM E108, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, except that roofs of Type VI V buildings housing residential or storage occupancies shall be permitted to be Class C roofing. SUBSTANTIATION: This includes the title of NFPA 256 to clarify the applicable NFPA standard, adds the ANSI/UL and ASTM standards which many roof coverings are evaluated to and corrects the Type of Construction to the applicable construction type for this application. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Revise as follows: 8.2.2.3.2 Roof covering shall be Class A or Class B as classified in NFPA 256. Exception No. 1: Brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tiles, exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets shall be recognized as Class A roofs coverings. Exception No. 2: Metal shingles and sheets shall be recognized as Class B roof coverings. Exception No. 3: Roofs of Type V buildings housing residential or storage occupancies shall be permitted to be Class C roofing. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The references to the other test documents where not accepted. The referencing of a single referenced document for establishing a base threshold for testing of this element and to limit the potential for inconsistencies when referencing multiple documents. This is also in conformance with the recent Standards Council directive pertaining to the multiple references of similar documents addressing the same issue within a document. See Proposal 5000-485 (Log #1188) for related action. Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) contains related action in 8.2.2.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 485 - (8-5.3.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Robert J. Wills, American Iron and Steel Institute RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.5.3.2 Roof coverings shall be Class A or Class B fire retardant as classified in NFPA 256, except that roofs of Type IV V buildings housing residential or storage occupancies shall be permitted to be Class C roofing. Exception 1 - Brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tiles, exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets shall be recognized as Class A roofs coverings. Exception 2 - Metal shingles and sheets shall be recognized as Class B roof coverings. SUBSTANTIATION: It is not necessary to require testing for many generic noncombustible roof covering materials. In addition, the Type VI construction reference in the section needs to be corrected. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 8.5.3.2 as follows: 8.2.2.3.2 Roof covering shall be Class A or Class B as classified in NFPA 256. Exception No. 1: Brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tiles, exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets shall be recognized as Class A roofs coverings. Exception No. 2: Metal shingles and sheets shall be recognized as Class B roof coverings. Exception No. 3: Roofs of Type V buildings housing residential or storage occupancies shall be permitted to be Class C roofing. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee accepted the proposed exceptions and wishes to establish a third exception to address the class of roof covering for specific application is noted in the charging paragraph. This was done for clarification. The action taken on Proposal 5000-484 (Log #1010) will be incorporated into this proposal during the drafting of the document. Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #608) contains related action in 8.2.2.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 486 - (8-5.3.3): Reject SUBMITTER: Peter J. Gore Willse, Industrial Risk Insurers RECOMMENDATION: Add "and conforms to Chapter 36." to the end of the paragraph. SUBSTANTIATION: Chapter 36 will also have requirements on insulation for roofs. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The provisions of 8.5.3.5 will be coordinated with the provisions of 34.4. This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will provide the necessary action as it relates to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 487 - (8-5.5.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Michael Gardner, Gypsum Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.5.5.1. Construction systems composed of fire-resistive floor and ceiling or roof and ceiling shall have the fire-resistance rating set forth in Table 7.2 and shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 251 or ASTM E 119.

SUBSTANTIATION: While many building materials and systems are fire-tested in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 251, it is also the case that many are fire-tested using the criteria established by the ASTM E 119 test. Model building code material testing requirements have traditionally been written around the use of the E 119 test. While the two standards - NFPA 251 and ASTM E 119 - are generally viewed as interchangeable, without a specific reference to E 119 in NFPA 5000 one could be left with a situation where a static interpretation of an NFPA 5000 document written solely to reference the NFPA 251 test would prohibit the use of a material tested exclusively to the E 119 test. In addition, very few building code officials are familiar with the NFPA 251 document. Most building officials, however, have a comfortable working relationship with the ASTM E 119 standard having seen it referenced in existing model code documents for many years. Not referencing ASTM E 119 would seem to lead to a situation where the NFPA 5000 document will be viewed as less user-friendly than other model code documents. At present, NFPA 251 and ASTM E 119 contain content that is almost identical. The two standards are currently being harmonized to make their subject matter completely identical, a process that, when complete, will create two standards that are indistinguishable in content and differ only in presentation format. The process is scheduled to be completed within two years. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This action is taken to be in conformance with the recent Standards Council directive pertaining to the multiple references of similar documents addressing the same item within a document. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-154 (Log #240).

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5000- 488 - (8-5.5.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Thomas W. Fritz, Armstrong World Industries Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Include reference to ASTM E119 and UL 263. SUBSTANTIATION: Equivalent standards. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This action is taken to be in conformance with the recent Standards Council directive pertaining to the multiple references of similar documents addressing the same item within a document. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-154 (Log #240).

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5000- 489 - (8-5.5.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.5.5.1 Construction systems composed of fire-resistive floor and ceiling or roof and ceiling shall have the fire-resistance rating set forth in Table 7-2 and shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building Construction and Materials, ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and materials or ASTM E119, Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, Standard Methods. SUBSTANTIATION: This includes the title of NFPA 251 to clarify the applicable NFPA standard, and adds the ANSI/UL and ASTM standards which many fire-resistive assemblies are evaluated to. Material certifications, depending on the certification agency involved, document compliance with one of these three standards, all of which include essentially the same test criteria. It would be a hardship on manufacturers to have to recertify their products to NFPA 251 in order to comply with this code. In addition, only referencing NFPA 251 makes it difficult for designers and authorities having jurisdiction to find acceptable products and assemblies whose certification documentation references NFPA 251. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This action is taken to be in conformance with the recent Standards Council directive pertaining to the multiple references of similar documents addressing the same item within a document. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 490 - (8-5.5.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Morgan J. Hurley, Society of Fire Protection Engineers RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 8.5.5.1 Construction Systems composed of fire-resistive floor and ceiling or roof and ceiling shall have the fire resistance rating set forth in Table 7.2 and shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 251 fire protected in accordance with 8.5.5.1.1 or 8.5.5.1.2. 8.5.5.1.1 Protection as required to achieve the required fire endurance when tested in accordance with NFPA 251. 8.5.5.1.2 Protection as required to achieve the required fire endurance in accordance with the calculation methods in ASCE/SFPE 29-99, Standard Calculations Methods for Structural Fire Protection. SUBSTANTIATION: ASCE/SFPE 29 provides accepted calculation methods for calculating fire endurance that may be used as an alternative to testing. These calculation methods, while only recently standardized thought ASCE’s ANSI process, have been accepted and used within the engineering community for a number of years. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 5000-434 (Log #407) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action on the referenced proposal should satisfy the intent of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FRANCIS: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-154 (Log #240).

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5000- 491 - (8-5.5.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. W. R. Grace RECOMMENDATION: Revise text: 8.5.5.2 Where a ceiling forms a protective membrane for fire-resistive assemblies, the construction and supporting horizontal structural members need not be fire protected individually unless required by Section 8.2.2. The fire resistance shall be in accordance with the requirements of Table 7.2. SUBSTANTIATION: A separate proposal containing specific requirements for the individual protection of structural elements has been proposed to be included in Section 8.2.2. That proposal establishes the criteria for when it would not be appropriate to allow a ceiling forming the protected membrane of a fire resistive floor ceiling for roof ceiling assembly to serve as the fire resistive protection for the structural element. Therefore, this cross reference is necessary in order to assure that the proper protection method is provided depending upon the application and the use of the particular structural elements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) contains the action of this proposal in 8.6.1.2. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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(Log #463) Committee: BLD-MAT

5000- 492 - (8-5.6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Move to Chapter 10. SUBSTANTIATION: This section is more of an interior finish requirement than a fire resistance requirement. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee agreed with the proponent that this material should be relocated. However, the Technical Committee believes that these technical provisions on Plastic Light Diffusers should reside in Chapter 47, Plastics. The Technical Committee has incorporated Section 8.5.6 into Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103), Section 47.7. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 20 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 19 NOT RETURNED: 1 Thomas

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5000- 493 - (8-5.6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Change the section heading. SUBSTANTIATION: Although the exception applies to plastic light diffusers, the base requirement applies much more broadly. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee incorporated Section 8.5.6 into Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103), Section 47.7. See Committee Statement for Proposal 5000-492 (Log #463) for complete explanation. The title of this section was modified to “Specific Requirements — Light Transmitting Plastics”. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 20 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 19 NOT RETURNED: 1 Thomas

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5000- 494 - (8-5.6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Hugh Patrick Toner, Danrestown, MD RECOMMENDATION: Change 8.5.6.1 to read as follows: Exception: ceiling light diffusers of approved plastics using light transmitting plastics meeting the requirements of 47.4.1.(1) shall not be required to conform to the above requirements when the installation meets the following requirements; (a) Plastic ceiling light diffusers shall be supported directly or indirectly form ceiling or roof construction by use of noncombustible hangers. Hangers shall be at least No. 12 steel-wire gage (0.106 inch) galvanized wire or equivalent: Renumber remaining paragraphs (d) (e) The maximum size of any single plastic light transmitting panel shall not exceed 10 feet using light transmitting plastics. Add text to read as follows: 8.5.6.2 Plastic light diffusers shall not be used in the following occupancies and locations: 1. Group A with an occupant load of 1000 or more; 2. Theaters with a stage and proscenium opening and an occupant load of 700 or more; 3. Group 1-2; 4. Group 1-3; 5. Exit stairways and exit passageways. SUBSTANTIATION: Consistent with accepted fire safety provisions. SPI does not support the use of the term approved plastics. The application sets the criteria. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee incorporated Section 8.5.6 into Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103), Section 47.7. See Committee Statement for Proposal 5000-492 (Log #463) for complete explanation. Consequently, the proponent’s recommendation was incorporated into Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103) Section 47.7. While the committee agrees with the proponent that specific occupancies should restrict the use of Plastic Light Diffusers, these requirements should reside in those specific occupancy chapters. Language in Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103) indicates this. This will require consideration by the Technical Correlating Committee for consistency. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 20 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 18 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Thomas EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: GREENWALD: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-80 (Log #CP1102).

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(Log #463a) Committee: SAF-FIR

5000- 495 - (8-5.6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Move to Chapter 10. SUBSTANTIATION: This section is more of an interior finish requirement than a fire resistance requirement. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Accept the intention of the proposal but it was forwarded to Chapter 47. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. The material is appropriately addressed in Chapter 47. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 496 - (8-5.6): Reject SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Change the section heading. SUBSTANTIATION: Although the exception applies to plastic light diffusers, the base requirement applies much more broadly. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. The material is appropriately addressed in Chapter 47. See Proposal 5000-495 (Log #463a) that addresses the activity related to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #860a)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 497 - (8-5.6): Reject SUBMITTER: Hugh Patrick Toner, Danrestown, MD RECOMMENDATION: Change 8.5.6.1 to read as follows: Exception: ceiling light diffusers of approved plastics using light transmitting plastics meeting the requirements of 47.4.1.(1) shall not be required to conform to the above requirements when the installation meets the following requirements; (a) Plastic ceiling light diffusers shall be supported directly or indirectly form ceiling or roof construction by use of noncombustible hangers. Hangers shall be at least No. 12 steel-wire gage (0.106 inch) galvanized wire or equivalent: Renumber remaining paragraphs (d) (e) The maximum size of any single plastic light transmitting panel shall not exceed 10 feet using light transmitting plastics. Add text to read as follows: 8.5.6.2 Plastic light diffusers shall not be used in the following occupancies and locations: 1. Group A with an occupant load of 1000 or more; 2. Theaters with a stage and proscenium opening and an occupant load of 700 or more; 3. Group 1-2; 4. Group 1-3; 5. Exit stairways and exit passageways. SUBSTANTIATION: Consistent with accepted fire safety provisions. SPI does not support the use of the term approved plastics. The application sets the criteria. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. The material is appropriately addressed in Chapter 47. See Proposal 5000-495 (Log #463a) that addresses the activity related to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #861)

Committee: BLD-MAT 5000- 498 - (8-5.7): Accept in Principle TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that public comments on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to all occupancy chapter technical committees (SAF-AXM, SAF-END, SAF-HEA, SAF-DET, SAF-RES, SAF-BCF, SAF-MER and SAF-IND) requesting that they: (1) be aware that the language imposes requirements on specific occupancies. (2) evaluate any effect this has on their occupancies so as to develop changes as needed. SUBMITTER: Hugh Patrick Toner, Danrestown, MD RECOMMENDATION: Add the following to 8.5.7:


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8.5.7.4 Plastic light diffusers shall not be used in the following occupancies and locations: 1. Group A with an occupant load of 1000 or more; 2. Theaters with a stage and proscenium opening and an occupant load of 700 or more; 3. Group 1-2; 4. Group 1-3 Exit stairways and exit passageways. SUBSTANTIATION: Consistent with accepted fire safety provisions. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee incorporated Section 8.5.7 into Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103), Section 47.7. While the committee agrees with the proponent that specific occupancies should restrict the use of Plastic Light Diffusers, these requirements should reside in those specific occupancy chapters. Language in Committee Proposal 5000-1364 (Log #CP1103) indicates this. This will require consideration the Technical Correlating Committee for consistency. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 20 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 18 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Thomas EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: GREENWALD: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-80 (Log #CP1102).

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5000- 499 - (8-5.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Hugh Patrick Toner, Danrestown, MD RECOMMENDATION: Add the following to 8.5.7: 8.5.7.4 Plastic light diffusers shall not be used in the following occupancies and locations: 1. Group A with an occupant load of 1000 or more; 2. Theaters with a stage and proscenium opening and an occupant load of 700 or more; 3. Group 1-2; 4. Group 1-3 Exit stairways and exit passageways. SUBSTANTIATION: Consistent with accepted fire safety provisions. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. The material is appropriately addressed in Chapter 47. See Proposal 5000-495 (Log #463a) that addresses the activity related to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 500 - (8-5.8): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Matthias J. Mulvey, Thermafiber RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 8.5.8 Floor Rating at Curtain Wall Assembly 8.5.8.1 Where a fire-resistance rated floor or floor/ceiling assembly is required and a linear void is created between the floor or floor/ceiling assembly and the curtain wall assembly, this intersection shall be sealed using a perimeter fire barrier system (assembly) per ASTM E5.1.14 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Fire Endurance of Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems Using the Intermediate-Scale Multi-Story Test Apparatus. 8.5.8.2 The owner shall submit with the permit application, the curtain wall perimeter fire containment system (assembly) number/designation and note the system/assembly and its

number/designation on the plans submitted with the building permit application. SUBSTANTIATION: This new section addresses the requirement for providing a rated system/assembly at the perimeter of a building containing curtain wall construction. Some in the construction community believe that if the slab edge alone is sealed with noncombustible material, that the material at the slab edge alone will retard the passage of fire and smoke for the required floor rating. Testing done by all major testing laboratories proves this assumption to be false. Some non-combustible materials melt early into a fire. (see E-119 Chart) All model-building codes require that based upon the use and occupancy of a building, that the floors must be rated for a prescribed duration. For example, a business use building is generally required to have floors fire-rated to withstand the passage of fire and smoke for two-hours. In many common types of construction, there is a void created between the floor slab edge and the exterior wall of the building. The installation of a fire-rated curtain wall system/assembly protects the floor system for the required fire-rated duration so in the event of a fire, occupants can safely exit a building and fire personnel can safely enter the building to knock down the fire. Current testing of curtain wall systems/assemblies notes that at least five (5) feet of containment is required to contain fire at the slab edge of a two-hour rated floor with an aluminum framed, aluminum curtain wall system (see UL System number CW-S-2002 Summary Test number 4 as an example). This proposed section gives the designer and Authority Having Jurisdiction clear direction in requirements for the fire protection needed at curtain wall/floor slab edge construction. Note: Supporting Material available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-534 (Log #CP601) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action on the referenced proposal should satisfy the intent of the proposal for the revisions proposed for 8.9.3 as it relates to exterior curtain walls and perimeter joints. The proposed text to 8.5.8.2 will be forwarded to the Technical Committee on Fundamentals for their determination if this information should be included in the appropriate section pertaining to plans. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 501 - (8-6.1 (New) ): Accept SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 8.6.1 Where walls or partitions are required to have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1-hour, recessed fixtures shall be installed in the wall or partition in a manner that the required fire resistance is not reduced. Exception No. 1: Any steel electrical box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.0103 m2) in area are allowed where the aggregate area of the openings provided for the boxes does not exceed 100 square inches (0.0645 m2) in any 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of wall area. Where outlet boxes are installed on opposite sides of the wall, the boxes shall be separated as follows: 1.1 By a horizontal distance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm); 1.2 By a horizontal distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity where the wall cavity is filled with cellulose loose-fill, rock wool, or slag mineral wood insulation; 1.3 By solid firestopping in accordance with Section 35.7; or 1.4 By other listed materials and methods.


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Exception No. 2: Membrane penetrations for any listed electrical outlet box made of any material are allowed provided such boxes have been tested for use in fire resistance rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing. Exception No. 3: The annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler is allowed provided the space is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed new section contains performance criteria for assuring that the required fire resistance ratings of walls and partitions are not reduced when recessed fixtures such as electrical outlet boxes are installed through the membrane protection used in the construction of those wall and partition assemblies. Specific exceptions are provided to accommodate certain types of outlet box installations with adequate safeguards to assure that the fire resistance is not reduced by such installations. This requirement and the proposed exceptions are consistent with all of the national model building codes. It should also be noted that Exception No. 1.2 has been documented using a full scale fire test conducted at Omega Point Laboratories for cellulose insulation on behalf of CIMA. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. Revise as follows: 8.8.7.1 Where walls or partitions are required to have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1-hour, recessed fixtures shall be installed in the wall or partition in a manner that the required fire resistance is not reduced. Exception No. 1: Any steel electrical box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.0103 m2) in area are allowed where the aggregate area of the openings provided for the boxes does not exceed 100 square inches (0.0645 m2) in any 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of wall area. Where outlet boxes are installed on opposite sides of the wall, the boxes shall be separated as follows: (a) By a horizontal distance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm); (b) By a horizontal distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity where the wall cavity is filled with cellulose loose-fill, rock wool, or slag wool insulation; (c) By solid fireblocking in accordance with Section 8.15; or (d) By other listed materials and methods. Exception No. 2: Membrane penetrations for any listed electrical outlet box made of any material are allowed provided such boxes have been tested for use in fire resistance rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing. Exception No. 3: The annular space created by the membrane penetration of a fire sprinkler is allowed provided the space is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The revisions are done for clarification purposes. The technical committee recognizes that there is a need to establish densities for the insulation as prescibed in 1.2 of the exception to define the amount of material in the cavities. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 502 - (8-7.1): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: “...requirements of NFPA 80.and specific requirements of this code.” SUBSTANTIATION: Specific requirements of this code may be more restrictive than NFPA 80; therefore, this addition to this section clarifies application of the more restrictive or specific requirement. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Many of the elements as found in the draft provisions of 8.5.7.1 through 8.5.7.6 are being proposed for deletion. It was determined that these requirements are not needed as they are being addressed by other sections of this chapter.


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5000- 503 - (8-7.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Charles Nelson, Fowlkes and Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: 8.7.2(a) Requiring fire dampers in ducts penetrating one-hour partitions contradicts and conflicts with NFPA 90A which shows in Figure A3-3 that fire dampers are not required in one-hour partitions. SUBSTANTIATION: In order to be “user friendly” the entire code format should be consistent with the IBC. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Ccommittee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee recommendation in Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) should satisfy the intent of the proposal. It is reconized for consistency with NFPA 90A that the reference of one hour will be revised to two hour. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 504 - (8-7.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Henry Rohwer, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp. RECOMMENDATION: List the standards referred to (i.e.: UL 555) in an appendix to the NFPA Building Codes, with an integrated list of other international Standards that are equally acceptable. SUBSTANTIATION: Globalization of Standards and Codes used in this Code is wanted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This action is taken to be in conformance with the recent Standards Council directive pertaining to the multiple references of similar documents addressing the same item within a document. The technical committee also discussed that a list may be applicable but it would need to be done on a case by case basis. It is also not a common practice to provide within the code this type of information. It may be more appropriate to provide some type of information related to this issue in a handbook or other training material. One of the problems is that the list may not accurately include all those documents related to this provision, especially the international standards. The other is that there may be some minor differences between the documents and these would need to be evaulated which is outside the responsibilities of this technical committee. The application of determining the equalivancy between particular standards is a function of the enforcing authority. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 505 - (8-7.2(a)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add to end of first sentence “where protection of openings is required.”


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SUBSTANTIATION: There are many locations where walls are required to be rated, but openings need not be protected. Therefore, ducts should not require dampers. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. It was determined that this requirement is not needed as it is being addressed by another section of this chapter with a reference to NFPA 90A. Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) addresses the activity related to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 506 - (8-7.2(a)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text: (a) Change to require fire dampers at penetrations of walls with two or more hour rating. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 90A, Section 3.3.1.1, only requires fire dampers at penetrations of walls with ratings of 2 hours or more. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. It was determined that this requirement is not needed as it is being addressed by another section of this chapter with a reference to NFPA 90A. Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) addresses the activity related to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #465)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 507 - (8-7.2.1(a)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read: “a. At floor penetrations in buildings...”. SUBSTANTIATION: The intent is to exempt the dampers at the floor opening, not throughout the building. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. It was determined that this requirement is not needed as it is being addressed by another section of this chapter with a reference to NFPA 90A. Committee Proposal 5000-531 (Log #CP603) addresses the activity related to this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #558)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 508 - (8-7.5): Accept SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 8.7.5.8 as follows: 8.7.5.8 Nonsymmetrical glazing systems. Nonsymmetrical fire-protection-rated glazing systems shall be tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the assigned fire-protection rating shall

be the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance with NFPA 257. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 257 does not address the testing of nonsymmetrical fire-protected-rated glazing systems. It should be apparent that nonsymmetrical glazing systems must be evaluated for their performance from both directions. In most instances one will not know the direction from which a fire exposure will originate, and, therefore, the lesser of the ratings should be assigned. The need for the proposed code change is demonstrated by the fact that at least one independent laboratory is currently listing a nonsymmetrical fire-protection-rated glazing system - see supporting materials. The laboratory apparently has not tested the glazing from both directions as the product is rated only from one direction. Note: Supporting Material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is generally recognized that fire resistance walls used for interior application when tested in accordance with NFPA 251 have the same rating on either side. The typical installation of glazing in corridor walls are installed as symmentrical in regard to the rating because it is generally recognized that fire exposure can occur on either side. A nonsymmetrical glazing system can have different ratings for either side. The current edition of NFPA 257 has assumed that glazing material would have the same rating on either side and therefore has not taken into account a nonsymmetrical approach. Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) contains this provision in 8.7.11 NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #560)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 509 - (8-7.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 8.7.5.1.1 as follows: 8.7.5.1.1 Openings are classified in accordance with the character and location of the wall in which they are situated. Fire protection ratings for products intended to comply with this section shall be as determined and reported by a nationally recognized testing agency in accordance with NFPA 252 and NFPA 257 ASTM E152 and ASTM E163. All such products shall bear an approved label. In each of the following classes, the minimum fire protection ratings are shown. SUBSTANTIATION: The appropriate reference standards for testing fire doors and fire windows are NFPA 252 and NFPA 257. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise as follows: 8.7.5.2* Fire protection ratings for products intended to comply with this section shall be as determined and reported by a nationally recognized testing agency in accordance with NFPA 252 or NFPA 257. All such products shall bear an approved label. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the activity related to this proposal in 8.7.5.2. Revisions are made for clarification. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #561)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 510 - (8-7.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 8.7.5 as follows: “8.7.5.1 General. Wall openings required to be fire protected by Table 8.1 8.2 shall be protected...”. Also revise Table 8.1 as follows:


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SUBSTANTIATION: Corrections have been made to Table references to reflect the provisions within the Proposed 2002 Edition of NFPA 5000. Additionally, a separate column has been included to clarify the performance requirements for fire windows as compared to fire doors. A table entry has been included for 0.5 hour rated corridor partitions as some occupancies (like Hotels, for example) are allowed to have a 1/2 hour corridor rating in buildings protected by automatic sprinklers - see Section 23.3.6.1. Traditionally, fire windows in 1-hour partitions have been tested according to NFPA 257 for a 3/4 hour fire protection rating. Doors in 1-hour corridor partitions have been permitted to have a 20 minute fire protection rating on the presumption that the operation of the door requires clear space around the door and therefore combustibles will be separated from the door. Clear space cannot be assumed adjacent to fire windows and traditionally fire windows have been required to have a 3/4 hour fire protection rating. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the activity related to this paragraph in 8.7.2. The table was revised to be consistant with the references used in the document for the entries. Notes 1 and 2 were deleted and referred to the particular occupancy chapters for their respected reviews and application. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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Table 8.1 Minimum Fire Resistance of Walls, Partitions, and Opening Protective Component Walls and Partitions (Hours) Fire Doors Opening Protectives

(Hours) Fire Windows (Hours)

Elevator Hoistways 2* 1-1/2 NP3

Vertical Shafts (including stairways, exists and refuse

chutes)

2* (See Chapter 10)

1-1/2 NP

Fire Walls and partitions fire walls

See 6.3 See Table 7.3.1 & 8.3 NP

Partitions, General 1 3/4 3/4 Occupancy See Table 6.3 3.10 separation 1 3/4 3/4

Component Walls and Partitions (Hours) Fire Doors Opening Protectives (Hours)

Fire Windows (Hours)

Occupancy Separation

2 3

1-1/2 3

NP NP

Within tenant space See Note {1} NR4 See Note (1)

Tenant Space (also see 6.3.2502.5)

1 3/4 3/4

Horizontal Exit 2 1-1/2 NP

Corridors, Exit Access 1 1/3 20 minutes 3/4

Refuse Chute Access Room 1 3/4 3/4

Hazardous Use Separations See 3.6

Smoke Barrier 1 1/3 3/4

High Rise Building See 4.4 & Chapter 10

Smoke Partition5 0.5 1/3 1/3

Bathrooms and Restrooms See note {2} NR See note 2

Exterior Walls 1 2 3

3/4 1-1/2 1-1/2

3/4 1-1/2 1-1/2

Notes to Table 8.1: No Change to notes 1 and 2 3. NP = Not Permitted 4. NR = No Requirement 5. Residential Board and Care. See 25.2.3.1.1.


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5000- 511 - (8-7.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 8.7.5.5 as follows: 8.7.5.5 Glazed Openings In Fire Windows. Fire protection rated windows, and fire protection rated glazing in sidelights and transoms shall be rated in accordance with Table 8.1 when tested in accordance with NFPA 257. 8.7.5.5.1 Glazing shall be evaluated under positive pressure. Within the first 10 minutes of a test, the pressure in the furnace shall be adjusted so at least two-thirds of the test specimen is above the neutral plane, and the neutral pressure plane shall be maintained at that height for the balance of the test. 8.7.5.5.2 The total area of glazing in any interior partition shall not exceed 25% of the area of the partition common with any room. 8.7.5.5.3 Fire resistance rated glazing, tested pursuant to NFPA 251, as a part of a fire-resistance-rated wall shall be permitted to be installed in walls so long as the glazing attains a fire-resistance-rating equal to or greater than the wall in which it is installed. The fire-resistance-rated glazing shall be installed in accordance with its listing. The aggregate area limit of 8.7.5.5.2 shall not apply to fire-resistance-rated glazing. 8.7.5.5.4 Fire protection rated fire windows, and fire protection rated glazing in sidelights and transoms in interior partitions shall be limited to use in partitions having a maximum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour. Fire protection rated fire windows and glazing in sidelights and transoms shall be limited to the maximum size successfully tested in accordance with 8.7.5.5, shall be installed in accordance with their listing and with NFPA 80. 8.7.5.5.5 Fire windows protecting openings in exterior walls shall have a fire protection rating of 3/4 hours when installed in exterior walls having a maximum fire resistance rating of 1 hour. Three fourths hour fire resistive rated Fire windows in exterior walls shall be permitted to have an area not over 84 square feet with neither the width nor the height exceeding 12 feet. 8.7.5.5.6 Fire windows shall be either fixed or automatic closing. 8.7.5.5.7 Fire protection rated and fire-resistance-rated glazing shall bear the label or other identification showing the name of the manufacturer, the test standard, and the fire protection or fire resistance rating. SUBSTANTIATION: This revision sets forth criteria for the use of fire protection rated and fire resistance rated glazing. Glazing is to be tested under positive pressure. NFPA 5000 must stipulate whether or not the tests are to be conducted under positive pressure since NFPA 257 simply states how the pressure is to be measured. NFPA 257 does not set any specific criteria with regard to pressure. The proposed section declares that fire windows, glazed sidelights and glazed transoms are all required to meet the same performance criteria. It has been traditional to require fire windows in 1-hour corridor partitions to have a 3/4 hour fire protection rating whereas doors require a 20-minute rating. 20 minute doors are permitted in 1-hour corridors on the assumption that clear space will exist around the door and the fire exposure is somewhat reduced to the door by the separation of combustibles. Further, 20-minute doors are not subjected to the hose stream, and 20-minute doors are, therefore, not evaluated for their performance relative to thermal shock. There is not assurance that clear space will exist adjacent to glazed openings and in fact combustibles are frequently stacked adjacent to glazed openings and in fact combustibles are frequently stacked adjacent to glazing in fire rated partitions. Further, glazing is subject to failure via thermal shock and should be evaluated by the hose stream test. It would not make sense to require fire windows to have a 3/4 hour fire protection rating, including hose stream test, and then to allow sidelights (in some cases larger than the fire windows) located a few inches away to have a 20 minute rating and no evaluation for thermal shock. The limitation on area for glazing to a maximum of 25% of the wall area common with any room is to limit heat transfer through fire

protection rated glazing. The 25% limit is traditional and has been used in the model building codes for many years. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This committee action is done for consistency with the Committee Action on Proposal 5000-456 (Log #327). This paragraph is proposed to be deleted. It is recognized that there are other paragraphs within Chapter 8 that will have the necessary requirements related to the installation of glazing per NFPA 80. This proposal has introduced a couple of items which the technical committee recognizes as ongoing activites with other technical commitees. It is the understanding that there is a task group associated with the techncial committee responsible for NFPA 80 to discuss the application, definition, and requirements associated with sidelights and transoms in a rated fire door assembly. This technical committee has determined that is proper to review the work of this task group before further action is taken. The proposal also has a 25% limit for glazing that is "common to a room" which is not the normal phrase used to limit the amount of glazing in a rated wall assembly. The proposal also has established that the glazing shall be tested under positive pressure. The current test procedure, NFPA 257, only requires the pressure of the furnance to be recorded and be maintained after the first five minutes of the test. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KOFFEL: There are issues addressed by the proponent that the Committee has failed to respond to. For example, the proposed 8.7.5.5.1 addresses the issue of testing the glazing under positive pressure. Proposed 8.7.5.5.4 addresses the issue of glazing in sidelights and transoms that must be addressed by the Committee one way or the other. Admittedly, the Committee is awaiting further input from the Technical Committee on Fire Doors and Fire Windows, but the issue should be addressed during the Public Comment period.

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5000- 512 - (8-7.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Julie Ruth, Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 8.7.5 Fire Windows, Doors and Shutters. 8.7.5.1 General. Wall openings required to be fire protected by Table 8.2 8.1 shall be protected by approved listed and labeled fire doors, windows, and shutters and their accompanying hardware, including all frames, closing devices, anchorage and sills in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 80, except as otherwise specified in this Code. The label shall state the name of the manufacturer, the name of the third party inspection agency, the test method used to determine the rating and the rating received. The listing shall identify the fire rated assembly, and shall give any information needed for installation of the assembly, as determined necessary by the third party inspection agency. 8.7.5.1.1 Openings are classified in accordance with the character and location of the wall in which they are situated. Fire protection ratings for products intended to comply with this section shall be as determined and reported by a nationally recognized testing agency in accordance with ASTM E152 or ASTM E163. All such products shall bear an approved label. In each of the following classes, the minimum fire protection ratings are shown in Sections 8.7.5.2, 8.7.5.4, 8.7.5.5 and 8.7.5.6. Exception: Doors located in common walls separating guestrooms in Group R-1 hotels and motels shall be permitted to be installed without automatic or self-closing devices. 8.7.5.2 Doors.


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8.7.5.2.1 Fire doors are rated classified as 3-hour, 1 1/2-hour, 1-hour, 1 1/2 hour, 3/4 hour, or 20 minutes. Fire doors ratings shall be determined through testing in accordance with NFPA 252. After 5 minutes into the NFPA 252 test, the neutral pressure level in the furnace shall be established at 40 in. (1016 mm) or less above the sill. The maximum size of fire doors shall not exceed that specified in NFPA 80, except as permitted to be modified in Chapter 12. 8.7.5.2.2 In walls and partitions having a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, unless otherwise specified, all door openings shall be protected with a tight-fitting smoke and draft assembly (including door frame and hardware) having a fire protection rating of 20 minutes when tested in accordance with NFPA 252 without the hose stream test. Said doors shall be equipped with approved self closing or automatic closing devices. When approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction any door required to have a level of fire protection and which is permitted to be automatic closing by smoke detection and which is permitted to be automatic closing by smoke detection or which is self closing shall be permitted to not have a delay in closing or reclosing of more than 10 seconds. Door assemblies shall be identified in accordance with their listing. Door assemblies shall be identified in accordance with their listing. Said doors shall not have louvers. Exception: Doors from classrooms in Group E occupancies, opening directly into a 1-hour fire rated corridor, shall be permitted to be installed without self-closing devices. 8.7.5.2.3 The maximum size of fire doors shall not exceed that specified in NFPA 80, except as shall be permitted to be modified by Chapter 12. 8.7.5.2.3 Openings in tenant separation walls and to access refuse chute rooms shall be protected with a 3/4 hour fire door. 8.7.5.2.4 For 1 1/2-hour and 1-hour fire doors used in stairway enclosures the average temperature developed on the unexposed side shall not exceed 450 degrees F at the end of 30 minutes of standard fire test exposure. 8.7.5.2.5 Fire doors shall be equipped with an approved close. 8.7.5.2.5 3-hour rated fire doors shall be used in fire division walls that separate buildings, and in fire division walls rated 3 hours or more that separate occupancies within a building. 8.7.5.3 Door Hardware. 8.7.5.3.1 Every opening protective required to have a 3-hour fire-resistive rating shall be fixed or automatic closing types as specified in Section 7.2.3.10. Every opening protective required to have a 1-1/2 hour, 1 hour, or 3/4 hour or 20 minute fire-resistive rating shall be an automatic-closing, fixed or self-closing type. as required in Section 8.7.5.2.2 When approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction any door required to have a fire resistance rating that is permitted to be automatic closing by smoke detection or is self-closing shall be permitted to have a maximum delay in closing or reclosing of 10 seconds. Exceptions: 1. Doors located in common walls separating guestrooms in Group R-1 hotels and motels shall be permitted to be installed without automatic or self-closing devices. 2. Doors from classrooms in Group E occupancies, opening directly into a 1-hour fire-rated corridor, shall be permitted to be installed without self-closing devices. 8.7.5.3.2 Devices detecting products of combustion shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and shall be subject to such periodic tests as shall be permitted to be required by the Authority Having Jurisdiciton. 8.7.5.4 Glazed Openings in Fire Doors. One-quarter inch thick wired glass labeled for fire protection purposes shall be permitted to be used in approved opening protective with the maximum sizes in accordance with their listing. Other glazing materials which have been tested in accordance with NFPA 252 and are listed and labeled by an approved, nationally recognized third party inspection agency to indicate the type of opening to be protected for fire protection purposes shall be permitted to be used in approved opening protectives in accordances with their listing with the maximum sizes tested.

8.7.5.5 Glazed Openings in Fire Windows. Fire Windows shall be rated as 3-hour, 1 1/2-hour, 1-hour, 3/4 hour or 20 minutes by testing in accordance with NFPA 257. Within the first 10 minutes of a test, the pressure in the furnace shall be adjusted so at least two-thirds of the test specimen is above the neutral pressure plane, and the neutral pressure plane shall be maintained at that height for the balance of the test. Three fourths 3/4-hour fire-resistive rated windows shall be permitted to have an a maximum area not over of 84 square feet with neither width nor height exceeding 12 feet. Fire windows shall be either fixed or automatic closing. 8.7.5.6 Tin-Clad Doors. When constructed as specified in UL Subject 10A-98, tin-clad doors installed on each side of openings requiring protecting shall be considered equal to a 3-hour opening protective, provided that each door bears the label of an approved testing agency, showing the classification of the door. 8.7.5.7 Installation of Opening Protectves. Opening protectives shall be installed as required in NFPA. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed changes clarify and expand the requirements of this section to be consistent with current practice in the fire door and fire window industry. The following paragraphs provide the specific reason for the changes to each section. Section 8.7.5.1 - The requirements for listing and labeling of fire doors and fire windows have been expanded to bring in the minimum information needed to determine that the appropriate test method has been used, and for the proper installation and identification of the fire protection assembly. The table reference for required ratings of fire protected wall openings has been corrected. Section 8.7.5.1.1 - Reference to ASTM E152 and E163, which were discontinued in 1997, has been removed. Reference to the appropriate test methods for fire doors and fire windows have been added to the appropriate section for each specific type of opening protective. The sections numbers for the different door ratings were added for clarity. Section 8.7.5.2.1 - Reference to NFPA 252 as the appropriate standard for fire doors was moved to this section from Section 8.7.5.2.2. This change broadens the application of NFPA 252 from just 20-minute fire doors to all fire-rated doors, and clarifies that the same test method should be used for all rating levels. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This action was taken for consistency with the Committee Action on Proposal 5000- 456 (Log #327). This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the activity related to this paragraph. The provision on positive pressure related to fire doors is being addressed in other related proposals. It was also noted that many of the revisions develop conflicts with NFPA 80 which is currently referenced by this document on the installation of fire doors and fire windows. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 513 - (8-7.5.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: “...Table 8.2 8.1...” (remainder of text unchanged). SUBSTANTIATION: There is no Table 8.2 in NFPA 5000. Table 8.1 is the appropriate table reference. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 514 - (8-7.5.2 Exception): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: David Hammerman, Ron Nickson, Marshall Klein and Associates/Rep. National Multi-Housing Council RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to Section 8.7.5.2.4 as follows: Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature end point is not required in buildings protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3.1.11. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed change is intended to recognize what has already been accepted by other Model Code organizations. It is an accepted balanced approach to achieve the results intended for protection of stairway enclosures. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Delete 8.7.5.2.4. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. The history related to the temperature rise of fire doors relates to the attempt to control the installation of fire dampers in fire doors located within stairwells prior to the codes prohibiting the use of the fire dampers in stairwell doors. The concepts was to limit the amount of smoke which could be introduced into the stairwell prior to the activation of the fire damper. By requiring the temperature limitation on these particular doors it eliminated the installation of fire dampers because this criteria could not be satisifed. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KLEIN: Abstain due to client interest.

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5000- 515 - (8-7.5.2.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Peter J. Gore Willse, Industrial Risk Insurers RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 8.7.5.2.1 or relocate to the annex. Informational material only no enforceable language. SUBSTANTIATION: This section is information only (And inaccurate, there is a 4-hour rated door as well.) and belongs in the annex. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 516 - (8-7.5.2.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: This section conflicts with Table 8.1. The minimum rating language should be deleted. SUBSTANTIATION: None. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #1120)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 517 - (8-7.5.2.2 Exception): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Section 8.7.5.2.2 delete the Exception. SUBSTANTIATION: An exception to the fire rated corridor doors without selfclosing devices in educational occupancies should not be permitted in non-sprinklered buildings. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph is being proposed for deletion. This action is not being done based on the substantiation provided. The technical committee responsible for the educational occupancy should make the determination of application. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #784)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 518 - (8-7.5.2.4): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: “...exposure. Glazing shall not exceed 100 sq. in. Exception: When tested as door component and not glazing, to NFPA 252, and temperature rise does not exceed 450 degrees at the end of 30 minutes.” SUBSTANTIATION: Currently, this section does not identify a test standard. This addition adds the appropriate NFPA standard for testing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 5000-514 (Log #399) for related committee action which is to delete this section. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #1121)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 519 - (8-7.5.2.4 Exception (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to Section 8.7.5.2.4 as follows: Exception: Doors in buildings protected with automatic sprinklers shall not be subject to the temperature requirement. SUBSTANTIATION: This requirement is not necessary in fully sprinklered buildings and is similar to an exception in the International Building Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 5000-514 (Log #399) for related committee action which is to delete this section. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #469)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 520 - (8-7.5.3.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add 20-minute doors to the list. SUBSTANTIATION: 20-minute doors should also be closed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) addresses the subject of this proposal in 8.7.3 and should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #468)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 521 - (8-7.5.3.2): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Smoke detection devices used for automatic closing door hardware shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72, and shall be subjected to periodic tests as required by NFPA 72. SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will incorporate this provision in 8.7.4. The last part of the sentence was not accepted because these provisions are considered a maintenance item and should be addressed in other documents. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #785)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 522 - (8-7.5.4): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Strike entire section, and replace with the following text: Glazing shall be labeled and installed in labeled frames or in tested frames per fire door assembly listing. Glazing shall meet applicable safety glazing standards for fire doors and assemblies. Glazing shall not exceed the maximum size noted in Table 8.2. Add a new Table 8.2 as follows:

SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal limits glazing and adds side light/transom glazing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will provide the necessary references to NFPA 80 for the installation limits associated with glazing in 8.7.8. The proposed chart is based on Table 1-7.4 of NFPA 80 and if included would develop inconsistencies. It is recognize that NFPA 80 does not currently address sidelight or transom glazing as shown in the proposed table. See Proposal 5000-511 (Log #562) for related committee action. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 523 - (8-7.5.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: “Openings requiring three fourths hour fire resistive protection shall be a maximum of 84 square feet with neither width nor height exceeding 12 feet. The maximum individual glass pane shall be 1,296 square inches, with a maximum dimension of 54 inches. Individual glass panes shall be separated from each other by listed window frames. Fire windows shall be either fixed or automatic closing.” SUBSTANTIATION: As written, this section implies that an individual piece of glass can be 84 square feet. That is not consistent with NFPA 80. Another solution would be to reference NFPA 80 rather than to repeat the dimensions in this code. Note: I believe NFPA 80 limits dimensions of the opening to 70 square feet. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will provide the necessary references to NFPA 80 for the installation limits associated with glazing in 8.7.8. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #787)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 524 - (8-7.5.5): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Replace entire text with the following: “Each glazing unit shall be labeled and installed in labeled frames in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. Glazing shall be tested and listed in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 257, Fire Test for Windows and Glass Block Assemblies. Only labeled fire protection-rated glazing material shall be used in fire windows. Glazing material installed in fire windows and borrowed lights that are subject to human impact shall meet applicable safety

Table 8.2 Fire Door Rating Fire Door

Rating (hr) Maximum Area of Glazing

(per Door Leaf a,b) Side Light/Transom Glazing

(per Door Assemly) 1/2, 1/3 Limited to maximum area tested Limited to maximum area tested 3/4 Limited to maximum area testedc Limited to maximum area tested 1c, 1-1/2a 100 inches squareb No glazing unless tested to NFPA 251

or meet 450o temperature rise/30 min. 3a 100 inches square (0.065 m2)

aSee also requirements in NFPA 80 bUnless tested to NFPA 251 or limit temperature rise to 450o per NFPA 252. cMaximum area of individual exposed lights shall be 1296 inches square (0.84 m2) with no dimension exceeding 54 inches (1.37 m) unless otherwise tested.


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standards as determined by the authority having jursidiction unless exempted. Glazing shall comply with Table 8.2.” SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal requires rated glazing to conform to standard testing and labeling requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will provide the necessary references to NFPA 80 and NFPA 257. The impact provisions will be addressed in Chapter 45 and are not necessary to noted here. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 525 - (8-7.5.6): Reject SUBMITTER: Howard Hooper, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 8.7.5.6 Tin-Clad Doors. When constructed as specified in UL Subject 10A-98 ANSI/UL 10A, Standard for Tin-Clad Fire Doors, tin-clad doors installed on each side of openings requiring protection shall be considered equal to a 3-hour opening protective, provided that each door bears the label of an approved testing agency, showing the classification of the door. SUBSTANTIATION: UL 10A is an ANSI approved standard, not a subject. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. See Proposal 5000-456 (Log #327) for related committee action. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 526 - (8-7.5.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 8.7.5.6. Tin-Clad Doors: SUBSTANTIATION: This information would be better covered in the test standard for fire doors and not be an exception in the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 5000-456 (Log #327) for related committee action. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #332)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 527 - (8-7.5.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read: “Opening protectives shall be installed as required in NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, NFPA 90A, and NFPA 105, Smoke Doors.” SUBSTANTIATION: Includes a reference to all the opening protective standards. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This paragraph as shown in the draft is being proposed for deletion. The Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #CP608) will provide the necessary references to NFPA 80 and other provisions for opening protectives. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28


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5000- 528 - (8-8): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) RECOMMENDATION: 8.8 Concealed Spaces. Combustible materials shall not be allowed within the concealed spaces of buildings classified as Type I or II construction and within walls required to be constructed of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials by Section 7.2.3. Exceptions: 1. Combustible materials allowed in accordance with Sections 7.2.3.5 and 7.2.3.7. 2. Combustible materials have a Class A rating as specified in Chapter 10. 3. Combustible materials complying with Section 602.2 of the Uniform Mechanical Code. 4. Combustible piping installed in accordance with the Uniform Mechanical Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed new section intends to regulate the allowable use of combustible materials within the concealed spaces of buildings of Type I and II construction as well as within the exterior walls of the other types of building construction which are required to be of noncombustible or limited-combustilbe construction. The purpose is to minimize the potential for a significant fire occurring within the concealed space as well as to limit the amount of combustible loading that occurs within the concealed spaces of a building otherwise required to be of noncombustible construction. Exceptions are provided for those materials that are permitted elsewhere in the Code within the concealed spaces of exterior walls or represent a limited amount of fire loading or have very low flame spread indices. Materials installed in plenums are also permitted as limited and regulated by the Uniform Mechanical Code. And, of course, combustible piping must be installed in accordance with he requirements contained in the Uniform Mechanical Code with the Uniform Plumbing Code as appropriate. It should also be noted that these proposed requirements are consistent with several of the national model building codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 8.14.3 Concealed Spaces, Exception No. 5 as follows: Exception No. 5: Combustible materials allowed within exterior walls in accordance with 7.2.3.5. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The provision of 7.2.3.5 applies to exterior walls. Exception 5 was added for clarification of this application. Complete committee action can be found in Committee Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606) in 8.14.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 529 - (8-8 through 8.8.7): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Revise 8.8 through 8.8.7 as follows: 8.8 Penetrations. 8.8.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through-penetrations and membrane penetrations in fire walls, fire barrier walls, and fire rated horizontal assemblies 8.8.2 Firestop Systems and Devices Required. Penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, combustion vents, exhaust vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical,


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plumbing and communications systems that pass through a wall, floor or floor/ceiling assembly constructed as a fire barrier, shall be protected by a firestop system or device. The firestop system or device shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E-814 or ANSI/UL 1479 under positive pressure at a minimum positive pressure of 0.01 in. water gauge between the exposed and the unexposed surface of the test assembly. Exception: Firestop system not required if any of the following are met: 1. Penetrations tested and installed as part of the assembly in accordance with the approved NFPA 251 rated assembly 2. Where penetrations through floors are enclosed in a shaft enclosure designed as a fire barrier. 3. Where concrete, grout, or mortar has been used to fill the annular spaces around cast iron, copper, or steel piping which penetrates one or more concrete or masonry fire resistant rated assembly. The nominal diameter of each penetrating item shall not exceed 6 inches (153 mm) and the opening size should not exceed 144 sq in. (0.094 m2.) The thickness of the concrete, grout, or mortar shall be the full thickness of the assembly. 4. Steel, ferrous, or copper cables, cable or wire with steel jackets, pipes, tubes, conduit, combustion vents, or exhaust vents, which penetrate only one floor firestopped with a material capable of preventing the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to the time temperature fire conditions of NFPA 251 under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 in. of water column (2.5 Pa) at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the required fire resistance rating of the assembly penetrated. 8.8.2.1 F ratings: Firestop systems and devices shall have an F rating of at least one hour, but not less than the required fire resistive rating of the fire barrier penetrated. 8.8.2.2 T ratings: Penetrations in fire rated horizontal assemblies shall be required to have a T rating of at least 1 hour, but not less than the rating of the horizontal assembly. Exception No. 1: A T rating is not required for floor penetrations contained within the cavity of a wall assembly. Exception No. 2: A T rating is not required for penetrations through floors or floor assemblies and the penetration is not in direct contact with combustible material. 8.8.3 Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the wall or floor, the sleeve shall be securely set in the wall or floor, and the space between the item and the sleeve shall be filled with a material which complies with Section 8.8.2. 8.8.4 Insulation and coverings for penetrating items shall not pass through the wall or floor unless the insulation or covering has been tested as part of the firestop system or device. 8.8.5 Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. It shall be made on either side of the wall or floor. 2. It shall be designed for the specific purpose. 8.8.6 Transitions. 8.8.6.1 When piping penetrates a wall or floor assembly, combustible piping shall not connect to noncombustible piping in the vicinity of the firestop system or device unless it can be demonstrated that the transition will not reduce the fire resistance rating. 8.8.6.2 Unshielded couplings shall not be used to connect noncombustible piping to combustible piping unless it can be demonstrated that the transition complies with the fire resistive requirements of this section. 8.8.7 Membrane Penetrations. Membrane penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, combustion vents, exhaust vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems that pass through a membrane of a wall, floor or floor/ceiling assembly constructed as a fire barrier shall be protected by a firestop system or device, and shall comply with Section 8.8.2 through 8.8.6.2. The firestop system or device shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E-814 or ANSI/UL 1479 under positive pressure at a minimum positive pressure of 0.01

in. water gauge between the exposed and the unexposed surface of the test assembly. Exception No. 1. Membrane penetrations of ceilings which are not an integral part of a fire resistance rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly. Exception No. 2. Membrane penetrations of steel, ferrous, or copper conduits, pipes, tubes, combustion vents, or exhaust vents, where the annular space is protected with an approved material, and the aggregate area of the openings does not exceed 100 square inches in any 100 square feet of ceiling area. Exception No. 3: Electrical outlet boxes and fittings are permitted, provided that such devices are listed for use in fire resistance rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with their listing. Exception No. 4: The annular space created by the membrane penetration of a fire sprinkler is allowed provided the space is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. 8.8.7.1 Where walls or partitions are required to have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1-hour, recessed fixtures shall be installed in the wall or partition in a manner that the required fire resistance is not reduced. Exception No. 1: Any steel electrical box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.0103 m2) in area are allowed where the aggregate area of the openings provided for the boxes does not exceed 100 square inches (0.0645 m2) in any 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of wall area. Where outlet boxes are installed on opposite sides of the wall, the boxes shall be separated as follows: (a) By a horizontal distance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm); (b) By a horizontal distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity where the wall cavity is filled with cellulose loose-fill, rock wool, or slag wool insulation; (c) By solid fireblocking in accordance with Section 8.15; or (d) By other listed materials and methods. Exception No. 2: Membrane penetrations for any listed electrical outlet box made of any material are allowed provided such boxes have been tested for use in fire resistance rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing. Exception No. 3: The annular space created by the membrane penetration of a fire sprinkler is allowed provided the space is covered by a metal escutcheon plate. SUBSTANTIATION: The following section pertains to penetrations and it is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. The revisions reflect current practices that are currently being applied to buildings for penetrations. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HOLMES: 8.8.2 Exception No. 4. The requirements in Exception No. 4 for the referenced elements are identical to the requirements in 8.8.2, are redundant rather than an exception, and should be deleted.

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Committee: BLD-SYS 5000- 530 - (8-8.1): Accept TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-SYS requesting that the TC revise the text and its location, as needed, as noted in Messrs. Elvove's and Perry's comment on affirmative. SUBMITTER: Technical Committee Building Systems RECOMMENDATION: Move Section 8.8.1 to 14.7 and revise read as follows: 14.7.1 Where mechanical or electrical equipment or utility piping is installed in attics, access shall be provided. Delete sections.


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SUBSTANTIATION: Access to attics is better suited in Chapter 14 rather than in Chapter 8 as this does not relate to fire resistive materials and construction. Access to attics is only required if mechanical/electrical equipment or piping is installed there. Access location need not be specified so long as adequate access to pass equipment is provided. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 28 COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: ELVOVE: In addition to moving 8.8.1 to 14.7, move 8.8.1.3 to 14.7 as well. This is what actually was proposed by the task group that generated this committee proposal. PERRY: My notes indicate that the Committee Action on this item included relocation of the entire Section 8.8.1, with 8.8.1.1 to become 14.7.1 as modified by this proposal. Further, 8.8.1.3 was to become 14.7.2, and Sections 8.8.1.2 and 8.8.1.4 were to be deleted.

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5000- 531 - (8-8.8): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Add the following: 8.8.8 Ducts and air transfer openings. 8.8.8.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect ducts and air transfer openings in fire walls, horizontal assemblies, and fire barrier walls. 8.8.8.2* Fire Damper Requirements. Fire dampers shall be installed in ducts and air transfer openings which penetrate fire barriers. Fire dampers shall be designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL555 and shall have the minimum fire protection rating specified in Table 8.8.8.2.2 for the rating of the assembly penetrated. In systems that continue to operate in the emergency mode, dynamic fire dampers shall be required. 8.8.8.2.1 Fire dampers are required in the following locations: 1. Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating walls or partitions have a fire resistance rating of two or more hours. 2. Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating shaft walls having a fire resistance rating of one or more hours. 3. Ducts and air transfer openings penetrating floors which are required to have protected openings and the duct is not protected by a shaft enclosure. 4. Air transfer openings that occur in walls or partitions that have a fire resistive rating of one or more hours. 8.8.8.2.2 Fire dampers are not required in the following locations: 1. In floors which do not require protected floor openings. 2. In duct systems serving only one floor and used only for exhaust of air to the outside and not penetrating a wall or partition having a required fire resistance rating of 2 hours or more or passing entirely through the system. 3. Where branch ducts connect to return risers in which the air flow is upward and subducts at least 22 inches long are carried up inside the riser at each inlet. Table 8.8.8.2.2 Fire Damper Rating Fire Rating of Assembly Minimum Damper Rating (hour) 3-hr or greater fire 3 resistance rated assemblies Less than 3 hr fire 1 1/2 Resistance rated assemblies Ceiling of floor/ceiling or See 8.8.8.6 roof/ceiling assemblies

8.8.8.3 Installation. Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork and related equipment, including fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A or NFPA 90B as applicable. Such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer's installation instructions, their listing, and the mechanical code. 8.8.8.4 Access and Identification. Access shall be provided to fire dampers and smoke dampers for inspection, testing and maintenance. The access openings shall not reduce the fire resistance rating of the fire barrier assembly. Access shall comply with the requirements of the mechanical Code. 8.8.8.5 Fire damper actuation device. The operating temperature of the fire actuating device shall be approximately 50°F (27.8°C) above the normal temperature within the duct system, but not less than 160°F (71°C), or shall be not more than 286°F (141°C) where located in a required smoke control system, or where a combination fire and smoke damper is installed, shall not exceed 350°F (177°C) where located in a smoke control system designed in accordance with the provisions NFPA 90A. 8.8.8.6 Ceiling Radiation Damper Requirements. Ceiling radiation dampers in rated floor- or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the construction details of the tested floor- or roof-ceiling assembly or with listed ceiling air diffusers or listed ceiling dampers. Ceiling dampers shall be tested in accordance with UL 555C, Standard for Ceiling Dampers. SUBSTANTIATION: The following section pertains to ducts and air transfer openings and it is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. The revisions reflect current practices that are currently being applied to buildings for ducts and air transfer openings. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 532 - (8-9): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Add the following: 8.9 Joints. 8.9.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect joints within or between fire walls, fire barrier walls, floors, and floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies, and at the intersection of the exterior wall and the perimeter of the floor assembly. 8.9.2 Joint System Required. Joints made within or between fire resistance rated assemblies shall be protected with a joint system that is designed and tested to prevent the spread of fire for a time period equal to that of the assembly in which the joint is located. Such materials, systems, or devices shall be tested as part of the assembly in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E-1966 or ANSI/UL 2079. 8.9.2.1 Testing of the joint system shall be representative of the actual installation . 8.9.2.2 All joint systems shall be tested at their maximum joint width in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E-1966 or ANSI/UL 2079 under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water for a time period equal to that of the assembly. All test specimens shall comply with the minimum height or length required by the standard. Wall assemblies shall be subjected to a hose stream test in accordance with NFPA 251. SUBSTANTIATION: The following section pertains to joints and it is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. The revisions


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reflect current practices that are currently being applied to buildings for joints. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 533 - (8-9.1.1 Exception (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to Section 8.9.1.1 parts (a), (b), and (c) as follows: “In buildings protected by a fire sprinkler system, floor-ceiling assemblies shall have draft stopping installed so that horizontal areas don’t exceed 3000 sq ft.” SUBSTANTIATION: Fire sprinklers have been accepted in lieu of Draft Stopping in floor ceiling assemblies for many years in the other model codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The fire sprinkler systems that are allowed in residential occupancies include NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D. These standards permit the omission of fire sprinkler protection in these areas. Because of this arrangement the reason provided in the substaintiation is not supported. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 534 - (8-9.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Add the following 8.9.3 Exterior Curtain Walls and the Perimeter Joint 8.9.3.1* The provisions of this section are intended to restrict the interior vertical passage of flame and hot gases from one floor to another at the location where the floor intersects the inside of an exterior curtain wall assembly. Floor assemblies which are required to be a fire barrier shall extend to and be tight against the exterior curtain wall. 8.9.3.2 Where fire-resistance rated floor or floor/ceiling assemblies are required, voids created at the intersection of the exterior curtain wall assemblies and such floor assemblies shall be sealed with approved materials. 8.9.3.2.1 Such materials shall be securely installed. 8.9.3.2.2 Such materials shall capable of preventing the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste where subjected to NFPA 251 time-temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (0.254 mm) of water column (2.5 Pa) for the time period at least equal to the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly. A.8.9.3.1 NFPA 5000 mandates sealing the opening between a floor and an exterior wall, to provide the same fire performance as that required for the floor. An ASTM test method, to evaluate the performance of perimeter fire barrier systems, is currently under development. Some laboratories have tested and listed perimeter fire barrier systems essentially in accordance with the proposed ASTM method. The ASTM method, evaluates the performance of perimeter fire barrier systems in terms of heat transfer and fire spread inside a building "through" the floor/exterior wall intersection. The test method does not assess the ability of perimeter fire barrier systems to prevent the spread of fire from story to story via the exterior. It is acknowledged when a fire grows to full room size in a multi-story building, the fire may spread from the story of origin to the story above via the exterior. The phenomenon of exterior flame spread

from window to window is sometimes referred to as a "leapfrog" effect. The leapfrog effect can occur in buildings with non-fire-rated exterior walls as well as in buildings with fire-rated exterior walls having unprotected window openings on adjacent stories. Fire experience indicates that fire spread beyond the story of origin via the exterior can occur in 15 to 20 minutes or less. The "leapfrog" effect is addressed by requiring windows on adjacent stories be separated vertically a minimum of 36 inches by a fire rated assembly or that a 30-inch fire rated flame barrier or "eyebrow" project horizontally from the exterior façade between windows. These measures are typically applied to buildings greater than three stories. However, the requirements for fire rated spandrels or eyebrows are traditionally waived in buildings protected by automatic sprinklers. Most high-rise buildings are equipped with automatic sprinklers. Experience has shown that a 36-inch spandrel may not be sufficient to prevent fire spread via the exterior from window to window. In summary, fire safety in high-rise buildings is largely dependent upon the successful operation of automatic sprinklers. In the rare case where automatic sprinklers fail to control a fire, and a fire grows to large size in a multi-story building and the fire is located in a compartment bounded by an exterior wall, and the building is equipped with either non-fire-rated windows on adjacent stories or a non-fire-rated exterior wall, fire may spread via the exterior to the story above the floor of fire origin in 15 to 20 minutes. Experience has shown that fire spread via the exterior due to the "leapfrog" effect is relatively rare. However, under the conditions enumerated above, such fire spread can occur in buildings having floor/exterior wall intersections protected by perimeter fire barrier systems tested and fire rated in accordance with the proposed ASTM method. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed text establishes the minimum requirements associated with exterior curtain wall and perimeter joints. The annex material is provided to highlight the reason for this particular requirement and also recognizes that there is proposed ASTM standard being developed to evaluate perimeter fire barrier systems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 535 - (8-10): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joseph T. Holland, III, Hoover Treated Wood Products RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read as follows: 8.10. Platforms. Permanent platforms may be constructed of fire retardant treated wood for Types I, II, III, and IV construction where the platforms are not more than 30 inches above the main floor, and not more than 1/2 of the room floor area and not more than 3,000 sq ft in area. All other permanent platforms shall be constructed of materials as required for the type of construction of the building in which the permanent platform is located. When the space beneath the permanent platform is used for storage or any other purpose other than equipment, wiring or plumbing, the floor construction shall not be less than 1-hour fire resistant construction. When the space beneath the permanent platform need not be protected. SUBSTANTIATION: The code appears to be silent on platforms. The proposal establishes minimum requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. If approved, add a new section, 7.2.2.7.1.2, to Committee Proposal 5000-315 (Log #CP1001) as follows: 7.2.2.7.1.2 Platforms. Permanent platforms shall be constructed of limited-combustible materials. When the space beneath any permanent platform is used for storage or any other purpose other than equipment, wiring, or plumbing, the floor construction shall not be less than 1-hour fire resistant construction. Fire-retardant treated


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wood shall be permitted for permanent platforms that are not more than 30-inches above the floor and do not occupy more than 50 percent of the floor area. The maximum area of a platform constructed with fire-retardant treated wood shall be not more than 3000 sq ft. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee will incorporate this permitted height increase, with editorial modifications, into Section 7.2.2.7.1.2 of Committee Proposal 5000-315 (Log #CP1001), instead of Chapter 8. The proponent offered editorial modifications to improve the clarity of the proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 24 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Collins, Rossberg EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SUTTON: See my Explanation of Abstention on Proposal 5000-24 (Log #625).

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5000- 536 - (8-10, 8.11): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Revise the following: 8.10 Smoke Partitions. 8.10.1 Where required elsewhere in this Code, smoke partitions shall be provided to limit the transfer of smoke. 8.10.2 Smoke partitions shall extend from the floor to the underside of the floor or roof deck above, through any concealed spaces, such as those above suspended ceilings, and through interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. Exception*: Smoke partitions shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of a monolithic or suspended ceiling system where the following conditions are met: (a) The ceiling system forms a continuous membrane. (b) A smoke sealtight joint is provided between the top of the smoke partition and the bottom of the suspended ceiling. (c) The space above the ceiling is not used as a plenum. 8.10.3 Opening Protectives. 8.10.3.1 Doors in smoke partitions shall comply with 12.2.1 through 12.2.1.8. 8.10.3.2 Doors shall comply with the provisions of 12.2.1. 8.10.3.3 Doors shall not include louvers. 8.10.3.4 * Door clearances shall be in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. 8.10.3.5 Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8. 8.10.4 Penetrations. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through-penetrations and membrane penetrations of smoke partitions. 8.10.4.1 Penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems that pass through a smoke partition shall be protected by a system or material that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. 8.10.4.2 Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. It shall be made on either side of the smoke partition. 2. It shall be designed for the specific purpose. 8.10.5 Air Transfer Openings. 8.10.5.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect air transfer openings in smoke partitions. 8.10.5.2. (5000:8.4.1.5.3*, 101:8.2.4.4.3) Air transfer openings in smoke partitions shall be provided with approved smoke dampers

designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 555S to limit the transfer of smoke. 8.10.5.3 Installation. Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork and related equipment, including fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A or NFPA 90B as applicable. Such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer's installation instructions, their listing, and the mechanical code. 8.10.5.4 Access and Identification. Access shall be provided to fire dampers and smoke dampers for inspection, testing and maintenance. The access openings shall not reduce the fire resistance rating of the fire barrier assembly. Access shall comply with the requirements of the mechanical Code. 8.10.5.5 Smoke Damper Ratings. Smoke damper leakage ratings shall not be less than Class II. Elevated temperature ratings shall not be less than 2500 F (1210 C). 8.10.5.6 Smoke Detector. Dampers in air transfer openings shall close upon detection of smoke by approved smoke detectors installed in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. 8.10.6 Joints. 8.10.6.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect joints in between and at the perimeter of smoke partitions, or where smoke partitions meet other smoke partitions, the floor or roof deck above, or the outside walls. 8.10.6.2. Joints made within or at the perimeter of smoke partitions shall be protected with a joint system that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. 8.11 Smoke Barriers. 8.11.1* General. Where required by Chapters 15 through 33, smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide building spaces for the purpose of restricting the movement of smoke. 8.11.2* Continuity. Smoke barriers required by this Code shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, from a floor to a floor, or from a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof. Such barriers shall be continuous through all concealed spaces, such as those found above a ceiling, including interstitial spaces. Exception: A smoke barrier required for an occupied space below an interstitial space shall not be required to extend through the interstitial space, provided that the construction assembly forming the bottom of the interstitial space provides resistance to the passage of smoke equal to that provided by the smoke barrier. 8.11.3 Fire Barrier Used as Smoke Barrier. A fire barrier shall be permitted to be used as a smoke barrier, provided that it meets the requirements of 8.12. 8.11.4 Opening Protectives. 8.11.4.1* Doors in smoke barriers shall close the opening leaving only the minimum clearance necessary for proper operation and shall be without undercuts, louvers, or grilles. 8.11.4.2 Where a fire resistance rating for smoke barriers is specified elsewhere in the Code, openings shall be protected as follows: (1) Door opening protectives shall have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes where tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, without the hose stream test, unless otherwise specified by Chapters 15 through 33. (2) Fire windows shall comply with 8.7.6. 8.11.4.3 Door opening protectives in smoke barrier walls shall comply with section 12.2.1. Door opening protectives shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Doors. 8.11.5 Penetrations. 8.11.5.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through-penetrations and membrane penetrations of smoke barrier. 8.11.5.2 Penetrations in Smoke Barriers. Penetrations for cables, cables trays, conduits, pipes, tubes, vents, wires, and similar items to accommodate electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communications systems that pass through a wall, floor or floor/ceiling assembly constructed as a smoke barrier, or the ceiling membrane of a roof/ceiling of a smoke barrier assembly, shall be protected by a


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system or material capable of restricting the transfer of smoke. Where a smoke barrier is also constructed as a fire barrier, the penetrations shall be protected in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.3.6 to limit the spread of fire for a time period equal to the rating of the assembly and this section to restrict the transfer of smoke. Exception: Where sprinklers penetrate a single membrane of a fire resistance rated assembly in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system, noncombustible escutcheon plates shall be allowed, provided that the space around each sprinkler penetration does not exceed one-half inch measured between the edge of the membrane and the sprinkler. 8.11.5.3 Where the penetrating item uses a sleeve to penetrate the smoke barrier, the sleeve shall be securely set in the smoke barrier and the space between the item and the sleeve shall be filled with a material capable of restricting the transfer of smoke. 8.11.5.4 Where designs take transmission of vibrations into consideration, any vibration isolation shall meet one of the following conditions: 1. It shall be made on either side of the fire barrier. 2. It shall be designed for the specific purpose. 8.11.6 Ducts and Dampers. 8.11.6.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect ducts and air transfer openings in smoke barriers. 8.11.6.2 Smoke Damper requirements. Where a smoke barrier is penetrated by a duct or air transfer opening, a smoke damper designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 555S shall be installed. Where a smoke barrier is also constructed as a fire barrier, a combination fire/smoke damper designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 555 and UL 555S shall be installed. 8.11.6.3 Smoke dampers are not required under the following conditions: 1. Where specifically exempted by provisions in Chapters 12 through 42 2. Where ducts or air transfer openings that are part of an engineered smoke control system 3. When the air in ducts continues to move and the air handling system installed is arranged to prevent recirculation of exhaust or return air under fire emergency conditions. 4. Where the air inlet or outlet openings in ducts are limited to a single smoke compartment. 5. Where ducts penetrate floors that serve as smoke barriers 8.11.6.4 Installation. 8.11.6.4.1 Air conditioning, heating, ventilating ductwork and related equipment, including, smoke dampers, and combination fire and smoke dampers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A or NFPA 90B as applicable. 8.11.6.4.2 Such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer's installation instructions, their listing, and the mechanical code. 8.11.6.5 Access and Identification. Access shall be provided to the dampers for inspection, testing and maintenance. The access openings shall not reduce the fire resistance rating of the fire barrier assembly. Access shall comply with the requirements of the mechanical Code. 8.11.6.6 Smoke Damper Ratings. Smoke damper leakage ratings shall not be less than Class II. Elevated temperature ratings shall not be less than 2500 F (1210 C). 8.11.6.7 Smoke Detectors. 8.11.6.7.1 Required smoke dampers in ducts penetrating smoke barriers shall close upon detection of smoke by approved smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Exception No. 1: Duct detectors shall not be required where ducts penetrate smoke barriers above the smoke barrier doors and the door release detector actuates the damper. Exception No. 2: Approved smoke detector installations located within the ducts in existing installations shall be exempt from the requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

8.11.6.7.2 Required smoke dampers in air transfer openings shall close upon detection of smoke by approved smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Exception: Where a duct is provided on one side of the smoke barrier, the smoke detectors on the duct side shall be in accordance with 8.5.5.2. 8.11.7 Joints. 8.11.7.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect joints in between and at the perimeter of smoke barriers where smoke barriers meet other smoke barriers, the floor or roof deck above, or the outside walls. 8.11.5.2 Joints made within or at the perimeter of smoke barriers shall be protected with a joint system that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke 8.11.7.2. Joints made within or between smoke barriers shall be protected with a smoke tight joint system that is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. Smoke barriers that are also constructed as fire barriers shall be protected with a joint system that is designed and tested to resist the spread of fire for a time period equal to that of the assembly in accordance with 8.9. and restrict the transfer of smoke. 8.11.7.3 Testing of the joint system in a smoke barrier that also serves as fire barrier shall be representative of the actual installation suitable for the required engineering demand without compromising the fire resistance rating of the assembly or the structural integrity of the assembly. Annex A material: A.8.10.2 Exception. An architectural, exposed, suspended-grid acoustical tile ceiling with penetrations for sprinklers, ducted HVAC supply and return air diffusers, speakers, and recessed light fixtures is capable of limiting the transfer of smoke. A.8.10.3.4 Gasketing of doors should not be necessary, as the clearances in NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, effectively achieve resistance to the passage of smoke if the door is relatively tight-fitting. A.8.10.3.4 Gasketing of doors should not be necessary, as the clearances in NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, effectively achieve resistance to the passage of smoke if the door is relatively tight-fitting. A.8.11.1 Wherever smoke barriers and doors therein require a degree of fire resistance as specified by requirements in the various occupancy chapters (Chapter 12 through Chapter 42), the construction should be a fire barrier that has been specified to limit the spread of fire and restrict the movement of smoke. A.8.11.2 To ensure that a smoke barrier is continuous, it is necessary to seal completely all openings where the smoke barrier abuts other smoke barriers, fire barriers, exterior walls, the floor below, and the floor or ceiling above. It is not the intent to prohibit a smoke barrier from stopping at a fire barrier if the fire barrier meets the requirements of a smoke barrier (that is, the fire barrier is a combination smoke barrier/fire barrier). A.8.11.4.1 The clearance for proper operation of smoke doors is defined as 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). For additional information on the installation of smoke-control door assemblies, see NFPA 105, Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke-Control Door Assemblies. SUBSTANTIATION: The following sections pertains to smoke partitions and smoke barriers and it is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. The revisions reflect current practices that are currently being applied to buildings for smoke partitions and smoke barriers. This proposal has incorporated the public proposes into the referenced text when it is appropriate. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 Barker, Clark


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COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: KOFFEL: 1. Paragraph 8.10.3.1 and 8.10.3.2 duplicate references to 12.2.1. It is not even necessary to reference this section since Chapter 12 already addresses the need for means of egress doors to meet the requirements of 12.2.1. 2. Sections 8.10.5.3 and 8.10.5.4 need to be modified to delete references to fire barriers, combination dampers and fire barrier assemblies. 3. The reference in 8.11.3 should be “8.11” not “8.12”. 4. NFPA 105 is not a standard and should not be referenced in 8.11.4.3.

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5000- 537 - (8-12 through 8.15): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Revise the following: 8.12 Vertical Openings 8.12.1 General. 8.12.1.1 Every floor that separates stories in a building shall be constructed as a smoke barrier. (See Chapter 3 for definition of Smoke Barrier.) Exception: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise specified by 8.6.2, 8.6.3, or Chapters 15 through 29. 8.12.1.2 Openings through floors, such as stairways, hoistways for elevators, dumbwaiters, and inclined and vertical conveyors; shaftways used for light, ventilation, or building services shall be protected with fire barrier walls. Such fire barriers shall be continuous from floor to floor or floor to roof. Openings shall be protected as appropriate for the fire resistance rating of the barrier. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise specified by 8.13.2, 8.13.3,8.13.4, or Chapters 15 through 29. Exception No. 2*: This requirement shall not apply to expansion or seismic joints designed to prevent the penetration of fire and shown to have a fire resistance rating of not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2079, Test of Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems. Exception No. 3: Enclosure shall not be required for pneumatic tube conveyors protected in accordance with 8.X. Exception No. 4: This requirement shall not apply to existing mail chutes where one of the following conditions is met: (a) The cross-sectional area does not exceed 16 in.2 (103 cm2). (b) The building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. 8.12.1.3 Vertical openings (shafts) that do not extend to the bottom or the top of the building or structure shall be enclosed at the lowest or highest level of the shaft, respectively, with construction in accordance with 8.6.1.4. Exception No. 1: Shafts shall be permitted to terminate in a room or space having a use related to the purpose of the shaft, provided that the room or space is separated from the remainder of the building by construction having a fire resistance rating and opening protectives in accordance with 8.13.1.4 and 8.7, Exception No. 2: Shafts that do not extend to the bottom or top of the building or structure. shall be permitted to be protected by approved fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing at the lowest, or highest,floor level, as applicable, within the shaft enclosure. 8.12.1.4* The fire resistance rating for the enclosure of floor openings shall be not less than as follows: (1) Enclosures connecting four stories or more shall be 2-hour fire barriers. (2) Enclosures connecting three stories or less shall be 1-hour fire barriers, but not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours. (3) As specified in Chapter 22 for lodging and rooming houses, in Chapter 23 for hotels, and in Chapter 24 for apartment buildings. (4) Enclosures for exits shall be in accordance with 12.1.3.2.

8.12.2 Communicating Space. Unless prohibited by Chapters 15 through 29, unenclosed floor openings forming a communicating space between floor levels shall be permitted, provided that the following conditions are met: (1) The communicating space does not connect more than three contiguous stories. (2) The lowest or next to lowest story within the communicating space is a street floor. (3) The entire floor area of the communicating space is open and unobstructed such that a fire in any part of the space will be readily obvious to the occupants of the space prior to the time it becomes an occupant hazard. Exception: The portion of the building separated from the atrium with fire barrier walls and/or floors having a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours need not be sprinklered. (4) The communicating space is separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, but not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor penetrated, but need not exceed 2-hours. Exception No. 1: In buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 8.5 shall be permitted to serve as the separation required by 8.6.2 (4). Exception No. 2: The requirement of 8.6.2 (4) shall not apply to fully sprinklered residential housing units of detention and correctional occupancies in accordance with Exception No. 2 to 20.3.1.1. (5) The communicating space has ordinary hazard contents protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3 or has only low hazard contents. (See Chapter 6.) (6) Egress capacity is sufficient to provide for all the occupants of all levels within the communicating space to simultaneously egress the communicating space by considering it as single floor area in determining the required egress capacity. (7)* Each occupant within the communicating space has access to not less than one exit without having to traverse another story within the communicating space. (8) Each occupant not in the communicating space has access to not less than one exit without having to enter the communicating space. 8.12.3* Atrium. Unless prohibited by Chapters 15 through 29, an atrium shall be permitted, provided that the following conditions are met: (1) Atriums are separated from the adjacent spaces by fire barriers with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating with opening protectives for corridor walls. Exception No. 1: Any number of levels of the building shall be permitted to open directly to the atrium without enclosure based on the results of the engineering analysis required in 8.6.3 (5). Exception No. 2*: Glass walls and inoperable windows shall be permitted in lieu of the fire barriers where automatic sprinklers are spaced along both sides of the glass wall and the inoperable window at intervals not to exceed 6 ft (1.8 m). The automatic sprinklers shall be located at a distance from the glass not to exceed 1 ft (0.3 m) and shall be arranged so that the entire surface of the glass is wet upon operation of the sprinklers. The glass shall be tempered, wired, or laminated glass held in place by a gasket system that allows the glass framing system to deflect without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinklers operate. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required on the atrium side of the glass wall and the inoperable windows where there is no walkway or other floor area on the atrium side above the main floor level. Doors in such walls shall be glass or other material that resists the passage of smoke. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing upon detection of smoke. (2) Access to exits is permitted to be within the atrium, and exit discharge in accordance with 12.7.2 is permitted to be within the atrium. (3) The occupancy within the space meets the specifications for classification as low or ordinary hazard contents. (See Chapter 6.)


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(4) The entire building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. (5)* An engineering analysis is performed that demonstrates that the building is designed to keep the smoke layer interface above the highest unprotected opening to adjoining spaces, or 6 ft (1.85 m) above the highest floor level of exit access open to the atrium for a period equal to 1.5 times the calculated egress time or 20 minutes, whichever is greater. (6)* Where engineered smoke control system is installed to meet the requirements of 8.13.3 (5). The system is independently activated by each of the following: a. Upon actuation of the required automatic sprinkler system within the atrium or areas open to the atrium. b. Manual controls that are readily accessible to the fire department 8.12.4 Convenience Openings. 8.12.4.1 A vertical opening serving as other than an exit enclosure, connecting only two adjacent stories, and piercing only one floor shall be permitted to be open to one of the two stories. 8.12.4.2 Where permitted by Chapters 15 through 29, unenclosed vertical openings not concealed within the building construction shall be permitted as follows: (1) Such openings shall connect not more than two adjacent stories (one floor pierced only). (2) Such openings shall be separated from unprotected vertical openings serving other floors by a barrier complying with 8.6.1.2. (3) Such openings shall be separated from corridors. (4)* Such openings shall not serve as a required means of egress. 8.12.5 Service Openings. 8.12.5.1 Service openings for conveyors, elevators, and dumbwaiters, where required to be open on more than one story at the same time for purposes of operation, shall be provided with closing devices in accordance with 12.2.1.8. 8.12.5.2 Moving walks not constituting an exit and escalators, other than escalators in large open areas such as atriums and enclosed shopping malls, shall have their floor openings enclosed or protected as required for other vertical openings. Exception No. 1*: In buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, escalators or moving walk openings shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with the method detailed in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, or in accordance with a method approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Exception No. 2: Escalators shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with 8.6.5.3 8.12.5.3 In buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, escalators or moving walk openings shall be permitted to be protected by rolling steel shutters appropriate for the fire resistance rating of the vertical opening protected. The shutters shall close automatically and independently of each other upon smoke detection and sprinkler operation. There shall be a manual means of operating and testing the operation of the shutter. The shutters shall be operated not less than once a week to ensure that they remain in proper operating condition. The shutters shall operate at a speed not to exceed 30 ft/min (0.15 m/s) and shall be equipped with a sensitive leading edge. The leading edge shall arrest the progress of a moving shutter and cause it to retract a distance of approximately 6 in. (15.2 cm) upon the application of a force not exceeding 20 lbf (90 N) applied to the surface of the leading edge. The shutter, following this retraction, shall continue to close. The operating mechanism for the rolling shutter shall be provided with standby power complying with the provisions of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. 8.12.5.4 Where there are three or fewer elevator cars in a building, they shall be permitted to be located within the same hoistway enclosure. Where there are four elevator cars, they shall be divided in such a manner that not less than two separate hoistway enclosures are provided. Where there are more than four elevator cars, the number

of elevator cars located within a single hoistway enclosure shall not exceed four. 8.13 Mezzanine. 8.13.1 General. A mezzanine shall not be included as a story for the purpose of determining the allowable number of stories in a building. Exception: Multilevel residential housing areas in detention and correctional occupancies in accordance with Chapters 20 shall be exempt from the provisions of 8.14.2 and 8.14.3. 8.13.2 Area Limitations. 8.13.2.1 The aggregate area of mezzanines within a room, other than those located in special purpose industrial occupancies, shall not exceed one-third the open area of the room in which the mezzanines are located. Enclosed space shall not be included in a determination of the size of the room in which the mezzanine is located. 8.13.2.2 There shall be no limit on the number of mezzanines in a room. 8.13.2.3 For purposes of determining the allowable mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanines shall not be included in the area of the room. 8.13.3 Openness. All portions of a mezzanine, other than walls not more than 42 in. (107 cm) high, columns, and posts, shall be open to and unobstructed from the room in which the mezzanine is located, unless the occupant load of the aggregate area of the enclosed space does not exceed 10. Exception: A mezzanine having two or more means of egress shall not be required to open into the room in which it is located if not less than one of the means of egress provides direct access from the enclosed area to an exit at the mezzanine level. 8.14 Concealed Spaces. 8.14.1 Draft Stops. 8.14.1.1 Any concealed combustible space in which building materials having a flame spread index greater than Class A are exposed shall be draft stopped as follows: (1) Every unoccupied attic space shall be subdivided by draft stops into areas not to exceed 3000 ft2 (280 m2). (2) Any concealed space between the ceiling and the floor or roof above shall be draft stopped for the full depth of the space along the line of support for the floor or roof structural members and, if necessary, at other locations to form areas not to exceed 1000 ft2 (93 m2) for any space between the ceiling and floor and 3000 ft2 (280 m2) for any space between the ceiling and roof. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where the space is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3 (101: 9.7). Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to concealed spaces serving as plenums. (See NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.) 8.14.1.2 Draft stopping materials shall be not less than 1/2-in. gypsum board, 15/32-in. plywood or other approved materials adequately supported. 8.14.1.3 The integrity of all draft stops shall be maintained. 8.14.2 Fireblocks 8.14.2.1 Concealed spaces constructed of combustible materials, shall be fire blocked as follows: (a) In exterior and interior stud walls, at ceilings and floor levels. (b) In combustible stud walls and partitions including furred spaces, placed so that the maximum dimension of a concealed space is 8 feet. (c) At all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings, cove ceiling, etc. (d) In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run (e) At openings around vents, pipes, ducts, at ceiling and floor levels (f) In the spaces between chimneys and wood framing, such spaces shall be solidly filled with approved materials. 8.14.2.2 Fireblocks, when of wood, shall be not less than 2 inches thick and shall effectively fill all spaces for the entire width of depth


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of the framing or structural member. Fireblocking shall be securely and tightly fitted into place. 8.14.2.3 Fireblocks shall consist of 2 inch nominal lumber, or two thicknesses of 1 inch nominal lumber with broken lap joints, or one thickness of 23/32 inch plywood with joints backed by 23/32 inch plywood, or other approved materials. which are capable of resisting the free passage of fire and smoke within the concealed space. 8.14.3 Combustibles in Concealed Spaces 8.14.3.1 Combustible materials shall not be allowed within the concealed spaces of buildings classified as Type I or II construction and within walls required to be constructed of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials by Section 7.2.3. Exception No. 1: Combustible materials allowed in accordance with Sections 7.2.3.5 and 7.2.3.7. Exception No. 2: Combustible materials have a Class A rating as specified in Chapter 10. Exception No. 3: Combustible materials complying with Section 602.2 of the mechanical code. Exception No. 4: Combustible piping installed in accordance with the mechanical code and the plumbing code. Exception No. 5: Combustible materials allowed within exterior walls in accordance with 7.2.3.5. 8.15 Special Hazard Protection. 8.15.1 General. 8.15.1.1* Protection from any area having a degree of hazard greater than that normal to the general occupancy of the building or structure shall be provided by one of the following means: (1) Enclose the area with a fire barrier without windows that has a 1-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with Section 8.3. (2) Protect the area with automatic extinguishing systems in accordance with Section 10.3. (3) Apply both 8.15.1.1(1) and (2) where the hazard is severe or where otherwise specified by Chapters 15 through 29. 8.15.1.2 Where protection is provided with automatic extinguishing systems without fire-resistive separation, the space protected shall be enclosed with smoke partitions in accordance with 8.4. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply to mercantile occupancy general storage areas and stockrooms protected by automatic sprinklers in accordance with Section 10.3. Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to hazardous areas in industrial occupancies protected by automatic extinguishing systems in accordance with 28.3.2. 8.15.1.3 Doors in barriers required to have a fire resistance rating shall have a 3/4-hour fire protection rating and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8. 8.15.4 Laboratories. Laboratories that use chemicals shall comply with NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, unless otherwise modified by other provisions of this Code. Exception: Laboratories in health care occupancies and medical and dental offices shall comply with NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. 8.15.5* Hyperbaric Facilities. All occupancies containing hyperbaric facilities shall comply with NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities, Chapter 19, unless otherwise modified by other provisions of this Code. Annex A material A.8.12.1.2 Exception No. 2 One method of determining the fire resistance rating of expansion and seismic joints is by testing in accordance with UL 2079, Test for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems. A.8.12.1.4 The application of the 2-hour rule in buildings not divided into stories is permitted to be based on the number of levels of platforms or walkways served by the stairs. A.8.12.2 (7) Given that a mezzanine meeting the maximum one-third area criterion of 8.13 is not considered a story, it is permitted, therefore, to have 100 percent of its exit access within the communicating area run back through the story below. A.8.12.3 Where atriums are used, there is an added degree of safety to occupants because of the large volume of space into which smoke

can be dissipated. However, there is a need to ensure that dangerous concentrations of smoke are promptly removed from the atrium, and the exhaust system needs careful design. For information about systems that can be used to provide smoke protection in these spaces, see the following: (1) NFPA 92B, Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas (2) Design of Smoke Management Systems A.8.13.3 Exception. 2 The intent of the requirement for closely spaced sprinklers is to wet the atrium glass wall is to ensure that the surface of the glass is wet upon operation of the sprinklers, with a maximum spacing of sprinklers of 6 ft (1.8 m) on centers. Provided that it can be shown that the glass can be wet by the sprinklers using a given discharge rate and that the 6-ft (1.8-m) spacing is not exceeded, the intent of the requirement is met. It is important that the entire glass area surface is wet. Due consideration should be given to the height of the glass panels and any horizontal members that may interfere with sprinkler wetting action. A.8.13.3 (5) See NFPA 92B, Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas. The engineering analysis should include the following elements: (1) Fire dynamics, including fire size and location, materials likely to be burning, fire plume geometry, fire plume or smoke layer impact on means of egress, and tenability conditions during the period of occupant egress (2) Response and performance of building systems, including passive barriers, automatic detection and extinguishing, and smoke control (3) Response time required for building occupants to reach building exits, including any time required to exit through the atrium as permitted by 8.12.3 (2) A.8.12.3 (6) Activation of the ventilation system by manual fire alarms, extinguishing systems, and detection systems can cause unwanted operation of the system, and it is suggested that consideration be given to zoning of the activation functions so the ventilation system operates only when actually needed. A.8.12.4.2 (4) This requirement prohibits means of egress down or up the convenience opening. It does not prohibit means of escape from running down or up the convenience opening within residential dwelling units. A.12.5.2 Exception No. 1 The intent of the exception is to place a limitation on the size of the opening to which the protection applies. The total floor opening should not exceed twice the projected area of the escalator or moving walk at the floor. Also, the arrangement of the opening is not intended to circumvent the requirements of 8.12.3. As with any opening through a floor, the openings around the outer perimeter of the escalators should be considered as vertical openings. The sprinkler draftstop installation is intended to provide adequate protection for these openings, provided that the criteria of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, as well as the area criteria described in the preceding paragraph, are met. A.8.14.1.1 Areas requiring special hazard protection include, but are not limited to, areas such as those used for storage of combustibles or flammables, areas housing heat-producing appliances, or areas used for maintenance purposes. A.8.15.1.1 Areas requiring special hazard protection include, but are not limited to, areas such as those used for storage of combustibles or flammables, areas housing heat-producing appliances, or areas used for maintenance purposes. A.8.15.5 While the scope of NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities, is limited to health care occupancies, it is the intent that this requirement be applied to hyperbaric facilities used in all occupancies. SUBSTANTIATION: The following sections pertains to vertical openings, concealed spaces and special hazard protection and it is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. The revisions reflect current practices that are currently being applied to buildings for vertical openings, concealed spaces and special hazard protection.


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This proposal has incorporated the public proposes into the referenced text when it is appropriate. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HOLMES: 8.12.1.3 Exception No 2 allows for a single fire damper either at the highest or lowest floor level rather than at each floor. This is a significant reduction in the level of fire separation. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: KOFFEL: 1. The references to other sections in the Exception to 8.12.1.1 need to be corrected. 2. The references to other sections in Exception No. 1 to 8.12.1.2 need to be corrected. 3. Section 8.14.3 should not be located in Chapter 8. Chapter 7 already addresses the issue as a function of the type of construction. What is shown in 8.14.3 is not consistent with the provisions in Chapter 7.

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Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 538 - (8-16): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section for 8.16 as follows: 8.16 Insulating Materials. 8.16.1 Flame Spread. Insulating materials, including vapor barriers, breather papers, facings and similar coverings and every layer of multilayer reflective foil insulations, shall comply with the requirements of this section. Where a flame spread index or a smoke developed index is specified in this section, such rating shall be determined in accordance with the NFPA 255. Any material which is subject to an increase in flame spread rating or smoke developed rating beyond the limits herein established through the effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric conditions, shall not be permitted. Exception No. 1. Foam plastic insulation shall comply with Chapter 47. Exception No 2. Duct insulation and coverings and insulation in plenums shall comply with the NFPA 90A. 8.16.2 Concealed Insulation. 8.16.2.1 Insulating materials, when concealed as installed in buildings of any type construction, shall have a flame spread index of not more than 75 and a smoke developed index of not more than 450. Exception: Cellulose loose-fill insulation that is not spray applied. Complying with the requirements of Section 8.16.6 shall only be required to meet the smoke-developed index of not more than 450. 8.16.2.2 When such materials are installed in concealed spaces in buildings of Type III, IV, or V construction, the flame spread and smoke developed limitations shall not apply to facings, coverings, and layers of reflective foil insulation, provided that the facing is installed behind and in substantial contact with the unexposed surface of the ceiling, wall or floor finish. 8.16.3 Exposed Insulation. 8.16.3.1 Insulating materials, when exposed as installed in buildings of any type construction, shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke developed index of not more than 450. Exception: Cellulose loose-fill insulation that is not spray applied, complying with the requirements of Section 8.16.6 shall only be required to meet the smoke-developed index of not more than 450. 8.16.3.2 Attic Floors. Exposed insulation materials installed on attic floors shall have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.12 watt per square centimeter when tested in accordance with ASTM E970. 8.16.4 Roof Insulation. The use of combustible roof insulation shall be permitted in any type construction provided it is covered with approved roof coverings directly applied thereto. (See Chapter 36.) 8.16.5 Loose-Fill Insulation. Loose-fill insulation materials which cannot be mounted in the NFPA 255 apparatus without a screen or

artificial supports shall comply with the flame spread and smoke developed limits of Sections 8.16.2.1 and 8.16.3 when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2. Exception: Cellulose loose-fill insulation shall not be required to comply with this test method, provided such insulation complies with the requirements of Section 8.18.6. 8.16.6 Cellulose Loose-Fill Insulation. Cellulose loose-fill insulation shall comply with CPSC 16 CFR, 1209 and CPSC 16 CFR, 1404. Each package of such insulating material shall be clearly labeled in accordance with CPSC 16 CFR, 1209 and CPSC 16 CFR, 1404. 8.16.7 Insulation and Covering on Pipe and Tubing. Insulation and covering on pipe and tubing shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450. SUBSTANTIATION: This text represents the material from Proposal 5000-1237 (Log #747) which was forwarded from the Technical Committee on Building Systems. It was agreed that this material should be included in Chapter 8. The revisions to this proposal was to delete the reference in proposed 34.1.2 to ASHRAE 90.1 because this is not appropriate to be addressed within this chapter and is addressed in another related chapter on energy. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 539 - (8-17): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features RECOMMENDATION: Revise 8.17 as follows: 8.17 Rubbish Chutes and Laundry Chutes. 8.17.1 Rubbish chutes and laundry chutes shall be separately enclosed by walls or partitions in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.3. 8.17.2 Inlet openings serving chutes shall be protected in accordance with Section 8.3. 8.17.3 Doors of such chutes shall open only to a room that is designed and used exclusively for accessing the chute opening except as modified by 8.17.4. 8.17.4 Rubbish chutes and laundry chutes shall be permitted to open into rooms not exceeding 400 ft2 (37 m2) in area used for storage, provided that the room is protected by automatic sprinklers. SUBSTANTIATION: The following section pertains to rubbish chutes and it is being presented as an individual committee proposal to facilitate review and discussion for the proposed revisions. The revisions reflect current practices that are currently being applied to buildings for vertical openings, concealed spaces and special hazard protection. This proposal has incorporated the public proposes into the referenced text when it is appropriate. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 540 - (9-1.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise the last sentence to read: “Openings shall be protected as appropriate for the fire resistance rating of the barrier in accordance with 8.2 and 8.3 and resist the passage of smoke in accordance with 8.4.” SUBSTANTIATION: The paragraph with exceptions does not clearly require fire and smoke separation under the previous chapter requirements. Adding the references up front in 9.1.2 establishes the base requirements.


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COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise as follows: 8.12.1.2 Openings through floors, such as stairways, hoistways for elevators, dumbwaiters, and inclined and vertical conveyors; shaftways used for light, ventilation, or building services shall be protected with fire barrier walls. Such fire barriers shall be continuous from floor to floor or floor to roof. Openings shall be protected as appropriate for the fire resistance rating of the barrier. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Committee Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606) for related committee action on 8.13.1.2. The deleting of the specific references were done for clarification. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

___________________ (Log #1124)

Committee: SAF-FIR 5000- 541 - (9-1.3): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: As to the end of the Section 9.1.3 to read as follows: “Or the space shall be protected by a fire sprinkler system.” SUBSTANTIATION: The International Building Code and other model codes require the termination room to be sprinklered as a condition for allowing the bottom of the shaft to be open. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed text is not related to the application of this paragraph. This paragraph relates to the ratings of a shaft and not to termination rooms. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 542 - (9-1.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 9.1.4 as follows: 9.1.4* The fire resistance rating for the enclosure of floor openings shall be not less than as follows (see 12.1.3.2 for enclosure of exits): (1) Enclosures connecting four stories or more shall be in new construction // 2 hour fire barriers (2) Other eEnclosures connecting three stories or less shall be in new construction //1-hour fire barriers, but not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours (3) Enclosures for exists shall be in accordance with 12.1.3.2 and a As specified in Chapter 22 for lodging and rooming houses, in Chapter 23 for hotels and dormitories, and in Chapter 24 for apartment buildings. SUBSTANTIATION: Building codes, including the EPCOT Code have traditionally required that shafts enclosing vertical openings have a fire resistance rating equal to the required rating of the floor, but no exceeding 2 hours. Other changes are editorial. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise as follows: 8.13.1.4* The fire resistance rating for the enclosure of floor openings shall be not less than as follows: (1) Enclosures connecting four stories or more shall be 2 hour fire barriers (2) Enclosures connecting three stories or less shall be1-hour fire barriers, but not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours (3) As specified in Chapter 22 for lodging and rooming houses, in Chapter 23 for hotels and dormitories, and in Chapter 24 for apartment buildings. (4) Enclosures for exits shall be in accordance with 12.1.3.2.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal was accepted and a new item 4 was created from the first part of item 3. This was done for clarity. Complete action can be found in the Committee Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: FRANCIS: While I agree with the committee’s action, I am not comfortable portraying it as Accept in Principle. I do not believe what we did was the principle espoused by the proponent. The text prepared by the committee would have been better described as Accept in Part. HOLMES: The Committee accepted in principle proposed modifications to 9-1.4 for fire resistance rating of shafts penetrating multiple floors. However, actions in CP-606 changed this action and allowed exceptions for shafts that do not extend to the top or bottom of the building. See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606). KOFFEL: The wording in Item 2 of 8.13.1.4 needs to be revised. The multiple “but” statements do not result in a provision that is easily read and understood.

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5000- 543 - (9-1.5 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Donald W. Belles, Koffel Assoc., Inc./Rep. Bilco Company RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 9.1.5 as follows: 9.1.5 Floor Fire Doors: Floor fire door assemblies, used to protect openings in fire rated floors, shall be tested in the horizontal position in accordance with NFPA 288, Standard Method for Fire Tests of Floor Door Assemblies, and shall achieve a fire resistance rating not less than the assembly being penetrated. Floor fire doors shall bear an approved label. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed revision adds a new section to NFPA 5000 to regulate floor fire doors protecting openings in fire rated floors. Floor fire doors are not explicitly regulated by NFPA 5000. In the absence of specific provisions, questions arise when an opening is created through a fire rated floor to provide access to an adjacent story. Should the opening be protected by a fire door in accordance with Section 8.7.5 or should Sections 9.1 and 8.1 be followed? The provisions of Section 8.7.5 would seem to be inappropriate since the fire door is to installed horizontally in a floor system that is required to resist heat transfer. Section 8.7.5 mandates (via reference to NFPA 252 and NFPA 80) that fire doors be tested in a vertical orientation, and there is no limit on temperature rise for the unexposed surface of the doors except for stair enclosures. Section 8.4.2.6 details protection methods for a variety of types of penetrations in fire rated floor assemblies and mandates that the fire performance of floor penetrations be determined in accordance with NFPA 251 (ASTM E119). However, none of existing sections specifically addresses the use of fire doors for the protection of openings in floors. The NFPA Fire Test Committee is currently developing a new floor fire door test standard - NFPA 288. NFPA 288 is scheduled for confirmation by the membership during the Annual Meeting 2001. Evaluation of floor fire doors in accordance with NFPA 288 would be consistent with requirements found in reference standard NFPA 80, Section 11.2.1.1 Further, the NFPA 5000 Section 8.4.2.6.2 requires wire, cable, cable trays, and the like penetrating floors to be tested in accordance with NFPA 251 or as a through penetration system in accordance with ASTM E814. Through penetration systems must resist flame and heat transfer. To be consistent with the existing provisions of the NFPA 5000, floor fire doors should be required to


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resist the passage of both flame and heat as determined in accordance with NFPA 288. Floor fire doors have recently been listed by two laboratories. These fire doors are to protect through-penetrations in fire rated floors. Floor fire doors are being listed to two different criteria. In one case the door is designed to limit heat transfer to the non-fire side of the assembly, whereas in the second case the floor fire door does not limit heat transfer. Floor fire doors should be tested to the same criteria as the floor. NFPA 251 specifies the details for testing fire rated floors. According to NFPA 251, floors must remain in place supporting an applied load, preventing the spread of flames and must resist heat transfer sufficient to raise the temperature on the unexposed surface more than 250oF above ambient. In summary, floor fire doors should be evaluated against the same performance as that required for the floor. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise as follows: 8.7.7 Floor fire door assemblies, used to protect openings in fire rated floors, shall be tested in the horizontal position in accordance with NFPA 288, Standard Method for Fire Tests of Floor Door Assemblies, and shall achieve a fire resistance rating not less than the assembly being penetrated. Floor fire door assemblies shall be listed and label. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal was accepted with the minor revision for clarification on listing and labeling of the assembly. Complete committee action can be found in Committee Proposal 5000-430 (Log #608). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 544 - (9-2): Accept SUBMITTER: Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 9.2, item 4 as follows: (4) The communicating space is separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, but not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor penetrated, but need not exceed 2-hours. SUBSTANTIATION: Building codes, including the EPCOT Code have traditionally required that shafts, or shaft-like enclosures of vertical openings have a fire resistance rating equal to the required rating of the floor, but no exceeding 2 hours. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606) address this action in 8.12.2 (4). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 4 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BENDER: My reason for changing my vote is that I concur with the negative explanation given by Koffel on this item. KOFFEL: This change is a substantial change without any technical substantiation. The section being revised is not a shaft; but rather, a communicating space connecting up to 3 stories. By requiring separation of adjacent spaces by 2-hour fire barriers, glazing will not be permitted in the fire barriers. KLEIN: Change my vote to negative based on Mr. Koffel’s comment. McCORMICK: Please change my vote to “Negative”. The communicating space provided in the Code is limited to low rise portions of buildings. As a 3-story space, a 1-hour enclosure is adequate, as is allowed for 3-story stairs.

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5000- 545 - (9-3): Reject SUBMITTER: Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel and Andress/Rep. Wired Glass Industry RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 9.3 adding a new exception to Para. (1) as follows: 9.3* Atrium. Unless prohibited by Chapters 15 through 29, an atrium shall be permitted, provided that the following conditions are met: (1) Atriums are separated from the adjacent spaces by fire barriers with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating with opening protectives for corridor walls. Exception No. 1: No Change. Exception No. 2*: No Change. Exception No. 3: A glass wall, tested under positive pressure in accordance with NFPA 257 and having a minimum 20-minute fire protection rating, shall be permitted. Such glass walls shall be permitted to use lites up to the maximum size successfully tested and are not limited as to aggregate area. SUBSTANTIATION: Atrium separation walls of ordinary glass require complex designs involving gasketed frames and specially designed sprinkler systems. Additionally, one has to be concerned about obstructions to the sprinkler flow via curtains or glass wall framing members. This code change suggests the use of a wall constructed of 20-minute fire protection rated glazing tested in accordance with NFPA 257, including hose stream. The use of a conventional fire tested glazing system may provide more reliable separation of the atrium. Such a wall will remain in place for the time required for conventional automatic sprinklers to operate and is expected to remain in place under thermal shock. There would be no need for special sprinklers for such an installation. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed text is viewed as an equilavent installation application. The code permits the installation of products or systems that have been demonstrated through technical documentation that equilavency has been achieved. This determination would be made by the appropriate authority having jurisdiction. The substaintiation notes that the tested glazing system "may" provide a more reliable seperation of the atrium than existing installations with automatic sprinklers. The proponent is encouraged to provide technical documentation during the comment period for the technical committee to review and possibly act on. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 27 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker

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5000- 546 - (9-3): Accept SUBMITTER: Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 9.3, item 4 as follows: (4) The entire building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3 Exception No. 1: The portion of the building separated from the atrium with fire barrier walls and/or floors having a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours need not be sprinklered. SUBSTANTIATION: By providing 2-hour barrier walls and/or floors, the atrium is separated from the remainder of the building just as any other series of vertical openings would be separated. Therefore, automatic sprinklers are not necessary in the area outside the atrium. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606) address this action in 8.12.2 (3). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28


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VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 5 NOT RETURNED: 1 Barker EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BENDER: My reason for changing my vote is that I concur with the negative explanation given by Koffel on this item. KAPALCZYNSKI: The Committee Proposal 5000-537 (Log #CP606) addresses this action in 8.12.2(3). However, the wording of the proposal to Section 9.3 is directed towards atria and modifies 8.12.3(4). While the proposal is conceptually consistent with 8.12.1.4(1), it is effectively limited in application by the Height and Area Requirements (Table 7.3) and by the automatic sprinkler system requirements of the few occupancy chapters where the exception could have been permitted. The proposal contradicts the parallel requirement for atria; and the requirements for automatic sprinklers by height and occupancy, in the Life Safety Code. KLEIN: Change my vote to negative based on Mr. Kapalczynski’s and Mr. Koffel’s comments. KOFFEL: A basic premise of atria since they have been introduced into the Life Safety Code and other model building codes is that the entire building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system. Acceptance of this requirement will permit a 2-hour fire barrier to substitute for automatic sprinkler protection throughout the building. McCORMICK: Please change my vote to “Negative”. I agree that the 2-hour fire rated wall should not be substituted for an automatic sprinkler system. Buildings having an atrium should be sprinklered throughout.

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5000- 547 - (9-5.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 9.5.4 “In buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, the fire protection rating of walls enclosing vertical openings shall be allowed to be reduced to 1-hour. Protective openings shall limit the passage of smoke in accordance with NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Doors and NFPA 90A.” SUBSTANTIATION: This new document has provisions that for the first time establish smoke doors in a standard that can be directly referenced. While sprinklers limit smoke and heat production, they do not stop the spread of smoke in multi-story buildings as evidenced by NFPA studies of smoke movement in mid and high rise buildings from the floor or origin. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Section 9.5 pertains to the requirements associated with service openings. This proposal addresses the reduction of fire ratings for vertical shafts and the requirement of protection of the openings to be designed to limit the spread of smoke. In the proposed draft this provision is addressed in 8.12. There are current reductions permitted dependent on the type of occupancy as noted in item (3). It is the perrogative of the occupancy chapters to determine if there should be a reduction of the fire rating as required. The requirement for limiting the spread of smoke is also not addressed in this section. It is the understanding of this technical committee that NFPA 105 is not currently available as a standard. Further review of aplication is needed to determine if this application is for only service openings or if it is to be applied to all vertical openings. Documentation has not been provided to substantiate the need to require this particular requirement for all installations.


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(Log #18) Committee: SAF-FUR

5000- 548 - (Chapter 10): Reject SUBMITTER: John C. Harrington, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Chapter 10 essentially includes text directly lifted out of NFPA 101. However, the section on Contents and Furnishings was not included in this chapter of NFPA 5000, nor is it covered anywhere else in NFPA 5000. It needs to be added to Chapter 10. SUBSTANTIATION: Guidance on the subject of Contents and Furnishings is not provided and is needed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The regulating of the contents and furnishings is not within the purview of the building code. The fire code and/or the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code would be the appropriate documents that establish the minimum requirements associated with the regulations governing contents and furnishings. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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(Log #CP701) Committee: SAF-FUR

5000- 549 - (Chapter 10): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents RECOMMENDATION: Revise Chapter 10 as follows:

Chapter 10 - INTERIOR FINISH 10.1 General. 10.1.1 Classification of interior finish materials shall be in accordance with tests made under conditions simulating actual installations, provided that the authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to establish the classification of any material on which a rating by standard test is not available, unless otherwise provided in 10.1.2. Exception: 10.1.2 Materials applied, in total thickness of less than 90 mm (1/28 in.), directly to the surface of walls and ceilings shall be exempt from tests simulating actual installation if they meet the requirements of Class A interior wall or ceiling finish when tested in accordance with 10.3.1 using inorganic reinforced cement board as the substrate material. 10.2* Use of Interior Finishes. 10.2.1 Requirements for interior wall and ceiling finish shall apply as follows: (1) Where specified elsewhere in this Code for specific occupancies (See Chapter 12 and Chapters 15 through 29) (2) As specified in 10.4 10.2.2* Requirements for interior floor finish shall apply only under either or both of the following conditions:

(1) Where floor finish requirements are specified elsewhere in this Code for specific occupancies

(2) Where there is a floor finish of unusual hazard 10.3 Interior Wall or Ceiling Finish Testing and Classification. 10.3.1* Interior wall or ceiling finish that is required elsewhere in this Code to be Class A, Class B, or Class C, shall be classified based on test results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Exception No. 1: Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification.


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Exception No. 2: Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification. 10.3.2* Products required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke development.

(a) Class A Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 0-25; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at 25 or less on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Any element thereof, when so tested, shall not continue to propagate fire.

(b) Class B Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 26-75; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 25 but not more than 75 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale.

(c) Class C Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 76-200; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 75 but not more than 200 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Exception: Existing interior finish shall be exempt from the smoke development criteria. 10.3.3 The classification of interior finish specified in 10.3.2 shall be that of the basic material used by itself or in combination with other materials. 10.3.4 Wherever the use of Class C interior wall and ceiling finish is required, Class A or Class B shall be permitted. Where Class B interior wall and ceiling finish is required, Class A shall be permitted. 10.3.5 Products tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, shall comply with the criteria of 10.3.5.1 or 10.3.5.2. Products tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, shall comply with the criteria of 10.3.5.3. 10.3.5.1* The following criteria shall be met when using method A of the NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, test protocol:

(1) Flame shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40-kW exposure.

(2) During the 150-kW exposure, the following criteria shall be met:

a. Flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on the 8 ft × 12 ft (2.4 m × 3.7 m) wall.

b. The specimen shall not burn to the outer extremity of the 2-ft (0.6-m) wide samples mounted vertically in the corner of the room.

c. Burning droplets that are judged to be capable of igniting the textile wall covering or that persist in burning for 30 seconds or more shall not be formed and dropped to the floor.

d. Flashover shall not occur. e. The maximum instantaneous net peak rate of heat

release shall not exceed 300 kW. 10.3.5.2* The following conditions shall be met when using method B of the NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, test protocol:

(1) Flame shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40-kW exposure.


a. Flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the sample on the 8 ft × 12 ft (2.4 m × 3.7 m) wall.

b. Flashover shall not occur.

10.3.5.3 The following conditions shall be met when using NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, test protocol:

(1) Flames shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40-kW exposure.


a. Flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the sample on the 8 ft × 12 ft (2.4 m × 3.7 m) wall.

b. Flashover shall not occur. (3) For new installations, the total smoke released

throughout the test shall not exceed 1000 m2. 10.4 Specific Materials. 10.4.1 Textile Wall and Textile Ceiling Materials. The use of textile materials on walls or ceilings shall be limited as specified in 10.4.1.1 through 10.4.1.4. 10.4.1.1 Textile materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. 10.4.1.2 Textile materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on partitions that do not exceed 3/4 of the floor-to-ceiling height or do not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m) in height, whichever is less. 10.4.1.3 Textile materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted to extend not more than 4 ft (1.2 m) above the finished floor on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions. 10.4.1.4* Textile materials shall be permitted on walls and partitions where tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings. (See 10.3.5.) 10.4.2* Expanded Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Coverings. Expanded vinyl wall or ceiling coverings shall comply with one of the following conditions:

(1) Materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. (2) Materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on partitions that do not exceed 3/4 of the floor-to-ceiling height or do not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m) in height, whichever is less.

(3) Materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted up to 4 ft (1.2 m) above the finished floor on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions.

(4) Materials shall be permitted on walls and partitions where tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings. (See 10.3.5.)

(5) Materials shall be permitted on walls, partitions, and ceilings where tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth. (See 10.3.5.) 10.4.3 Cellular or Foamed Plastic. Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall not be used as interior wall and ceiling finish. Exception No. 1: Cellular or foamed plastic material shall be permitted on the basis of fire tests that substantiate their combustibility characteristics for the use intended under actual fire conditions. Exception No. 2: Cellular or foamed plastic shall be permitted for trim not in excess of 10 percent of the wall or ceiling area, provided that it is not less than 20 lb/ft3 (320 kg/m3) in density, is limited to 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) in thickness and 4 in. (10.2 cm) in width, and complies with the requirements for Class A or Class B interior wall and ceiling finish as described in 10.3.2; however, the smoke rating shall not be limited. 10.4.4* Light-Transmitting Plastics. Light-transmitting plastics shall be permitted to be used as interior wall and ceiling finish if approved by the authority having jurisdiction. 10.4.5 Surface Nonmetallic Raceways. Where surface nonmetallic raceway products, as permitted by NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, are regulated as interior


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finish, they shall comply with the requirements for Class A interior wall and ceiling finish as described in 10.3.2 and tested in the form in which they are used. The smoke rating shall not be limited when the raceway is less than 10 percent of the wall or ceiling area. 10.5 Trim and Incidental Finish. Interior wall and ceiling finish not in excess of 10 percent of the aggregate wall and ceiling areas of any room or space shall be permitted to be Class C materials in occupancies where interior wall and ceiling finish of Class A or Class B is required. 10.6* Fire-Retardant Coatings. 10.6.1 The required flame spread or smoke development classification of existing surfaces of walls, partitions, columns, and ceilings shall be permitted to be secured by applying approved fire-retardant coatings to surfaces having higher flame spread ratings than permitted. Such treatments shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant Impregnated Wood and Fire Retardant Coatings for Building Materials. 10.6.2 Fire-retardant coatings shall possess the desired degree of permanency and shall be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under the service conditions encountered in actual use. 10.7 Interior Floor Finish Testing and Classification. 10.7.1* Interior floor finishes shall be classified in accordance with 10.7.2 based on test results from NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source. 10.7.2 Interior floor finishes shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with the critical radiant flux ratings.

(a) Class I Interior Floor Finish. Critical radiant flux not less than 0.45 W/cm2 as determined by the test described in 10.7.1.

(b) Class II Interior Floor Finish. Critical radiant flux not less than 0.22 W/cm2 but less than 0.45 W/cm2 as determined by the test described in 10.7.1. 10.7.3 Wherever the use of Class II interior floor finish is required, Class I interior floor finish shall be permitted. 10.8 Automatic Sprinklers. 10.8.1 Unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Code, where an approved automatic sprinkler system is in accordance with Section 11.3, Class C interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be permitted in any location where Class B is required, and Class B interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be permitted in any location where Class A is required. 10.8.2 Unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Code, where an approved automatic sprinkler system is in accordance with Section 11.3, Class II interior floor finish shall be permitted in any location where Class I interior floor finish is required, and where Class II is required, no critical radiant flux rating shall be required. Annex material A.10 The requirements pertaining to interior finish are intended to restrict the spread of fire over the continuous surface forming the interior portions of a building. A.10.2 Table A.10.2 provides a compilation of the interior finish requirements of. the occupancy chapters (Chapter 12 and Chapters 15 through 29) of this Code. Table A.10.2 Interior Finish Classification Limitations (develop table based on format used in NFPA 101 and the related requirements as found in NFPA 5000) A.10.2.2 This paragraph recognizes that traditional finish floors and floor coverings such as wood flooring and resilient floor coverings have not proved to present an unusual hazard. A.10.3.1 See A.10.4.1.5. A.10.3.2 It has been shown that the method of mounting interior finish materials may affect actual performance. Where materials are tested in intimate contact with a substrate to determine a classification, such materials should be installed in intimate contact with a similar substrate. Such details are especially important for “thermally thin” materials. For further

information, see NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Some interior wall and ceiling finish materials, such as fabrics not applied to a solid backing, do not lend themselves to a test made in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. In those cases, if it is not treated as interior finish, the appropriate test outlined in NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, should be considered. Prior to 1978, the test report described by NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, included an evaluation of the fuel contribution as well as the flame spread rating and the smoke development value. However, it is now recognized that the measurement on which the fuel contribution is based does not provide a valid measure. Therefore, although the data are recorded during the test, the information is no longer normally reported. Classification of interior wall and ceiling finish thus relies only on flame spread index and smoke development value. The 450 smoke development value limit is based solely on obscuration. (See A.10.4.1.5.) A.10.3.5.1 The methodology specified in NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, includes provisions for measuring smoke obscuration. Such measurement is considered desirable but the basis for specific recommended values is not currently available. (See A.10.4.1.5.) A.10.3.5.2 See A.10.3.5.1 and A.10.4.1.5. A.10.4.1.5 Previous editions of the Code have regulated textile materials on walls and ceilings using NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Full-scale room/corner fire test research has shown that flame spread indices produced by NFPA 255 might not reliably predict all aspects of the fire behavior of textile wall and ceiling coverings. Testing by NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, uses a reasonably sized ignition source to show that the material will not spread fire to involve objects remote from the area of origin and that the textile product will not generate sufficient energy to cause the room of origin to reach flashover. Acceptance of textile wall covering materials should be contingent on qualification tests in which a specific textile/adhesive pair has been evaluated. Although NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, was developed for assessing the performance of textile wall coverings, the method can be, and has been, used to evaluate other types of wall finish. As long as a wall finish is tested using a mounting system, substrate, and adhesive (if appropriate) that are representative of actual use, NFPA 265 provides an evaluation of a product’s flammability and smoke obscuration behavior. Moreover, NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, has now been developed to evaluate other interior finish materials. Manufacturers, installers, and specifiers should be encouraged to use NFPA 265 or NFPA 286, as appropriate, — but not both — because each of these standard fire tests has the ability to characterize actual product behavior, as opposed to data generated by tests using NFPA 255, which only allows comparisons of one product’s performance with another. If a manufacturer or installer chooses to test a wall finish in accordance with NFPA 265 or NFPA 286, as appropriate, additional testing in accordance with NFPA 255 is not necessary. The initial edition of NFPA 265 did not contain smoke obscuration measurements, and previous editions of the Code have not included smoke obscuration requirements based on


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NFPA 265 tests. The 1998 edition of NFPA 265 does include smoke obscuration measurements. The test results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, are suitable for classification purposes but should not be used as input into fire models, because they are not generated in units suitable for engineering calculations. Actual test results, for heat, smoke, and combustion product release from NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, might be suitable for use as input into fire models for performance-based design. A.10.4.2 Expanded vinyl wall covering consists of a woven textile backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer, and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent. During processing, the blowing agent decomposes, which causes this layer to expand by forming closed cells. The total thickness of the wall covering is approximately 0.055 in. to 0.070 in. (0.14 cm to 0.18 cm). A.10.4.4 Light-transmitting plastics are used for a variety of purposes, including light diffusers, exterior wall panels, skylights, canopies, glazing, and the like. Previous editions of the Code have not addressed the use of light-transmitting plastics. Light-transmitting plastics will not normally be used in applications representative of interior finishes. Accordingly, NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, can produce test results that might or might not apply. A.10.7.1 The flooring radiant panel provides a measure of a floor covering’s tendency to spread flames where located in a corridor and exposed to the flame and hot gases from a room fire. The flooring radiant panel test method is to be used as a basis for estimating the fire performance of a floor covering installed in the building corridor. Floor coverings in open building spaces and in rooms within buildings merit no further regulation, provided that it can be shown that the floor covering is at least as resistant to spread of flame as a material that meets the U.S. federal flammability standard 16 CFR 1630, Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (FF 1-70). All carpeting sold in the U.S. since 1971 is required to meet this standard and, therefore, is not likely to become involved in a fire until a room reaches or approaches flashover. Therefore, no further regulations are necessary for carpet other than carpet in exitways and corridors. It has not been found necessary or practical to regulate interior floor finishes on the basis of smoke development. SUBSTANTIATION: The Technical Committee generated this committee proposal in response to the TCC directive to develop a proposal addressing the particular chapter of responsibility for the technical committees. In recognition that this committee proposal is a draft of the original chapter for the NFPA 5000 the technical committee has taken the following action. The committee proposal used the original text as shown in the draft dated 7/28/2000. There are revisions shown in the text which are editorial in nature. The purpose of this is that if any provised revision to a particular section should not sustain sufficient support that there will be text available to have further discussions on. The sections with related proposals are: 10.2.2 see Proposal 5000-551 (Log #26) 10.3.1 see Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44) 10.3.2 see Proposal 5000-555 (Log #45) 10.4.3 see Committee Proposal 5000-558 (Log #CP705) 10.4.4 see Committee Proposal 5000-561 (Log #CP706) 10.4.5 see Committee Proposal 5000-562 (Log #CP704) 10.6 see Committee Proposal 5000-564 (Log #CP703) 10.7 see Proposal 5000-551 (Log #26) 10.8.2 see Committee Proposal 5000-567 (Log #CP702) A.10.4.1.5 see Committee Proposal 5000-1449 (Log #CP707). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BABRAUSKAS: I am voting negative on 5000-549 (Log #CP701) because the two measurements given in 10.1.1 are self-contradictory. The Imperial equivalent of 90 mm is 3.53 inches, not 1/28 inch, which would of course be an unreasonable thickness for a paint layer. Perhaps 0.90 mm was meant, which would make better sense. I also note that centimeters are used pervasively in the documents. SI recommended practice is to use factor-of-three prefixes wherever possible. Thus, lineal dimensions should be given in millimeters or meters. Furthermore, common sense suggests that meters, not millimeters, be used if the actual dimension is over 1 meter. (For some reason, IBC documents were not able to come to grips with this, but maybe NFPA can do better).

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5000- 550 - (10-2.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Peter J. Gore Willse, Industrial Risk Insurers RECOMMENDATION: Revise 10.2.2 as follows: "...only under either or both of the following conditions:" SUBSTANTIATION: You should not give a choice and also require both. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 5000-551 (Log #26) for related technical committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on the referenced proposal should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 551 - (10-2.2,10.7, 10.8.2): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Assoc., Inc./Rep. Carpet & Rug Institute RECOMMENDATION: Revise 10.2.2 as follows: 10.2.2* Requirements for interior floor finish shall apply only under either or both where any of the following conditions occur: (1) Where floor finish requirements are specified elsewhere in this Code for specific occupancies. (2) Where carpet or carpet-like material is used. (3) Where there is a floor finish of unusual hazard. Add a new 10.7.1 to read as follows: 10.7.1* Carpet and carpet-like interior floor finishes shall comply with DOC FF-1 “pill test” (CPSC 16 CFR 1630). Floor coverings other than carpet, located in open building spaces and that are judged to represent an unusual hazard shall have a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.1 watts/cm2. A.10.7.1 Full scale fire tests and fire experience have shown floor coverings in open building spaces merit no regulation beyond the United States federally mandated DOC FF 1-70 “pill test”. This is because floor coverings meeting the FF 1-70 will not spread flame significantly until a room fire approaches flashover. At flashover the spread of flame across a floor covering will have minimal impact on the already existing hazard. The minimum critical radiant flux of a floor covering that will pass the FF 1-70 has been determined to be approximately 0.04 watts/cm2 (Tu, King-Mon and Davis, Sanford, Flame Spread of Carpet Systems Involved in Room Fires, NFSIR 76-1013, Center for Fire Research, National Bureau of Standards, June 1976). The flooring radiant panel is only able to determine critical


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radiant flux values to 0.1 watts/cm2. This provision will prevent use of a noncomplying material, which may create a problem, especially when the Code is used outside the U.S. where U.S. Federal regulation FF-1 (16 CFR 1630) is not mandated. Renumber 10.7.1, 10.7.2 and 10.7.3 to 10.7.2, 10.7.3 and 10.7.4 respectively. Add an appendix note to the existing 10.7.2 (being renumbered 10.7.3) to read as follows: A.10.7.2(3) Experience has shown traditional interior floor finish consisting of wood, vinyl tile, linoleum and similar materials perform satisfactorily in fires. Revise 10.8.2 as follows: 10.8.2 Unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Code, where an approved automatic sprinkler system is in accordance with Section 9.7 throughout the compartment containing the interior floor finish, Class II interior floor finish shall be permitted in any location where Class I interior floor finish is required, and where Class II is required no critical radiant flux rating shall be required. SUBSTANTIATION: When the provisions for interior floor finish first went into the Life Safety Code (the basis for Chapter 10 in NFPA 5000), no provisions were included for floor finishes in general building areas (outside of corridors and exits). This was because the so-called “pill test” DOC FF-1 was a U.S. Federal mandate and automatically required. However, if NFPA 5000 is to be a truly international document it must not rely on U.S. Federal regulations since the federal regulations are not applied outside the U.S. The following quote from the Annex of NFPA 101 A.10.2.7.1 provides the justification for this requirement: “The flooring radiant panel provides a measure of floor covering’s tendency to spread flames where located in a corridor and exposed to the flame and hot gases from a room fire. The flooring radiant panel test method is to be used as a basis for estimating the fire performance of a floor covering installed in the building corridor. Floor coverings in open building spaces and in rooms within buildings merit no further regulation, provided that it can be shown that the floor covering is at least as resistant to spread of flame as a material that meets the U.S. federal flammability standard 16 CFR 1630, Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (FF 1-70). All carpeting sold in the U.S. since 1971 is required to meet this standard and, therefore, is not likely to become involved in a fire until a room reached or approaches flashover. Therefore, no further regulations are necessary for carpet other than carpet in exitways and corridors.” (emphasis added). Whether the code is used in the U.S. or in other countries a similar level of life safety and property protection must be provided for floor coverings in general building areas. The new annex notes introduce information that will help in the application of the Code. The revision to 10.8.2 is to clarify that the entire building need not be protected by sprinklers in order to get the reduction due to sprinklers. Any form of compartmentation would be acceptable, whether it is smoke, fire or the entire story. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Accept the revisions to 10.2.2 and revise 10.7 so they read as follows: 10.2.2* Requirements for interior floor finish shall apply where any of the following conditions occur: (1) Where floor finish requirements are specified elsewhere in this Code. (2) Where carpet or carpet-like material is used. (3) Where there is a floor finish of unusual hazard. A.10.2.2 This paragraph recognizes that traditional finish floors and floor coverings such as wood flooring and resilient floor coverings have not proved to present an unusual hazard. 10.7* Interior Floor Finish Testing and Classification. 10.7.1 Carpet and carpet-like interior floor finishes shall comply with ASTM D 2859, Standard Test Method for Flammability of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials. 10.7.2 Floor coverings other than carpet, that are judged to represent an unusual hazard shall have a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.1 watts/cm2

10.7.3 Interior floor finishes shall be classified in accordance with 10.7.4 based on test results from NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source. 10.7.4 Interior floor finishes shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with the critical radiant flux ratings. (a) Class I Interior Floor Finish. Critical radiant flux not less than 0.45 W/cm2 as determined by the test described in 10.7.3. (b) Class II Interior Floor Finish. Critical radiant flux not less than 0.22 W/cm2 but less than 0.45 W/cm2 as determined by the test described in 10.7.3. 10.7.5 Wherever the use of Class II interior floor finish is required, Class I interior floor finish shall be permitted. A.10.7 The flooring radiant panel provides a measure of a floor covering’s tendency to spread flames where located in a corridor and exposed to the flame and hot gases from a room fire. The flooring radiant panel test method is to be used as a basis for estimating the fire performance of a floor covering installed in the building corridor. Floor coverings in open building spaces and in rooms within buildings merit no further regulation, provided that it can be shown that the floor covering is at least as resistant to spread of flame as a material that meets the U.S. federal flammability standard 16 CFR 1630, Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (FF 1-70). All carpeting sold in the U.S. since 1971 is required to meet this standard and, therefore, is not likely to become involved in a fire until a room reaches or approaches flashover. Therefore, no further regulations are necessary for carpet other than carpet in exitways and corridors. It has not been found necessary or practical to regulate interior floor finishes on the basis of smoke development. Full scale fire tests and fire experience have shown floor coverings in open building spaces merit no regulation beyond the United States federally mandated DOC FF 1-70 “pill test”. This is because floor coverings meeting the FF 1-70 will not spread flame significantly until a room fire approaches flashover. At flashover the spread of flame across a floor covering will have minimal impact on the already existing hazard. The minimum critical radiant flux of a floor covering that will pass the FF 1-70 has been determined to be approximately 0.04 watts/cm2 (Tu, King-Mon and Davis, Sanford, Flame Spread of Carpet Systems Involved in Room Fires, NFSIR 76-1013, Center for Fire Research, National Bureau of Standards, June 1976). The flooring radiant panel is only able to determine critical radiant flux values to 0.1 watts/cm2. This provision will prevent use of a noncomplying material, which may create a problem, especially when the Code is used outside the U.S. where U.S. Federal regulation FF-1 (16 CFR 1630) is not mandated. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Technical Committee has agreed with the revisions proposed for 10.2.2. Proposed paragraph 10.7.1 was divided into two separate provisions to provide clarification. The reference to DOC FF-1 in 10.7.1 was replaced with an ANSI consensus standard that addresses the same test procedure. The federal standard is specific to the domestic market were the ASTM standard has a more generic and international application. The annex material to 10.2.2 was copied from the NFPA 101 document. 10.7.1.2 was incorporated into the provision for flooring material to assist the user in establishing the minimum thresholds that are required for those floor covering materials that are classified as unusual. Provision 10.2.2(3) establishes that unusual floor coverings are required to be regulated and the annex note to this provisions provide some guidance to the types of material that may not be considered. It is recognized that information on the burning characteristics of a particular floor covering may not be available such as the new plastic wood flooring being installed. This provision establishes a minimum level of acceptance for those floors that are considered unusual at 0.1 watts/cm2. This is an acceptable level recognizing that the federal standard FF-1, pill test, has an equivalent testing criteria of 0.05 watts/cm2. The annex material proposed for A.10.7.1 was added to the current annex material that is found in the NFPA 101:A.10.2.7.1. It was


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determined that the annex note would be applicable to the entire section on flooring material and should be referenced with 10.7. The proposed text to A.10.7.2 (3) was not accepted as it was determined that it did not add a significant relevance to the referenced section on testing for flooring material. The proposed revision to 10.8.2 has been addressed within a separate committee proposal. Please refer to proposal 5000-567 (CP #702). The purpose is to provide a separate means of review and discussion for those individuals that have an interest on this item. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: HIRSCHLER: Although I understand the concept the committee accepted, I find it troubling, and potentially misleading, to state that “Floor coverings other than carpet, located in open building spaces, and that are judged to represent an unusual hazard shall have a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.1 W/cm2.” I am extremely worried that this language can be misinterpreted and result in the interpretation that carpets need to have a Class I or Class II (i.e., minimum critical radiant flux of 0.45 W/cm2, or a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.22 W/cm2) in a regulated occupancy, but other, potentially hazardous, flooring, could get away with only a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.1 W/cm2. I suggest that the solution is to eliminate the phrase “floor coverings that are judged to represent an unusual hazard”. The intent is, of course, to clarify that “hard” floor coverings such as wood, resilient vinyl, or other tiles, need not be tested further. The potential problem is that someone might, inadvertently, choose to use floor coverings that are not carpet-like, but that can present unusually severe fire hazards.

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5000- 552 - (10-3.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International/Rep. Fire Retardant Chemicals Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 10.3.1* Interior wall or ceiling finish that is required elsewhere in this Code to be Class A, Class B, or Class C, shall be classified based on test results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials except as indicated in 10.3.1.1 or 10.3.1.2 .

Exception No. 1: Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification. Exception No. 2: Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification. 10.3.1.1 Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification. 10.3.1.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, and meeting the conditions of 10.3.5.3 shall be deemed to comply with a Class A classification in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal addresses two separate issues: (a) 10.3.1.2 both eliminates the exception, in accordance with the NFPA Manual of Style, and addresses the issue that unless this is stated specifically in Chapter 10, the occupancy chapters (chapters 12 and 15 through 29) do not, as drafted, have a clear way of permitting interior finish tested by the room corner test (NFPA 286) to be installed. There is abundant evidence that materials that comply with a room-corner test requirements are equivalent in fire performance to materials tested using the Steiner tunnel test. As an example, Table 1 shows a set of 10 materials tested in the room-corner test and the Steiner tunnel test (Reference: M.M. Hirschler & M.L. Janssens, Fire and Materials Conf., San Antonio, TX, Feb. 22-23, 1999, Interscience Communications, London, UK, pp. 179-198): only one of the 10 materials failed the room-corner test; all other materials met Class A flame spread index (FSI not to exceed 25); even the material which flashed over the room had a flame spread index low enough to meet Class B in the Steiner tunnel test (FSI not to exceed 75). Also, only one of the 10 materials in the set failed to meet the Steiner tunnel test smoke development index limit of 450, and it also failed the criterion in 10.3.5.3. The two enclosed Figures show comparisons of Steiner tunnel FSI versus room corner peak rate of heat release and Steiner tunnel SDI versus room corner total smoke released, indicating how materials meeting room-corner test criteria also meet Steiner tunnel criteria.

Table 1 Test Results for Materials Tested in Room-Corner and Steiner Tunnel Tests Table 1. Test Results for Materials Tested in Room-Corner and Steiner Tunnel Tests Material Pk RHR TSR FSI SDI

kW m2 - - Ceiling Tile 22 165 15 0

FR Composite Panel 128 270 15 15 Mineral Wool 35 167 0 0

Phenolic Foam 153 180 15 5 Pine: Flashover 1460 225 70 105 Polyimide Foam 40 193 0 0

Textile Wallcovering, on Calcium Silicate Board

109 139 10 10

Thermoplastic Sheet 40 1359 10 1000 Expanded Vinyl Wallcovering,

on Gypsum Board 359 664 25 120

Commercial Vinyl Wallcovering, on Gypsum Board

126 584 25 80

Abbreviations: Pk RHR: maximum rate of heat released during the room-corner test; TSR: total smoke released during the room-corner test; FSI: flame spread index during the Steiner tunnel test; SDI: smoke development

index during the Steiner tunnel test; Flashover: material fails the room-corner test due to flashover in the room.


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It must be clarified that this proposal does not require a material to undergo room-corner testing, but gives the option of material approvals via room-corner testing, as intended by the Life Safety Code. This option appears to be missing in the draft of the NFPA 5000 Building Code.

Steiner Tunnel FSI Steiner Tunnel FSI vs Room Corner Pk RHR

Ste

ine

r Tu

nn

el F

SI

Room Corner Pk RHR (kW)

Steiner Tunnel SDI vs Room Corner TSR

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

Room Corner TSR (M2)

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10

0

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(b) 10.3.1.1 replaces the existing the exception, and, by eliminating exceptions, as recommended by the new NFPA Manual of Style, improves document formatting. It does not change requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 10.3.1 to read: 10.3.1* Interior wall or ceiling finish that is required elsewhere in this Code to be Class A, Class B, or Class C, shall be classified based on test results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials except as indicated in 10.3.1.1 or 10.3.1.2 . 10.3.1.1 Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification. 10.3.1.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, and meeting the conditions of 10.3.5.3 shall be deemed to comply with permitted to be used where a Class A classification in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is required. A.10.3.1 See A.10.4.1.5. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed text of 10.3.1.2 establishes a possible link or relationship between NFPA 286 and NFPA 255. Each of these test procedures are separate and have unique testing protocols. They are used to test the same product and may give similar results but should not be considered as an one to one correlation equivalency between these two standards. The NFPA 286 test procedure uses a peak heat release rate as testing criteria where NFPA 255 is based on a comparison to know benchmarks and measures the flame spread on the surface of a material.


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The revised text for 10.3.1.2 should satisfy the intent of the submitter permitting one test result for another. The annex material is copied from the NFPA 101 document. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 553 - (10-3.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise the text as follows: 10.3.1 interior wall or ceiling finish that is required elsewhere in this Code to be Class A, Class B, or Class C, shall be classified based on test results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Material, ANSI/UL 723 Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ASTM E 84, Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Exception No. 1: Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV (2HH) construction in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction , shall be exempt from NFPA testing and classification. Exception No. 2: Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 testing and classification. SUBSTANTIATION: The flame spread and smoke development indices of interior finishes have for many years been evaluated by using UL 723, ASTM E84 or NFPA 255. Material certifications, depending on the certification agency involved, document compliance with one of these three standards, all of which include essentially the same test criteria. It would be a hardship on manufacturers to have to recertify their products to NFPA 255 in order to comply with this code. In addition, only referencing NFPA 255 makes it difficult for designers and authorities having jurisdictions to find acceptable products and assemblies whose certification documentation references NFPA 255. This proposal essentially adds two equivalent standards as options to NFPA 255. it is interesting to note that NFPA 255, D-2.3 states ANSI/UL 723 is the Standard that NFPA 255 is based upon. NFPA 220 Annex A-2-1 references the UL and ASTM standards as alternatives for flame spread index. NFPA 211 Section 1-5.2.76 recognizes all three standards for determining the Smoke Developed Rating. The exemption phrases have been removed from the exceptions, since they are redundant and not necessary. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical committee has determined that only a single document should be referenced when there are multiple documents available that address the same issue. The purpose is to establish a single reference point which can be monitored and maintained. The single choice provides a benchmark which the related documents can be compared to. It is recognized that the sister documents are being processed and developed through different organizations. This has the potential of introducing many differences between these documents and therefore establishing possible inconsistencies. By establishing a single document for the point of reference, all the other documents could be compared to this one and then in accordance with 1.12.4.1 could be used as an alternative if acceptable to the authorities having jurisdiction. At this time the committee is preferring to reference the NFPA document if available and appropriate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HIRSCHLER: I disagree with the concept of not referencing a consensus standard, such as ASTM E 84, which is virtually identical to NFPA 255. This will cause unnecessary difficulties to people who have tested their material/products to ASTM E 84 and have laboratory reports indicating that. Moreover, there is a task group working on harmonization of fire test standards between ASTM, NFPA, and UL, and this action indicates that their work is a moot point. I am less concerned about not referencing UL 723, which is not a consensus standard.

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5000- 554 - (10-3.1 and 10.3.2 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Kuma Sumathipala, American Forest & Paper Association RECOMMENDATION: Add the following new text: 10.3.1* Interior wall or ceiling finish that is required elsewhere in this Code to be Class A, Class B, or Class C, shall be classified based on test results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials or ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Exception No. 1: Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction shall be exempt from NFPA 255 or ASTM E84 testing and classification. Exception No. 2: Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, shall be exempt from NFPA 255 or ASTM E84 testing and classification. 10.3.2* Products required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials or ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke development. NOTE: Corresponding changes are needed for the following: 3.3.104, 15.4.5.7(f), and 34.5. SUBSTANTIATION: The two test protocols, NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials are very similar if not identical. ASTM E84 was adopted in 1950 and NFPA 255 in 1955. Referencing only NFPA 255, could make some of the existing flame spread data, where the testing laboratory has referenced ASTM E84, obsolete. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical committee has determined that only a single document should be referenced when there are multiple documents available that address the same issue. The purpose is to establish a single reference point which can be monitored and maintained. The single choice provides a benchmark which the related documents can be compared to. It is recognized that the sister documents are being processed and developed through different organizations. This has the potential of introducing many differences between these documents and therefore establishing possible inconsistencies. By establishing a single document for the point of reference, all the other documents could be compared to this one and then in accordance with 1.12.4.1 could be used as an alternative if acceptable to the authorities having jurisdiction. At this time the committee is preferring to reference the NFPA document if available and appropriate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15


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VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HIRSCHLER: I disagree with the concept of not referencing a consensus standard, such as ASTM E 84, which is virtually identical to NFPA 255. This will cause unnecessary difficulties to people who have tested their material/products to ASTM E 84 and have laboratory reports indicating that. Moreover, there is a task group working on harmonization of fire test standards between ASTM, NFPA, and UL, and this action indicates that their work is a moot point.

___________________ (Log #45)

Committee: SAF-FUR 5000- 555 - (10-3.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International/Rep. Fire Retardant Chemicals Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 10.3.2* Products required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke development except as indicated in 10.3.2.1 or 10.3.2.2. (a) Class A Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 0-25; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at 25 or less on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Any element thereof, when so tested, shall not continue to propagate fire. (b) Class B Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 26-75; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 25 but not more than 75 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. (c) Class C Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 76-200; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 75 but not more than 200 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Exception: Existing interior finish shall be exempt from the smoke development criteria. 10.3.2.1 Existing interior finish shall be exempt from the smoke development criteria. 10.3.2.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, and meeting the conditions of 10.3.5.3 shall be deemed to comply with a Class A classification in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal addresses two separate issues: (a) 10.3.2.2 addresses the issue that unless this is stated specifically in here, the occupancy chapters (chapters 12 and 15 through 29) do not, as drafted, have a clear way of permitting interior finish tested by the room corner test (NFPA 286) to be installed. There is abundant evidence that materials that comply with a room-corner test requirements are equivalent in fire performance to materials tested using the Steiner tunnel test. As an example, Table 1 shows a set of 10 materials tested in the room-corner test and the Steiner tunnel test (Reference: M.M. Hirschler & M.L. Janssens, Fire and Materials Conf., San Antonio, TX, Feb. 22-23, 1999, Interscience Communications, London, UK, pp. 179-198): only one of the 10 materials failed the room-corner test; all other materials met Class A flame spread index (FSI not to exceed 25); even the material which flashed over the room had a flame spread index low enough to meet Class B in the Steiner tunnel test (FSI not to exceed 75). Also, only one of the 10 materials in the set failed to meet the Steiner tunnel test smoke development index limit of 450, and it also failed the criterion in 10.3.5.3. The two enclosed Figures show comparisons of Steiner tunnel FSI versus room corner peak rate of heat release and Steiner tunnel SDI versus room corner total smoke released,

indicating how materials meeting room-corner test criteria also meet Steiner tunnel criteria.

Table 1 Test Results for Materials Tested in Room-Corner and Steiner Tunnel Tests

(as shown in Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44)) It must be clarified that this proposal does not require a material to undergo room-corner testing, but gives the option of material approvals via room-corner testing, as intended by the Life Safety Code. This option appears to be missing in the draft of the NFPA 5000 Building Code.

Figure Steiner Tunnel FSI (as shown in Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44))

Figure Steiner Tunnel SDI (as shown in Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44))

(b) 10.3.2.1 replaces the existing the exception, and, by eliminating exceptions, as recommended by the new NFPA Manual of Style, improves document formatting. It does not change requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 10.3.2 and create a new 103.3 as follows: 10.3.2* Products required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke development except as indicated in 10.3.3. (a) Class A Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 0-25; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at 25 or less on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Any element thereof, when so tested, shall not continue to propagate fire. (b) Class B Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 26-75; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 25 but not more than 75 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. (c) Class C Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 76-200; smoke development 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 75 but not more than 200 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. 10.3.3 Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, and meeting the conditions of 10.3.5.3 shall be permitted to be used where a Class A classification in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is required. A.10.3.2 It has been shown that the method of mounting interior finish materials may affect actual performance. Where materials are tested in intimate contact with a substrate to determine a classification, such materials should be installed in intimate contact with a similar substrate. Such details are especially important for "thermally thin" materials. For further information, see NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Some interior wall and ceiling finish materials, such as fabrics not applied to a solid backing, do not lend themselves to a test made in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. In those cases, if it is not treated as interior finish, the appropriate test outlined in NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, should be considered. Prior to 1978, the test report described by NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, included an evaluation of the fuel contribution as well as the flame spread rating and the smoke development value. However,


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it is now recognized that the measurement on which the fuel contribution is based does not provide a valid measure. Therefore, although the data are recorded during the test, the information is no longer normally reported. Classification of interior wall and ceiling finish thus relies only on flame spread index and smoke development value. The 450 smoke development value limit is based solely on obscuration. (See A.10.4.1.5.) COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Similar Technical Committee Action was taken on Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44). Please refer to this proposal for the similar action taken on 10.3.3. The proposed 10.3.2 was deleted as this document is for new construction and existing conditions would be appropriately addressed in another document. The annex note was copied from the NFPA 101 document NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 556 - (10-3.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Thomas W. Fritz, Armstrong World Industries Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Include references to ASTM E84 and UL 723. SUBSTANTIATION: These standards are equivalent and should be equally be recognized by the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical committee has determined that only a single document should be referenced when there are multiple documents available that address the same issue. The purpose is to establish a single reference point which can be monitored and maintained. The single choice provides a benchmark which the related documents can be compared to. It is recognized that the sister documents are being processed and developed through different organizations. This has the potential of introducing many differences between these documents and therefore establishing possible inconsistencies. By establishing a single document for the point of reference, all the other documents could be compared to this one and then in accordance with 1.12.4.1 could be used as an alternative if acceptable to the authorities having jurisdiction. At this time the committee is preferring to reference the NFPA document if available and appropriate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HIRSCHLER: I disagree with the concept of not referencing a consensus standard, such as ASTM E 84, which is virtually identical to NFPA 255. This will cause unnecessary difficulties to people who have tested their material/products to ASTM E 84 and have laboratory reports indicating that. Moreover, there is a task group working on harmonization of fire test standards between ASTM, NFPA, and UL, and this action indicates that their work is a moot point. I am less concerned about not referencing UL 723, which is not a consensus standard.

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5000- 557 - (10-3.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 10.3.2* Products required to be tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of

Building Materials, ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ASTM E 84, Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke development. SUBSTANTIATION: The flame spread and smoke development indices of interior finishes have for many years been evaluated by using UL 723, ASTM E84 or NFPA 255. Material certifications, depending on the certification agency involved, document compliance with one of these three standards, all of which include essentially the same test criteria. It would be a hardship on manufacturers to have to recertify their products to NFPA 255 in order to comply with this code. In addition, only referencing NFPA 255 makes it difficult for designers and authorities having jurisdictions to find acceptable products and assemblies whose certification documentation references NFPA 255. This proposal essentially adds two equivalent standards as options to NFPA 255. it is interesting to note that NFPA 255, D-2.3 states ANSI/UL 723 is the Standard that NFPA 255 is based upon. NFPA 220 Annex A-2-1 references the UL and ASTM standards as alternatives for flame spread index. NFPA 211 Section 1-5.2.76 recognizes all three standards for determining the Smoke Developed Rating. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical committee has determined that only a single document should be referenced when there are multiple documents available that address the same issue. The purpose is to establish a single reference point which can be monitored and maintained. The single choice provides a benchmark which the related documents can be compared to. It is recognized that the sister documents are being processed and developed through different organizations. This has the potential of introducing many differences between these documents and therefore establishing possible inconsistencies. By establishing a single document for the point of reference, all the other documents could be compared to this one and then in accordance with 1.12.4.1 could be used as an alternative if acceptable to the authorities having jurisdiction. At this time the committee is preferring to reference the NFPA document if available and appropriate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HIRSCHLER: I disagree with the concept of not referencing a consensus standard, such as ASTM E 84, which is virtually identical to NFPA 255. This will cause unnecessary difficulties to people who have tested their material/products to ASTM E 84 and have laboratory reports indicating that. Moreover, there is task group working on harmonization of fire test standards between ASTM, NFPA, and UL, and this action indicates that their work is a moot point. I am less concerned about not referencing UL 723, which is not a consensus standard.

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5000- 558 - (10-4.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents RECOMMENDATION: Revise 10.4.3 to read as follows: 10.4.3 Cellular or Foamed Plastic. Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall not be used as interior wall and ceiling finish, unless specifically permitted by 10.4.3.1 or 10.4.3.2. 10.4.3.1 Exception No. 1: Cellular or foamed plastic material, meeting the definition of foam plastic insulation, shall be permitted on the basis based on of fire tests that substantiate their combustibility characteristics for the use intended under actual fire conditions, by the use of large-scale tests performed on the finished foam plastic


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assembly, related to the actual end-use configuration and on the maximum thickness intended for use. 10.4.3.2 Exception No. 2: Cellular or foamed plastic shall be permitted for trim not in excess of 10 percent of the wall or ceiling area, provided that it is not less than 320 kg/m3 (20 lb/ft3) in density, is limited to 13 mm (1/2 in.) in thickness and 102 mm (4 in.) in width, and complies with the requirements for Class A or Class B interior wall and ceiling finish as described in 10.3.2; however, the smoke rating shall not be limited. SUBSTANTIATION: The revisions are provide for clarification on the appropriate testing procedure criteria to be used. The other revisions are for conformance with the NFPA Manual of Style COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 559 - (10-4.3 Exception No. 3 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to Section 10.4.3 as follows: Exception No. 3 Cellular or foamed plastic material shall be permitted in buildings protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system. SUBSTANTIATION: These materials should be allowed in sprinklered buildings and are permitted in the International Building Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The general use of cellular or foamed plastic as interior finish is not permitted. This provision would permit the unlimited application of this product to be used as an interior finish and the submitter has not provided any substantiation to support this increase of application. Proposed Chapter 47 also addresses the use of plastic within a building. Generally the use of plastic in a building is very limited with only a couple of instances where it can be installed without a thermal barrier and caution is required when it is being used as an interior finish application. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 560 - (10-4.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Change the existing text to read as follows: “Light transmitting plastics shall be permitted to be used as the interior wall and ceiling finish in buildings protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system.” SUBSTANTIATION: The existing text permit the authority having jurisdiction to allow the use of a product without establishing any requirement. Light transmitting plastic s are permitted in buildings protected with sprinklers in the International Building Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The substantiation provided appears to contain some inaccuracies. The provision of 10.4.4 permits the use of light transmitting plastics as an interior wall and ceiling finish when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. There is an annex note found in the NFPA 101 on section 10.2.4.4 which also provides information related to this item. This annex note will be included in the proposed draft. Additional information related to interior finish can be found in Proposal 5000-559 (Log #1125).

NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 561 - (10-4.4): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 10.4.4* Light-Transmitting Plastics. Light-Transmitting plastics used as interior wall and ceiling finish shall be permitted if approved by the authority having jurisdiction based on of fire tests that substantiate their combustibility characteristics for the use intended under actual fire conditions, by the use of large-scale tests performed on the light-transmitting plastic assembly, related to the actual end-use configuration and on the maximum thickness intended for use. SUBSTANTIATION: The revisions are provide for clarification on the appropriate testing procedure criteria to be used. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BLAIR: The requirement for the “use of large scale tests” is too restrictive. “Large scale” testing may not be necessary or even appropriate for applications where light transmitting plastics are used as interior finish. The words “large scale” should be removed; the last part of the sentence requires that the test be “performed on the light-transmitting plastic assembly, related to the actual end-use configuration and on the maximum thickness intended for use”. This is sufficient guidance to determine acceptability.

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5000- 562 - (10-4.5): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 10.4.5 in its entirety without substitution and add a new A.10.4 that reads: A.10.4 Surface nonmetallic raceways are not interior finish and are not subject to the provisions of Chapter 10. SUBSTANTIATION: When this provision was added to the Life Safety Code it was due to some AHJs calling surface nonmetallic raceways interior finish. At the technical committee meeting, members agreed that it was not interior finish but agreed to add it with the provision "where surface nonmetallic raceway products, as permitted by NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, are regulated as interior finish..." to indicate that it is not always regulated that way. The NFPA 5000 TCC has requested that such discretionary language be removed. The new annex should solve the problem of misapplication. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 563 - (10-5): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add at the end as follows: “In buildings protected with fire sprinkler systems.” SUBSTANTIATION: This text probably cam from the Epcot code were sprinklers are mandated in all buildings and therefore the additional text is necessary. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The provision of 10.5 pertains to trim as an incidental finish. The addition of the proposed text is not necessary as it would be overly restrictive and is not consistent with the current practice which permits limited installation of trim without the installation of a fire sprinkler system. The submitter's substantiation does not provide an adequate justification to support the reason to increase the particular requirements associated with trim and incidental finish from the current practices. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 564 - (10-6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 10.6 in its entirety without substitution and add a new 10.3.1.3 that read as follows: 10.3.1.3* Fire retardant coatings shall not be used to obtain compliance with the interior finish requirements of this code. A.10.3.13 It is the intent of the code to mandate interior wall and ceiling finish materials that obtain their fire performance and smoke developed characteristics in their original form. However, in renovations, particularly those involving historic buildings, and in changes of occupancy, the required fire performance or smoke developed characteristics of existing surfaces of walls, partitions, columns, and ceilings might have to be secured by applying approved fire retardant coatings to surfaces having higher flame spread ratings than permitted. Such treatments should comply with the requirements of the NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant Impregnated Wood and Fire Retardant Coatings for Building Materials. When fire-retardant coatings are used, they need to be applied to surfaces properly prepared material, and application needs to be consistent with product listing. Deterioration of coatings applied to interior finishes can occur due to repeated cleaning of the surface or painting over applied coatings, but permanency must be assured in some in some appropriate fashion. Fire- retardant coatings must possess the desired degree of permanency and be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under the service conditions encountered in actual use. SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose is to provide clarification that for newly installed interior finishes. The material shall obtaining their interior finish characteristics from their original form without the addition of topic treatments. This reflects the same requirement that is found in the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

___________________ (Log #1128)

Committee: SAF-FUR 5000- 565 - (10-6.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 10.6.2.

SUBSTANTIATION: The section as written is not enforceable since the terms are not specifically identified. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-564 (Log #CP703) for related committee action. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on the referenced proposal should satisfy the intent of the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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5000- 566 - (10-7.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Thomas W. Fritz, Armstrong World Industries Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add reference to ASTM E648. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 253 and ASTM E648 are equivalent and should be equally by the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical committee has determined that only a single document should be referenced when there are multiple documents available that address the same issue. The purpose is to establish a single reference point which can be monitored and maintained. The single choice provides a benchmark which the related documents can be compared to. It is recognized that the sister documents are being processed and developed through different organizations. This has the potential of introducing many differences between these documents and therefore establishing possible inconsistencies. By establishing a single document for the point of reference, all the other documents could be compared to this one and then in accordance with 1.12.4.1 could be used as an alternative if acceptable to the authorities having jurisdiction. At this time the committee is preferring to reference the NFPA document if available and appropriate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HIRSCHLER: I disagree with the concept of not referencing a consensus standard, such as ASTM E 648, which is virtually identical to NFPA 253. This will cause unnecessary difficulties to people who have tested their material/products to ASTM E 648 and have laboratory reports indicating that. Moreover, there is a task group working on harmonization of fire test standards between ASTM, NFPA, and UL, and this action indicates that their work is a moot point.

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5000- 567 - (10-8.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents RECOMMENDATION: Revise 10.8.2 as follows: 10.8.2 Unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Code, where an approved automatic sprinkler system is in accordance with Section 9.7 throughout the compartment containing the interior floor finish, Class II interior floor finish shall be permitted in any location where Class I interior floor finish is required, and where Class II is required no critical radiant flux rating shall be required. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 10.8.2 from Proposal 5000-551 (Log #26) has been assigned a separate Committee Proposal. The purpose is to provide the opportunity to discuss the merits of this particular recommendation independently. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.


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NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HIRSCHLER: I disagree with the concept of requiring only that an individual compartment be sprinklered to allow going from Class I to Class II in carpeting. Permission of lower fire performance in terms of passive fire protection should be granted only if the sprinklers are included throughout the building, or at least a significant portion of the building, larger than a single room.

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5000- 568 - (10-9): Reject TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-FUR requesting that the subject of this proposal be revisited now that a draft of Chapter 100 Flood Resistant Design and Construction is available via Proposal 5000-1421 (Log #623). SUBMITTER: James A. Rossberg, Christopher P. Jones, American Society of Civil Engineers/Rep. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mitigation Directorate RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 10.9* Flood Resistance. For new construction of buildings and structures that are located wholly or partly within flood hazard areas established by Section 100.3.2, including substantial improvements and restoration of substantial damage, interior finishes and trim below the design flood elevation shall be of flood-damage resistant materials. A.10.9. For additional guidance, see FEMA Technical Bulletin 2-93, Flood-Resistant materials Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. SUBSTANTIATION: Makes code provisions compliant with National Flood Insurance Program regulations (floor resistance of materials requirements) for buildings and structures in flood hazard areas. Note that this proposal is one of a series of proposals that will insure NFPA 5000 compliance with NFIP regulations. Although submitted separately, the proposals comprising the series should be considered together. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical committee recognizes that the proposed chapter on flood resistance is being developed at this time and wishes to reserve judgement and action until a greater review can be done. The technical committee also is requesting greater clarification as to what constitutes the characteristics or criteria associated with a material that would be considered to be flood damage resistant. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NOT RETURNED: 3 Adair, Apesos, Cable

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(Log #CP1316) Committee: SAF-BSF

5000- 569 - (Chapter 11): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Insert Chapter 11 of NFPA 5000, Building Code, as follows, to incorporate the actions taken on the public and committee proposals in this Report on Proposals:

Chapter 11 Fire Protection Systems and Equipment

11.1 General. 11.1.1 Referenced Standards. Fire protection systems and equipment shall be designed, installed, and maintained in operating condition in

accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the referenced documents. 11.1.2 Required Systems. Fire protection systems installed to make use of alternatives allowed by this Code shall be considered required systems and shall meet the provisions of this Code applicable to required systems. 11.1.3 Existing Systems. Existing installations of fire protection systems and equipment shall be permitted to continue in use subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, and in accordance with Section 1.12. 11.1.4 Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing. Fire protection systems and equipment shall have an approved inspection, maintenance, and testing program complying with the requirements of the applicable NFPA standards. 11.1.5 Documentation. All required documentation regarding the design, and procedures for maintenance, inspection and testing of fire protection systems shall be maintained in a secured location on the premises for the life of the fire protection systems. 11.1.6 Equivalency. 11.1.6.1 Nothing in this Code is intended to prevent the use of systems, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this Code. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method, or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction. 11.1.6.2 Alternative systems, methods, or devices approved as equivalent by the authority having jurisdiction shall be recognized as being in compliance with this Code. 11.2 Fire Detection, Alarm, And Communication Systems. 11.2.1* General. A.11.2.1 The provisions of Section 11.2 cover the basic functions of a complete fire alarm system, including fire detection, alarm, and communications. These systems are primarily intended to provide the indication and warning of abnormal conditions, the summoning of appropriate aid, and the control of building equipment functions to enhance protection of life and property. 11.2.1.1 The provisions of Section 11.2 shall apply only where specifically required by another section of this Code. 11.2.1.2 A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with applicable requirements of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. 11.2.1.3* Where a required fire alarm system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire alarm system has been returned to service. A.11.2.1.3 A fire watch should at least involve some special action beyond normal staffing, such as assigning an additional security guard(s) to walk the areas affected. These individuals should be specially trained in fire prevention and in occupant and fire department notification techniques, and they should understand the particular fire safety situation for public education purposes. (Also see NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention.) 11.2.1.4 For the purposes of this Code, a complete fire alarm system shall be used for initiation, notification, and control and shall provide the following.

(a) Initiation. The initiation function provides the input signal to the system.

(b) Notification. The notification function is the means by which the system advises that human action is required in response to a particular condition.

(c) Control. The control function provides outputs to control building equipment to enhance protection of life. 11.2.2 Signal Initiation. 11.2.2.1 Where required by other sections of this Code, actuation of the complete fire alarm system shall occur by any or all of the following means of initiation, but shall not be limited to such means:

(1) Manual fire alarm initiation (2) Automatic detection


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(3) Extinguishing system operation 11.2.2.2 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be approved for the particular application and shall be used only for fire-protective signaling purposes. Combination fire alarm and guard’s tour stations shall be acceptable. 11.2.2.3 A manual fire alarm box shall be provided in the natural exit access path near each required exit from an area, unless modified by another section of this Code. 11.2.2.4* Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that, from any part of the building, no horizontal distance on the same floor exceeding 200 ft (60 m) shall be traversed to reach a manual fire alarm box. A.11.2.2.4 It is not the intent of 11.2.2.4 to require manual fire alarm boxes to be attached to movable partitions or to equipment, nor is it the intent to require the installation of permanent structures for mounting purposes only. 11.2.2.5 For fire alarm systems using automatic fire detection or waterflow detection devices, not less than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. This manual fire alarm box shall be located where required by the authority having jurisdiction. 11.2.2.6* Each manual fire alarm box on a system shall be accessible, unobstructed, and visible. A.11.2.2.6 Manual fire alarm boxes can include those with key-operated locks for detention areas or psychiatric hospitals, manual fire alarm boxes in areas where explosive vapors or dusts might be a hazard, or manual fire alarm boxes in areas with corrosive atmospheres. The appearance of manual fire alarm boxes for special uses often differs from those used in areas of normal occupancy. Manual fire alarm boxes, such as those with locks, that are located in areas where the general public has limited access might need to have signage advising persons to seek assistance from staff in the event a fire is noted. 11.2.2.7 Where a sprinkler system provides automatic detection and alarm system initiation, it shall be provided with an approved alarm initiation device that operates when the flow of water is equal to or greater than that from a single automatic sprinkler. 11.2.2.8 Where a total (complete) coverage smoke detection system is required by another section of this Code, automatic detection of smoke in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall be provided in all occupiable areas, common areas, and work spaces in those environments suitable for proper smoke detector operation. 11.2.2.9 Where a partial smoke detection system is required by another section of this Code, automatic detection of smoke in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall be provided in all common areas and work spaces, such as corridors, lobbies, storage rooms, equipment rooms, and other tenantless spaces in those environments suitable for proper smoke detector operation. Selective smoke detection unique to other sections of this Code shall be provided as required by those sections. 11.2.2.10 Smoke Alarms. 11.2.2.10.1 Where required by another section of this Code, single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be in accordance with the household fire-warning equipment requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, unless they are system smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and are arranged to function in the same manner. 11.2.2.10.2 Smoke alarms, other than battery-operated devices as permitted by other sections of this Code, or battery-operated devices complying with 11.2.1.4 and the low-power wireless system requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall receive their operating power from the building electrical system. 11.2.2.10.3* Unless otherwise permitted by another section of this Code, where two or more smoke alarms are required within a living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area, they shall be arranged so that operation of any smoke alarm shall cause the alarm in all smoke alarms within the living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area to sound, unless otherwise permitted by another section of this Code, or where the configuration provides equivalent distribution of the alarm signal.

A.11.2.2.10.3 A living unit is that structure, area, room, or combination of rooms, including hotel rooms/suites, in which a family or individual lives. A living unit includes living areas only and not common usage areas in multifamily buildings such as corridors, lobbies, and basements. 11.2.2.10.4 The alarms shall sound only within an individual living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area and shall not actuate the building fire alarm system, unless otherwise permitted by the authority having jurisdiction. Remote annunciation shall be permitted. 11.2.2.11 Where required by Chapters 15 through 29, an automatic fire detection system shall be provided in hazardous areas for initiation of the signaling system. 11.2.3 Occupant Notification. 11.2.3.1 Occupant notification shall provide signal notification to alert occupants of fire or other emergency as required by other sections of this Code. 11.2.3.2 Notification shall be provided by audible and visible signals in accordance with 11.2.3.3 through 11.2.3.12, unless otherwise provided in 11.2.3.2.1 through 11.2.3.2.4. 11.2.3.2.1 Elevator lobby, hoistway, and associated machine room smoke detectors used solely for elevator recall, and heat detectors used solely for elevator power shutdown, shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm if the power supply and installation wiring to these detectors are monitored by the building fire alarm system, and the activation of these detectors results in an audible and visible alarm signal at a constantly attended location. 11.2.3.2.2 Smoke detectors used solely for closing dampers or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system shutdown shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm. 11.2.3.2.3 Detectors located at doors for the exclusive operation of automatic door release shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm. 11.2.3.2.4 Detectors in accordance with the exception to 20.3.4.3.1 shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm. 11.2.3.3 Where permitted by Chapters 15 through 29, a presignal system shall be permitted where the initial fire alarm signal is automatically transmitted without delay to a municipal fire department, a fire brigade (if provided), and an on-site staff person trained to respond to a fire emergency. 11.2.3.4 Where permitted by Chapters 15 through 29, a positive alarm sequence shall be permitted, provided that it is in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. 11.2.3.5* Where a standard evacuation signal is required by another section of this Code, the evacuation signal shall be the standard fire alarm evacuation signal described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. A.11.2.3.5 Effective July 1, 1996, NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, requires the use of the standard fire alarm evacuation signal for new alarm system installations in all buildings where the fire plan requires evacuation. 11.2.3.6 Unless otherwise provided in 11.2.3.6.1 through 11.2.3.6.3, notification signals for occupants to evacuate shall be by audible and visible signals in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, or other means of notification acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 11.2.3.6.1 Areas not subject to occupancy by persons who are hearing impaired shall not be required to comply with the provisions for visible signals. 11.2.3.6.2 Visible-only signals shall be provided where specifically permitted in health care occupancies in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18. 11.2.3.6.3 Visible signals shall not be required in lodging or rooming houses in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 22. 11.2.3.7 The general evacuation alarm signal shall operate in accordance with one of the methods prescribed by 11.2.3.7.1 through 11.2.3.7.4. 11.2.3.7.1 The general evacuation alarm signal shall operate throughout the entire building.


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11.2.3.7.2* Where total evacuation of occupants is impractical due to building configuration, only the occupants in the affected zones shall be initially notified. Provisions shall be made to selectively notify occupants in other zones to afford orderly evacuation of the entire building. A.11.2.3.7.2 In order to approve an evacuation plan to selectively notify building occupants, the authority having jurisdiction should consider several building parameters, including building compartmentation, detection and suppression system zones, occupant loads, and the number and arrangement of the means of egress. In high-rise buildings, it is typical to evacuate the fire floor, the floor(s) above, and the floor immediately below. Other areas are then evacuated as the fire develops. 11.2.3.7.3 Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, physical or mental disabilities, or physical restraint, the private operating mode as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall be permitted to be used. Only the attendants and other personnel required to evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. 11.2.3.7.4 In covered mall buildings complying with Chapter 26, notification within the covered mall shall be permitted in accordance with 26.4.4.3.3. 11.2.3.8 Audible alarm notification appliances shall be of such character and so distributed as to be effectively heard above the average ambient sound level occurring under normal conditions of occupancy. 11.2.3.9 Audible alarm notification appliances shall produce signals that are distinctive from audible signals used for other purposes in the same building. 11.2.3.10 Automatically transmitted or live voice evacuation or relocation instructions to occupants shall be permitted and shall be in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. 11.2.3.11 Unless otherwise permitted by another section of this Code, audible and visible fire alarm notification appliances shall comply with either 11.2.3.11.1 or 11.2.3.11.2. 11.2.3.11.1 Audible and visible fire alarm notification appliances shall be used only for fire alarm system or other emergency purposes. 11.2.3.11.2 Voice communication systems shall be permitted to be used for other purposes, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, if the fire alarm system takes precedence over all other signals. 11.2.3.12 Alarm notification signals shall take precedence over all other signals. 11.2.4 Emergency Forces Notification. 11.2.4.1 Where required by another section of this Code, emergency forces notification shall be provided to alert the municipal fire department and fire brigade (if provided) of fire or other emergency. Where fire department notification is required by another section of this Code, the fire alarm system shall be arranged to transmit the alarm automatically via any of the following means acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and shall be in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code:

(1) Auxiliary alarm system (2) Central station connection (3) Proprietary system (4) Remote station connection

11.2.4.2* Where fire alarm systems are required to provide emergency forces notification, supervisory signals and trouble signals shall sound and be visibly displayed either at an approved, remotely located receiving facility or at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel. A.11.2.4.2 If the supervisory signals and trouble signals are sounded and displayed at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel, it is the intent that the receiving location needs to be staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The transmission of supervisory signals and trouble signals is

important for property protection purposes even at times when the remainder of the building is unoccupied. 11.2.5 Emergency Control. 11.2.5.1 A fire alarm and control system, where required by another section of this Code, shall be arranged to actuate automatically the control functions necessary to make the protected premises safer for building occupants. 11.2.5.2 Where required by another section of this Code, the following functions shall be actuated by the complete fire alarm system:

(1) Release of hold-open devices for doors or other opening protectives

(2) Stairwell or elevator shaft pressurization (3) Smoke management or smoke control systems (4) Emergency lighting control (5) Unlocking of doors

11.2.5.3 The functions specified in 11.2.5.2 shall be permitted to be actuated by any fire alarm and control system where otherwise not required by this Code. Additionally, such a fire alarm and control system shall be permitted to recall elevators, as required by Section 9.4, if the activation of the system for this purpose comes only from elevator lobby, hoistway, or associated machine room detectors. 11.2.5.4* Installation of emergency control devices shall be in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The performance of emergency control functions shall not impair the effective response of all required alarm notification functions. A.11.2.5.4 Control devices (fire alarm relays) can be located at a motor control center that is located floors away from the device to be activated, such as air-handling units and exhaust fans located on the roof. The requirement for monitoring for integrity only applies to the installation wiring between the fire alarm control unit and the auxiliary fire alarm relay. It does not apply to the wiring between the auxiliary fire alarm relay and the emergency control device (for example, motor stop/start control relay) or between the emergency control device and the equipment to be controlled (for example, air-handling units and exhaust fans). For example, although the auxiliary fire alarm relay is required be located within 3 ft (0.9 m) of the emergency control device, there is no limit specified for the distance between the emergency control device and the equipment to be controlled. 11.2.6 Location of Controls. Operator controls, alarm indicators, and manual communications capability shall be installed in a control center at a convenient location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 11.2.7 Annunciation. 11.2.7.1 Where alarm annunciation is required by another section of this Code, it shall comply with 11.2.7.2 through 11.2.7.7. 11.2.7.2 Alarm annunciation at the control center shall be by means of audible and visible indicators. 11.2.7.3 For the purposes of alarm annunciation, each floor of the building, other than floors of existing buildings, shall be considered as not less than one zone, unless otherwise permitted by another section of this Code. 11.2.7.4 If a floor area exceeds 22,500 ft2, additional zoning shall be provided, and the length of any single zone shall not exceed 300 ft (91 m) in any direction, except as provided in 11.2.7.4.1 through 11.2.7.4.4. 11.2.7.4.1 Where permitted by another section of this Code, alarm zones shall be permitted to exceed 22,500 ft2, and the length of a zone shall be permitted to exceed 300 ft (91 m) in any direction. 11.2.7.4.2 Where the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3.1.1(a), the area of the alarm zone shall be permitted to coincide with the allowable area of the sprinkler zone. 11.2.7.4.3 Where the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3.1.1(b), alarm zones shall be permitted to have an area not exceeding 52,000 ft2. 11.2.7.4.4 Where the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3.1.1(c), alarm zones shall be permitted to have an area not exceeding 52,000 ft2.


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11.2.7.5 A system trouble signal shall be annunciated at the control center by means of audible and visible indicators. 11.2.7.6 A system supervisory signal shall be annunciated at the control center by means of audible and visible indicators. 11.2.7.7 Where the system serves more than one building, each building shall be considered separately. 11.3 Automatic Sprinklers. 11.3.1 General. 11.3.1.1* Each automatic sprinkler system required by another section shall be in accordance with one of the following: (a) NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. (b) NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and including Four Stories in Height (c) NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes A.11.3.1.1 For a discussion of the effectiveness of automatic sprinklers as well as a general discussion on automatic sprinklers, see the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook. Where partial sprinkler protection is permitted by another section of this Code, the limited area systems provisions of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, should apply. 11.3.1.2 Sprinkler piping serving not more than six sprinklers for any isolated hazardous area shall be permitted to be connected directly to a domestic water supply system having a capacity sufficient to provide 0.15 gpm/ft2 (6.1 L/min· m2) of floor area throughout the entire enclosed area. An indicating shutoff valve, supervised in accordance with 11.3.2 or 11.3.3, shall be installed in an accessible, visible location between the sprinklers and the connection to the domestic water supply. 11.3.1.3* In areas protected by automatic sprinklers, automatic heat-detection devices required by other sections of this Code shall be permitted to be omitted. A.11.3.1.3 Properly designed automatic sprinkler systems provide the dual function of both automatic alarms and automatic extinguishment. Dual function is not provided in those cases where early detection of incipient fire and early notification of occupants are needed to initiate actions in behalf of life safety earlier than can be expected from heat-sensitive fire detectors. 11.3.1.4 Automatic sprinkler systems installed to make use of an alternative permitted by this Code shall be considered required systems and shall meet the provisions of this Code that apply to required systems. 11.3.1.5 In high-rise buildings, a sprinkler control valve and a waterflow device shall be provided for each floor. 11.3.2 Electrical Supervision. 11.3.2.1* Supervisory Signals. Where electrically supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another section of this Code, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and a distinctive supervisory signal shall be provided to indicate a condition that would impair the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler system. Monitoring shall include, but shall not be limited to, monitoring of control valves, fire pump power supplies and running conditions, water tank levels and temperatures, tank pressure, and air pressure on dry-pipe valves. Supervisory signals shall sound and shall be displayed either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility. A.11.3.2.1 NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, provides details of standard practice in sprinkler supervision. Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, sprinkler supervision is also permitted to be provided by direct connection to municipal fire departments or, in the case of very large establishments, to a private headquarters providing similar functions. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, covers such matters. Where municipal fire alarm systems are involved, reference should also be made to NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems.

11.3.2.2 Alarm Signal Transmission. Where electrical supervision of automatic sprinkler systems is provided in accordance with another provision of this Code, waterflow alarms shall be transmitted to an approved, proprietary alarm receiving facility, a remote station, a central station, or the fire department. Such connection shall be in accordance with 11.2.1.4. 11.3.3 Other Supervision. Where electrical supervision is not required by another section of this Code, supervision shall be permitted in accordance with NFPA 13. 11.4 Fire Department Standpipes. 11.4.1 Standpipe and Hose Systems. Where required by the provisions of another section of this Code, standpipe and hose systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrants, and Hose Systems. 11.4.2 Combination Systems. Where standpipe and hose systems are installed in combination with automatic sprinkler systems, installation shall be in accordance with the appropriate provisions established by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrants, and Hose Systems. 11.5 Other Automatic Extinguishing Equipment. 11.5.1 Alternative Systems. In any occupancy where the character of the fuel for fire is such that extinguishment or control of fire is accomplished by a type of automatic extinguishing system in lieu of an automatic sprinkler system, such system shall be installed in accordance with the appropriate standard, determined in accordance with Table 11.5.1.

Table 11.5.1 Fire suppression system installation standards. Fire Suppression System Installation Standard Low-expansion foam systems

NFPA 11, Standard for Low-Expansion Foam

Medium- and high-expansion foam systems

NFPA 11A, Standard for Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems

Carbon dioxide systems NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems

Halon 1301 systems NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems

Water spray fixed systems NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection

Deluge foam-water sprinkler systems

NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems

Dry chemical systems NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems

Wet chemical systems NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems

Water mist systems NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems

Clean agent extinguishing systems

NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

11.5.2 Alarm Activation. If the extinguishing system is installed in lieu of a required, supervised automatic sprinkler system, the activation of the extinguishing system shall activate the building fire alarm system, where provided. The actuation of an extinguishing system that is not installed in lieu of a required, supervised automatic sprinkler system shall be indicated at the building fire alarm system, where provided. 11.5.3 Construction Alternatives. Construction alternatives for fire sprinkler systems shall not be permitted for those portions of


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buildings protected by alternative extinguishing systems unless equivalency is demonstrated in accordance with 1.12.4 and 11.1.5. 11.6 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Where required by another section of this Code, portable fire extinguishers shall be installed, inspected, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. 11.7 Smoke Control. 11.7.1* Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance. Where required by another section of this Code, smoke control systems shall be installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards, engineering guides, or recommended practices. A.11.7.1 For guidance on designing smoke control systems, see NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems and NFPA 92B, Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas. 11.7.2 System Design. The engineer of record shall clearly identify the intent of the system, the design method used, the appropriateness of that method, and the required means of inspection, testing, and maintaining the system. 11.7.3 Acceptance Testing. Acceptance testing shall be performed by a special inspector. 11.8 Fire Hydrants. Where required by another section of this Code, fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. 11.9 Private Fire Service Mains. Private fire service mains that provide fire protection water to a site shall be in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. 11.10 Protection of Cooking Hazards. Where required by another section of this Code, commercial cooking operations shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. 11.11 Special Inspections and Tests. 11.11.1 System Verification. When required by another section of this Code, special inspections and tests shall be performed to verify the operation of the fire protection system in its final condition for acceptance by the authority having jurisdiction. 11.11.2 Documentation. The design documents shall provide the procedures and methods to be used and items subject to special inspections and tests. 11.11.3 Report. The special inspector shall submit an inspection and test report to the building official and registered design professional in responsible charge. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed Chapter 11 incorporates the actions taken on the public and committee proposals. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: WEBB: See my comment on the Committee Action on 5000-587 (Log #14). WREN: I don’t object to their inclusion in the Building Code, but Sections 11.2.1.3 and A.11.2.1.3 seem to address issues that are normally addressed by a Fire Code and enforced by fire departments.

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5000- 570 - (11-1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 11.1.5 as follows: “All required documentation regarding the design, and procedures for maintenance, inspection and testing of the fire protection systems shall be maintained in a secured location on the premises for the life of the fire protection systems.”

SUBSTANTIATION: Maintaining the noted documentation on site is necessary for system reliability. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 20 NEGATIVE: 1 EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KLEIN: This paragraph would require documentation to be maintained at every building. While this may be desirable in some cases, for many organizations, documentation is maintained in a central location for safe-keeping. For example, documents for buildings that are part of a university campus, a military base, or a large hospital complex are typically kept at the Engineering or Facility Management office. For such large organizations, the requirement that documentation be maintained at each separate building is not desirable and is not necessary. The paragraph should allow documentation to be maintained by the owner in a central location if the documentation is readily available to the authority having jurisdiction.

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5000- 571 - (11-1.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise paragraph and relocate to 11.3.1.5 as follows: 11.3.1.5 In high rise buildings, a sprinkler control valve and a waterflow device shall be provided for each floor. SUBSTANTIATION: Individual floor zones provide a clear indication of the location of a fire. This is especially important in large buildings. The proposed paragraph correlates with NFPA 101:11.8.2.1. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 572 - (11-1.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read as follows: “Fire protection systems and equipment shall be designed....”. (balance unchanged). SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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(Log #470) Committee: SAF-BSF

5000- 573 - (11-1.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add: “Where another thread is used in the jurisdiction, the threads in the building shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.” SUBSTANTIATION: Not all jurisdictions use national standard thread. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302).


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302), which deletes 11.1.2, should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 574 - (11-1.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Phillip A. Brown, American Fire Sprinkler Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Add: or that thread designed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. SUBSTANTIATION: NST threads are not used by all fire departments. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302), which deletes 11.1.2, should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 575 - (11-1.2, 11-1.3, 11-1.4, 11-1.5, 11-1.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Delete 11.1.2, 11.1.3, 11.1.4, 11.1.5, and 11.1.6, and renumber remaining paragraphs accordingly. SUBSTANTIATION: The provisions in these paragraphs are either addressed in the installation standards or are beyond the scope of a building code to establish. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 576 - (11-1.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Phillip A. Brown, American Fire Sprinkler Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Delete “and fire inspector test.” SUBSTANTIATION: Location of the inspector’s test should be left to the system designer. The inspector’s test connection is not part of the operational portion of the system and its location is not critical. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302), which deletes 11.1.4, should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 577 - (11-1.5, 11.1.6, 11.1.7): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Move to Section 11.3. SUBSTANTIATION: These three sections are specific to sprinklers and should be located in that section. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. See Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302) and 5000-571 (Log #CP1303).

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-575 (Log #CP1302) deletes 11.1.5 and 11.1.6. Committee Proposal 5000-571 (Log #CP1303) should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 578 - (11-2.1.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise and relocate to 11.1.2 as follows: “Fire protection systems installed to make use of an alternative allowed by this code shall be considered required systems and shall meet the provisions of this code applicable to required systems.” SUBSTANTIATION: The provisions of 11.2.1.2 are applicable to all fire protection systems, not only fire alarm systems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 579 - (11-2.1.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Delete 11.2.1.3 and relocate to Annex A as modified: A.11.2.1 The provisions of Section 11.2 cover the basic functions of a complete fire alarm system, including fire detection, alarm, and communications. These systems are primarily intended to provide the indication and warning of abnormal conditions, the summoning of appropriate aid, and the control of building equipment functions to enhance protection of life and property. SUBSTANTIATION: The language is informational rather than mandatory, therefore, it should be moved to Annex A. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

___________________ (Log #4)

Committee: SAF-BSF 5000- 580 - (11-2.1.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Either delete “required for life safety” or add “or property protection” to the above. SUBSTANTIATION: A fire alarm system must be installed, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70 & 72 no matter what its purpose. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-581 (Log #CP1306). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-581 (Log #CP1306) should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 581 - (11-2.1.4): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.1.4 as follows: “A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with applicable requirements of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.” Add a new 11.1.3 (under General): “Existing installations of fire protection systems and equipment shall be permitted to continue in use subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, and in accordance with Section 1.12.” SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal deletes the reference to life safety in the paragraph since the scope of the building code addresses concepts including, but not limited to, occupant life safety. Other revisions are intended to clarify the committee's intent. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 582 - (11-2.1.5): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Delete 11.2.1.5. SUBSTANTIATION: The approval of systems and components is already covered by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The committee is minimizing the number of redundant references in the Building Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 583 - (11-2.1.6): Reject SUBMITTER: Howard Hooper, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add the following item under 11.2.1.5, and renumber the remaining sections. 11.2.1.6 Equipment, Fire detection, alarm and communication system equipment shall be listed for the purpose for which it is used. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal clarifies that the equipment covered under this sectiojn shall be listed, as required in NFPA 72, Section 1-5.1.2. This complements Section 11.2.1.5, which require the systems to be approved. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The listing of fire detection, alarm, and communication system equipment is already covered by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The committee is minimizing the number of redundant references in the Building Code. See also Committee Proposal 5000-582 (Log #CP1317) which deletes 11.2.1.5. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 584 - (11-2.1.6): Reject SUBMITTER: Howard Hooper, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 11.2.1.6 Fire alarm system installation wiring or other transmissionpaths shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with 11.2.1.4. All means of interconnecting equipment, devices, and appliances and wiring connections shall be monitored for the integrity in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. SUBSTANTIATION: This revision more accurately summarizes the NFPA 72, Section 1-5.8.1 requirements for monitoring for integrity, and includes a direct reference to NFPA 72, rather than the indirect reference to NFPA 72 found in 11.2.1.4. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Requirements for monitoring for integrity are already covered by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The committee is minimizing redundant references in the Building Code. See also Committee Proposal 5000-582 (Log #CP1317) which deletes 11.2.1.6. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 585 - (11-2.1.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Delete 11.2.1.6. SUBSTANTIATION: Requirements for monitoring for integrity are already covered by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The committee is minimizing redundant references in the Building Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 586 - (11-2.1.7): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Delete 11.2.1.7 and relocate to 11.1.4 (under General) as modified: “Fire protection systems and equipment shall have an approved inspection, maintenance, and testing program complying with the requirements of the applicable NFPA standards.” SUBSTANTIATION: An approved inspection, maintenance and testing program should be required for all fire protection systems, not just fire alarm systems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 587 - (11-2.1.8): Reject TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-BSF requesting that the TC reevaluate whether the provision in question belongs in the Building Code as raised by Mr. Webb's explanation of negative. SUBMITTER: John C. Harrington, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: This section is requesting that the building be evacuated or an approved fire watch be provided if the fire alarm system is out of service for more than four hours. This requirement appears excessive as it relates to all occupancies, and perhaps should be limited to only certain occupancies such as places of assembly. SUBSTANTIATION: The published requirement appears excessive and consideration should be given to revising it. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not provided a specific proposal, and is invited to provide such language for consideration during the comment period. Also, the requirement is consistent with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, for fire alarm systems taken out of service. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 20 NEGATIVE: 1 EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: WEBB: The reason for my negative vote on 5000-587 (Log #14) concerning paragraph 11.2.1.8 is that the committee erred in rejecting Mr. Harrington’s comment. The requirement to provide a fire watch or evacuate the premises if a required fire alarm system is out of service belongs in the Fire Code, not the Building Code. The Fire Marshal has the means to enforce such a provision; the Building Official usually does not. Further, the provision concerns maintenance and operation of fire protection systems, not design. The former should be regulated by the Fire Code and the latter by the Building Code.

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5000- 588 - (11-2.2.8): Accept SUBMITTER: William Hopple, Simplex Time Recorder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read: “Where a total (complete) coverage smoke detection system is required ... (remainder the same).” SUBSTANTIATION: Correlation with terminology used in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, which is referenced in the section. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 589 - (11-2.2.10): Reject SUBMITTER: S. Chester Jones, S. Chester Jones, P.E., Consultant RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 11.2.2.10 Smoke and Heat Alarms. 11.2.2.10.1 Where required by another section of the Code, single-station smoke alarms or single-station heat alarms shall be in accordance with the household fire-warning equipment requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, unless they are system smoke or heat detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and are arranged to function in the same manner. 11.2.2.10.2 Smoke and heat alarms, other than battery-operated devices as permitted by other sections of this Code, or battery-

powered devices complying with 11.2.1.4 and the low-power wireless system requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall receive their operating power from the building electrical system. 11.2.2.10.3* Unless otherwise permitted by another section of this Code, where two or more smoke or heat alarms are required within a living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area, they shall be so arranged so that operation of any smoke or heat alarm shall cause the alarm in all smoke or heat alarms within the living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area to sound. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to configurations that provide equivalent distribution of the alarm signal. SUBSTANTIATION: In Section 1.2.1 of the Life Safety Code it is clear that the intent of the Code is to "minimize danger to life from fire." The Code however does not now address certain dangers as identified int he report dated April 2000 from the Fire Analysis and Research Division of NFPA entitles. "The U.S. Fire Problem Overview Report." The statistics for manufactured homes have been deleted so the following represents the number for one-and two-family dwellings and apartments. This report shows that for dwellings and apartments, 48.5% of civilian deaths and 51.1% of civilian injuries result from fires originating in: a) Living room, family room, or den; b) Kitchen; c) Heating equipment room; and d) Laundry room or area. We do not mandate protection for these areas. Further, this report shows that for dwellings and apartments, 34.4% of civilian deaths and 47.0% of civilian injuries result from fires caused by: a) Heating equipment; b) Other heat sources; c) Electrical distribution; and d) Cooking equipment. We do not mandate protection for these causes. In the Appendix to the National Fire Alarm Code, for a long time we have recognized these problems and recommended additional protection. We can no longer, in good conscience, continue to omit requirements for fire protection in such areas. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: There is no data in the submitter's substantiation to justify requiring the addition of heat alarms to the noted section. The committee is concerned the proposed language implies heat alarms provide a level of protection equivalent to that provided by smoke alarms. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 590 - (11-2.2.10.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Howard Hooper, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 11.2.2.10.1 Where required by another section of this code, single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be in accordance with the household fire-warning equipment requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, unless they are system smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and are arranged to function in the same manner. SUBSTANTIATION: Either single-station or miltiple-station smoke alarms are required in the applications covered by these sections, depending on the configuration of the dwelling unit. This proposal adds the additional references to “multiple-station” to clarify this requirement. The references to smoke detector in sections 17.6.3.4.3, A18.3.4.2, 25.23.4.3.2 and 25.3.3.4.7 have been revised to reflect the proper term, smoke alarm.


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COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 591 - (11-2.2.10.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add the following: “Building fire alarm systems shall be provided with a secondary power supply according to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Wired residential smoke detectors shall have a battery backup power supply.” SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 72 requires fire alarm systems to have a backup power supply, whether from batteries or generator. In the case of residential hard-wired detectors, it is important that they also have a battery. During a power outage, people use candles and portable heaters. Some jurisdictions already require this (Boston). COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Requirements for secondary power supply are already addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The committee is minimizing redundant references in the Building Code. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 592 - (11-2.2.10.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add the following paragraph to 11.2.2.10.2 or create a new section: “In apartment buildings and multi-family dwellings, smoke detector batteries shall be replaced annually. This can be extended to two years if a long-life battery (such as an alkaline battery) is used. If a battery designed specifically for a smoke detector has a rated life span such as ten years, then the battery shall replaced at 75% of its life span. Alternatively, wireless detectors which transmit fire alarms and low battery power trouble signals by radio frequency to a panel shall be installed. The panel shall be installed at the building entrance or at a location constantly attended.” SUBSTANTIATION: Better assurance is needed that batteries are functioning in rental properties. The potential for loss of life is great in multi-dwelling homes especially old, wooden houses. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Maintenance of fire protection systems should be addressed by NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code, and/or NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, rather than the Building Code. Such maintenance requirements are beyond the scope of the Building Code. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 593 - (11-2.2.10.3): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read as follows: “Unless otherwise permitted by another section of this code, where two or more smoke detectors are required within a living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area, they shall be interconnected so that operation of any smoke detector shall cause all connected smoke detectors to sound.”

SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial. Replace “alarm” with “detector” and “arranged” with “interconnected”. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The term “smoke alarm,” rather than “smoke detector,” is correct as used in the noted paragraph. Also, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, uses the term 'arranged' rather than “interconnected.” NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 594 - (11-2.2.12 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read as follows: “Environments and expected fire scenarios shall be considered for smoke detector applications in order to minimize response time and nuisance alarms. For example, ionization detectors are better at detecting flaming fires while photoelectric detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires. Ionization detectors may be prone to nuisance alarms if located near a kitchen or shower.” SUBSTANTIATION: Fire detection systems must be properly designed and take environmental factors into account in order to be reliable. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Details regarding fire alarm system design should be addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, rather than the Building Code. NFPA 72 provides such guidance. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 20 NEGATIVE: 1 EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DONGA: 1. The information contained within the proposal is important. I have supplied additional information, which provides substantiation for the proper selection and application of smoke alarm and smoke detection technology, particularly within residential occupancy living units. 2. Already there are fire alarm system design considerations within the proposed Chapter 11, as well as other sections of NFPA 5000 that are not required by NFPA 72. For example, Section 11.2.2.5 requires at least one manual pull station for fire alarm systems using fire detection or waterflow devices, and Section 11.2.7.3 requires that the minimum fire alarm system zone to be a floor of a building. Additionally, Section 21.3.4 of NFPA 5000 appears to contradict the requirement of NFPA 72 (1999), Section 2-2.2.1, which requires all detectors to alarm within the dwelling unit when more than one is required, by allowing only single station smoke alarms within one- and two-family dwellings. Having design language within the building code already appears to be standard practice and the Technical Committee can address the proper selection of which type of smoke alarm/smoke detector (photoelectric or ionization) is to be utilized. If adequate direction is not given by NFPA 5000 on this matter, the lack of specific smoke alarm/smoke detector requirements on which type of smoke alarm/smoke detector to use and where, will only be made worse by jurisdictions adopting local amendments. Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters.

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5000- 595 - (11-2.2.13 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: “Spacing and location requirements for smoke detectors shall be followed according to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm code.”


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SUBSTANTIATION: Spacing and location of smoke detectors is critical. Reference to NFPA 72 is all that is needed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, is already referenced by the Building Code. The committee is minimizing redundant references. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 596 - (11-2.2.14 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: “Nuisance and false alarms shall be minimized by proper design, application, testing and maintenance. Where non-fire alarms can not be tolerated, “smart” detectors or methods of discrimination such as alarm verification or cross-zoning shall be used.” SUBSTANTIATION: Nuisance alarms can be a problem in some occupancies, causing people to disable fire alarm systems. It is therefore imperative that nuisance alarm problems be eliminated. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal addresses a design issue rather than a minimum mandatory code requirement. Also, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to enforece “where non-fire alarms cannot be tolerated.” Guidance on minimizing false alarms should be addressed by NFPA 72, Naitonal Fire Alarm Code. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 597 - (11-2.2.15 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: “Install beam smoke detectors in corridors of hotels, nursing homes and institutional facilities where there are sleeping quarters.” SUBSTANTIATION: Beam detectors will respond faster than spot detectors in hallways when a small amount of smoke makes its way out from a bedroom. This will allow more time for occupants to exit safely. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: No data has been provided to indicate beam-type detectors will respond faster than spot detectors in the noted occupancies. Also, no justification has been provided to support the level of protection afforded by the proposed Building Code, which closely reflects NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, is inadequate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 598 - (11-2.3.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Catherine L. Stashak, Des Plaines Fire Dept., IL RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.3.1 as follows: 11.2.3.1 Occupant notification shall provide signal notification to alert occupants of fire or other emergency as required by other sections of this Code. Audible signals for emergency signaling other than fire shall be permitted provided the emergency signal for fire is distinctively different and overrides all other use. SUBSTANTIATION: I serve as chair of the Life Safety Technical Committee on Educational and Day-Care Occupancies. A task group of the technical committee met and drafted the proposed revisions.

The subject was not balloted through the full technical committee, so I am submitting the proposal in my name. The educational occupancies chapters of the Life Safety Code have similar wording. The concept of a distinctive signal for notifying occupants of an emergency condition other than fire should be made available to all occupancies. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, already permits signaling for emergencies other than fire as long as the signals are distinctive and the fire alarm signal takes precedence. See NFPA 72:3-8.2.5. The committee is minimizing redundant references. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 599 - (11-2.3.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.3.2 to read as follows: 11.2.3.2 Notification shall be provided by audible and visible signals in accordance with 11.2.3.3 through 11.2.3.12, unless otherwise provided in 11.2.3.2.1 through 11.2.3.2.4. 11.2.3.2.1 Elevator lobby, hoistway, and associated machine room smoke detectors used solely for elevator recall, and heat detectors used solely for elevator power shutdown, shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm if the power supply and installation wiring to these detectors are monitored by the building fire alarm system, and the activation of these detectors results in an audible and visible alarm signal at a constantly attended location. 11.2.3.2.2 Smoke detectors used solely for closing dampers or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system shutdown shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm. 11.2.3.2.3 Detectors located at doors for the exclusive operation of automatic door release shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm. 11.2.3.2.4 Detectors in accordance with the exception to 20.3.4.3.1 shall not be required to activate the building evacuation alarm. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal rewrites the exceptions to 11.2.3.2 as positive provisions in accordance with the NFPA Manual of Style. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 600 - (11-2.3.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.3.6 to read as follows: 11.2.3.6 Unless otherwise provided in 11.2.3.6.1 through 11.2.3.6.3, notification signals for occupants to evacuate shall be by audible and visible signals in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, and ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, or other means of notification acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 11.2.3.6.1 Areas not subject to occupancy by persons who are hearing impaired shall not be required to comply with the provisions for visible signals. 11.2.3.6.2 Visible-only signals shall be provided where specifically permitted in health care occupancies in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18. 11.2.3.6.3 Visible signals shall not be required in lodging or rooming houses in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 22.


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SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal rewrites the exceptions to 11.2.3.6 as positive statements in accordance with the NFPA Manual of Style. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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Committee: SAF-BSF 5000- 601 - (11-2.3.7): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.3.7 to read as follows: 11.2.3.7 The general evacuation alarm signal shall operate in accordance with one of the methods prescribed by 11.2.3.7.1 through 11.2.3.7.4. 11.2.3.7.1 The general evacuation alarm signal shall operate throughout the entire building. 11.2.3.7.2* Where total evacuation of occupants is impractical due to building configuration, only the occupants in the affected zones shall be initially notified. Provisions shall be made to selectively notify occupants in other zones to afford orderly evacuation of the entire building. 11.2.3.7.3 Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, physical or mental disabilities, or physical restraint, the private operating mode as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall be permitted to be used. Only the attendants and other personnel required to evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. 11.2.3.7.4 In covered mall buildings in accordance with Chapter 26, notification within the covered mall shall be permitted in accordance with 26.4.4.3.3. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal editorially rewrites the exceptions to 11.2.3.7 as positive statements in accordance with the NFPA Manual of Style. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 602 - (11-2.3.11): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.3.11 as follows: 11.2.3.11 Unless otherwise permitted by another section of this code, audible and visible fire alarm notification appliances shall comply with either 11.2.3.11.1 or 11.2.3.11.2. 11.2.3.11.1 Audible and visible fire alarm notification appliances shall be used only for fire alarm system or other emergency purposes. 11.2.3.11.2 Voice communication systems shall be permitted to be used for other purposes, subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, if the fire alarm system takes precedence over all other signals. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal editorially rewrites the exception to 11.2.3.11 as a positive statement in accordance with the NFPA Manual of Style. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. See Committee Action on 5000-1013 (Log #1506). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action on 5000-1013 (Log #1506) should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 603 - (11-2.3.12): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read as follows: “Fire alarm notification signals shall take precedence over all other signals.” SUBSTANTIATION: Clarify intent. “Fire” should be stated. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, already permits signaling for emergencies other than fire as long as the signals are distinctive and the fire alarm signal takes precedence. See NFPA 72:3-8.2.5. The committee is minimizing redundant references. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 604 - (11-2.7.1): Reject TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-BSF requesting that the TC reevaluate whether the action on the proposal is 'accept in principle' as raised by Mr. Wren's comment on affirmative. SUBMITTER: Kenneth E. Bush, Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal RECOMMENDATION: Revise the wording of Paragraph 11.2.7.1 as follows: “Alarm annunciation in accordance with this Section shall be provided for all buildings having a floor area of more than 52,000 sq ft, and as required by other sections of this Code.” SUBSTANTIATION: The additional levels of fire alarm annunciation included as a part of this proposal are intended to assist the fire department, as well as building occupants, in determining the exact location and nature of a fire emergency by means of identifying the type of alarm initiating device. This will serve to promote firefighter safety and reduce property loss, both from direct and indirect means, by reducing the time and manpower needed to locate and mitigate any emergency condition. Essentially, this proposal will coordinate fire alarm annunciation requirements with the requirement for additional risers for automatic sprinkler systems in all occupancy types. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter's proposal is already addressed by 11.2.7.4. See also Committee Proposal 5000-605 (Log #CP1312). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: WREN: After reading this proposal and the Committee’s action, it seems that the Committee really accepted this proposal in principle. The proponent seems to be advocating limitations for the area that can be reported as a single alarm zone and, though the limitations are somewhat different, that is what results from Committee Proposal 5000-605 (Log #CP1312).

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5000- 605 - (11-2.7.4): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.2.7.4 and add new 11.2.7.4.1 though 11.2.7.4.4 as follows: 11.2.7.4 If a floor area exceeds 22,500 ft2, additional zoning shall be provided, and the length of any single zone shall not exceed 300 ft (91 m) in any direction, except as provided in 11.2.7.4.1 through 11.2.7.4.4. 11.2.7.4.1 Where permitted by another section of this code, alarm zones shall be permitted to exceed 22,500 ft2, and the length of a zone shall be permitted to exceed 300 ft (91 m) in any direction. 11.2.7.4.2 Where the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3.1.1.1, the area of the alarm zone shall be permitted to coincide with the allowable area of the sprinkler zone. 11.2.7.4.3 Where the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3.1.1.2, alarm zones shall be permitted to have an area not exceeding 52,000 ft2. 11.2.7.4.4 Where the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3.1.1.3, alarm zones shall be permitted to have an area not exceeding 52,000 ft2. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal is intended to coordinate the size of alarm zones with the size of smoke compartments in health care occupancies and detention and correctional occupancies in NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. The proposal also rewrites the exception to 11.2.7.4 in positive language, and references the sprinkler system zone sizes permitted by NFPA 13. Where buildings are protected by automatic sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D, alarm zones are permitted up to 52,000 ft2. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 606 - (11-2.8 , A.11.2.8 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Catherine L. Stashak, Des Plaines Fire Dept., IL RECOMMENDATION: Add an 11.2.8 as follows: 11.2.8* Supervision. Where fire alarm systems are required by another section of this Code, supervisory alarm and trouble signals shall sound and be visibly displayed either at an approved, remotely located receiving facility or at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel. A.11.2.8 Supervision. If the supervisory alarm and trouble signals are sounded and displayed at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel, it is the intent that the receiving location needs to be staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The transmission of supervisory alarm and trouble signals is important for property protection purposes even at times when the remainder of the building is unoccupied. SUBSTANTIATION: I serve as chair of the Life Safety Technical Committee on Educational and Day-Care Occupancies. A task group of the technical committee met and drafted the proposed revisions. The subject was not balloted through the full technical committee, so I am submitting the proposal in my name. For property protection purposes, supervisory alarm and trouble signals need to be transmitted to a location where trained staff can take appropriate action. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Renumber 11.2.4 as 11.2.4.1, and add a new 11.2.4.2 as follows: 11.2.4.2* Where fire alarm systems are required to provide emergency forces notification, supervisory signals and trouble signals shall sound and be visibly displayed either at an approved, remotely

located receiving facility or at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel. A.11.2.4.2 If the supervisory signals and trouble signals are sounded and displayed at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel, it is the intent that the receiving location needs to be staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The transmission of supervisory signals and trouble signals is important for property protection purposes even at times when the remainder of the building is unoccupied. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed requirement should only apply where emergency forces notification is otherwise required. If emergency forces notification is not otherwise required, the transmission of supervisory signals should not be required. The committee action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 607 - (11-3.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Robert Spaulding, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add a paragraph indicating that the installation of private fire service mains that provide fire protection water to a site shall be in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. SUBSTANTIATION: New text added to provide needed guidance on fire service mains. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new Section 11.9 as follows: 11.9 Private Fire Service Mains. Private fire service mains that provide fire protection water to a site shall be in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action relocates the proposed requirement so as to be applicable to all water based systems, rather than only those serving automatic sprinkler systems. The committee action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 608 - (11-3.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Robert Spaulding, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add a paragraph indicating that NFPA 230, Standard for the Fire Protection of Storage, should be a reference for sprinkler protection in storage occupancies. SUBSTANTIATION: New text to provide a needed reference for storage occupancies. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 13 already addresses sprinkler protection in storage occupancies. Any special requirements should be addressed by Chapter 29, Storage Occupancies. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 609 - (11-3.1.1): Accept in Principle TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that public comments on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-RES and SAF-BCF requesting that they review and revise, as necessary, sprinkler system installation references to clarify which of the three documents are acceptable for use. These are the only two occupancy committees that permit use of NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R sprinkler systems in addition to NFPA 13 systems. The TCC wishes to point out that it did not do exactly as the TC asked in their committee statement, but that the information is being sent to SAF-RES and SAF-BCF only. SUBMITTER: William E. Koffel, Koffel Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 11.3.1.1 to read as follows: 11.3.1.1* Each automatic sprinkler system required by another section of the Code shall be in accordance with one of the following sections: 11.3.1.1.1 NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. 11.3.1.1.2 Where specifically permitted by Chapters 15 through 29 of this code, NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and including Four Stories in Height 11.3.1.1.3 Where specifically permitted by Chapters 21, 22 and 25 of the Code, NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose of this editorial format is to permit references for sprinkler modifications to refer to specific types of sprinkler systems that qualify for the modification. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise Section 11.3.1.1 to read as follows: 11.3.1.1* Each automatic sprinkler system required by another section shall be in accordance with one of the following: (a) NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. (b) NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and including Four Stories in Height (c) NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is not the committee's intent to limit in which occupancies specific types of sprinkler systems are permitted to be installed. Such determination should be made by the occupancy chapters. The committee action also revises the proposal to indicate the reference standards in list format. The committee action should meet the submitter's intent. The committee requests the TCC direct the occupancy chapter TCs to verify their references to sprinkler standards in accordance with this action. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 610 - (11-3.1.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete the final sentence starting with “An indicating shutoff valve shall...”. SUBSTANTIATION: Shutoff valves to partial systems are frequently closed. This is the situation that lead to death of a Fire Fighter in New York when a partial system in a hallway was shut down. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Control valves are required to reduce water damage in the event of a sprinkler activation. Also, Committee Proposal 5000-611 (Log #CP1313) adds language to require such valves to be secured in the open position or otherwise supervised. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 20 NEGATIVE: 1 EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ISMAN: Our negative ballot on 5000-610 (Log #1129) is due to the fact that NFPA 5000 will mandate a shut-off valve between the partial sprinkler system and the domestic system. These valves frequently get shut and are not inspected during regular intervals as required by NFPA 25. Building owners should not be forced to install a shut-off valve. They should be allowed to use the domestic shut-off valve to control the sprinkler system if they choose. NFPA 13D utilizes this concept as a preferred method of installing fire sprinkler systems in single family dwellings and it works well where it is used. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: KAPALCZYNSKI: The requirement, as enhanced by 5000-611 (Log #CP1313), affirms a longstanding requirement established in NFPA 101.

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Committee: SAF-BSF 5000- 611 - (11-3.1.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise the last sentence to read: “An indicating shutoff valve, supervised in accordance with 11.3.2 or 11.3.3, shall be installed in an accessible, visible location between the sprinklers and the connection to the domestic water supply.” SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal should minimize the probability of a sprinkler valve being inadvertantly closed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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Committee: SAF-BSF 5000- 612 - (11-3.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.3.2 and add a new 11.3.3 as follows: 11.3.2 Electrical Supervision. (Balance unchanged.) 11.3.3 Other supervision. Where electrical supervision is not required by another section of this Code, supervision shall be permitted in accordance with NFPA 13. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 13 permits sprinkler system supervision by mechanical means (e.g., locking valves open). This is sometimes overlooked by authorities having jurisdiction and is not permitted by the Life Safety Code. The proposal clarifies it is the intent of the Building Code to permit mechanical supervision when appropriate, as determined by the occupancy chapters. The committee requests the TCC direct the occupancy chapter committees to reference 11.3.2 when electrical supervision is intended, or 11.3.3 where other means of supervision permitted by NFPA 13 is intended. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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Committee: SAF-BSF 5000- 613 - (11-3.2, 11.3.2.1, 11.3.2.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo P. Donovan, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Delete 11.3.2 Supervision. Change 11.3.2.1 to 11.3.2 and change 11.3.2.2 to 11.3.3. Reword 11.3.2.2 (new 11.3.3) as follows: “... an approved central station, remote station, proprietary station or to the fire department...”. SUBSTANTIATION: Supervisory signals and signal transmission should be separate. Editorial. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Requirements for supervisory signals and alarm signal transmission are now under the heading of “Electrical Supervision,” based on Committee Proposal 5000-612 (Log #CP1308). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 614 - (11-4): Reject SUBMITTER: William Wilcox, FM Global RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 11.4, and renumber subsequent sections accordingly, as follows: 11.4 Fire Pumps. Where required to supply water for fire protection systems, fire pumps shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. Any emergency standby power systems for electrically-driven fire pumps shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. SUBSTANTIATION: Guidance is not provided and is needed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal is already addressed by the reference standards and does not need to be repeated in the Building Code. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 615 - (11-4, A-11.4.2): Reject TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that public comments on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to each of the occupancy chapters technical committees (SAF-AXM, SAF-END, SAF-HEA, SAF-DET, SAF-RES, SAF-BCF, SAF-MER and SAF-IND) requesting that the TC establish, as needed, standpipe system thresholds. Further, the TCC directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-BSF requesting that the TC: (1) provide additional information to supplement its Committee Statement as to why different thresholds should be allowed to stand in NFPA 5000. (2) prepare a table of all standpipe system thresholds; develop standardized wording to resolve inconsistencies. (3) give consideration to placing all standpipe system thresholds in Chapter 11. SUBMITTER: Catherine L. Stashak, Des Plaines Fire Dept., IL RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 11.4 on standpipes as follows: 11.4 Fire Department Standpipes. 11.4.1 (Source: NFPA 101-2000, 9.7.4.2.) Where required by other the provisions of another section of this Code, standpipe and hose systems shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrants, and Hose Systems. Where standpipe and hose systems are installed in combination with automatic sprinkler systems, installation shall be in accordance with the appropriate provisions established by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrants, and Hose Systems. 11.4.2* In other than buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, Class I standpipes shall be installed in accordance with 11.4.1 where any of the following occur: 1. A minimum of one floor level is more than 9 meters (29.5 feet) above or below the level of fire department access.

2. A minimum of one floor area is more than 45 meters (148 ft) from its nearest point of fire department entry into the building. A.11.4.2 Class I standpipes in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrants, and Hose Systems, provide a 63.5-mm (2 1/2-in.) hose connection to supply water for use by fire departments. The provisions of 11.4.2 do not include a requirement for hose to be installed at the required standpipe connection. In sprinklered buildings, the sprinkler system should control the fire so as to obviate the need for a general requirement for standpipes. Individual occupancy chapters might require standpipes and those standpipes might be required to be of a class other than Class I. Additionally such standpipe systems might be required to have hose connected to the standpipe. For example, see the provisions applicable to detention and correctional occupancies and assembly occupancy stages. SUBSTANTIATION: I serve as chair of the Life Safety Technical Committee on Educational and Day-Care Occupancies. A task group of the technical committee met and drafted the proposed revisions. The subject was not balloted through the full technical committee, so I am submitting the proposal in my name. Standpipes are needed in nonsprinklered buildings of all occupancy types for property protection and fire fighter safety purposes. Unlike NFPA 1 which requires standpipes for floors more than three stories ABOVE grade, it is important to provide standpipe protection to floors located significantly below grade. It is difficult for fire fighters to pull hose to floors above or below grade. The 9 meter criterion in subpart (1) of proposed 11.4.2 is a reasonable threshold for requiring standpipes. The 45 meter criterion of subpart (2) takes into consideration that fire department preconnect lines are often 60 meters in length and it, too, is a reasonable threshold for requiring standpipes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Standpipe system thresholds should be determined by the occupancy chapters, rather than Chapter 11. The committee requests the TCC direct the occupancy TCs to establish standpipe thresholds for their occupancies in accordance with this action. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 616 - (11-5.1): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Darrell W Harguth, Code Consultant/Rep. Fire Equipment Manufactureres Assn, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 11.5 Other Automatic Extinguishing Equipment. 11.5.1 In any occupancy where the character of the potential fuel for fire is such that extinguishment or control of a fire is effectively accomplished by a type of automatic extinguishing system other than an automatic sprinkler system, such as water mist, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, Halon 1301, clean agent, water spray, or a standard extinguishing system of another type, that system shall be permitted to be installed in lieu of an automatic sprinkler system. Such systems shall be installed, inspected, and maintained in accordance with appropriate NFPA standards. SUBSTANTIATION: To make this provision current, the reference to Halon 1301 must be deleted. This product is no longer available for use. The replacement products are the new clean agents addressed in NFPA 2001, Standard for Clean Agent Systems. These clean agent systems utilized halocarbon agents that contain as primary components one of more organic compounds containing one or more of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Examples are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorcarbons (PFCs or FCs), and fluoroiodocarbons (FICs). Other products are arriving on the market as well.


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COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. See Committee Proposal 5000-618 (Log #CP1309). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The reference to Halon 1301 systems should not be deleted since such systems are still used in some special applications. Reference to clean agent systems (NFPA 2001) was added by Committee Proposal 5000-618 (Log #CP1309) in table format, which should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 617 - (11-5.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: William E. Koffel, Koffel Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise the section to include specific installation standards for the various automatic extinguishing systems. SUBSTANTIATION: The user of the Code should not have to research the National Fire Codes to determine the applicable NFPA standard. The Code should adopt by reference the appropriate installation standard. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-618 (Log #CP1309). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Committee Proposal 5000-618 (Log #CP1309) should meet the sumitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 618 - (11-5.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Revise 11.5.1 to read as follows: “In any occupancy where the character of the fuel for fire is such that extinguishment or control of fire is accomplished by a type of automatic extinguishing system in lieu of an automatic sprinkler system, such system shall be installed in accordance with the appropriate standard, determined in accordance with Table 11.5.1.”

Table 11.5.1 Fire suppressions system installation standards. Fire Suppression System Installation Standard Low-expansion foam systems NFPA 11, Standard for Low-

Expansion Foam Medium- and high-expansion foam systems

NFPA 11A, Standard for Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems

Carbon dioxide systems NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems

Halon 1301 systems NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems

Water spray fixed systems NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection

Deluge foam-water sprinkler systems NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems

Dry chemical systems NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems

Wet chemical systems NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems

Water mist systems NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems

Clean agent extinguishing systems NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal provides specific references to installation standards for fire extinguishing systems other than automatic sprinkler systems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 619 - (11-5.2): Accept in Principle TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that public comments on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-FUN and SAF-BSF requesting that the TC's revise Section 1.6 Equivalency [as presented in Proposal 5000-1 (Log #CP2047)], as necessary, to address SAF-BSF's needs on this subject. Further, SAF-BSF is asked to delete the material on equivalency from Chapter 11. SUBMITTER: Kevin Kelly, National Fire Sprinkler Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a new paragraph as follows: “Construction alternatives for fire sprinkler systems shall not be permitted for alternative extinguishing systems.” SUBSTANTIATION: The added text is required to insure that the construction tradeoffs for sprinkler systems are only permitted when fire sprinkler systems are installed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new 11.5.3 as follows: 11.5.3 Construction alternatives for fire sprinkler systems shall not be permitted for those portions of buildings protected by alternative extinguishing systems unless equivalency is demonstrated in accordance with 1.12.4 and 11.1.5. Add a new 11.1.5 as follows: 11.1.5 Equivalency 11.1.5.1 Nothing in this Code is intended to prevent the use of systems, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this Code. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method, or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction. 11.1.5.2 Alternative systems, methods, or devices approved as equivalent by the authority having jurisdiction shall be recognized as being in compliance with this Code. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action specifies construction alternatives are not to be permitted in those areas of buildings protected by alternative extinguishing systems, and makes reference to equivalency provisions taken from NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and the alternative materials and types of construction criteria in Chapter 1 of the Building Code. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 620 - (11-6): Reject SUBMITTER: Darrell W Harguth, Code Consultant/Rep. Fire Equipment Manufactureres Assn, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 11.6 to read as follows: “Where required by the provisions of another section of this code or the referenced documents, portable fire extinguishers shall be installed, inspected, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.” Add NFPA 10 to the reference documents in Chapter 2.


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SUBSTANTIATION: Other NFPA standards, such as NFPA 1, cover the installation of portable fire extinguishers for occupancy-related special situations not explicitly covered by NFPA 5000. This change identifies these additional requirements and correlates NFPA 5000 with other occupancy-related standards which will ultimately be referenced in NFPA 5000. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed requirement is already addressed by the referenced standards. The committee is minimizing redundant references. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 621 - (11-7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Ken Bush, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office RECOMMENDATION: Reword 11.7 to read: 11.7* Smoke Control. Where required by the provisions of another section of this Code, an approved smoke control systems shall be installed, inspected, and maintained. A.11.7 For guidance in designing smoke control systems see NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke Control and NFPA 92B, Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas. SUBSTANTIATION: Makes the proposed language comply with the manual of style by placing recommended practices or guides in the appendix. NOTE: This proposal was submitted on behalf of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Fire Code Development. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See the Committee Action on Proposal 5000-622 (Log #512). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action on Proposal 5000-622 (Log #512) should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 622 - (11-7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: “Where required by the provisions of another section of this code, smoke control systems shall be installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards, engineering guides, or recommended practices. The engineer of record shall clearly identify the intent of the system, the design method used, the appropriateness of that method, and the required means of inspection, testing, and maintaining the system. Acceptance testing shall be performed by a special inspector.” SUBSTANTIATION: Smoke control can be accomplished by many means. This is recognized by NFPA since they have made NFPA 92A and 92B guides and not standards. This proposed rewrite places the burden on the designer for developing the appropriate approach to smoke control. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise Section 11.7 to read as follows: 11.7 Smoke Control. 11.7.1* Where required by the provisions of another section of this code, smoke control systems shall be installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards, engineering guides, or recommended practices.

11.7.2 The engineer of record shall clearly identify the intent of the system, the design method used, the appropriateness of that method, and the required means of inspection, testing, and maintaining the system. 11.7.3 Acceptance testing shall be performed by a special inspector. Add a new A.11.7.1 as follows: A.11.7.1 For guidance on designing smoke control systems, see NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems and NFPA 92B, Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action divides the proposal into separate numbered paragraphs to comply with the NFPA Manual of Style (each numbered paragraph can contain only one requirement), and adds an annex note as proposed in Proposal 5000-621 (Log #191). The committee action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 623 - (11-8): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Darrell W Harguth, Code Consultant/Rep. Fire Equipment Manufactureres Assn, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 11.8 to address protection of cooking hazards as follows: 11.8 Protection of Cooking Hazards. All public and private cooking operations except for single family residential usage shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. Add NFPA 96 to Section 2 Reference Documents. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 5000 as currently drafted does not address protection of cooking hazards. NFPA 96 provides a stand alone document which can be used for all occupancies as appropriate (using the scope of NFPA 96). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new Section 11.10 as follows: 11.10 Protection of Cooking Hazards. Where required by another section of this code, commercial cooking operations shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. Add NFPA 96 to Chapter 2 Reference Documents. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The determination of where protection of commercial cooking equipment is required should be made by the occupancy chapters. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 624 - (11-8): Reject TCC NOTE: The Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) directs that a public comment on this proposal be submitted in the TCC's name to SAF-BSF requesting that the subject of this proposal be revisited now that a draft of Chapter 100 Flood Resistant Design and Construction is available via Proposal 5000-1421 (Log #623). SUBMITTER: James A. Rossberg, Christopher P. Jones, American Society of Civil Engineers/Rep. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mitigation Directorate RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: 11.8 Flood Resistance. For new construction of buildings and structures that are located wholly or partly within flood hazard areas established by Section 100.3.2, including substantial improvements and restoration of substantial damage, fire protection systems and equipment below the design flood elevation shall meet the


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requirements of Section 8 of SEI/ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction. SUBSTANTIATION: Makes code provisions compliant with National Flood Insurance Program regulations (floor resistance of building systems) for buildings and structures in flood hazard areas. Note that this proposal is one of a series of proposals that will insure NFPA 5000 compliance with NFIP regulations. Although submitted separately, the proposals comprising the series should be considered together. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Insufficient information has been provided to fully understand the implications of the proposed requirements. The committee requests the TCC provide guidance to the TCs on how the Code should address flood requirements. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 625 - (11-8): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 11.8 as follows: 11.8 Fire Hydrants. Where required by the provisions of another section of this Code, fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24. SUBSTANTIATION: The TC on Detention and Correctional Occupancies has asked BSF to provide a 'menu item' addressing fire hydrants, which could then be further modified by the occupancy chapters if they desired. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 626 - (11-8 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Martin H. Reiss, The RJA Group, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add new to read: “When required by the provisions of another section of this code, special inspections and tests to verify the operation of the fire protection system design in its final condition for acceptance by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The design documents shall provide the procedures and methods to be used and items subject to such inspections and tests. The special inspector shall submit an inspection and test report tot he building official and registered design professional in responsible charge.” SUBSTANTIATION: There is a need for inspections and testing of the fire protection system to verify the proper operation in their final installed condition. This is similar to the requirement in Sections 1704 and 909 of the IBC 2000. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See the Committee Action on Proposal 5000-627 (Log #494). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action on Proposal 5000-627 (Log #494) should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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5000- 627 - (11-8 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section as follows: “When required by the provisions of another section of this code, special inspections and tests shall be performed to verify the operation of the fire protection system in its final condition for acceptance by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The design documents shall provide the procedures and methods to be used and items subject to such inspections and tests. The special inspector shall submit an inspection and test report to the building official and registered design professional in responsible charge.” SUBSTANTIATION: This is a companion change to the definition of Special Inspections in Chapter 3, and the requirement for them in Chapter 4. See the rationale with the Code change for Chapter 4. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new Section 11.11 as follows: 11.11 Special Inspections and Tests. 11.11.1 When required by another section of this code, special inspections and tests shall be performed to verify the operation of the fire protection system in its final condition for acceptance by the authority having jurisdiction. 11.11.2 The design documents shall provide the procedures and methods to be used and items subject to special inspections and tests. 11.11.3 The special inspector shall submit an inspection and test report to the building official and registered design professional in responsible charge. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action divides the proposal into separate numbered paragraphs to comply with the NFPA Manual of Style (only one requirement per numbered paragraph is permitted). The committee action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 21 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21

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(Log #CP2056) Committee: SAF-MEA

5000- 628 - (Chapter 12): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Create a Chapter 12 Means of Egress to read as follows:

Chapter 12 Means Of Egress

12.1 General. 12.1.1* Application. Means of egress for buildings shall comply with this chapter. 12.1.2 Definitions. (See Chapter 3.) 12.1.3 Separation of Means of Egress. 12.1.3.1 Exit Access Corridors. Except as otherwise provided in Chapters 15 through 30, corridors used as exit access and serving an area having an occupant load exceeding 30 shall be separated from other parts of the building by walls having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with Chapter 8. 12.1.3.2 Exits. 12.1.3.2.1 Where this Code requires an exit to be separated from other parts of the building, the separating construction shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8 and the following.

(a) The separation shall have not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating where the exit connects three stories or less.

(b) The separation shall have not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating where the exit connects four or more stories. The separation shall be constructed of an


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assembly of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials and shall be supported by construction having not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating. Exception: One-hr enclosures in accordance with 23.2.2.1.2, and 24.2.2.1.2 shall be permitted as an alternative.

(c) Openings in the separation shall be protected by fire door assemblies equipped with door closers complying with 12.2.1.8.

(d) Openings in exit enclosures shall be limited to those necessary for access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and corridors and for egress from the enclosure. Exception No. 1: Openings in exit passageways in covered mall buildings as provided in Chapter 26 shall be permitted.

(e) Penetrations into and openings through an exit enclosure assembly shall be prohibited except for the following:

(1) Electrical conduit serving the stairway (2) Required exit doors (3) Ductwork and equipment necessary for

independent stair pressurization (4) Water or steam piping necessary for the heating

or cooling of the exit enclosure (5) Sprinkler piping (6) Standpipes

Exception to (e): Penetrations for fire alarm circuits shall be permitted within enclosures where fire alarm circuits are installed in metal conduit and penetrations are protected in accordance with Chapter 8.

(f) Penetrations or communicating openings shall be prohibited between adjacent exit enclosures. 12.1.3.2.2 An exit enclosure shall provide a continuous protected path of travel to an exit discharge. 12.1.3.2.3* An exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose that has the potential to interfere with its use as an exit and, if so designated, as an area of refuge. (See also 12.2.2.5.3.) 12.1.4 Interior Finish in Exits. 12.1.4.1* Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Exit Enclosures. The flame spread of interior finish on walls and ceilings in exit enclosures shall be limited to Class A or Class B in accordance with Chapter 10. 12.1.4.2* Interior Floor Finish in Exit Enclosures. Interior floor finish in exit enclosures, including stair treads and risers, shall be not less than Class II in accordance with Chapter 10. 12.1.5* Headroom. Means of egress shall be designed and maintained to provide headroom as provided in other sections of this Code and shall be not less than 7 ft 6 in. (2.3 m) with projections from the ceiling not less than 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) nominal height above the finished floor. The minimum ceiling height shall be maintained for not less than two-thirds of the ceiling area of any room or space, provided the ceiling height of remaining ceiling area is not less than 6 ft 8 in. (2 m). Headroom on stairs shall be not less than 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) and shall be measured vertically above a plane parallel to and tangent with the most forward projection of the stair tread. Exception: Headroom in industrial equipment access areas provided in Chapter 28 shall be permitted. 12.1.6 Walking Surfaces in the Means of Egress. 12.1.6.1 General. Walking surfaces in the means of egress shall comply with 12.1.6.2 through 12.1.6.4. 12.1.6.2 Changes in Elevation. Abrupt changes in elevation of walking surfaces shall not exceed 1/4 in. (0.6 cm). Changes in elevation exceeding 1/4 in. (0.6 cm), but not exceeding 1/2 in. (1.3 cm), shall be beveled 1 to 2. Changes in elevation exceeding 1/2 in.

(1.3 cm) shall be considered a change in level and shall be subject to the requirements of 12.1.7. 12.1.6.3 Level. Walking surfaces shall be nominally level. The slope of a walking surface in the direction of travel shall not exceed 1 in 20 unless the ramp requirements of 12.2.5 are met. The slope perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not exceed 1 in 48. 12.1.6.4* Slip Resistance. Walking surfaces shall be slip resistant under foreseeable conditions. Slip resistance shall be no less than 0.50 as measured in accordance with ASTM F 1679, Standard Test Method for the Variable Incidence Tribometer, or ASTM F 1677, Standard Test Method for the Portable Inclineable Articulated Strut Tester. The walking surface of each element in the means of egress shall be uniformly slip resistant along the natural path of travel. 12.1.7 Changes in Level in Means of Egress. 12.1.7.1 Changes in level in means of egress shall be achieved either by a ramp or a stair where the elevation difference exceeds 21 in. (53.3 cm). 12.1.7.2* Changes in level in means of egress not in excess of 21 in. (53.3 cm) shall be achieved either by a ramp or by a stair complying with the requirements of 12.2.2. The presence and location of ramped portions of walkways shall be readily apparent. The tread depth of such stair shall be not less than 13 in. (33 cm), and the presence and location of each step shall be readily apparent. Exception: Tread depth in industrial equipment access areas as provided in Chapter 28 shall be permitted. 12.1.8 Guards. Guards in accordance with 12.2.2.4 shall be provided at the open sides of means of egress that exceed 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade below. Exception: Guards shall not be required for the following locations: (1) On the loading side of loading docks or piers. (2) On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms. (3) On raised stage and platform floor areas such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations. (4) At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms including vertical openings. (5) At walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for utilization of special lighting or equipment. (6) Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public. (7) In assembly seating in accordance with 15.2.11.1. 12.1.9 Impediments to Egress. Any device or alarm installed to restrict the improper use of a means of egress shall be designed and installed so that it cannot, even in case of failure, impede or prevent emergency use of such means of egress unless otherwise provided in 12.2.1.6 and Chapters 18 and 20. 12.1.10 Means of Egress Reliability. 12.1.10.1* Means of egress shall be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency. 12.1.10.2 Furnishings and Decorations in Means of Egress. 12.1.10.2.1 No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof. 12.1.10.2.2 There shall be no obstructions by railings, barriers, or gates that divide the open space into sections appurtenant to individual rooms, apartments, or other occupied spaces. Where the authority having jurisdiction finds the required path of travel to be obstructed by furniture or other movable objects, the authority shall be permitted to require that such objects be secured out of the way or shall be permitted to require that railings


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or other permanent barriers be installed to protect the path of travel against encroachment. 12.1.10.2.3 Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of egress. 12.2 Means of Egress Components. 12.2.1 Doors. 12.2.1.1 General. 12.2.1.1.1 A door assembly in a means of egress shall conform to the general requirements of Section 12.1 and to the special requirements of 12.2.1. Such an assembly shall be designated as a door. 12.2.1.1.2 Every door and every principal entrance that is required to serve as an exit shall be designed and constructed so that the way of egress travel is obvious and direct. Windows that, because of their physical configuration or design and the materials used in their construction, have the potential to be mistaken for doors shall be made inaccessible to the occupants by barriers or railings. 12.2.1.1.3* For the purposes of Section 12.2, a building shall be considered to be occupied at any time it is open for general occupancy, open to the public, or at any other time it is occupied by more than 10 persons. 12.2.1.1.4 Doors and door assemblies required to minimize air leakage and retard the passage of smoke shall be tested in accordance with UL 1784, Standard for Air Leakage Tests for Door Assemblies. The maximum air leakage rate of the door or door assembly shall be 3.0 cfm/ft2 of door opening at 0.10 in. water column for both the ambient and elevated temperature tests 12.2.1.2 Width. 12.2.1.2.1* Egress Capacity Width. In determining the egress width for swinging doors for purposes of calculating capacity, only the clear width of the doorway when the door is open 90 degrees shall be measured. In determining the egress width for other types of doors for purposes of calculating capacity, only the clear width of the doorway when the door is in the full open position shall be measured. Clear width of doorways shall be measured between the face of the door and the stop in accordance with 12.3.2. 12.2.1.2.2* Minimum Width Measurement. For purposes of determining minimum door width, the door leaf width shall be used unless clear width is specified. Where clear width is specified, there shall be no projections into the required clear door opening width, measured in accordance with 12.2.1.2.1, lower than 34 in. (86 cm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the required clear door opening width that are not less than 34 in. (86 cm) but that do not exceed 80 in. (203 cm) above the floor or ground shall be limited to the hinge side of each door opening and shall not exceed 4 in. (10.1 cm). Projections exceeding 80 in. (203 cm) above the floor or ground shall not be limited. 12.2.1.2.3 Minimum Width. Door openings in means of egress shall be not less than 32 in. (81 cm) in clear width. Where a pair of doors is provided, not less than one of the doors shall provide not less than a 32-in. (81-cm) clear width opening. Exception No. 1: Exit access doors serving a room not exceeding 70 ft22 (6.5 m2) and not required to be accessible to persons with severe mobility impairments shall be not less than 24 in. (61 cm) in door leaf width. Exception No. 2: Doors serving a building or portion thereof not required to be accessible to persons with severe mobility impairments shall be permitted to be 28 in. (71 cm) in door leaf width.

Exception No. 3: This requirement shall not apply as otherwise provided in Chapter 20. Exception No. 4: This requirement shall not apply to interior doors as provided in Chapter 21. Exception No. 5: A power-operated door leaf located within a two-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32-in. (81-cm) single-leaf requirement in accordance with Exception No. 2 to 12.2.1.9.1. Exception No. 6: This requirement shall not apply to revolving doors as provided in 12.2.1.10. 12.2.1.3 Floor Level. The elevation of the floor surfaces on both sides of a door shall not vary by more than 1/2 in. (1.3 cm). The elevation shall be maintained on both sides of the doorway for a distance not less than the width of the widest leaf. Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) in height. Raised thresholds and floor level changes in excess of 1/4 in. (0.64 cm) at doorways shall be bevelled with a slope not steeper than 1 in 2. Exception No. 1: In one- and two-family dwellings where the door discharges to the outside or to an exterior balcony or exterior exit access, the floor level outside the door shall be permitted to be one step lower than the inside, but shall not be in excess of 8 in. (20.3 cm) lower. Exception No. 2: In one- and two-family dwellings, a door at the top of a stair shall be permitted to open directly at a stair, provided that the door does not swing over the stair and the door serves an area with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons. 12.2.1.4 Swing and Force to Open. 12.2.1.4.1* Any door in a means of egress shall be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type. The door shall be designed and installed so that it is capable of swinging from any position to the full required width of the opening in which it is installed. Exception No. 1: Sliding doors as provided in Chapter 18, and doors as provided in Chapter 21. Exception No. 2: Where permitted in Chapters 15 through 30, horizontal sliding or vertical rolling security grilles or doors that are part of the required means of egress shall be permitted, provided that: (a) Such grilles or doors shall remain secured in the full open position during the period of occupancy by the general public. (b) On or adjacent to the door, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background that reads as follows: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHEN THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED. (c) Doors or grilles shall not be brought to the closed position when the space is occupied. (d) Doors or grilles shall be operable from within the space without the use of any special knowledge or effort. (e) Where two or more means of egress are required, not more than half of the means of egress shall be equipped with horizontal sliding or vertical rolling grilles or doors. Exception No. 3: Horizontal sliding doors complying with 12.2.1.14 shall be permitted. Exception No. 4: Doors to private garages, business areas, industrial areas, and storage areas with an occupant load not exceeding 10, where such private garages, business areas, industrial areas, and storage areas contain low or ordinary hazard contents, shall be exempt from this requirement. Exception No. 5: Revolving doors complying with 12.2.1.10 shall be permitted. 12.2.1.4.2 Doors required to be side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving a room or area with an occupant load of 50 or more. 12.2.1.4.3 A door shall swing in the direction of egress travel where used in an exit enclosure or where serving a high hazard contents area, unless it is a door from an


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individual living unit that opens directly into an exit enclosure. 12.2.1.4.4* During its swing, any door in a means of egress shall leave not less than one-half of the required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landing unobstructed and shall not project more than 7 in. (17.8 cm) into the required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landing, when fully open. Doors shall not open directly onto a stair without a landing. The landing shall have a width not less than the width of the door. (See 12.2.1.3.) 12.2.1.4.5 The forces required to fully open any door manually in a means of egress shall not be more than 15 lbf (67 N) to release the latch, 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door in motion, and 15 lbf (67 N) to open the door to the minimum required width. Opening forces for interior side-hinged or pivoted-swinging doors without closers shall not be more than 5 lbf (22 N). These forces shall be applied at the latch stile. Exception No. 1: The opening forces for horizontal sliding doors in detention and correctional occupancies shall be as provided in Chapter 20. Exception No. 2: The opening forces for power-operated doors shall be as provided in 12.2.1.9. 12.2.1.4.6 Screen doors and storm doors used in a means of egress shall be subject to the requirements for direction of swing that are applicable to other doors used in a means of egress. 12.2.1.5 Locks, Latches, and Alarm Devices. 12.2.1.5.1 Doors shall be arranged to be opened readily from the egress side whenever the building is occupied. Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the inside of the building. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapters 18, 19, and 20. Exception No. 2: Exterior doors shall be permitted to have key-operated locks from the egress side, provided that the following criteria are met:

(a) Permission to use this exception is provided in Chapters 15 through 30 for the specific occupancy.

(b) On or adjacent to the door, there is a readily visible, durable sign in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background that reads as follows:

THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED.

(c) The locking device is of a type that is readily distinguishable as locked.

(d) A key is immediately available to any occupant inside the building when it is locked. Exception No. 2 shall be permitted to be revoked by the authority having jurisdiction for cause. Exception No. 3: Where permitted in Chapters 15 through 30, key operation shall be permitted, provided that the key cannot be removed when the door is locked from the side from which egress is to be made. 12.2.1.5.2* Every door in a stair enclosure serving more than four stories shall allow re-entry from the stair enclosure to the interior of the building, or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stair enclosure doors to allow re-entry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system. Exception No. 1: Doors on stair enclosures shall be permitted to be equipped with hardware that prevents re-entry into the interior of the building, provided that the following criteria are met:

(a) There shall be not less than two levels where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure.

(b) There shall be not more than four stories intervening between stories where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure.

(c) Re-entry shall be possible on the top or next to top story that allows access to another exit.

(d) A special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 shall be posted on the stair side of each door that allows re-entry.

(e) Doors not allowing re-entry shall be provided with a special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 on the stair side indicating the location of the nearest door, in each direction of travel, that allows re-entry or exit. Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to the following:

(a) Stair enclosures serving a building permitted to have a single exit in accordance with Chapters 15 through 30

(b) Stair enclosures where otherwise provided in Chapters 18 and 20 12.2.1.5.3 If a stair enclosure allows access to the roof of the building, the door to the roof either shall be kept locked or shall allow re-entry from the roof. 12.2.1.5.4* A latch or other fastening device on a door shall be provided with a releasing device having an obvious method of operation and that is readily operated under all lighting conditions. The releasing mechanism for any latch shall be located not less than 34 in. (86 cm), and not more than 48 in. (122 cm), above the finished floor. Doors shall be operable with not more than one releasing operation. Exception No. 1*: Egress doors from individual living units and guest rooms of residential occupancies shall be permitted to be provided with devices that require not more than one additional releasing operation, provided that such device is operable from the inside without the use of a key or tool and is mounted at a height not exceeding 48 in. (122 cm) above the finished floor. Automatic latching devices shall not be located more than 48 in. (122 cm) above the finished floor. 12.2.1.5.5 Where pairs of doors are required in a means of egress, each leaf of the pair shall be provided with its own releasing device. Devices that depend on the release of one door before the other shall not be used. Exception: Where exit doors are used in pairs and approved automatic flush bolts are used, the door leaf equipped with the automatic flush bolts shall have no doorknob or surface-mounted hardware. The unlatching of any leaf shall not require more than one operation. 12.2.1.5.6* Devices shall not be installed in connection with any door on which panic hardware or fire exit hardware is required where such device prevents or is intended to prevent the free use of the door for purposes of egress. Exception: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in 12.2.1.6. 12.2.1.6 Special Locking Arrangements. 12.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Locks. Approved, listed, delayed-egress locks shall be permitted to be installed on doors serving low and ordinary hazard contents in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 11.2, or an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, and where permitted in Chapters 15 through 30, provided that the following criteria are met.

(a) The doors shall unlock upon actuation of an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 11.3, or upon the actuation of any heat detector or not more than two smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic


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fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 11.2.

(b) The doors shall unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or locking mechanism.

(c) An irreversible process shall release the lock within 15 seconds upon application of a force to the release device required in 12.2.1.5.4 that shall not be required to exceed 15 lbf (67 N) nor be required to be continuously applied for more than 3 seconds. The initiation of the release process shall activate an audible signal in the vicinity of the door. Once the door lock has been released by the application of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be by manual means only. Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, a delay not exceeding 30 seconds shall be permitted.

(d) *On the door adjacent to the release device, there shall be a special sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 and reads as follows:

PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS

12.2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors. Where permitted in Chapters 15 through 29, doors in the means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with an approved entrance and egress access control system, provided that the following criteria are met:

(a) A sensor shall be provided on the egress side and arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors, and the doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress upon detection of an approaching occupant or loss of power to the sensor.

(b) Loss of power to the part of the access control system that locks the doors shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress.

(c) The doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress from a manual release device located 40 in. to 48 in. (102 cm to 122 cm) vertically above the floor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the secured doors. The manual release device shall be readily accessible and clearly identified by a special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 and reads as follows:

PUSH TO EXIT When operated, the manual release device shall result in direct interruption of power to the lock — independent of the access control system electronics — and the doors shall remain unlocked for not less than 30 seconds.

(d) Activation of the building fire-protective signaling system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset.

(e) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset. 12.2.1.7 Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware. 12.2.1.7.1 Where a door is required to be equipped with panic or fire exit hardware, such hardware shall meet the following criteria:

(1) It shall consist of cross bars or push pads, the actuating portion of which extends across not less than one-half of the width of the door leaf and not less than 34 in. (86 cm), nor not more than 48 in. (122 cm), above the floor.

(2) It shall be constructed so that a horizontal force not to exceed 15 lbf (66 N) actuates the cross bar or push pad and latches. 12.2.1.7.2 Only approved panic hardware shall be used on doors that are not fire doors. Only approved fire exit hardware shall be used on fire doors. 12.2.1.7.3 Required panic hardware and fire exit hardware shall not be equipped with any locking device, set screw, or other arrangement that prevents the release of the latch when pressure is applied to the releasing device. Devices that hold the latch in the retracted position shall be prohibited on fire exit hardware unless listed and approved for that purpose. Exception: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapter 20. 12.2.1.8 Self-Closing Devices. 12.2.1.8.1* A door normally required to be kept closed shall not be secured in the open position at any time and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8.2. 12.2.1.8.2 In any building of low or ordinary hazard contents, as defined in Chapter 6, or where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, doors shall be permitted to be automatic-closing, provided that the following criteria are met:

(1) Upon release of the hold-open mechanism, the door becomes self-closing.

(2) The release device is designed so that the door instantly releases manually and upon release becomes self-closing, or the door can be readily closed.

(3) The automatic releasing mechanism or medium is activated by the operation of approved smoke detectors installed in accordance with the requirements for smoke detectors for door release service in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®.

(4) Upon loss of power to the hold-open device, the hold-open mechanism is released and the door becomes self-closing.

(5) The release by means of smoke detection of one door in a stair enclosure results in closing all doors serving that stair. 12.2.1.9* Powered Doors. 12.2.1.9.1* General. Where means of egress doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the door opens manually to allow egress travel or closes where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to open such doors manually shall not exceed those required in 12.2.1.4.5, except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 lbf (222 N). The door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side from which egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging from any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed (see 12.2.1.4). On the egress side of each door, there shall be a special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 and reads as follows:

IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background. Exception No. 1: Sliding, power-operated doors in exit access serving an occupant load of fewer than 50 that manually open in the direction of door travel with forces not exceeding those required in 12.2.1.4.5 shall not be required to have a swing-out feature. The required sign shall read as follows:

IN EMERGENCY, SLIDE TO OPEN Exception No. 2*: In the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a two-leaf opening shall be exempt from the


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minimum 32-in. (81-cm) single-leaf requirement of 12.2.1.2.3, provided that the clear width of the single leaf is not less than 30 in. (76 cm). Exception No. 3: For a biparting sliding door in the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32-in. (81-cm) single-leaf requirement of 12.2.1.2.3 if a clear opening of not less than 32 in. (81 cm) is provided by all leafs broken out. Exception No. 4: Doors complying with 12.2.1.14 shall be permitted to be used. Exception No. 5: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapter 20. 12.2.1.9.2 Doors Required to Be Self-Closing. Where doors are required to be self-closing and (1) are operated by power upon the approach of a person or (2) are provided with power-assisted manual operation, they shall be permitted in the means of egress under the following conditions:

(1) Doors can be opened manually in accordance with 12.2.1.9.1 to allow egress travel in the event of power failure.

(2) New doors remain in the closed position unless actuated or opened manually.

(3) When actuated, new doors remain open for not more than 30 seconds.

(4) Doors held open for any period of time close — and the power-assist mechanism ceases to function — upon operation of approved smoke detectors installed in such a way as to detect smoke on either side of the door opening in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(5) Doors required to be self-latching are either self-latching or become self-latching upon operation of approved smoke detectors per 12.2.1.9.2(4).

(6) New power-assisted swinging doors comply with BHMA/ANSI A156.19, American National Standard for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors. 12.2.1.10 Revolving Doors. 12.2.1.10.1 Revolving doors shall comply with the following.

(a) Revolving doors shall be capable of being collapsed into a book-fold position.

(b) When revolving doors are collapsed into the book-fold position, the parallel egress paths formed shall provide an aggregate width of 36 in. (91 cm).

(c) Revolving doors shall not be used within 10 ft (3 m) of the foot or the top of stairs or escalators. Under all conditions, there shall be a dispersal area acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction between the stairs or escalators and the revolving door.

(d) The revolutions per minute (rpm) of revolving doors shall not exceed the values in Table 12.2.1.10.1.

Table 12.2.1.10.1 Revolving Door Maximum Speed

Inside Diameter

Power Driven-Type Speed

Control (rpm)

Manual-Type Speed

Control (rpm)

6 ft 6 in. (2 m)

11 12

7 ft 0 in. (2.1 m) 10 11 7 ft 6 in. (2.3 m) 9 11 8 ft 0 in. (2.4 m) 9 10 8 ft 6 in. (2.6 m) 8 9 9 ft 0 in. (2.7 m) 8 9 9 ft 6 in. (2.9 m) 7 8 0 ft 0 in. (3.0 m) 7 8

(e) Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 ft (3 m) of the revolving door. Exception No. 1: Revolving doors shall be permitted without adjacent swinging doors, required by 12.2.1.10.1(e), for street floor elevator lobbies, provided that no stairways or doors from other parts of the building discharge through the lobby and the lobby has no occupancy other than as a means of travel between the elevators and street. 12.2.1.10.2 Where permitted in Chapters 15 through 29, revolving doors shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress, provided that the following criteria are met:

(1) Revolving doors shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.

(2) Each revolving door shall not be credited with not more than 50 persons capacity or, if of not less than a 9-ft (2.7-m) diameter, revolving doors shall be permitted egress capacity based on the clear opening width provided when collapsed into a book-fold position.

(3) Revolving doors shall be capable of being collapsed into a book-fold position when a force not exceeding 130 lbf (578 N) is applied to the wings within 3 in. (7.6 cm) of the outer edge. 12.2.1.10.3 Revolving doors not used as a component of a means of egress shall have a collapsing force not exceeding 180 lbf (800 N). Exception: This requirement shall not apply to revolving doors, provided that the collapsing force is reduced to a force not to exceed 130 lbf (578 N) under the following conditions:

(a) If a power failure occurs, or if power is removed to the device holding the wings in position

(b) If an actuation of the automatic sprinkler system occurs where such a system is provided

(c) If an actuation of a smoke detection system that is installed to provide coverage in all areas within the building that are within 75 ft (23 m) of the revolving doors occurs

(d) If an actuation of a clearly identified manual control switch in an approved location that reduces the holding force to a force not to exceed 130 lbf (578 N) occurs 12.2.1.11 Turnstiles. 12.2.1.11.1 Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction or are used to collect fares or admission charges shall not be placed so as to obstruct any required means of egress. Exception No. 1: Approved turnstiles not exceeding 39 in. (99 cm) in height that turn freely in the direction of egress travel shall be permitted where revolving doors are permitted in Chapters 15 through 30. Exception No. 2: Where turnstiles are approved by the authority having jurisdiction and permitted in Chapters 15 through 30, each turnstile shall be credited for 50 persons capacity, provided that such turnstiles meet the following criteria:

(a) They freewheel in the egress direction when primary power is lost, and freewheel in the direction of egress travel upon manual release by an employee assigned in the area.

(b) They are not given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress width. (c) They are not in excess of 39 in. (99 cm) in height and have a clear width of not less than 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm). 12.2.1.11.2 Turnstiles exceeding 39 in. (99 cm) in height shall meet the requirements for revolving doors in 12.2.1.10. 12.2.1.11.3 Turnstiles located in or furnishing access to required exits shall provide not less than 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm) clear width at and below a height of 39 in. (99 cm) and at least 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear width at heights above 39 in. (99 cm).


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12.2.1.12 Doors in Folding Partitions. Where permanently mounted folding or movable partitions divide a room into smaller spaces, a swinging door or open doorway shall be provided as an exit access from each such space. Exception No. 1: A door or opening in the folding partition shall not be required, provided that the following criteria are met:

(a) The subdivided space is not used by more than 20 persons at any time.

(b) The use of the space is under adult supervision. (c) The partitions are arranged so that they do not extend

across any aisle or corridor used as an exit access to the required exits from the story.

(d) The partitions conform to the interior finish and other requirements of this Code.

(e) The partitions are of an approved type, have a simple method of release, and are capable of being opened quickly and easily by experienced persons in case of emergency. Exception No. 2: Where a subdivided space is provided with not less than two means of egress, the swinging door in the folding partition shall not be required, and one such means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with a horizontal sliding door complying with 12.2.1.14. 12.2.1.13 Balanced Doors. If panic hardware is installed on balanced doors, the panic hardware shall be of the push-pad type, and the pad shall not extend more than approximately one-half the width of the door, measured from the latch side. (See 12.2.1.7.1(1).) 12.2.1.14 Horizontal Sliding Doors. Horizontal sliding doors used in accordance with Exception No. 3 to 12.2.1.4.1 shall meet the following criteria:

(1) The door is readily operable from either side without special knowledge or effort.

(2) The force that, when applied to the operating device in the direction of egress, is required to operate the door is not more than 15 lbf (67 N).

(3) The force required to operate the door in the direction of door travel is not more than 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door in motion and is not more than 15 lbf (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum required width.

(4) The door is operable with a force not more than 50 lbf (222 N) when a force of 250 lbf (1110 N) is applied perpendicularly to the door adjacent to the operating device.

(5) The door assembly complies with the fire protection rating and, where rated, is self-closing or automatic-closing by means of smoke detection in accordance with 12.2.1.8, and is installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. 12.2.2 Stairs. 12.2.2.1 General. Stairs used as a component in the means of egress shall conform to the general requirements of Section 12.1 and to the special requirements of this subsection. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply to aisle stairs as provided in Chapter 15. 12.2.2.2 Dimensional Criteria. 12.2.2.2.1 Standard Stairs. Stairs shall be in accordance with Table 12.2.2.2.1.

Table 12.2.2.2.1 Stairs

Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections not more than 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side

44 in. (112 cm); 36 in. (91cm) where total occupant load of all stories served by stairways is fewer than 50

Maximum height of risers 7 in. (17.8 cm) Minimum height of risers 4 in. (10.2 cm) Minimum tread depth 11 in. (27.9 cm) Minimum headroom 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) Maximum height between landings

12 ft (3.7 m)

Landing (See 12.2.1.3 and 12.2.1.4.4.)

Exception: This requirement shall not apply to industrial equipment access areas as otherwise provided in Chapter 28. 12.2.2.2.2 Curved Stairs. Curved stairs shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress, provided that the depth of tread is not less than 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrower end of the tread and the smallest radius is not less than twice the stair width. 12.2.2.2.3 Spiral Stairs. 12.2.2.2.3.1 Where specifically permitted for individual occupancies by Chapters 15 through 29, spiral stairs shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress in accordance with 12.2.2.2.3.2 through 12.2.2.2.3.3. 12.2.2.2.3.2 Spiral stairs shall be permitted provided the following criteria are met:

(1) Riser heights shall not exceed 7 in. (17.8 cm). (2) The stairway shall have a tread depth of not less

than 11 in. (27.9 cm) for a portion of the stairway width sufficient to provide egress capacity for the occupant load served in accordance with 12.3.3.1.

(3) At the outer side of the stairway, an additional 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm) of width shall be provided clear to the other handrail, and this width shall not be included as part of the required egress capacity.

(4) Handrails complying with 12.2.2.4 shall be provided on both sides of the spiral stairway.

(5) The inner handrail shall be located within 24 in. (61.0 cm), measured horizontally, of the point where a tread depth not less than 11 in. (27.9 cm) is provided.

(6) The turn of the stairway shall be such that descending users have the outer handrail at their right side. 12.2.2.2.3.3 Where the occupant load served does not exceed three, spiral stairs shall be permitted, provided that the following criteria are met:

(1) The clear width of the stairs shall be not less than 26 in. (66 cm).

(2) The height of risers shall not exceed 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm).

(3) The headroom shall be not less than 6 ft 6 in. (198 cm).

(4) Treads shall have a depth not less than 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrower edge.

(5) All treads shall be identical. (6) Handrails shall be provided on both sides of the

stairway. 12.2.2.2.4* Winders. Where specified in Chapters 15 through 29, winders shall be permitted in stairs. Winders shall have a tread depth not less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) and a tread depth not less than 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrowest edge.


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12.2.2.3 Stair Details. 12.2.2.3.1 Construction. 12.2.2.3.1.1 All stairs serving as required means of egress shall be of permanent fixed construction, unless they are stairs serving seating that is designed to be repositioned in accordance with Chapter 15. 12.2.2.3.1.2 Each stair, platform, and landing, not including handrails, in buildings required in this Code to be of Type I or Type II construction shall be of noncombustible material throughout. 12.2.2.3.2 Landings. Stairs shall have landings at door openings. Stairs and intermediate landings shall continue with no decrease in width along the direction of egress travel. In new buildings, every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel that is not less than the width of the stair. Exception No. 1: Landings shall not be required to exceed 4 ft (122 cm) in the direction of travel, provided that the stair has a straight run. Exception No. 2: In one- and two-family dwellings a door at the top of the stair shall be permitted to open directly at a stair, provided that the door does not swing over the stair and the door serves an area with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons. 12.2.2.3.3* Tread and Landing Surfaces. Stair treads and landings shall be solid, without perforations, and free of projections or lips that could trip stair users. If not vertical, risers shall be permitted to slope under the tread at an angle not to exceed 30 degrees from vertical; however, the permitted projection of the nosing shall not exceed 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm). Exception: This requirement shall not apply to noncombustible grated stair treads and landings as provided in Chapters 15, 20, and 29. 12.2.2.3.4* Tread Slope. Tread slope shall not exceed 1/4 in./ft (2 cm/m) (a slope of 1 in 48). 12.2.2.3.5* Riser Height and Tread Depth. Riser height shall be measured as the vertical distance between tread nosings. Tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread’s leading edge but shall not include bevelled or rounded tread surfaces that slope more than 20 degrees (a slope of 1 in 2.75). At tread nosings, such bevelling or rounding shall not exceed 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) in horizontal dimension. 12.2.2.3.6 Dimensional Uniformity. There shall be no variation in excess of 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in the depth of adjacent treads or in the height of adjacent risers, and the tolerance between the largest and smallest riser or between the largest and smallest tread shall not exceed 3/8 in. (1 cm) in any flight. Exception: Where the bottom riser adjoins a sloping public way, walk, or driveway having an established grade and serving as a landing, a variation in height of the bottom riser not to exceed 3 in. in every 3 ft (7.6 cm in every 91 cm) of stairway width shall be permitted. 12.2.2.4 Guards and Handrails. 12.2.2.4.1* Guards. Means of egress that are more than 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade below shall be provided with guards to prevent falls over the open side. 12.2.2.4.2* Handrails. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides. In addition, handrails shall be provided within 30 in. (76 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. The required egress width shall be provided along the natural path of travel. (See also 12.2.2.4.5.) Exception No. 1: If a single step or a ramp is part of a curb that separates a sidewalk from a vehicular way, it shall not be required to have a handrail.

Exception No. 2: Stairs within dwelling units and within guest rooms, and ramps within dwelling units and guest rooms shall be permitted to have a handrail on one side only. 12.2.2.4.3 Continuity. Required guards and handrails shall continue for the full length of each flight of stairs. At turns of new stairs, inside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings. 12.2.2.4.4 Projections. The design of guards and handrails and the hardware for attaching handrails to guards, balusters, or walls shall be such that there are no projections that might engage loose clothing. Openings in guards shall be designed to prevent loose clothing from becoming wedged in such openings. 12.2.2.4.5* Handrail Details.

(1) Handrails on stairs and ramps shall have a consistent height of not less than 34 in. (86 cm) and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the stair tread or ramp walking surface, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the stair tread or the ramp walking surface. Exception No. 1: The height of required handrails that form part of a guard shall be permitted to exceed 38 in. (96 cm) but shall not exceed 42 in. (107 cm), measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread. Exception No. 2*: Additional handrails that are lower or higher than the main handrail shall be permitted.

(2) * Handrails shall provide a clearance of not less than 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastened.

(3) * Handrails shall have a circular cross section with an outside diameter of not less than 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) and not more than 2 in. (5 cm). Exception: Any other shape with a perimeter dimension of not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm), but not more than 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm), and with the largest cross-sectional dimension not more than 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) shall be permitted, provided that graspable edges are rounded so as to provide a radius of not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm).

(4) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length. Exception: Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail shall not be considered to be obstructions to graspability, provided that the following criteria are met:

(a) They do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) of the bottom of the handrail.

(b) They have edges with a radius of not less than 0.01 in. (0.25 mm).

(5) Handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts.

(6) Handrails that are not continuous between flights shall extend horizontally, at the required height, not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. Exception: Within dwelling units the handrail shall be permitted to extend, at the required height, to points directly above the top and bottom risers. 12.2.2.4.6 Guard Details.

(1) The height of guards required in 12.2.2.4.1 shall be measured vertically to the top of the guard from the surface adjacent thereto.

(2) Guards shall be not less than 42 in. (107 cm) high. Exception: The requirement of 12.2.2.4.6(2) shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapter 15.

(3)* Open guards shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 in. (10.1 cm) in diameter shall not pass through any opening up to a height of 34 in. (86 cm).


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Exception No. 1: The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread, and bottom element of a guardrail at the open side of a stair shall be of such size that a sphere 6 in. (15.2 cm) in diameter shall not pass through the triangular opening. Exception No. 2: In detention and correctional occupancies, in industrial occupancies, and in storage occupancies, the clear distance between intermediate rails, measured at right angles to the rails, shall not exceed 21 in. (53.3 cm). 12.2.2.5 Enclosure and Protection of Stairs. 12.2.2.5.1 Enclosures. All inside stairs serving as an exit or exit component shall be enclosed in accordance with 12.1.3.2. All other inside stairs shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 9. 12.2.2.5.2* Exposures. Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of a stairway, and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees, the building enclosure walls within 10 ft (3 m) horizontally of the nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall be constructed as required for stairway enclosures, including opening protectives. Construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 ft (3 m) above the topmost landing of the stairs or to the roofline, whichever is lower. Exception No. 1: The fire resistance rating of the separation extending 10 ft (3 m) from the stairs shall not be required to exceed 1 hour where openings have not less than a 3/4-hour fire protection rating. Exception No. 2: Separation shall not be required between corridors and outside stairs provided that: (1) The building, including corridors and stairs, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 or, where applicable, NFPA 13R. (2) The corridors comply with Chapter 12. (3) The corridors are connected on each end to an outside stair complying with 12.2.2.7. (4) At any location in the corridor where a change in direction exceeding 45 degrees occurs, a clear opening to the exterior of not less than 35 ft2 (3.25 m2) or an outside stair shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located to restrict the accumulation of smoke and toxic gases. 12.2.2.5.3* Usable Space. There shall be no enclosed, usable space within an exit enclosure, including under stairs, nor shall any open space within the enclosure be used for any purpose that has the potential to interfere with egress. Exception: Enclosed, usable space shall be permitted under stairs, provided that the space is separated from the stair enclosure by the same fire resistance as the exit enclosure. Entrance to such enclosed usable space shall not be from within the stair enclosure. (See also 12.1.3.2.3.) 12.2.2.6* Stairway Marking. 12.2.2.6.1 Stairs serving five or more stories shall be provided with special signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair enclosure. The signage also shall state the floor level of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is visible when the door is in the open or closed position. The signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. The floor level designation shall also be tactile in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1 American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. 12.2.2.6.2 Wherever an enclosed stair requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge, special signs with directional indicators indicating the

direction to the level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2, and be visible when the door is in the open or closed position. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where signs required by 12.2.2.6.1 are provided. Exception No. 2: Stairs extending not more than one story below the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious shall not be subject to this requirement. 12.2.2.6.3 The sign shall be painted or stenciled on the wall or on a separate sign securely attached to the wall. 12.2.2.6.4 The stairway identification letter shall be placed at the top of the sign in minimum 1 in. (2.5 cm) high lettering in accordance with 12.10.8.2. 12.2.2.6.5 Roof access or no roof access shall be designated by the words “Roof Access” or “No Roof Access” and placed under the stairway identification letter. Lettering shall be a minimum 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and in accordance with 12.10.8.2. 12.2.2.6.6 The floor level number shall be placed in the middle of the sign in minimum 5 in. (12.7 cm) high and in accordance with 12.10.8.2. Mezzanine levels shall have the letter “M” or other appropriate identification letter preceding the floor number, while basement levels shall have the letter “B” or other appropriate identification letter preceding the floor level number. 12.2.2.6.7 The lower and upper terminus of the stairway shall be placed at the bottom of the sign in minimum 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and in accordance with 12.10.8.2. 12.2.2.7 Special Provisions for Outside Stairs. 12.2.2.7.1 Access. Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, outside stairs shall be permitted to lead to roofs of other sections of a building or an adjoining building where the construction is fire resistive and there is a continuous and safe means of egress from the roof. (See also 12.7.6.) 12.2.2.7.2* Visual Protection. Outside stairs shall be arranged to avoid any impediments to the use of the stairs by persons having a fear of high places. For stairs more than three stories in height, any arrangement intended to meet this requirement shall be not less than 4 ft (1.2 m) in height. 12.2.2.7.3 Separation and Protection of Outside Stairs. Outside stairs shall be separated from the interior of the building by walls with the fire resistance rating required for enclosed stairs with fixed or self-closing opening protectives. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 ft (3 m) above the topmost landing of the stairs or to the roofline, whichever is lower, and to a point not less than 10 ft (3 m) horizontally. Exception No. 1: Outside stairs serving an exterior exit access balcony that has two remote outside stairways or ramps shall be permitted to be unprotected. Exception No. 2: Outside stairs serving not in excess of two adjacent stories, including the story of exit discharge, shall be permitted to be unprotected where there is a remotely located second exit. Exception No. 3: The fire resistance rating of the separation extending 10 ft (3 m) from the stairs shall not be required to exceed 1 hour where openings have not less than a 3/4-hour fire protection rating. 12.2.2.7.4 Protection of Openings. All openings below an outside stair shall be protected with an assembly having not less than a 3/4-hour fire protection rating as follows:

(1) Where located in a court, the smallest dimension of which does not exceed one-third its height


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(2) Where located in an alcove having a width that does not exceed one-third its height and a depth that does not exceed one-fourth its height 12.2.2.7.5* Water Accumulation. Outside stairs and landings shall be designed to minimize water accumulation on their surfaces. 12.2.2.7.6 Openness. Outside stairs shall be not less than 50 percent open on one side. Outside stairs shall be arranged to restrict the accumulation of smoke. 12.2.3 Smokeproof Enclosures. 12.2.3.1 General. Where smokeproof enclosures are required in other sections of this Code, they shall comply with 12.2.3. 12.2.3.2 Performance Design. An appropriate design method shall be used to provide a system that meets the definition of smokeproof enclosure. The smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted to be created by using natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation incorporating a vestibule, or by pressurizing the enclosure. 12.2.3.3 Enclosure. A smokeproof enclosure shall be enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point by barriers having 2-hour fire resistance ratings. Where a vestibule is used, it shall be within the 2-hour-rated enclosure and shall be considered part of the smokeproof enclosure. 12.2.3.4 Vestibule. Where a vestibule is provided, the doorway into the vestibule shall be protected with an approved fire door assembly having a 1 1/2-hour fire protection rating, and the fire door assembly from the vestibule to the smokeproof enclosure shall have not less than a 20-minute fire protection rating. Doors shall be designed to minimize air leakage in accordance with 12.2.1.1.4 and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector within 10 ft (3 m) of the vestibule door. 12.2.3.5 Discharge. Every smokeproof enclosure shall discharge into a public way, into a yard or court having direct access to a public way, or into an exit passageway. Such exit passageways shall be without openings other than the entrance from the smokeproof enclosure and the door to the outside yard, court, or public way. The exit passageway shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a 2-hour fire resistance rating. 12.2.3.6 Access. Access to the smokeproof enclosure shall be by way of a vestibule or by way of an exterior balcony. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to smokeproof enclosures consisting of a pressurized enclosure complying with 12.2.3.9. 12.2.3.7 Natural Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures using natural ventilation shall comply with 12.2.3.3 and the following.

(a) Where access to the enclosure is by means of an open exterior balcony, the door assembly to the enclosure shall have a 1 1/2-hour fire protection rating and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector. Openings adjacent to such exterior balconies shall be protected in accordance with 12.2.2.6.5.

(b) Every vestibule shall have a net area of not less than 16 ft2 (1.5 m2) of opening in an exterior wall facing an exterior court, yard, or public space not less than 20 ft (6.1 m) in width.

(c) Every vestibule shall have a minimum dimension of not less than the required width of the corridor leading to it and a dimension of not less than 72 in. (183 cm) in the direction of travel.

12.2.3.8 Mechanical Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures using mechanical ventilation shall comply with 12.2.3.3 and the following.

(a) Vestibules shall have a dimension of not less than 44 in. (112 cm) in width and not less than 72 in. (183 cm) in direction of travel.

(b) The vestibule shall be provided with not less than one air change per minute, and the exhaust shall be 150 percent of the supply. Supply air shall enter and exhaust air shall discharge from the vestibule through separate tightly constructed ducts used only for those purposes. Supply air shall enter the vestibule within 6 in. (15.2 cm) of the floor level. The top of the exhaust register shall be located not more than 6 in. (15.2 cm) below the top of the trap and shall be entirely within the smoke trap area. Doors, when in the open position, shall not obstruct duct openings. Controlling dampers shall be permitted in duct openings if needed to meet the design requirements.

(c) To serve as a smoke and heat trap and to provide an upward-moving air column, the vestibule ceiling shall be not less than 20 in. (50.8 cm) higher than the door opening into the vestibule. The height shall be permitted to be decreased where justified by engineering design and field testing.

(d) The enclosure shall be provided with a dampered relief opening at the top and supplied mechanically with sufficient air to discharge at least 2500 ft3/min (70.8 m3/min) through the relief opening while maintaining a positive pressure of not less than 0.10 in. water column (25 Pa) in the enclosure relative to the vestibule with all doors closed. 12.2.3.9 Enclosure Pressurization. 12.2.3.9.1* Smokeproof enclosures using pressurization shall use an approved engineered system with a design pressure difference across the barrier of not less than 0.05 in. water column (12.5 Pa) in sprinklered buildings, or 0.10 in. water column (25 Pa) in nonsprinklered buildings, and shall be capable of maintaining these pressure differences under likely conditions of stack effect or wind. The pressure difference across doors shall exceed that which allows the door to begin to be opened by a force of 30 lbf (133 N) in accordance with 12.2.1.4.5. 12.2.3.9.2 Equipment and ductwork for pressurization shall be located as specified by one of the following:

(1) Exterior to the building and directly connected to the enclosure by ductwork enclosed in noncombustible construction

(2) Within the enclosure with intake and exhaust air directly to the outside or through ductwork enclosed by a 2-hour fire-resistive rating

(3) Within the building if separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, by a 2-hour fire-resistive rating Exception: Where the building, including the enclosure, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 11.3, the fire resistance rating shall be permitted to be not less than 1 hour.

In all cases specified by 12.2.3.9.2(1) through (3), openings into the required fire resistance rating shall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by self-closing fire protection-rated devices. 12.2.3.10 Activation of Mechanical Ventilation and Pressurized Enclosure Systems. 12.2.3.10.1 For both mechanical ventilation and pressurized enclosure systems, the activation of the systems shall be initiated by a smoke detector installed in


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an approved location within 10 ft (3 m) of the entrance to the smokeproof enclosure. 12.2.3.10.2 The required mechanical systems shall operate upon the activation of the smoke detectors specified in 12.2.3.10.1 and by manual controls accessible to the fire department. The required system also shall be initiated by the following, if provided:

(1) Waterflow signal from a complete automatic sprinkler system

(2) General evacuation alarm signal (See 11.2.3.) 12.2.3.11 Door Closers. The activation of an automatic-closing device on any door in the smokeproof enclosure shall activate all other automatic-closing devices on doors in the smokeproof enclosure. 12.2.3.12 Standby Power. Standby power for mechanical ventilation equipment shall be provided by an approved, self-contained generator that is set to operate whenever there is a loss of power in the normal house current. The generator shall be located in a room having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance-rated separation from the remainder of the building. The generator shall have a fuel supply not less than that which is adequate to operate the equipment for 2 hours. 12.2.3.13 Testing. Before the mechanical equipment is accepted by the authority having jurisdiction, it shall be tested to confirm that the mechanical equipment is operating in compliance with the requirements of 12.2.3. All operating parts of the system shall be tested semiannually by approved personnel, and a log shall be kept of the results. 12.2.4 Horizontal Exits. 12.2.4.1 General. 12.2.4.1.1 Where horizontal exits are used in the means of egress, they shall conform to the general requirements of Section 12.1 and the requirements of 12.2.4. 12.2.4.1.2* Horizontal exits shall be permitted to be substituted for other exits where the total egress capacity of the other exits (stairs, ramps, doors leading outside the building) is not less than half that required for the entire area of the building or connected buildings and provided that none of the other exits is a horizontal exit. Exception: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapters 18, 19, and 20. 12.2.4.2 Fire Compartments. 12.2.4.2.1 Every fire compartment for which credit is allowed in connection with a horizontal exit shall have, in addition to the horizontal exit or exits, at least one exit, but not less than 50 percent of the required number and capacity of exits, that is not a horizontal exit. Any fire compartment not having an exit leading outside shall be considered as part of an adjoining compartment with an exit leading to the outside. Exception: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapters 18, 19, and 20. 12.2.4.2.2 Every horizontal exit for which credit is given shall be arranged so that there are continuously available paths of travel leading from each side of the exit to stairways or other means of egress leading to outside the building. 12.2.4.2.3 Wherever either side of the horizontal exit is occupied, the doors used in connection with the horizontal exit shall be unlocked from the egress side. Exception: This requirement shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapters 18, 19, and 20. 12.2.4.2.4 The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to hold the occupants of both floor areas, providing at least 3 ft2 (0.28 m2) clear floor area per person.

Exception: Special floor area requirements shall be permitted where provided in Chapters 18, 19, and 20. 12.2.4.3 Fire Barriers. 12.2.4.3.1 Fire barriers separating building areas between which there are horizontal exits shall have a 2-hour fire resistance rating and shall provide a separation that is continuous to ground. Exception: Where a fire barrier provides a horizontal exit in any story of a building, such fire barrier shall not be required on other stories, provided that the following criteria are met:

(a) The stories on which the fire barrier is omitted are separated from the story with the horizontal exit by construction having a fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire barrier.

(b) Vertical openings between the story with the horizontal exit and the open fire area story are enclosed with construction having a fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire barrier.

(c) All required exits, other than horizontal exits, discharge directly to the outside. 12.2.4.3.2 Where fire barriers serving horizontal exits terminate at outside walls, and the outside walls are at an angle of less than 180 degrees for a distance of 10 ft (3 m) on each side of the horizontal exit, the outside walls shall have not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating with not less than 3/4-hour fire protection rating opening protectives for a distance of 10 ft (3 m) on each side of the horizontal exit. 12.2.4.3.3 Fire barriers forming horizontal exits shall not be penetrated by ducts. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply to buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to duct penetrations permitted in Chapter 20 and protected by combination fire dampers/smoke leakage-rated dampers that meet the smoke damper actuation requirements of Section 8.4. 12.2.4.3.4 Any opening in such fire barriers shall be protected as provided in Chapter 8. 12.2.4.3.5 Doors in horizontal exits shall comply with 12.2.1.4, unless they are sliding doors as otherwise provided in Chapters 28 and 29. 12.2.4.3.6 Swinging fire doors shall be permitted in horizontal exits, provided that the doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel. 12.2.4.3.7* Doors in horizontal exits shall be designed and installed to minimize air leakage in accordance with 12.2.1.1.4. 12.2.4.3.8* All fire doors in horizontal exits shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8. Horizontal exit doors located across a corridor shall be automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8. 12.2.4.4 Bridges and Balconies. 12.2.4.4.1 Each bridge or balcony used in conjunction with horizontal exits shall have guards and handrails in conformity with the requirements of 12.2.2.4. 12.2.4.4.2 Every bridge or balcony shall be not less than the width of the door to which it leads and shall be not less than 44 in. (112 cm) wide for new construction. 12.2.4.4.3 Where the bridge or balcony serves as a horizontal exit in one direction, the door shall be required to swing only in the direction of egress travel. 12.2.4.4.4 Where the bridge or balcony serves as a horizontal exit in both directions, doors shall be provided in pairs that swing in opposite directions. Only the door swinging in the direction of egress travel shall be included in the determination of egress capacity. Exception: This requirement shall not apply if the bridge or balcony has sufficient floor area to accommodate the occupant


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load of either connected building or fire area on the basis of 3 ft2 (0.28 m2) per person. 12.2.4.4.5 In climates subject to the accumulation of snow and ice, the bridge or balcony floor shall be protected to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. 12.2.4.4.6 In both of the connected buildings or fire areas, all wall openings, any part of which is within 10 ft (3 m) of any bridge or balcony, as measured horizontally or below, shall be protected with fire doors or fixed fire window assemblies having a 3/4-hour fire protection rating. 12.2.5 Ramps. 12.2.5.1 General. Every ramp used as a component in a means of egress shall conform to the general requirements of Section 12.1 and to the special requirements of this subsection. 12.2.5.2 Dimensional Criteria. Ramps shall be in accordance with Table 12.2.5.2.

Table 12.2.5.2 Ramps

Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections not more than 3-1/2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side

44 in. (112 cm)

Maximum slope 1 in 12 Maximum cross slope 1 in 48 Maximum rise for a single ramp

30 in. (76 cm)

Exception No. 1: The maximum slope requirement shall not apply to ramps as otherwise provided in Chapter 15. Exception No. 2: The requirements of Table 12.2.5.2 shall not apply to industrial equipment access areas as otherwise provided in Chapter 28. Exception No. 3: Ramps providing access to vehicles, vessels, mobile structures, and aircraft shall not be required to comply with the maximum slope or maximum rise for a single ramp run. 12.2.5.3 Ramp Details. 12.2.5.3.1 Construction. Ramp construction shall be as follows.

(a) All ramps serving as required means of egress shall be of permanent fixed construction.

(b) Each ramp in buildings required by this Code to be of Type I or Type II construction shall be noncombustible or limited-combustible throughout. The ramp floor and landings shall be solid and without perforations. 12.2.5.3.2 Landings. Ramp landings shall be as follows.

(a) Ramps shall have landings located at the top, at the bottom, and at doors opening onto the ramp. The slope of the landing shall not be steeper than 1 in 48. Every landing shall have a width not less than the width of the ramp. Every landing shall be not less than 60 in. (152 cm) long in the direction of travel.

(b) Any changes in travel direction shall be made only at landings. Ramps and intermediate landings shall continue with no decrease in width along the direction of egress travel. 12.2.5.3.3 Drop-Offs. Ramps and landings with drop-offs shall have curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from traveling off the edge of the ramp. Curbs or barriers shall be not less than 4 in. (10.1 cm) in height. 12.2.5.4 Guards and Handrails. Guards complying with 12.2.2.4 shall be provided for ramps. Handrails complying with 12.2.2.4 shall be provided along both sides of a ramp run with a rise greater than 6 in. (15.2

cm). The height of handrails and guards shall be measured vertically to the top of the guard or rail from the walking surface adjacent thereto. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to guards and handrails provided for ramped aisles in accordance with Chapter 15. 12.2.5.5 Enclosure and Protection of Ramps. Ramps in a required means of egress shall be enclosed or protected as a stair in accordance with 12.2.2.5 and 12.2.2.6. The use of Exception Nos. 2 and 3 to 12.2.2.6.3 shall be prohibited. 12.2.5.6 Special Provisions for Outside Ramps. 12.2.5.6.1* Visual Protection. Outside ramps shall be arranged to avoid any impediments to their use by persons having a fear of high places. For ramps more than three stories in height, any arrangement intended to meet this requirement shall be at least 4 ft (122 cm) in height. 12.2.5.6.2* Water Accumulation. Outside ramps and landings shall be designed to minimize water accumulation on their surfaces. 12.2.6* Exit Passageways. 12.2.6.1* General. Exit passageways used as exit components shall conform to the general requirements of Section 12.1 and to the requirements of 12.2.6. 12.2.6.2 Enclosure. An exit passageway shall be separated from other parts of the building as specified in 12.1.3.2. Exception: Fire windows in accordance with 8.7.5 shall be permitted to be installed in such a separation in a building protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. 12.2.6.3 Stair Discharge. An exit passageway that serves as a discharge from a stair enclosure shall have not less than the same fire resistance rating and opening protective fire protection rating as those required for the stair enclosure. 12.2.6.4 Width. The width of an exit passageway shall be adequate to accommodate the aggregate required capacity of all exits that discharge through it. Exception No. 1*: Where an exit passageway serves occupants of the level of exit discharge as well as other stories, the capacity shall not be required to be aggregated. Exception No. 2: As provided in Chapter 26, an exit passageway in a covered mall building shall be permitted to accommodate occupant loads independently from the covered mall and the tenant spaces. 12.2.6.5 Floor. The floor shall be solid and without perforations. 12.2.7 Escalators and Moving Walks. Escalators and moving walks shall not constitute any part of the required means of egress. 12.2.8 Fire Escape Stairs. Fire escape stairs shall not constitute any of the required means of egress. 12.2.9 Fire Escape Ladders. 12.2.9.1 General. Fire escape ladders complying with 12.2.9.2 and 12.2.9.3 shall be permitted in the means of egress only where providing one of the following:

(1) Access to unoccupied roof spaces as permitted in 12.2.8.3.3

(2) A second means of egress from storage elevators as permitted in Chapter 29

(3) A means of egress from towers and elevated platforms around machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy not to exceed three persons who are all capable of using the ladder

(4) A secondary means of egress from boiler rooms or similar spaces subject to occupancy not to exceed three persons who are all capable of using the ladder 12.2.9.2 Construction and Installation.


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12.2.9.2.1 Fire escape ladders shall comply with ANSI A14.3, Safety Code for Fixed Ladders. Exception: Industrial stairs complying with the minimum requirements for fixed stairs of ANSI A1264.1, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs and Railing Systems, shall be permitted where fire escape ladders are permitted in accordance with Chapter 28. 12.2.9.2.2 Ladders shall be installed with a pitch that exceeds 75 degrees. 12.2.9.3 Access. The lowest rung of any ladder shall not be more than 12 in. (30.5 cm) above the level of the surface beneath it. 12.2.10 Slide Escapes. 12.2.10.1 General. 12.2.10.1.1 A slide escape shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress where permitted in Chapters 15 through 29. 12.2.10.1.2 Each slide escape shall be of an approved type. 12.2.10.2 Capacity. 12.2.10.2.1 Slide escapes, where permitted as required means of egress, shall be rated at a capacity of 60 persons. 12.2.10.2.2 Slide escapes shall not constitute more than 25 percent of the required egress capacity from any building or structure or any individual story thereof. Exception: As permitted in Chapter 28. 12.2.11* Alternating Tread Devices. 12.2.11.1 Alternating tread devices complying with 12.2.11.2 shall be permitted in the means of egress only where providing one of the following:

(1) Access to unoccupied roof spaces as permitted in 12.2.8.3.3

(2) A second means of egress from storage elevators as permitted in Chapter 29

(3) A means of egress from towers and elevated platforms around machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy not to exceed three persons who are all capable of using the alternating tread device

(4) A secondary means of egress from boiler rooms or similar spaces subject to occupancy not to exceed three persons who are all capable of using the alternating tread device 12.2.11.2 Alternating tread devices shall comply with the following:

(1) Handrails shall be provided on both sides of alternating tread devices in accordance with 12.2.2.4.5.

(2) The clear width between handrails shall be not less than 17 in. (43.2 cm) and not more than 24 in. (61 cm).

(3) Headroom shall be not less than 6 ft 8 in. (2 m). (4) The angle of the device shall be between 50

degrees and 68 degrees to horizontal. (5) The height of the riser shall not exceed 9.5 in.

(24.1 cm). (6) Treads shall have a projected tread depth of not

less than 5.8 in. (14.7 cm), measured in accordance with 12.2.2, with each tread providing 9.5 in. (24.1 cm) of depth, including tread overlap.

(7) A distance of not less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) shall be provided between the stair handrail and any other object.

(8) The initial tread of the stair shall begin at the same elevation as the platform, landing, or floor surface.

(9) The alternating treads shall not be laterally separated by a distance of more than 2 in. (5.0 cm).

(10) The occupant load served shall not exceed three. 12.2.12 Areas of Refuge. 12.2.12.1 General. An area of refuge used as part of a required accessible means of egress in accordance with

12.5.4, or used as a part of any required means of egress, shall conform to the following:

(1) The general requirements of Section 12.1 (2) The requirements of 12.2.12.2 and 12.2.12.3

Exception: The requirement of 12.2.12.1(2) shall not apply to areas of refuge consisting of stories of buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. 12.2.12.2 Accessibility. 12.2.12.2.1 Required portions of an area of refuge shall be accessible from the space they serve by an accessible means of egress. 12.2.12.2.2 Required portions of an area of refuge shall have access to a public way, without requiring return to the building spaces through which travel to the area of refuge occurred, via an exit or an elevator. 12.2.12.2.3* Where the exit providing egress from an area of refuge to a public way that is in accordance with 12.2.12.2.2 includes stairs, the clear width of landings and stair flights, measured between handrails and at all points below handrail height, shall not be less than 48 in. (122 cm). Exception No. 1: The minimum 48-in. (122-cm) clear width shall not be required where the area of refuge is separated from the remainder of the story by a horizontal exit meeting the requirements of 12.2.4. (See also 12.2.12.3.4.). Exception No. 2: For stairs where egress is in the descending direction, a clear width of not less than 37 in. (94 cm), measured at and below handrail height, shall be permitted if approved alternative measures are provided that do not necessitate carrying occupied wheelchairs on the stairs. 12.2.12.2.4* Where an elevator provides access from an area of refuge to a public way that is in accordance with 12.2.12.2.2, the elevator shall be approved for fire fighter service as provided in Section 211 of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The power supply shall be protected against interruption from fire occurring within the building but outside the area of refuge. The elevator shall be located in a shaft system meeting the requirements for smokeproof enclosures in accordance with 12.2.3. Exception No. 1: The smokeproof enclosure shall not be required for areas of refuge that are more than 1000 ft2 (93 m2) and that are created by a horizontal exit meeting the requirements of 12.2.4. Exception No. 2: The smokeproof enclosure shall not be required for elevators complying with 12.2.13. 12.2.12.2.5 The area of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system for communication between the area of refuge and a central control point. The door to the stair enclosure or the elevator door and the associated portion of the area of refuge that the stair enclosure door or elevator door serves shall be identified by signage. (See 12.2.12.3.5.) 12.2.12.2.6* Instructions for summoning assistance, via the two-way communication system, and written identification of the area of refuge location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system. 12.2.12.3 Details. 12.2.12.3.1* Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 in. 48 in. (76 cm 122 cm) for each 200 occupants, or portion thereof, based on the occupant load served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall maintain the width of a means of egress to not less than that required for the occupant load served and to not less than 36 in. (91 cm). 12.2.12.3.2* For any area of refuge that does not exceed 1000 ft2 (93 m2), it shall be demonstrated by calculation or test that tenable conditions are maintained within the area of refuge for a period of 15 minutes when the


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exposing space on the other side of the separation creating the area of refuge is subjected to the maximum expected fire conditions. 12.2.12.3.3 Access to any designated wheelchair space in an area of refuge shall not be through more than one adjoining wheelchair space. 12.2.12.3.4* Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a barrier with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, unless a greater rating is required in other provisions of this Code. Such barriers, and any openings in them, shall minimize air leakage and retard the passage of smoke. Doors in such barriers shall be designed to minimize air leakage in accordance with 12.2.1.1.4. Doors in such barriers shall have not less than a 20-minute fire protection rating, unless a greater rating is required in other provisions of this Code, and shall be either self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8.2. Ducts shall be permitted to penetrate such barriers, unless prohibited in other provisions of this Code, and shall be provided with smoke-actuated dampers or other approved means to resist the transfer of smoke into the area of refuge. 12.2.12.3.5 Signs complying with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2, stating AREA OF REFUGE, and including the international symbol of accessibility shall be provided to identify the location of areas of refuge as follows:

(1) At each door providing access to the area of refuge

(2) At all exits not providing an accessible means of egress, as defined in Chapter 3

(3) Where necessary to indicate clearly the direction to an area of refuge

Signs shall be illuminated as required for exit signs where exit sign illumination is required. 12.2.12.3.6 Tactile signage complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be located at each door to an area of refuge. 12.2.13 Elevators. 12.2.13.1* General. An elevator complying with the requirements of Chapter 51 and 12.2.13 shall be permitted to be used as a second means of egress from towers, as defined in Chapter 3, provided that the following criteria are met:

(1) The tower and any attached structure shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3.

(2) The tower shall be subject to occupancy not to exceed 90 persons.

(3) Primary egress discharges shall be directly to the outside.

(4) No high hazard content areas shall exist in the tower or attached structure.

(5) One hundred percent of the egress capacity shall be provided independent of the elevators.

(6) An evacuation plan shall be implemented, specifically including the elevator, and staff personnel shall be trained in operations and procedures for elevator emergency use in normal operating mode prior to fire fighter recall.

(7) The tower shall not be used by the general public. 12.2.13.2 Elevator Evacuation System Capacity. 12.2.13.2.1 The elevator car shall have a capacity of not less than eight persons. 12.2.13.2.2 The elevator lobby shall have a capacity of not less than 50 percent of the occupant load of the area served by the lobby. The capacity shall be calculated by using 3 ft2 (0.28 m2) per person and shall also include one wheelchair space of 30 in. 48 in. (76 cm 122 cm) for

each 50 persons, or fraction thereof, of the total occupant load served by that lobby. 12.2.13.3 Elevator Lobby. On every floor served by the elevator, there shall be an elevator lobby. Barriers forming the elevator lobby shall have a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and shall be arranged as a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 8.4. 12.2.13.4 Elevator Lobby Doors. Elevator lobby doors shall have a fire protection rating of at least 1 hour. The transmitted temperature end point shall not exceed 450°F (250°C) above ambient at the end of 30 minutes of the fire exposure specified in the test method referenced in Chapter 8. Elevator lobby doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8. 12.2.13.5 Door Activation. The elevator lobby doors shall close in response to a signal from a smoke detector located directly outside the elevator lobby adjacent to or on each door opening. Closing of lobby doors in response to a signal from the building fire alarm system shall be permitted. Closing of one elevator lobby door by means of smoke detector or a signal from the building fire alarm system shall result in closing of all elevator lobby doors serving that elevator evacuation system. 12.2.13.6* Water Protection. Building elements shall be used to restrict water exposure of elevator equipment. 12.2.13.7* Power and Control Wiring. Elevator equipment, elevator communications, elevator machine room cooling, and elevator controller cooling shall be supplied by both normal and standby power. Wiring for power and control shall be located and properly protected to ensure at least 1 hour of operation in the event of a fire. 12.2.13.8* Communications. Two-way communication systems shall be provided between elevator lobbies and a central control point and between elevator cars and a central control point. Communications wiring shall be protected to ensure at least 1 hour of operation in the event of fire. 12.2.13.9* Elevator Operation. Elevators shall be provided with fire fighter service in accordance with ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. 12.2.13.10 Maintenance. Where an elevator lobby is served by only one elevator car, the elevator evacuation system shall have a program of scheduled maintenance during times of building shutdown or low building activity. Repairs shall be performed within 24 hours of breakdown. 12.2.13.11 Earthquake Protection. Elevators shall have the capability of orderly shutdowns during earthquakes at locations where such shutdowns are an option of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. 12.2.13.12 Signage. Signage shall comply with 12.10.8.2. 12.3 Capacity of Means of Egress. 12.3.1 Occupant Load. 12.3.1.1 The total capacity of the means of egress for any story, balcony, tier, or other occupied space shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof. 12.3.1.2* The occupant load in any building or portion thereof shall be not less than the number of persons determined by dividing the floor area assigned to that use by the occupant load factor for that use as specified in Table 12.3.1.2. Where both gross and net area figures are given for the same occupancy, calculations shall be made by applying the gross area figure to the gross area of the portion of the building devoted to the use for which the gross area figure is specified and by applying the net area figure to the net area of the use for which the net area figure is specified.


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Table 12.3.1.2 Occupant Load Factor Use ft2a (per person) m2a (per person) Assembly Use Concentrated use, without fixed seating 7 net 0.65 net Less concentrated use, without fixed seating 15 net 1.4 net Bench-type seating 1 person/18 linear in. 1 person/45.7 linear cm Fixed seating Number of fixed seats Number of fixed seats Waiting spaces See 15.1.7.2. See 15.1.7.2. Kitchens 100 9.3 Library stack areas 100 9.3 Library reading rooms 50 net 4.6 net Swimming pools 50 — of water surface 4.6 — of water surface Swimming pool decks 30 2.8 Exercise rooms with equipment 50 4.6 Exercise rooms without equipment 15 1.4 Stages 15 net 1.4 net Lighting and access catwalks, galleries, gridirons 100 net 9.3 net Casinos and similar gaming areas 11 1 Skating rinks 50 4.6 Educational Use Classrooms 20 net 1.9 net Shops, laboratories, vocational rooms 50 net 4.6 net Day-Care Use 35 net 3.3 net Health Care Use Inpatient treatment departments 240 22.3 Sleeping departments 120 11.1 Detention and Correctional Use 120 11.1 Residential Use Hotels and dormitories 200 18.6 Apartment buildings 200 18.6 Board and care, large 200 18.6 Industrial Use General and high hazard industrial

100 9.3

Special purpose industrial

NAb NAb

Business Use 100 9.3 Storage Use (other than mercantile storerooms) NAb NAb Mercantile Use

Sales area on street floor c,d 30 2.8

Sales area on two or more street floors d 40 3.7

Sales area on floor below street floor d 30 2.8

Sales area on floors above street floor d 60 5.6

Floors or portions of floors used only for offices See business use. See business use. Floors or portions of floors used only for storage, receiving, and shipping, and not open to general public

300 27.9

Covered mall buildings Per factors applicable to use of space e Per factors applicable to use of space e a All factors expressed in gross area unless marked “net”. b Not applicable. The occupant load shall be not less than the maximum probable number of occupants present at any time. c For the purpose of determining occupant load in mercantile occupancies where, due to differences in grade of streets on different sides, two or more floors directly accessible from streets (not including alleys or similar back streets) exist, each such floor shall be

considered a street floor. The occupant load factor shall be one person for each 40 ft2 (3.7 m2) of gross floor area of sales space. d In mercantile occupancies with no street floor, as defined in 3.3.196, but with access directly from the street by stairs or escalators, the principal floor at the point of entrance to the mercantile occupancy shall be considered the street floor. e The portions of the covered mall, where considered a pedestrian way and not used as gross leasable area, shall not be assessed an occupant load based on Table 12.3.1.2. However, means of egress from a covered mall pedestrian way shall be provided for an occupant load determined by dividing the gross leasable area of the covered mall building (not including anchor stores) by the appropriate lowest whole number occupant load factor from Figure 12.3.1.2. Each individual tenant space shall have means of egress to the outside or to the covered mall based on occupant loads figured by using the appropriate occupant load factor from Table 12.3.1.2. Each individual anchor store shall have means of egress independent of the covered mall.


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12.3.1.3 Occupant Load Increases. 12.3.1.3.1 The occupant load in any building or portion thereof shall be permitted to be increased from the occupant load established for the given use in accordance with 12.3.1.2 where all other requirements of this Code are also met, based on such increased occupant load. 12.3.1.3.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to require an approved aisle, seating, or fixed equipment diagram to substantiate any increase in occupant load and shall be permitted to require that such a diagram be posted in an approved location. 12.3.1.4 Where exits serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in computing the required capacity of the exits at that story, provided that the required egress capacity of the exit is not decreased in the direction of egress travel. 12.3.1.5 Where means of egress from a story above and a story below converge at an intermediate story, the capacity of the means of egress from the point of convergence shall be not less than the sum of the capacity of the two means of egress. 12.3.1.6 Where any required egress capacity from a balcony or mezzanine passes through the room below, that required capacity shall be added to the required egress capacity of the room in which it is located. 12.3.2* Measurement of Means of Egress. The width of means of egress shall be measured in the clear at the narrowest point of the exit component under consideration. Exception: Projections not more than 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) on each side shall be permitted at 38 in. (96 cm) and below. 12.3.3 Egress Capacity. 12.3.3.1 Egress capacity for approved components of means of egress shall be based on the capacity factors shown in Table 12.3.3.1.

Table 12.3.3.1 Capacity Factors

Stairways (in. per person) [cm per person]

Level Components and Ramps

(in. per person) [cm per person]

Board and Care 0.4 [1.0] 0.2 [0.5] Health Care Sprinklered

0.3 [0.8] 0.2 [0.5]

Health Care Nonsprinklered

0.6 [1.5] 0.5 [1.3]

High Hazard Contents

0.7 [1.8] 0.4 [1.0]

All Others 0.3 [0.8] 0.2 [0.5] 12.3.3.2 The required capacity of a corridor shall be the occupant load that utilizes the corridor for exit access divided by the required number of exits to which the corridor connects, but the corridor capacity shall be not less than the required capacity of the exit to which the corridor leads. 12.3.4 Minimum Width. 12.3.4.1 The width of any means of egress shall be not less than that required for a given egress component in Chapter 12 or Chapters 15 through 29, and shall be not less than 36 in. (91 cm). Exception No. 1*: The width of exit access formed by furniture and movable partitions, serving not more than six people and having a length not exceeding 50 ft (15 m), shall be not less than 18 in. (45.7 cm) at and below a height of 38 in. (96 cm), or 28 in. (71 cm) above a height of 38 in. (96 cm), provided

that widths not less than 36 in. (91 cm) for exit access is provided without moving permanent walls. Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to doors as otherwise provided for in 12.2.1.2. Exception No. 3: This requirement shall not apply to aisles and aisle accessways as otherwise provided in Chapter 15. Exception No. 4: This requirement shall not apply to industrial equipment access as otherwise provided in Chapter 28. 12.3.4.2 Where a single exit access leads to an exit, its capacity in terms of width shall be not less than the required capacity of the exit to which it leads. Where more than one exit access leads to an exit, each shall have a width adequate for the number of persons it accommodates. 12.4 Number of Means of Egress. 12.4.1 General. 12.4.1.1 The number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, story, or portion thereof shall be not less than two. Exception: This requirement shall not apply where a single means of egress is permitted in Chapters 15 through 29. Exception: A mezzanine or balcony shall be permitted to have a single means of egress, provided that the common path of travel limitations of Chapters 15 through 29 are met. 12.4.1.2 The number of means of egress from any story or portion thereof shall be as follows:

(1) Occupant load more than 500 but not more than 1000 — not less than 3

(2) Occupant load more than 1000 — not less than 4 12.4.1.3 Accessible means of egress in accordance with 12.5.4, not utilizing elevators, shall be permitted to serve as any or all of the required minimum number of means of egress. 12.4.1.4 The occupant load of each story considered individually shall be required to be used in computing the number of means of egress at each story, provided that the required number of means of egress is not decreased in the direction of egress travel. 12.4.1.5 Doors, other than the hoistway door; the elevator car door; and doors that are readily openable from the car side without a key, tool, special knowledge, or special effort, shall be prohibited at the point of access to an elevator car. 12.4.1.6 Elevator lobbies shall have access to at least one exit. Such exit access shall not require the use of a key, tool, special knowledge, or special effort. 12.5 Arrangement of Means of Egress. 12.5.1 General. 12.5.1.1 Exits shall be located and exit access shall be arranged so that exits are readily accessible at all times. 12.5.1.2* Where exits are not immediately accessible from an open floor area, continuous passageways, aisles, or corridors leading directly to every exit shall be maintained and shall be arranged to provide access for each occupant to not less than two exits by separate ways of travel. Exit access corridors shall provide access to not less than two approved exits without passing through any intervening rooms other than corridors, lobbies, and other spaces permitted to be open to the corridor. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where a single exit is permitted in Chapters 15 through 29. Exception No. 2: Where common paths of travel are permitted for an occupancy in Chapters 15 through 29, such common paths of travel shall be permitted but shall not exceed the limit specified. Exception No. 3: Corridors that are not required to be fire resistance rated shall be permitted to discharge into open floor plan areas.


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12.5.1.3 Where more than one exit is required from a building or portion thereof, such exits shall be remotely located from each other and shall be arranged and constructed to minimize the possibility that more than one has the potential to be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition. 12.5.1.4* Where two exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be placed at a distance from one another not less than one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are interconnected by not less than a 1-hour fire resistance-rated corridor, exit separation shall be permitted to be measured along the line of travel within the corridor. Where more than two exits or exit access doors are required, at least two of the required exits or exit access doors shall be arranged to comply with the minimum separation distance requirement. The other exits or exit access doors shall be located so that if one becomes blocked, the others shall be available. Exception: In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, the minimum separation distance between two exits or exit access doors measured in accordance with 12.5.1.4 shall be not less than one-third the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served. 12.5.1.5* Interlocking or scissor stairs shall only be permitted to be considered as a single exit. 12.5.1.6* Exit access shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in corridors, unless permitted by and limited to the length specified in Chapters 15 through 29. 12.5.1.7 Exit access from rooms or spaces shall be permitted to be through adjoining or intervening rooms or areas, provided that such adjoining rooms are accessory to the area served. Foyers, lobbies, and reception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not be construed as intervening rooms. Exit access shall be arranged so that it is not necessary to pass through any area identified under Protection from Hazards in Chapters 15 through 29. 12.5.2 Impediments to Egress. (See also 12.1.9 and 12.2.1.5.) 12.5.2.1 Access to an exit shall not be through kitchens, storerooms other than as provided in Chapter 26, restrooms, workrooms, closets, bedrooms or similar spaces, or other rooms or spaces subject to locking, unless passage through such rooms or spaces is permitted for the occupancy by Chapters 18, 19, and 20. 12.5.2.2* Exit access and exit doors shall be designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable. Hangings or draperies shall not be placed over exit doors or located to conceal or obscure any exit. Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit. Exception: Curtains shall be permitted across means of egress openings in tent walls if the following criteria are met:

(a) They are distinctly marked in contrast to the tent wall so as to be recognizable as means of egress.

(b) They are installed across an opening that is at least 6 ft (1.8 m) in width.

(c) They are hung from slide rings or equivalent hardware so as to be readily moved to the side to create an unobstructed opening in the tent wall of the minimum width required for door openings. 12.5.3 Exterior Ways of Exit Access.

12.5.3.1 Exit access shall be permitted to be by means of any exterior balcony, porch, gallery, or roof that conforms to the requirements of this chapter. 12.5.3.2 The long side of the balcony, porch, gallery, or similar space shall be at least 50 percent open and shall be arranged to restrict the accumulation of smoke. 12.5.3.3 Exterior exit access balconies shall be separated from the interior of the building by walls and opening protectives as required for corridors, unless the exterior exit access balcony is served by at least two remote stairs that are accessed without any occupant needing to travel past an unprotected opening to reach one of the stairs, or where dead ends on the exterior exit access do not exceed 20 ft (6.1 m). 12.5.3.4 Exterior exit access shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in excess of those permitted for dead-end corridors in Chapters 15 through 29. 12.5.4 Accessible Means of Egress. 12.5.4.1* Areas accessible to people with severe mobility impairment shall have not less than two accessible means of egress. Access shall be provided to not less than one accessible area of refuge or one accessible exit providing an accessible route to an exit discharge and shall remain within the allowable travel distance. Exception No. 1: Exit access travel along the accessible means of egress shall be permitted to be common for the distances permitted as common paths of travel. Exception No. 2: A single accessible means of egress shall be permitted from buildings or areas of buildings permitted to have a single exit. Exception No. 3: This requirement shall not apply to health care occupancies protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. 12.5.4.2 If two accessible means of egress are required, the exits serving these paths shall be placed at a distance from one another not less than one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are interconnected by not less than a 1-hour fire resistance-rated corridor, exit separation shall be permitted to be measured along the line of travel within the corridor. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply to buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3. Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply where the physical arrangement of means of egress prevents the possibility that access to both accessible means of egress will be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition as approved by the authority having jurisdiction. 12.5.4.3 Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous from each accessible occupied area to a public way or area of refuge in accordance with 12.2.12.2.2. 12.5.4.4 Where an exit stair is used in an accessible means of egress, it shall comply with 12.2.12.2.3 and shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged story-level landing or shall be accessed from an area of refuge. 12.5.4.5 To be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an elevator shall be in accordance with 12.2.12.2.4. 12.5.4.6 To be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 8.4 with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, or a horizontal exit in accordance with 12.2.4, shall discharge to an area of refuge in accordance with 12.2.12.


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12.5.4.7 Accessible stories that are four or more stories above or below a story of exit discharge shall have not less than one elevator complying with 12.5.4.5. 12.6 Measurement of Travel Distance to Exits. 12.6.1* The travel distance in any occupied space to not less than one exit, measured in accordance with 12.6.2 through 12.6.5, shall not exceed the limits specified in this Code. (See 12.6.4.) 12.6.2* The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface along the centerline of the natural path of travel, starting from the most remote point subject to occupancy, curving around any corners or obstructions with a 1-ft (0.3-m) clearance therefrom, and ending at the center of the doorway or other point at which the exit begins. Where measurement includes stairs, the measurement shall be taken in the plane of the tread nosing. 12.6.3* Where open stairways or ramps are permitted as a path of travel to required exits, the distance shall include the travel on the stairway or ramp and the travel from the end of the stairway or ramp to an outside door or other exit in addition to the distance traveled to reach the stairway or ramp. 12.6.4 Travel distance limitations shall be as provided in Chapters 15 through 29 and, for high hazard areas, shall be in accordance with Section 12.11. 12.6.5 Where any part of an exterior exit is within 10 ft (3 m) of horizontal distance of any unprotected building opening, as permitted by an exception to 12.2.2.7.3 for outside stairs, the travel distance to the exit shall include the length of travel to ground level. 12.7 Discharge from Exits. 12.7.1* Exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exterior exit discharge. Yards, courts, open spaces, or other portions of the exit discharge shall be of required width and size to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply to interior exit discharge as otherwise provided in 12.7.2. Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to rooftop exit discharge as otherwise provided in 12.7.6. Exception No. 3: Means of egress shall be permitted to terminate in an exterior area of refuge as provided in Chapter 20. 12.7.2 Not more than 50 percent of the required number of exits, and not more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity, shall be permitted to discharge through areas on the level of exit discharge, provided that the criteria of 12.7.2(1) through (3) are met:

(1) Such discharge shall lead to a free and unobstructed way to the exterior of the building, and such way is readily visible and identifiable from the point of discharge from the exit.

(2) The level of discharge shall be protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, or the portion of the level of discharge used for this purpose shall be protected by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3 and shall be separated from the nonsprinklered portion of the floor by a fire resistance rating meeting the requirements for the enclosure of exits (see 12.1.3.2.1). Exception: The requirement of 12.7.2(2) shall not apply where the discharge area is a vestibule or foyer meeting all of the following:

(a) The depth from the exterior of the building shall not be more than 10 ft (3 m) and the length shall not be more than 30 ft (9.1 m).

(b) The foyer shall be separated from the remainder of the level of discharge by construction providing protection not less than the equivalent of wired glass in steel frames.

(c) The foyer shall serve only as means of egress and shall include an exit directly to the outside.

(3) The entire area on the level of discharge shall be separated from areas below by construction having a fire resistance rating not less than that required for the exit enclosure. Exception No. 1: Levels below the level of discharge shall be permitted to be open to the level of discharge in an atrium in accordance with Section 9.3. Exception No. 2: One hundred percent of the exits shall be permitted to discharge through areas on the level of exit discharge as provided in Chapter 20. 12.7.3 The exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to make clear the direction of egress to a public way. Stairs shall be arranged so as to make clear the direction of egress to a public way. Stairs that continue more than one-half story beyond the level of exit discharge shall be interrupted at the level of exit discharge by partitions, doors, or other effective means. 12.7.4 Doors, stairs, ramps, corridors, exit passageways, bridges, balconies, escalators, moving walks, and other components of an exit discharge shall comply with the detailed requirements of this chapter for such components. 12.7.5 Signs. (See 12.2.2.6.) 12.7.6 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, exits shall be permitted to discharge to roofs or other sections of the building or an adjoining building where the following criteria are met:

(1) The roof construction has a fire resistance rating not less than that required for the exit enclosure.

(2) There is a continuous and safe means of egress from the roof. 12.8 Illumination of Means of Egress. 12.8.1 General. 12.8.1.1* Illumination of means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 12.8 for every building and structure where required in Chapters 15 through 29. For the purposes of this requirement, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of this requirement, exit discharge shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, walkways, and exit passageways leading to a public way. 12.8.1.2 Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during the time that the conditions of occupancy require that the means of egress be available for use. Artificial lighting shall be employed at such locations and for such periods of time as required to maintain the illumination to the minimum criteria values herein specified. Exception: Automatic, motion sensor-type lighting switches shall be permitted within the means of egress, provided that the switch controllers are equipped for fail-safe operation, the illumination timers are set for a minimum 15-minute duration, and the motion sensor is activated by any occupant movement in the area served by the lighting units. 12.8.1.3* The floors and other walking surfaces within an exit and within the portions of the exit access and exit discharge designated in 12.8.1.1 shall be illuminated to values of at least 1 ft-candle (10 lux) measured at the floor. Exception No. 1: In assembly occupancies, the illumination of the floors of exit access shall be at least 0.2 ft-candle (2 lux) during periods of performances or projections involving directed light. Exception No. 2*: This requirement shall not apply where operations or processes require low lighting levels.


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12.8.1.4* Required illumination shall be arranged so that the failure of any single lighting unit does not result in an illumination level of less than 0.2 ft-candle (2 lux) in any designated area. 12.8.1.5 The equipment or units installed to meet the requirements of Section 12.10 also shall be permitted to serve the function of illumination of means of egress, provided that all requirements of Section 12.8 for such illumination are met. 12.8.2 Sources of Illumination. 12.8.2.1* Illumination of means of egress shall be from a source considered reliable by the authority having jurisdiction. 12.8.2.2 Battery-operated electric lights and other types of portable lamps or lanterns shall not be used for primary illumination of means of egress. Battery-operated electric lights shall be permitted to be used as an emergency source to the extent permitted under Section 12.9. 12.9 Emergency Lighting. 12.9.1 General. 12.9.1.1* Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 12.9 for the following:

(1) Buildings or structures where required in Chapters 15 through 29

(2) Underground and windowless structures as addressed in Chapter 30

(3) High-rise buildings as required by other sections of this Code

(4) Doors equipped with delayed egress locks (5) The stair shaft and vestibule of smokeproof

enclosures, which shall be permitted to include a standby generator that is installed for the smokeproof enclosure mechanical ventilation equipment and used for the stair shaft and vestibule emergency lighting power supply

For the purposes of this requirement, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of this requirement, exit discharge shall include only designated stairs, ramps, aisles, walkways, and escalators leading to a public way. 12.9.1.2 Where maintenance of illumination depends on changing from one energy source to another, a delay of not more than 10 seconds shall be permitted. 12.9.2 Performance of System. 12.9.2.1* Emergency illumination shall be provided for not less than 1 1/2 hours in the event of failure of normal lighting. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 ft-candle (10 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.1 ft-candle (1 lux), measured along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to not less than an average of 0.6 ft-candle (6 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.06 ft-candle (0.6 lux) at the end of the 1 1/2 hours. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded. 12.9.2.2* The emergency lighting system shall be arranged to provide the required illumination automatically in the event of any of the following:

(1) Interruption of normal lighting such as any failure of a public utility or other outside electrical power supply

(2) Opening of a circuit breaker or fuse (3) Manual act(s), including accidental opening of a

switch controlling normal lighting facilities 12.9.2.3 Emergency generators providing power to emergency lighting systems shall be installed, tested, and

maintained in accordance with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. Stored electrical energy systems, where required in this Code, shall be installed and tested in accordance with NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems. 12.9.2.4* Battery-operated emergency lights shall use only reliable types of rechargeable batteries provided with suitable facilities for maintaining them in properly charged condition. Batteries used in such lights or units shall be approved for their intended use and shall comply with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®. 12.9.2.5 The emergency lighting system shall be either continuously in operation or shall be capable of repeated automatic operation without manual intervention. 12.9.3 Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment. A functional test shall be conducted on every required emergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for not less than 30 seconds. An annual test shall be conducted on every required battery-powered emergency lighting system for not less than 1 1/2 hours. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the test. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction. Exception: Self-testing/self-diagnostic, battery-operated emergency lighting equipment that automatically performs a test for not less than 30 seconds and diagnostic routine not less than once every 30 days and indicates failures by a status indicator shall be exempt from the 30-day functional test, provided that a visual inspection is performed at 30-day intervals. 12.10 Marking of Means of Egress. 12.10.1 General. 12.10.1.1 Where Required. Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with Section 12.10 where required in Chapters 15 through 29. 12.10.1.2* Exits. Exits, other than main exterior exit doors that obviously and clearly are identifiable as exits, shall be marked by an approved sign readily visible from any direction of exit access. 12.10.1.3 Exit Door Tactile Signage. Tactile signage shall be located at each exit door requiring an exit sign, and such signage shall read as follows:

EXIT Signage shall comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. 12.10.1.4* Exit Access. Access to exits shall be marked by approved, readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach the exit is not readily apparent to the occupants. Sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor is more than the rated viewing distance or 100 ft (30 m), whichever is less, from the nearest sign. 12.10.1.5* Floor Proximity Exit Signs. Where floor proximity exit signs are required in Chapters 15 through 29, signs shall be placed near the floor level in addition to those signs required for doors or corridors. These signs shall be illuminated in accordance with 12.10.5. Externally illuminated signs shall be sized in accordance with 12.10.6.1. The bottom of the sign shall be not less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) but not more than 8 in. (20.3 cm) above the floor. For exit doors, the sign shall be mounted on the door or adjacent to the door with the nearest edge of the sign within 4 in. (10.2 cm) of the door frame. 12.10.1.6* Floor Proximity Egress Path Marking. Where floor proximity egress path marking is required in Chapters 15 through 29, a listed and approved floor


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proximity egress path marking system that is internally illuminated shall be installed within 8 in. (20.3 cm) of the floor. The system shall provide a visible delineation of the path of travel along the designated exit access and shall be essentially continuous, except as interrupted by doorways, hallways, corridors, or other such architectural features. The system shall operate continuously or at any time the building fire alarm system is activated. The activation, duration, and continuity of operation of the system shall be in accordance with 12.9.2. 12.10.1.7* Visibility. Every sign required in Section 12.10 shall be located and of such size, distinctive color, and design that it is readily visible and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairs visibility of a sign shall be permitted. No brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision of the required exit sign that could detract attention from the exit sign shall be permitted. 12.10.2* Directional Signs. A sign complying with 12.10.3 with a directional indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent. 12.10.3* Sign Legend. Signs required by 12.10.1 and 12.10.2 shall have the word EXIT or other appropriate wording in plainly legible letters. Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, pictograms shall be permitted. 12.10.4* Power Source. Where emergency lighting facilities are required by the applicable provisions of Chapters 15 through 29 for individual occupancies, the signs, other than approved self-luminous signs and listed photoluminescent signs in accordance with 12.10.7, shall be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. The level of illumination of the signs shall be in accordance with 12.10.6.3 or 12.10.7 for the required emergency lighting duration as specified in 12.9.2.1. However, the level of illumination shall be permitted to decline to 60 percent at the end of the emergency lighting duration. 12.10.5 Illumination of Signs. 12.10.5.1* General. Every sign required by 12.10.1.2 or 12.10.1.4, other than where operations or processes require low lighting levels, shall be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source. Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be legible in both the normal and emergency lighting mode. 12.10.5.2* Continuous Illumination. Every sign required to be illuminated by 12.10.6.3 and 12.10.7 shall be continuously illuminated as required under the provisions of Section 12.8. Exception*: Illumination for signs shall be permitted to flash on and off upon activation of the fire alarm system. 12.10.6 Externally Illuminated Signs. 12.10.6.1* Size of Signs. Externally illuminated signs required by 12.10.1 and 12.10.2 shall have the word EXIT or other appropriate wording in plainly legible letters not less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) high with the principal strokes of letters not less than 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) wide. The word EXIT shall have letters of a width not less than 2 in. (5 cm), except the letter I, and the minimum spacing between letters shall be not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm). Signs larger than the minimum established in this paragraph shall have letter widths, strokes, and spacing in proportion to their height. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply to marking required by 12.10.1.3 and 12.10.1.5.

Exception No. 2: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, pictograms shall be permitted. 12.10.6.2* Size and Location of Directional Indicator. The directional indicator shall be located outside of the EXIT legend, not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm) from any letter. The directional indicator shall be of a chevron type, as shown in Figure 12.10.6.2. The directional indicator shall be identifiable as a directional indicator at a distance of 40 ft (12.2 m). A directional indicator larger than the minimum established in this paragraph shall be proportionately increased in height, width and stroke. The directional indicator shall be located at the end of the sign for the direction indicated.

Figure 12.10.6.2 Chevron-type indicator. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

12.10.6.3* Level of Illumination. Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated by not less than 5 ft-candles (54 lux) at the illuminated surface and shall have a contrast ratio of not less than 0.5. 12.10.7 Internally Illuminated Signs. 12.10.7.1 Listing. Internally illuminated signs shall be listed in accordance with UL 924, Standard for Safety Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to signs that are in accordance with 12.10.1.3 and 12.10.1.5. 12.10.7.2* Photoluminescent Signs. The face of a photoluminescent sign shall be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The illumination levels on the face of the photoluminescent sign shall be in accordance with its listing. The charging illumination shall be a reliable light source as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. The charging light source shall be of a type specified in the product markings. 12.10.8 Special Signs. 12.10.8.1 Sign Illumination. Where required by other provisions of this Code, special signs shall be illuminated. Where emergency lighting facilities are required by the applicable provisions of Chapters 15 through 29, the required illumination of special signs shall additionally be provided under emergency lighting conditions. 12.10.8.2 Characters. Special signs where required by other provisions of this Code shall comply with the visual character requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1 American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. 12.10.8.3* No Exit. Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads as follows:

NO EXIT

Such sign shall comply with 12.10.8.2 and have the word NO in letters 2 in. (5 cm) high and the word EXIT in letters 1 in. (2.5 cm) high, with the word EXIT below the word NO. 12.10.8.4 Elevator Signs. Elevators that are a part of a means of egress (see 12.2.13.1) shall have the following signs, with minimum letter height of 5/8 in. (1.6 cm), in every elevator lobby:

(1)* Signs that indicate that the elevator can be used for egress, including any restrictions on use

(2)* Signs that indicate the operational status of elevators 12.10.9 Testing and Maintenance. 12.10.9.1 Inspection. Exit signs shall be visually inspected for operation of the illumination sources at intervals not to exceed 30 days.


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12.10.9.2 Testing. Exit signs connected to or provided with a battery-operated emergency illumination source, where required in 12.10.4, shall be tested and maintained in accordance with 12.9.3. 12.11 Special Provisions for Occupancies with High Hazard Contents. (See Chapters 6 and 33.) 12.11.1* Where the contents are classified as high hazard, exits shall be provided and arranged to permit all occupants to escape from the building or structure or from the hazardous area thereof to the outside or to a place of safety with a travel distance of not more than 75 ft (23 m), measured as required in 12.6.2. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to storage occupancies as otherwise provided in Chapter 29. 12.11.2 Egress capacity for high hazard contents areas shall be based on 0.7 in./person (1.8 cm/person) for stairs or 0.4 in./person (1.0 cm/person) for level components and ramps in accordance with 12.3.3.1. 12.11.3 Not less than two means of egress shall be provided from each building or hazardous area thereof, unless rooms or spaces do not exceed 200 ft2 (18.6 m2), have an occupant load not exceeding three persons, and have a travel distance to the room door not exceeding 25 ft (7.6 m). 12.11.4 Means of egress, for other than rooms or spaces that do not exceed 200 ft2 (18.6 m2), have an occupant load not exceeding three persons, and have a travel distance to the room door not exceeding 25 ft (7.6 m), shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in corridors. 12.11.5 Doors serving high hazard contents areas with occupant loads in excess of five shall be permitted to be provided with a latch or lock only if the latch or lock is panic hardware or fire exit hardware complying with 12.2.1.7. 12.12 Mechanical Equipment Rooms, Boiler Rooms, And Furnace Rooms. 12.12.1 Mechanical equipment rooms, boiler rooms, furnace rooms, and similar spaces shall be arranged to limit common path of travel to a distance not exceeding 50 ft (15 m). Exception: A common path of travel not exceeding 100 ft (30 m) shall be permitted in the following locations:

(a) In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3

(b) In mechanical equipment rooms with no fuel-fired equipment 12.12.2 Stories used exclusively for mechanical equipment, furnaces, or boilers shall be permitted to have a single means of egress where the travel distance to an exit on that story is not in excess of the common path of travel limitations of 12.12.1. CHAPTER 12 ANNEX

A.12.1.1 Portable ladders, rope fire escapes, and similar emergency escape devices can have a useful function in facilitating escape from burning buildings lacking adequate exits of the stair or other standard type, but they are not the equivalent of standard exits, and their use is not in any way recognized by this Code as satisfying the requirements for means of egress. Furthermore, many such devices are of types unsuitable for use by aged or infirm persons or by small children. Therefore, such devices can provide a false sense of security and should not be used as an excuse for not providing standard exit facilities.

A.12.1.3.2.3 This provision prohibits the use of exit enclosures for storage or for installation of equipment

not necessary for safety. Occupancy is prohibited other than for egress, refuge, and access. The intent is that the exit enclosure essentially be “sterile” with respect to fire safety hazards.

A.12.1.4.1 See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations. A.12.1.4.2 See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations.

A.12.1.5 For the purpose of this requirement, projections include devices such as lighting equipment, emergency signaling equipment, environmental controls and equipment, security devices, signs, and decorations that are typically limited in area.

A.12.1.6.4 The foreseeable conditions are the conditions that are likely to be present at the location of the walking surface during the use of the building or area. A foreseeable condition of a swimming pool deck is that it is likely to be wet.

Regarding the slip resistance of treads, it should be recognized that, when walking up or down stairs, a person’s foot exerts a smaller horizontal force against treads than is exerted when walking on level floors. Such slip resistance includes the important leading edges of treads, the part of the tread that the foot first contacts during descent, which is the most critical direction of travel. If stair treads are wet, there is an increased danger of slipping, just as there is an increased danger of slipping on wet floors of similar materials. A small wash or drainage slope on exterior stair treads is, therefore, recommended to shed water. (See Templer, J. A., The Staircase: Studies of Hazards, Falls, and Safer Design, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1992.)

A.12.1.7.2 Aside from the problems created for persons who are mobility impaired, small changes of elevations in floors are best avoided because of the increased occurrence of missteps where the presence of single steps, a series of steps, or a ramp is not readily apparent. While small changes of elevation pose significant fall risks in the case of individual movement, they are even more undesirable where crowds traverse the area.

A contrasting marking stripe on each stepping surface can be helpful at the nosing or leading edge so that the location of each step is readily apparent, especially when viewed in descent. Such stripes should be not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) but should not exceed 2 in. (5.0 cm) in width. Other methods could include a relatively higher level of lighting, contrasting colors, contrasting textures, highly prominent handrails, warning signs, a combination thereof, or other similar means. The construction or application of marking stripes should be such that slip resistance is consistent over the walking surface and no tripping hazard is created (see also A.12.2.2.3.3). Depending on the distractions of the surroundings, the familiarity of users with a particular small change of level, and especially the number of people that might be in a group traversing the change of level (thereby reducing visibility of the level changes), a strong argument can be made for the elimination of steps and ramps that might pose a risk of missteps.

A.12.1.10.1 A proper means of egress allows unobstructed travel at all times. Any type of barrier including, but not limited to, the accumulations of snow and ice in those climates subject to such accumulations is an impediment to free movement in the means of egress.

A.12.2.1.1.3 Although 12.2.1.1.3 and 12.2.1.5.1 permit locking of means of egress doors where a building is not


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considered occupied, the Code does not intend to permit occupants to be locked beyond their control in buildings or building spaces, except for detention and correctional occupancies and health care occupancies.

A.12.2.1.2.1 Figures A.12.2.1.2.1(a) and A.12.2.1.2.1(b) illustrate the method of measuring door width for purposes of calculating egress capacity.

Figure A.12.2.1.2.1(a) Door width - egress capacity. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.1.2.1(b) Door width - egress capacity with permitted obstructions.


A.12.2.1.2.2 Figures A.12.2.1.2.2(a) and A.12.2.1.2.2(b) illustrate the method of measuring clear width for doors.

In cases where a chapter requires a door width, for example, of not less than 36 in. (91 cm), this requirement can be met by a door leaf of the minimum specified width if the term clear width does not appear as part of the minimum width requirement. A pair of cross-corridor doors subject to such a requirement would be judged under the following criteria:

(1) Each door leaf is required to be not less than 36 in. (91 cm) in width.

(2) The pair of doors is required to provide sufficient, clear, unobstructed width (which will be less than the door leaf width measurement) to handle its assigned occupant load, based on a calculation using the appropriate egress capacity factor in Table 12.3.3.1.

Where swinging doors do not open at least 90 degrees, the clear width of the doorway should be measured between the face of the door and the stop.

It is not the intent to regulate projections above the 80-in. (203-cm) height.

Figure A.12.2.1.2.2(a) Minimum clear width. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.1.2.2(b) Minimum clear width with permitted obstructions.


A.12.2.1.4.1 Where doors are subject to two-way traffic, or where their opening can interfere with pedestrian traffic, an appropriately located vision panel can reduce the chance of accidents.

Swinging doors in horizontal or vertical rolling partitions complying with the following should be permitted in a means of egress where the following criteria are met:

(1) The door or doors comply with 12.2.1.4.

(2) The partition in which the doors are mounted complies with the applicable fire protection rating and closes upon smoke detection or power

failure at a speed not exceeding 9 in./s (23 cm/s) and not less than 6 in./s (15 cm/s).

(3) The doors mounted in the partition are self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.8.

A.12.2.1.4.4 The requirement of 12.2.1.4.4 is not intended to apply to the swing of cross-corridor doors such as smoke barrier doors and horizontal exits.

A.12.2.1.5.2 It is intended that the re-entry provisions apply only to enclosed exit stairs, not to outside stairs. This arrangement makes it possible to leave the stairway at such floor if the fire renders the lower part of the stair unusable during egress or if the occupants seek refuge on another floor.

A.12.2.1.5.4 Examples of devices that might be arranged to release latches include knobs, levers, and panic bars. This requirement is permitted to be satisfied by the use of conventional types of hardware, whereby the door is released by turning a lever, knob, or handle or by pushing against a panic bar, but not by unfamiliar methods of operation such as a blow to break glass. The operating devices should be capable of being operated with one hand and should not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.

A.12.2.1.5.4 Exception No. 1 Examples of devices that, when used with a latch, can be arranged to require not more than one additional releasing operation include night latches, dead bolts, and security chains.

A.12.2.1.5.6 Examples of devices prohibited by this requirement include locks, padlocks, hasps, bars, chains, or combinations thereof.

A.12.2.1.6.1(d) In the event that the authority having jurisdiction has permitted increased operation time, the sign should reflect the appropriate time.

A.12.2.1.8.1 Examples of doors designed to normally be kept closed include those to a stair enclosure or horizontal exit.

A.12.2.1.9 Powered doors are divided into two categories — power assisted and power operated. Power-assisted doors that conform to ANSI/BHMA A156.19, American National Standard for Power Assist & Low Energy Power Operated Doors, use limited power to operate the door. They require fewer safeguards as compared to full power-operated doors. These door operators are for swinging doors only. Power-operated doors that conform to ANSI/BHMA A156.10, American National Standard for Power Operated Pedestrian Doors, require more power to operate the door and require additional safeguards to provide protection against personal injury. Power-operated doors can be swinging, sliding, or folding doors.

A.12.2.1.9.1 An example of the type of door addressed by 12.2.1.9.1 is one actuated by a motion-sensing device upon the approach of a person.

A.12.2.1.9.1 Exception No. 2 Although a single power-operated door leaf located within a two-leaf opening might alone not provide more than 30 in. (76 cm) of clear width in the emergency breakout mode, where both leaves are broken out to become side-hinged, the required egress width is permitted to be provided by the width of the entire opening.


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A.12.2.2.2.4 If properly designed and constructed, stairs with winders are not necessarily more dangerous than other stairs. Attention to the following factors helps to make winders generally more effective for egress and safety. Handrails should be continuous, without breaks at newel posts, from story to story. Handrails located at a greater than normal distance from the inner turn of winders can improve safety by constraining stair users to walk on the portion of the treads providing deeper treads, which should have not less than 11 in. (27.9 cm) of depth. Combinations of straight flights and winders are best arranged with winders located only below the straight flight. This arrangement is best because the winders provide larger tread dimensions over much of their width than do typical treads on straight flights. A descending person will, thus, be unlikely to experience a reduction of tread depth during descent, a condition of nonuniformity that is best avoided.

A.12.2.2.3.3 The tripping hazard referred to in 12.2.2.3.3 occurs especially during descent, where the tread walking surface has projections such as strips of high-friction materials or lips from metal pan stairs that are not completely filled with concrete or other material. Tread nosings that project over adjacent treads can also be a tripping hazard. ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, illustrates projecting nosing configurations that minimize the hazard.

Where environmental conditions (such as illumination levels and directionality or a complex visual field that draws a person’s attention away from stair treads) lead to a hazardous reduction in one’s ability to perceive stair treads, they should be made of a material that allows ready discrimination of the number and position of treads. In all cases, the leading edges of all treads should be readily visible during both ascent and descent. A major factor in injury-producing stair accidents and in the ability to use stairs efficiently in conditions such as egress is the clarity of the stair treads as separate stepping surfaces.

A.12.2.2.3.4 A small drainage slope for stair treads subject to wetting can improve tread slip resistance (see also A.12.2.2.3.3). A consistent slope to a side of the stair, where drainage is possible, might be preferable to a front-to-back slope of the treads. Providing a pitch of 1/8 in. to 1/4 in./ft (1 cm to 2 cm/m) aids the shedding

of water from a nominally horizontal surface.

A.12.2.2.3.5 Figures A.12.2.2.3.5(a), (b), (c), and (d) illustrate the method for measuring riser height and tread depth. Stairs that are covered with resilient floor coverings might need additional tread depth beyond the minimum specified in the Code. Any horizontal projection of resilient covering materials beyond the tread nosing and riser, such as carpet and underlayment, can interfere with users’ feet and thereby reduce usable tread depth. At the tread nosing, such resilient covering materials might not be capable of providing stable support for users’ feet. Generally, effective tread depth is reduced by the uncompressed thickness of such resilient coverings and might be further reduced over time if coverings are not well secured and consequently move forward at the nosings. (See Figure A.12.2.2.3.5(e).)

Figure A.12.2.2.3.5(a) Riser measurement with tread slope to front. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.2.3.5(b) Riser measurement with tread slope to back. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.2.3.5(c) Tread depth. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.2.3.5(d) Tread measurement with s table support at leading edge.


Figure A.12.2.2.3.5(e) Tread measurement with unstable stepping surface at leading edge.


A.12.2.2.4.1 Means of egress components that might require protection with guards include stairs, landings, balconies, corridors, passageways, floor or roof openings, ramps, aisles, porches, and mezzanines.

A.12.2.2.4.2 The intent of this provision is to place handrails for the required egress width only, regardless of the actual width. The required egress width is provided along the natural path of travel to and from the building. Examples of this requirement are shown in Figure A.12.2.2.4.2. The reduced intermediate handrail spacing of 60 in. (152 cm) along with a handrail height within the permissible height limits allows users to reach and grasp one handrail. Except as noted in 12.2.2.4.3 and 12.2.2.4.5, handrails are not required on stair landings.

Figure A.12.2.2.4.2 Assumed natural paths of travel on monumental stairs with various handrail locations.


A.12.2.2.4.5 Figure A.12.2.2.4.5 illustrates some of the requirements of 12.2.2.4.5.


Figure A.12.2.2.4.5 Handrail details. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

A.12.2.2.4.5 Exception No. 2 Additional handrails, beyond those required by the Code, are permitted at heights other than those stipulated. For example, where children under the age of 5 are major users of a facility, an additional handrail at a height in the range of 28 in. to 32 in. (71 cm to 81 cm) might be useful. Generally, children prefer to use, and can effectively use, handrails that are located at shoulder to head height due to their developmental characteristics and their less developed balance and walking abilities. At age 3, head height ranges from 35 in. to 40 in. (89 cm to 102 cm); shoulder height averages 29 in. (74 cm). At age 5, head height


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ranges from 39 in. to 46 in. (99 cm to 117 cm); shoulder height ranges from 31 in. to 37 in. (79 cm to 94 cm).

A.12.2.2.4.5(2) This 11/2-in. (3.8-cm) clearance assumes

that the wall and other surfaces adjacent to the handrail are smooth. Where rough surfaces are used, greater clearances are recommended. Ergonomic studies

suggest that not less than 21/4 in. (5.7 cm) is a more

appropriate clearance, even to smooth surfaces. It is

important to note that the 31/2-in. (8.9-cm) projection

allowance of Tables 12.2.2.2.1(a) and (b) and 12.3.2

does not prohibit such larger clearances; the 31/2 in.

(8.9 cm) refers to stair width required for egress capacity, for example, not the actual width.

A.12.2.2.4.5(3) Handrails should be designed so they can be grasped firmly with a comfortable grip and so the hand can be slid along the rail without encountering obstructions. The profile of the rail should comfortably match the hand grips. For example, a round profile such as is provided by the simplest round tubing or pipe

having an outside diameter of 11/2 in. to 2 in. (3.8 cm

to 5 cm) provides good graspability for adults. Factors such as the use of a handrail by small children and the wall-fixing details should be taken into account in assessing handrail graspability. The most functional as well as the most preferred handrail shape and size is

circular with a 11/2-in. (3.8-cm) outside diameter

(according to research conducted using adults). Handrails used predominantly by children should be designed at the lower end of the permitted dimensional range.

Handrails are one of the most important components of a stair; therefore, design excesses such as oversized wood handrail sections should be avoided unless there is a readily perceived and easily grasped handhold provided. In handrail design, it is useful to remember at all times the effectiveness of a simple round profile that allows some locking action by fingers as they curl around the handrail.

Perimeter dimension, referred to in the exception to 12.2.2.4.5(3), is the length of the shortest loop that wraps completely around the railing.

A.12.2.2.4.6(3) Vertical intermediate rails are preferred to reduce climbability.

A.12.2.2.5.2 The purpose of this provision is to protect the exterior wall of a stairway from fires in other portions of the building. If the exterior wall of the stair is flush with the building exterior wall, the fire would need to travel around 180 degrees in order to impact the stair. This has not been a problem in existing buildings, so no protection is required. However, if the angle of exposure is less than 180 degrees, protection of either the stair wall or building wall is required.

Figures A.12.2.2.5.2 (a), (b), and (c) illustrate the requirement, assuming nonrated glass on the exterior wall of the stair is used.

Figure A.12.2.2.5.2(a) Stairway with nonrated exterior wall in same plane as building exterior wall. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.2.5.2(b) Stairway with unprotected exterior perimeter protruding past building exterior

wall. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.2.5.2(c) Stairway with nonrated exterior wall exposed by adjacent exterior wall of building.


A.12.2.2.5.3 An example of a use with the potential to interfere with egress is storage.

A.12.2.2.6 The intent of this provision is to provide vital egress information to the occupants of a building and to fire fighters. To reduce information overload to occupants during emergency egress, a sign indicating the floor level of and the direction to the exit discharge is permitted to be placed as a separate sign with another sign indicating the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair.

A.12.2.2.6 Figure A.12.2.2.6 shows an example of a stairway marking sign.

Figure A.12.2.2.6 Example of a stairway marking sign.


A.12.2.2.7.2 The guards that are required by 12.2.2.4 will usually meet this requirement where the stair is not more than three stories high. Special architectural treatment, including application of such devices as metal or masonry screens and grilles, will usually be necessary to comply with the intent of this requirement for stairs over three stories in height.

A.12.2.2.7.5 See A.12.2.2.3.4.

A.12.2.3.9.1 The design pressure differences required by 12.2.3.9.1 are based on specific gas temperatures and ceiling heights. The system is required to be approved because anticipated conditions might be different from those on which the design pressure differences were calculated and, thus, different design pressure differences might be needed. For additional information on necessary minimum design pressure differences, including calculational techniques, or maximum pressure differences across doors to ensure reasonable operating forces, see NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems.

A.12.2.4.1.2

Example. One way to provide the required egress capacity from the upper floor of a department store building 350 ft X 200 ft (107 m X 60 m), with an occupant load of 1166 per floor, would be to furnish eight 44-in. (112-cm) stairs. (See Figure A.12.2.4.1.2(a).)

Assume that this building is divided into two sections by a fire barrier meeting the requirements for a horizontal exit, one 130 ft X 200 ft (40 m X 60 m) and the other 220 ft X 200 ft (67 m X 60 m), with two pairs of 46-in. (117-cm) double egress doors, with each door providing 44 in. (112 cm) of clear egress width (see Figure A.12.2.4.1.2(b)). The smaller section, considered


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separately, will require the equivalent of three 44-in. (112-cm) exit stairs and the larger section will require five such exits. The horizontal exits will serve as one of the three exits required for the smaller section and two of the five exits required for the larger section. Therefore, only two 44-in. (112-cm) exit stairs from the smaller section and three 44-in. (112-cm) exit stairs from the larger section will be required, if the exits can be arranged to meet the requirements for the 150-ft (45-m) travel distance permitted from any point in a nonsprinklered building. Thus, the total number of exit stairs required for the building will be five, as compared with eight if no horizontal exit had been provided.

Another option would be the use of two 56-in. (142-cm) exit stairs from the larger section, which would reduce the total number of stairways required from the floor to four (see Figure A.12.2.4.1.2(c)). However, if the building were further subdivided by a second fire wall meeting the requirements for a horizontal exit, no further reduction in stairways would be permitted in order to comply with the requirement that horizontal exits provide a maximum of one-half of egress capacity.

Figure A.12.2.4.1.2(a) Eight exits, none via horizontal exit, required to provide the necessary egress capacity.


Figure A.12.2.4.1.2(b) Number of stairs reduced by three through use of two horizontal exits; egress

capacity not reduced. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.2.4.1.2(c) Number of stairs further reduced by widening stairs in larger compartment, but not to less than one-half the required number and capacity of exits

from that compartment. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

A.12.2.4.3.7 For further information, see NFPA 105, Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke-Control Door Assemblies.

A.12.2.4.3.8 Fusible link-actuated automatic-closing doors do not qualify for use in horizontal exits under these provisions, as smoke might pass through the opening before there is sufficient heat to release the hold-open device.

Such doors are also objectionable because, once closed, they are difficult to open and would inhibit orderly egress.

A.12.2.5.6.1 The guards required by 12.2.2.4 for the unenclosed sides of ramps will usually meet this requirement where the ramp is not more than three stories high. Special architectural treatment, including application of such devices as metal or masonry screens and grilles, will usually be necessary to comply with the intent of the requirements for ramps over three stories in height.

A.12.2.5.6.2 Providing a pitch of 1/8 in. to 1/4 in./ft (1

cm to 2 cm/m) will aid the shedding of water from a nominally horizontal surface.

A.12.2.6 An exit passageway serves as a horizontal means of exit travel that is protected from fire in a manner similar to an enclosed interior exit stair. Where it is desired to offset exit stairs in a multistory building, an exit passageway can be used to preserve the continuity of the protected exit by connecting the bottom of one stair to the top of the stair that continues to the street floor. Probably the most important use of an exit passageway is to satisfy the requirement that at least 50 percent of the exit stairs discharge directly outside from multistory buildings (see 12.7.2). Thus, if it is impractical to locate the stair on an exterior wall, an exit passageway can be connected to the bottom of the stair to convey the occupants safely to an outside exit door. In buildings of extremely large area, such as shopping malls and some factories, the exit passageway can be used to advantage where the travel distance to reach an exit would otherwise be excessive.

A.12.2.6.1 Examples of building elements that might be arranged as exit passageways include hallways, corridors, passages, tunnels, underfloor passageways, or overhead passageways.

A.12.2.6.4 Exception No. 1 Where an exit passageway serves occupants on the level of exit discharge as well as other floors, it should not be required that the occupant loads be added, thus increasing the width of the exit passageway. The situation is the same as that in which occupants from the level of exit discharge join occupants from upper floors for a few feet of horizontal travel through a stair enclosure.

A.12.2.8 For requirements for replacement fire escape stairs or new fire escape stairs in existing buildings, see Chapter 54.

A.12.2.11 Special consideration should be given prior to the application of such devices where children, the elderly, or physically disabled persons use such devices. These devices present obstacles in ascent and descent that differ from those for stairs and ladders.

A.12.2.12.2.3 The clear width of not less than 48 in. (122 cm) is needed for a three-person carry of an occupied wheelchair up or down a stair. This procedure, as well as the more difficult two-person wheelchair carry or roll, requires training and experience. Safer, alternative stair descent measures for transporting a person who normally requires a wheelchair include evacuation chairs and self-braking stair descent devices. In addition to having such devices available where needed, and having persons trained and experienced in their use, it is important to have people trained and experienced in wheelchair transfer techniques.

In view of the logistical difficulties as well as the dangers inherent in carrying occupied wheelchairs or otherwise transporting their occupants on stairs, the preferred means of egress from an area of refuge consists of facilities normally employed for ingress and egress by people using wheelchairs. Foremost among these options are elevators meeting the fire-fighter service requirements of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

A.12.2.12.2.4 The use of elevators for egress, especially during an emergency such as a fire, is not an approach to be taken without considerable planning, ongoing effort, and a high degree of understanding by everyone involved with the evacuation of persons with mobility impairments. Due in part to the limited capacity of


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elevators, as well as to the conflicting demands for elevator use for fire-fighting activities, even elevators in accordance with 12.2.12.2.4 cannot be considered as satisfying any of the Code’s requirements for egress capacity, number of means of egress, or travel distance to an exit.

A.12.2.12.2.6 The instructions should include the following:

(1) Directions to find other means of egress

(2) Advice that persons able to use exit stairs do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others

(3) Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance

(4) Directions for use of the emergency communication system

To facilitate an adequate degree of understanding of the use of areas of refuge and of the associated assisted egress procedures, information should be provided to those using the facilities. The exact content of the information, its organization (for example, as a set of instructions), and its format (for example, either posted instructions in the area of refuge or information otherwise transmitted to facility users) should be determined on a case-by-case basis. The information should be tailored to the specific facility, its emergency plan, the intended audience, and the intended presentation format. The following provides suggested information content addressing two situations.

(a) Refuge with Elevator Use. An area of refuge provided in the elevator lobby serves as a staging area for persons unable to use stairs and needing assistance for their evacuation during an emergency. The elevator(s) will be taken out of automatic service and operated by emergency service personnel. Persons unable to evacuate down the exit stairs without assistance and needing transportation by elevator should make certain the elevator lobby doors are closed while they wait in the elevator lobby for assistance. The two-way communication system should be used if there is a delay of more than several minutes in the arrival of an elevator that will provide transportation to the ground floor. Alternatively, another refuge area, and assistance with evacuation, is available in the designated exit stair.

(b) Refuge with Stair Use. An area of refuge within the designated exit stair serves as a staging area for persons needing assistance for their evacuation during an emergency. Persons unable to use the stairs unassisted, or who wish to move down the stairs at a slower pace, should wait on the stair landing. The two-way communication system should be used if assistance is needed.

A.12.2.12.3.1 Figure A.12.2.12.3.1 illustrates the application of the minimum space requirement to an area of refuge located within an exit stair enclosure. Note that each of the two required spaces is sufficient to allow the parking of a standard wheelchair. Preferably, such spaces should be provided adjacent to each other in a location where the presence of people taking temporary shelter in an area of refuge will be immediately apparent to rescue personnel and other evacuees.

A.12.2.12.3.2 The method of meeting the tenability performance criteria required of an area of refuge of

less than 1000 ft2 (93 m2) can involve controlling the

exposing fire (for example, via automatic sprinkler protection), installing smoke-resisting doors in the smoke-resisting barriers (see NFPA 105, Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke-Control Door Assemblies), providing smoke control to prevent or limit smoke migration through cracks or other leakage paths (see NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems), or providing other means or a combination of these means.

Figure A.12.2.12.3.1 Exit stair used as an area of refuge. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Calculations, if used, need to be based on established engineering relationships and equations. Such calculational procedures are described in NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems, Design of Smoke Management Systems, and the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering. Tenable conditions are those that maintain the temperature of any smoke in the area of refuge at less than 200°F (93°C) if the smoke is more than 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor, and at less than 120°F (49°C) if the smoke descends below the 5-ft (1.5-m) level in the area of refuge. Also, if the smoke descends below the 5-ft (1.5-m) level, tenable conditions require not less than 16 percent oxygen and not more than 30,000 ppm/min exposure to carbon monoxide. The exposing conditions used in the calculations should be in accordance with the following:

(1) The exposing space is sprinkler protected: the temperature of the exposing smoke is 200°F (93°C), the smoke layer extends to the floor, the oxygen content is 16 percent, and the carbon monoxide concentration is 2000 ppm (0.2 percent).

(2) The exposing space is a nonsprinklered corridor finished with Class A interior wall and ceiling finish: the temperature of the exposing smoke is 600°F (315°C), the smoke layer extends to a level 2 ft (0.6 m) above the floor, the oxygen content is 3 percent, and the carbon monoxide concentration is 50,000 ppm (5 percent).

(3) The exposing space is either not a corridor or, if a corridor, the corridor is not finished with a Class A interior wall and ceiling finish: the temperature of the exposing smoke is 1500°F (815°C), the smoke layer extends to a level 2 ft (0.6 m) above the floor, the oxygen content is 3 percent, and the carbon monoxide concentration is 50,000 ppm (5 percent).

A.12.2.12.3.4 Requirements for fire resistance ratings in excess of 1 hour, fire protection ratings in excess of 20 minutes, and prohibitions on duct penetrations appear in other Code sections. For example, if the barrier creating the area of refuge is also part of an exit stair enclosure that connects more than three stories or is a horizontal exit, a fire resistance rating of the barrier of not less than 2 hours and a fire protection rating for

opening protectives such as doors of not less than 11/2

hours would be required for most occupancies.

For further information on door openings in smoke-resisting barriers, see NFPA 105, Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke-Control Door Assemblies.

Generally, by providing one barrier that subdivides a floor area, two areas of refuge can be created. This


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subdivision method and the possibility of creating areas of refuge within compartmented elevator lobbies or on enlarged stair landings of exit stair enclosures make less onerous any requirement for a story to have more than one accessible means of egress.

A.12.2.13.1 It is the intent of 12.2.13 that elevators serving as a means of egress serve only independent towers or the tower portion of any integral structure. For elevators that are used as a component in the means of egress, the elevator lobbies, elevator shaft, and machine room need to be protected from the effects of fire.

A.12.2.13.6 One or more of the following approaches can be used to restrict exposure of elevator equipment to water:

(1) A combination of sealed elevator lobby doors, sloped floors, floor drains, and sealed elevator shaft walls is used.

(2) The elevator is mounted on the building exterior that normally operates in the elements, and seals are used on the elevator lobby doors.

(3) The elevator shaft is separated from the building at each floor by an exterior elevator lobby designed to prevent water entry into the elevator shaft.

Information gained from ongoing research concerning waterflow and elevators could lead to the development of water-resistive or water-protected elevator equipment specifically for fire applications. Such equipment should be used only with the building elements (for example, sealed elevator lobby doors, sloped floors, floor drains) for which it is developed. Further information is available from the NIST publication, Feasibility of Fire Evacuation by Elevators at FAA Control Towers.

A.12.2.13.7 Cooling equipment dedicated to the elevator machine room can be used to minimize requirements for standby power.

A.12.2.13.8 Communication between elevator lobbies and a central control point can be by telephone or intercom. Auditory alarms should be designed so that they do not interfere with people talking on communications systems.

A.12.2.13.9 Smoke detection in the elevator lobby will result in a Phase I recall of the elevators. The elevators will then be automatically taken out of normal service and will be available to be operated by emergency service personnel.

A.12.3.1.2 The normal occupant load is not necessarily a suitable criterion, as the greatest hazard can occur when an unusually large crowd is present, which is a condition often difficult for authorities having jurisdiction to control by regulatory measures. The principle of this Code is to provide means of egress for the maximum probable number of occupants rather than to attempt to limit occupants to a number commensurate with available means of egress. However, limits of occupancy are specified in certain special cases for other reasons.

Suggested occupant load factors for components of large airport terminal buildings are given in Table

A.12.3.1.2. However, the authority having jurisdiction might elect to use different occupant load factors, provided that egress requirements are satisfied.

Table A.12.3.1.2 Airport Terminal Occupant Load Factors

Airport Terminal Area

ft2 (gross) m2 (gross)

Concourse 100 9.3

Waiting areas 15 1.4 Baggage claim 20 1.9

Baggage handling 300 27.9 Covered Mall Buildings. The figure used in determining the occupancy load for covered mall shopping centers of varying sizes was arrived at empirically by surveying over 270 covered mall shopping centers, by studying mercantile occupancy parking requirements, and by observing the number of occupants per vehicle during peak seasons.

These studies show that, with an increase in shopping center size, there is a decrease in the number of occupants per square foot of gross leasable area.

This phenomenon is explained when one considers that above a certain shopping center gross leasable area

(approximately 600,000 ft2 (56,000 m2)), there exists a multiplicity of the same types of stores. The purpose of duplicate types of stores is to increase the choices available to a customer for any given type of merchandise. Therefore, when shopping center size increases, the occupant load increases as well, but at a declining rate. In using Table 12.3.1.2, the occupant load factor is applied only to the gross leasable area that uses the covered mall as a means of egress.

A.12.3.2 For further information on stair capacity, see Chapter 2 of the 1998 edition of NFPA 101A, Guide on Alternative Approaches to Life Safety.

A.12.3.4.1 Exception No. 1 This exception provides for minimum widths for small spaces such as individual offices. The intent is that this exception applies to spaces formed by furniture and movable walls so that accommodations can easily be made for mobility-impaired individuals. One side of a path could be a fixed wall, provided that the other side is movable. This does not exempt the door widths or widths of fixed-wall corridors, regardless of the number of people or length.

Figure A.12.3.4.1 presents selected anthropometric data for adults. The male and female figures depicted in the figure are average, 50th percentile, in size. Some dimensions apply to very large, 97.5 percentile, adults (noted as 97.5 P).

A.12.5.1.2 See A.12.5.1.6.

A.12.5.1.4 Figures A.12.5.1.4(a) through (e) illustrate the method of measurement intended by 12.5.1.4.

Figure A.12.3.4.1 Anthropometric data for adults; male and female figures of average, 50th percentile, size, some dimensions apply to very large, 97.5 percentile

(97.5 P), adults. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)


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Figure A.12.5.1.4(a) Diagonal rule for exit remoteness. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

Figure A.12.5.1.4(b) Diagonal rule for exit and exit access remoteness.


Figure A.12.5.1.4(c) Exit separation and diagonal measurement of area served.


Figure A.12.5.1.4(d) Exit separation measured along corridor path.


Figure A.12.5.1.4(e) Diagonal measurement for unusually-shaped areas.


A.12.5.1.5 It is difficult in actual practice to construct scissor stairs so that products of combustion that have entered one stairway do not penetrate into the other. Use as separate required exits is discouraged. The term limited-combustible is intentionally not included in 12.5.1.5. The user’s attention is directed to the definitions of limited-combustible and noncombustible in 3.3.118 and 3.3.131, respectively.

A.12.5.1.6 The terms dead end and common path of travel are commonly used interchangeably. While the concepts of each are similar in practice, they are two different concepts.

A common path of travel exists where a space is arranged so that occupants within that space are able to travel in only one direction to reach any of the exits or to reach the point at which the occupants have the choice of two paths of travel to remote exits. Part (a) of Figure A.12.5.1.6 is an example of a common path of travel.

Figure A.12.5.1.6 Common paths of travel and dead-end corridors.


While a dead end is similar to a common path of travel, a dead end can exist where there is no path of travel from an occupied space but can also exist where an occupant enters a corridor thinking there is an exit at the end and, finding none, is forced to retrace his or her path to reach a choice of exits. Part (b) of Figure A.12.5.1.6 is an example of such a dead-end arrangement.

Combining the two concepts, part (c) of Figure A.12.5.1.6 is an example of a combined dead-end/common path of travel problem.

Common paths of travel and dead-end travel are measured using the same principles used to measure

travel distance as described in Section 12.6 of the Code. Starting in the room shown in part (d) of Figure A.12.5.1.6, measurement is made from the most remote point in the room, A, along the natural path of travel, and through the doorway along the centerline of the corridor to point C, located at the centerline of the corridor, which then provides the choice of two different paths to remote exits; this is common path of travel. The space between point B and point C is a dead end. (See 3.3.32 for the definition of common path of travel.)

A.12.5.2.2 Doors that lead through wall paneling and that harmonize in appearance with the rest of the wall to avoid detracting from some desired aesthetic or decorative effect are not acceptable, as casual occupants might not be aware of such means of egress even though it is visible.

A.12.5.4.1 An accessible means of egress should comply with the accessible route requirements of CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

A.12.6.1 A dead end exists where an occupant enters a corridor thinking there is an exit at the end and, finding none, is forced to retrace the path traveled to reach a choice of egress travel paths. Although relatively short dead ends are permitted by this Code, it is better practice to eliminate them wherever possible, as they increase the danger of persons being trapped in case of fire. Compliance with the dead-end limits does not necessarily mean that the requirements for remoteness of exits have been met. Such lack of compliance is particularly true in small buildings or buildings with short public hallways. Adequate remoteness can be obtained in such cases by further reducing the length of dead ends. (See also A.12.5.1.6.)

A.12.6.2 The natural exit access (path of travel) will be influenced by the contents and occupancy of the building. Furniture, fixtures, machinery, or storage can serve to increase the length of travel. It is good practice in building design to recognize the influence of contents and occupancy by spacing exits for a completely open floor area at closer intervals than is required, thus reducing the hazard of excessive travel distances due to the introduction of furniture, fixtures, machinery, or storage and minimizing the possibility of violating the travel distance requirements of this Code.

A.12.6.3 Examples of locations where open stairways might exist include between mezzanines or balconies and the floor below.

A.12.7.1 An exit from the upper stories, in which the direction of egress travel is generally downward, should not be arranged so that it is necessary to change to travel in an upward direction at any point before discharging to the outside. A similar prohibition of reversal of the vertical component of travel should be applied to exits from stories below the floor of exit discharge. However, an exception is permitted in the case of stairs used in connection with overhead or underfloor exit passageways that serve the street floor only.

It is important that ample roadways be available from buildings in which there are large numbers of occupants so that exits will not be blocked by persons already outside. Two or more avenues of departure should be available for all but very small places. Location of a larger theater, for example, on a narrow dead-end street, might be prohibited by the authority having


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jurisdiction under this rule, unless some alternate way of travel to another street is available.

Exterior walking surfaces within the exit discharge are not required to be paved and often are provided by grass or similar surfaces. Where discharging exits into yards, across lawns, or onto similar surfaces, in addition to providing the required width to allow all occupants safe access to a public way, such access also is required to meet the following:

(1) The provisions of 12.1.7 with respect to changes in elevation

(2) The provisions of 12.2.2 for stairs, as applicable

(3) The provisions of 12.2.5 for ramps, as applicable

(4) The provisions of 12.1.10 with respect to maintaining the means of egress free of obstructions that would prevent its use, such as snow and the need for its removal in some climates

A.12.8.1.1 Illumination provided outside the building should be to either a public way or a distance away from the building that is considered safe, whichever is closest to the building being evacuated.

A.12.8.1.3 A desirable form of means of egress lighting is by lights recessed in walls about 1 ft (30 cm) above the floor. Such lights are not likely to be obscured by smoke.

A.12.8.1.3 Exception No. 2 Some processes, such as manufacturing or handling of photosensitive materials, cannot be performed in areas provided with the minimum specified lighting levels. The use of spaces with lighting levels below 1 ft-candle (10 lux) might necessitate additional safety measures, such as written emergency plans, training of new employees in emergency evacuation procedures, and periodic fire drills.

A.12.8.1.4 An example of the failure of any single lighting unit is the burning out of an electric bulb.

A.12.8.2.1 An example of a power source with reasonably ensured reliability is a public utility electric service.

A.12.9.1.1 Emergency lighting provided outside the building should be to either a public way or a distance away from the building that is considered safe, whichever is closest to the building being evacuated.

A.12.9.2.1 The illumination uniformity ratio is determined by the following formula:

A.12.9.2.2 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, this requirement is permitted to be met by means such as the following.

(a) Two separate electric lighting systems with independent wiring, each adequate alone to provide the specified lighting. One such system is permitted to be supplied from an outside source such as a public utility service and the other from an electric generator on the premises driven by an independent source of power. Both sources of illumination should be in regular simultaneous operation whenever the building is occupied during periods of darkness.

(b) An electric circuit or circuits used only for means of egress illumination, with two independent electric sources arranged so that, on the failure of one, the other will automatically and immediately operate.

One such source is permitted to be a connection from a public utility or similar outside power source and the other an approved storage battery with suitable provision to keep it automatically charged. Such a battery should be provided with automatic controls that, after operation of the battery due to failure of the primary power source or to turn-off the primary electric source for the lights, the battery will be shut off after its specified period of operation and will be automatically recharged and ready for further service when the primary current source is turned on again.

(c) Electric battery-operated emergency lighting systems complying with the provisions of 12.9.2.2 and operating on a separate circuit and at a voltage different from that of the primary light can be used where permitted. (See NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.)

These requirements are not intended to prohibit the connection of a feeder serving exit lighting and similar emergency functions ahead of the service disconnecting means, but such provision does not constitute an acceptable alternate source of power. Such a connection furnishes only supplementary protection for emergency electrical functions, particularly where intended to allow the fire department to open the main disconnect without hampering exit activities. Provision should be made to alert the fire department that certain power and lighting is fed by an emergency generator and will continue operation after the service disconnect is opened.

Where emergency lighting is provided by automatic transfer between normal power service and an emergency generator, it is the intent to prohibit the installation, for any reason, of a single switch that can interrupt both energy sources.

A.12.9.2.4 Automobile-type lead storage batteries are not suitable by reason of their relatively short life when not subject to frequent discharge and recharge as occurs in automobile operation.

For proper selection and maintenance of appropriate batteries, see NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

A.12.10.1.2 Where a main entrance serves also as an exit, it will usually be sufficiently obvious to occupants so that no exit sign is needed.

The character of the occupancy has a practical effect on the need for signs. In any assembly occupancy, hotel, department store, or other building subject to transient occupancy, the need for signs will be greater than in a building subject to permanent or semipermanent occupancy by the same people, such as an apartment house where the residents are presumed to be familiar with exit facilities by reason of regular use thereof. Even in a permanent residence-type building, however, there is need for signs to identify exit facilities such as outside stairs that are not subject to regular use during the normal occupancy of the building.

There are many types of situations where the actual need for signs is debatable. In cases of doubt, however, it is desirable to be on the safe side by providing signs, particularly as posting signs does not ordinarily involve any material expense or inconvenience.

The requirement for the locations of exit signs visible from any direction of exit access is illustrated in Figure A.12.10.1.2.


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Figure A.12.10.1.2 Location of exit signs. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

A.12.10.1.4 For externally illuminated signs in accordance with 12.10.6 and internally illuminated signs listed without a viewing distance, the rated viewing distance should be considered to be 100 ft (60 m). However, placing signs to meet the 100 ft (60 m) viewing distance in other than exit access corridors might create operating difficulties or encourage placement of a sign above the line of sight. To resolve the viewing distance versus placement issue, consideration should be given to increasing the level of illumination and the size of the exit legend to the viewing distance proportionally if signs are placed at greater distances.

A.12.10.1.5 See A.12.10.3.

A.12.10.1.6 See 3.3.113 for definition of internally illuminated.

A.12.10.1.7 In stores, for example, an otherwise adequate exit sign could be rendered inconspicuous by a high-intensity illuminated advertising sign located in the immediate vicinity.

Red is the traditional color for exit signs and is required by law in many places. However, at an early stage in the development of the Code, a provision made green the color for exit signs, following the concept of traffic lights in which green indicates safety and red is the signal to stop. During the period when green signs were specified by the Code, many such signs were installed, but the traditional red signs also remained. In 1949, the Fire Marshals Association of North America voted to request that red be restored as the required exit sign color, as it was found that the provision for green involved difficulties in law enactment that were out of proportion to the importance of safety. Accordingly, the 10th edition of the Code specified red where not otherwise required by law. The present text avoids any specific requirement for color on the assumption that either red or green will be used in most cases and that there are some situations in which a color other than red or green could actually provide better visibility.

A.12.10.2 A sign complying with 12.10.2 indicating the direction of the nearest approved exit should be placed at the point of entrance to any escalator or moving walk. (See A.12.10.3.)

A.12.10.3 Pictograms may be used in lieu of, or in addition to, signs with text. Where graphics are used, the symbols provided in NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety Symbols, should be used. Such signs need to provide equal visibility and illumination and are to comply with the other requirements of Section 12.10.

A.12.10.4 It is not the intent of this paragraph to require emergency lighting but only to have the sign illuminated by emergency lighting if emergency lighting is required and provided.

It is not the intent to require that the entire stroke width and entire stroke height of all letters comprising the word EXIT be visible per the requirements of 12.10.6.3 under normal or emergency lighting operation, provided that the sign is visible and legible at a 100-ft (30-m) distance under all room illumination conditions.

A.12.10.5.1 See A.12.8.1.3, Exception No. 2.

A.12.10.5.2 It is the intent to prohibit a freely accessible light switch to control the illumination of either an internally or externally illuminated exit sign.

A.12.10.5.2 Exception The flashing repetition rate should be approximately one cycle per second, and the

duration of the off-time should not exceed 1/4 second

per cycle. During on-time, the illumination levels need to be provided in accordance with 12.10.6.3. Flashing signs, when activated with the fire alarm system, might be of assistance.

A.12.10.6.1 Experience has shown that the word EXIT or other appropriate wording is plainly legible at 100 ft (30 m) if the letters are as large as specified in 12.10.6.1.

A.12.10.6.2 Figure A.12.10.6.2 shows examples of acceptable locations of directional indicators with regard to left and right orientation. Directional indicators are permitted to be placed under the horizontal stroke of the letter T, provided that the

spacing of not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm) is maintained

from the horizontal and vertical strokes of the letter T.

Figure A.12.10.6.2 Directional indicators. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

A.12.10.6.3 Colors providing a good contrast are red or green letters on matte white background. Glossy background and glossy letter colors should be avoided.

The average luminance of the letters and background is measured in footlamberts or candela per square meter. The contrast ratio is computed from these measurements by the following formula:

Where Lg is the greater luminance and Le is the lesser luminance, either the variable Lg or Le is permitted to represent the letters, and the remaining variable will represent the background. The average luminance of the letters and background can be computed by measuring the luminance at the positions indicated in Figure A.12.10.6.3 by numbered spots.

Figure A.12.10.6.3 Measurement of exit sign luminance. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

A.12.10.7.2 Photoluminescent signs need a specific minimum level of light on the face of the sign to ensure that the sign is charged for emergency operation and legibility in both the normal and emergency modes. Additionally, the type of light source (for example, incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, metal halide) is important. Each light source produces different types of visible and invisible light (for example, UV) that might affect the ability of some photoluminescent signs to charge and might also affect the amount of light output available during emergency mode. This type of sign would not be suitable where the illumination levels are permitted to decline. The charging light source should not be connected to automatic timers, because the continuous illumination of the sign is needed; otherwise, the sign illumination would not be available


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because it would be discharged.

A.12.10.8.3 The likelihood of occupants mistaking passageways or stairways that lead to dead-end spaces for exit doors and becoming trapped governs the need for exit signs. Thus, such areas should be marked with a sign that reads as follows:

NO EXIT

Supplementary identification indicating the character of the area, such as TO BASEMENT, STOREROOM, LINEN CLOSET, or the like, is permitted to be provided. (See A.12.10.2.)

A.12.10.8.4(1) These signs are to be used in place of signs that indicate that elevators are not to be used during fires. Examples of these signs include the following:

In the event of fire, this elevator will be used by the fire department for evacuation of people.

PROTECTED ELEVATOR —

USABLE IN EMERGENCIES

A.12.10.8.4(2) The wording of these signs should reflect human behavior in fires and the control specifics of the elevator system. Subparagraph 12.10.8.2 addresses signs, but provisions for notification of the vision impaired need to be considered. For information about human behavior with respect to elevator evacuation see Groner and Levin, “Human Factors Considerations in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans”; Levin and Groner, “Human Behavior Aspects of Staging Areas for Fire Safety in GSA Buildings”; and Levin and Groner, “Human Factors Considerations for the Potential Use of Elevators for Fire Evacuation of FAA Air Traffic Control Towers.” Some examples of messages on signs that could be displayed are shown in Table A.12.10.8.2(2).

Table A.12.10.8.2(2) Elevator Status Messages

Elevator Status Message Normal use Elevator in Service

Elevators recalled and waiting for fire service

Please Wait for Fire Department or Use Stairs

Elevator out of service Elevator Out of Service

A.12.11.1 Seventy-five feet (23 m) can be traversed in approximately 10 seconds to 15 seconds, even when allowing for a momentary delay to decide which way to go, during which it can be assumed that the average individual can hold his or her breath.

SUBSTANTIATION: The NFPA 5000 draft that was published for purposes of soliciting public proposals does not fulfill the requirement that the Report on Proposals contain proposals for all the material that is to appear in a new document. This proposal makes clear the SAF-MEA committee's choice of what is to be contained in Chapter120 on means of egress. The draft incorporates: - the actions taken on the numerous proposals on Chapter 12 [other than Propsal 5000-688 (Log #802) as explained below] - updates the material for consistency with the NFPA 101B ROP recently completed by the SAF-MEA committee - includes editorial changes - reflects changes made by the committee to material in NFPA 101 and NFPA 101B so as to be appropriate for the building code. The action on Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802) is not reflected in this chapter proposal. The vote was split at the ROP-preparation meeting on the action on the proposal on egress capacity in sprinklered

buildings. The technical merits of the subject will be balloted as part of the referenced proposal, and not as part of this proposal that addreses the overall chapter. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HABER: Acceptance of this proposal circumvents NFPA’s established due process requirements for new documents. Acceptance of this proposal approves other preliminary committee actions to Accept, Accept in Principle, and Accept in Part, the proposals submitted for Chapter 12, prior to the completion of the balloting on them, and created in effect, a new chapter without providing interests outside of the TC the opportunity to review the draft and comment accordingly. PAULS: My negative ballot on this reflects a procedural confusion (perhaps on my part) and a concern for several committee actions (for which I provide individual negative ballots) incorporated into the preprint. My notes reflect that the committee was going to be balloted separately (relative to Proposal 5000-628 (Log #CP2056)) on Proposal 5000-639 (Log #258), my proposal on 12.2.1.3, in the same way that a separate ballot was to be done for Proposal 5000-689 (Log #701), the proposal on 12.3.3.1 the egress capacity issue with sprinklers noted in the Substantiation for Proposal 5000-628 (Log #CP2056). More important than a procedural concern is my general concern that, at a time that NFPA 5000 (and related NFPA documents) should begin to reflect a concern for mainstreaming some usability/safety requirements (based on ANSI A117.1 for example), the Means of Egress Technical Committee has made matters worse, not better. This is not only a personal concern, many people dealing with growing problems of usability and safety of buildings, partly due to the aging population, are stressing the need for improved requirements for new construction, for example in the elimination of steps at entrances and improved handrail usability/safety. Moreover, in a major policy action in late 2000 the American Public Health Association included in its public policy on NFPA the following recommendation: 5. Encourages NFPA, in its development of codes and standards, generally to utilize a “Universal Design” or inclusive design philosophy, which maximizes safety and usability for the largest range of people, including elderly persons or those of any age with disabilities; The entire APHA public policy (#200019) is available on APHA’s web site www.apha.org and it was highlighted on NFPA’s web site as of February 2001. Much more will be done about NFPA’s apparent shortcomings (based on the actions on NFPA 5000 proposals) during the public comment stage where I intend to submit a much fuller response to actions by the Means of Egress and Residential Technical Committees. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: CAMP: 12.2.12.2.4 Delete reference to Section 211. The ASME A17.1-2000 Code has been reorganized and renumbered. A specific reference to the requirements in A17.1 is counter productive as the firefighter service requirement have some difference based on the equipment (electric elevator, hydraulic elevators, rack and pinion elevators, etc.). If a specific reference is deemed necessary then reference should read “Sections 2.27 or 3.27”. 12.2.13.10 Reference should be made to maintenance in compliance with the requirements in ASME A17.1. Detailed specific maintenance requirements have been incorporated into ASME A17.1-2000. 12.2.13.11 Revise to read “elevator... such shut downs are an option as required by of ASME...” SHULMAN: This proposal presents the compiled draft of Chapter 12, harmonizing it with the comparable requirements of 101B. Our comment relates specifically to the exception to clause 12.10.3 and


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the associated annex note, A12.10.3. There is no other proposal that individually addresses this item, hence we are submitting the comment in association with this proposal item. If this is an inappropriate venue for this comment, we submit it for the record and for future consideration. The exception to 12.10.3 allows the authority having jurisdiction to permit pictograms in lieu of the sign legend EXIT or other appropriate term. The annex note requires any graphics to use symbols from NFPA 170, and to provide “...equal visibility and illumination.” But EXIT signs need to be understood, not just be visible. There is good reason to believe that the word “EXIT” is well understood in english-speaking countries, as would be the translated word (as permitted by 12.10.3, “...or other appropriate wording..”) for signs installed in a country with a different primary language. No such confidence can be expressed for pictograms, whether they appear in NFPA 170 or not. Any society would need a substantial educational transition period in order to associate the appropriate NFPA 170 symbols with the intended meaning - such things are hardly intuitive. We do not believe that there is any basis on which an authority having jurisdiction could determine that a pictogram, while of comparable visibility and illumination as an EXIT legend, could have comparable effectiveness. It is our opinion that pictograms are appropriate in addition to an EXIT legend, at the request and with the approval of an authority having jurisdiction. But it will be many years of such side-by-side application before we should accept with confidence the use of such pictograms in lieu of an EXIT legend. We therefore request the phrase “...in lieu of, or ...” be stricken from annex note A12.10.3.

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(Log #1083) Committee: SAF-MEA

5000- 629 - (12-1.3.2.1(a) and (b)): Reject SUBMITTER: Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 12.1.3.2.1 (a) and (b) as follows: 12.1.3.2.1 Where this code requires an exit to be separated from other parts of the building, the separating construction shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8 and the following. (a) The separation shall have not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating where the exit connects three stories or less, but not less than the required fire resistance rating of the floor penetrated, but need not exceed 2-hours. (b) The separation shall have not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating where the exit connects four or more stories. The separation shall be constructed of an assembly of noncombustible or limited combustible materials and shall be supported by construction having not less than 2-hour fire resistance rating. Exception No. 1: One-hour enclosures in accordance with 21.2.2.1.2 and 22.2.2.1.2 shall be permitted as an alternate. (No changes to items (c) through (f). SUBSTANTIATION: Building codes, including the EPCOT Code have traditionally required that shafts enclosing vertical openings have a fire resistance rating equal to the required rating of the floor, but no exceeding 2 hours. This code does not have provisions for limited - combustible construction. (Note: A separate PCA sponsored code change requests that the Exception to 12.1.3.2.1(b) also be deleted.) COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter’s subpart (a) is not needed because with a one-hour shaft the fire would have to penetrate into the enclosure on one floor and then penetrate back out on another floor. With respect to subpart (b), the term "limited combustible" is addressed in the Code and will be defined in Section 3.3. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 630 - (12-1.3.2.1(b)): Reject SUBMITTER: Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete Exception to 12.1.3.2.1(b) as follows: “Exception: One hr enclosures in accordance with 23.2.2.1.2 and 24.2.2.1.2 shall be permitted as an alternative.” (Note: The section numbers in the above Exception have been changed from the Proposed Draft to reflect the proper cross reference.) SUBSTANTIATION: Traditional building codes, include the EPCOT Building Code (Table 7.2 and Section 809.2), have not permitted this reduction where automatic sprinklers are installed due to concerns that property protection may not be adequately addressed. In addition, a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating is important to occupants and firefighter safety in residential buildings where exit enclosures connect four or more stories. Although occupancy loads may be lower in hotels, dormitories and apartment buildings than other occupancies that are not granted this sprinkler tradeoff, they are full of occupants during the evening hours when fire typically occur. Vertical exit ways must remain assessable by the fire service as long as possible for evacuation purposes. Because of the need for protection of exists for occupants and firefighters and the improved property protection provided, 2-hour exit shafts are needed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The technical issue is one that needs to be decided by the residential occupancies technical committee. The exception in Chapter 12 is there for correlation with Chapters 23 and 24 provided that SAF-RES retains its one-hour sprinklered building exception. The wording in Chapter 12 must be retained. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 631 - (12-1.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Assoc., Inc./Rep. Carpet & Rug Institute RECOMMENDATION: Revise 12.1.4 as follows: 12.1.4 Interior Finish in Exit Enclosures. 12.1.4.1 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Exit Enclosures. The flame spread of interior finish on walls and ceilings shall be limited to Class A or Class B in exit enclosures in accordance with Section 10.2. (See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations.) 12.1.4.2 Interior Floor Finish in Exit Enclosures. Interior floor finish in exit enclosures, including stair treads and risers, shall be not less than Class II in accordance with Sections 10.2.2, 10.7 and 10.8.2. (See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations. SUBSTANTIATION: One of the basic concepts of the Code with regard to exit enclosures is to lit the potential for fire and fire spread within the enclosure. In other words to keep the exit enclosure “sterile” with regard to fire potential. The Life Safety Code and therefore the draft of NFPA 5000 both regulate interior wall and


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ceiling finish in exit enclosures but not interior floor finish. This proposal adds interior floor finish restrictions. In normal situations this will have very little impact. Concrete, wood, vinyl tile and similar traditional floor coverings typically meet these requirements as a result of their intrinsic behavior. It is estimated that in excess of 90% of the commercial carpeting used in these types of situations would also comply. This provision will prevent use of a noncomplying material which may create a problem, especially when the Code is used outside the U.S. where U.S. Federal Regulation FF-1 (16 CFR 1630) is not mandated. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 12.1.4 as follows: 12.1.4 Interior Finish in Exits Exit Enclosures. 12.1.4.1* Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Exit Enclosures. The flame spread of interior finish on walls and ceilings in exit enclosures shall be limited to Class A or Class B in exit enclosures in accordance with Chapter 10. (See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations.) 12.1.4.2* Interior Floor Finish in Exit Enclosures. Interior floor finish in exit enclosures, including stair treads and risers, shall be not less than Class II in accordance with Chapter 10. A.12.1.4.1 See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations. A.12.1.4.2 See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The editorial revision to the submitter's text should meet the submitter's intent. The generalization to referencing Chapter 10, rather than specific paragraphs of the chapter, comes from Proposal 5000-632 (Log #46). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KOFFEL: In accordance with Standards Council policy, I have abstained from voting on this item due to a client interest regarding the content of the Public Proposal.

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5000- 632 - (12-1.4): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International/Rep. Fire Retardant Chemicals Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.1.4 Interior finish in exits. The flame spread of interior finish on walls and ceilings shall be limited to Class A or Class B in exit enclosures in accordance with Section 10.2 Chapter 10. (See Chapters 15 through 29 for further limitations.) Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, and meeting the conditions of 10.3.5.3 shall be deemed to comply with a Class A classification in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. SUBSTANTIATION: The changes made and the sentence added address the issue that unless this is stated specifically, the code, as drafted, does not clearly permit interior finish tested by the room corner test (NFPA 286) to be installed. There is abundant evidence that materials that comply with a room-corner test requirements are equivalent in fire performance to materials tested using the Steiner tunnel test. As an example, Table 1 shows a set of 10 materials tested in the room-corner test and the Steiner tunnel test (Reference: M.M. Hirschler & M.L. Janssens, Fire and Materials Conf., San Antonio, TX, Feb. 22-23, 1999, Interscience Communications, London, UK, pp. 179-198): only one of the 10 materials failed the room-corner test; all other materials met Class A flame spread index (FSI not to exceed 25); even the material which flashed over the room had a flame spread index low enough to meet Class B in the Steiner tunnel test (FSI not to exceed 75). Also, only one of the 10 materials in the set

failed to meet the Steiner tunnel test smoke development index limit of 450, and it also failed the criterion in 10.3.5.3. The two enclosed Figures show comparisons of Steiner tunnel FSI versus room corner peak rate of heat release and Steiner tunnel SDI versus room corner total smoke released, indicating how materials meeting room-corner test criteria also meet Steiner tunnel criteria.

Figure Steiner Tunnel FSI

(as shown in Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44)

Figure Steiner Tunnel SDI (as shown in Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44)

Table 1 Test Results for Materials Tested in Room-Corner and

Steiner Tunnel Tests (as shown in Proposal 5000-552 (Log #44)

It must be clarified that this proposal does not require a material to undergo room-corner testing, but gives the option of material approvals via room-corner testing, as intended by the Life Safety Code. This option appears to be missing in the draft of the NFPA 5000 Building Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. See Proposal 5000-631(Log #25). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal should meet part of the submitter's intent. The submitter’s reference to NFPA 286 is not needed because this option is offered in Chapter 10. The change in the reference from section 10.2 to Chapter 10 is needed so that NFPA 286 can be used in lieu of NFPA 255 in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 10. The current reference to section 10.2 would limit interior finish in exits to classification in accordance with NFPA 255. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KOFFEL: See my Explanation of Abstention for Proposal 5000-631 (Log #25).

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5000- 633 - (12-1.6.4): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Revise 12.1.6.4 as follows: 12.1.6.4* Slip Resistance. Walking surfaces shall be slip resistant under foreseeable conditions. Slip resistance shall be no less than 0.50 as measured in accordance with ASTM F 1679, Standard Test Method for the Variable Incidence Tribometer, or ASTM F 1677, Standard Test Method for the Portable Inclineable Articulated Strut Tester. The walking surface of each element in the means of egress shall be uniformly slip resistant along the natural path of travel. A.12.1.6.4 The foreseeable conditions are the conditions that are likely to be present at the location of the walking surface during the use of the building or area. A foreseeable condition of a swimming pool deck is that it is likely to be wet. Regarding the slip resistance of treads, it should be recognized that, when walking up or down stairs, a person's foot exerts a smaller horizontal force against treads than is exerted when walking on level floors. Therefore, materials used for floors that are acceptable as slip resistant (as described by ASTM F 1637, Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces) provide adequate slip resistance where used for stair treads. Such slip resistance includes the important leading edges of treads, the part of the tread that the foot first contacts during descent, which is the most critical direction of travel. If stair treads are wet, there is an increased danger of slipping, just as there is an


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increased danger of slipping on wet floors of similar materials. A small wash or drainage slope on exterior stair treads is, therefore, recommended to shed water. (See Templer, J. A., The Staircase: Studies of Hazards, Falls, and Safer Design, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1992.) SUBSTANTIATION: The term "slip resistant" as used in the early NFPA 5000 draft is subjective and might not be applied consistently. Reference to two ASTM test procedures and establishing a threshold value of slip resistance provides a means to measure, quantify, evaluate, and determine compliance with minimal subjectivity. Each of the two ASTM procedures chosen for use in 12.1.6.4 has at least a five year history of use. ASTM F 1679 has been referenced by NFPA 1901-1999, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus for treads and walking surfaces on mobile fire equipment. Recent action by the 1901 technical committee has approved adding reference to the ASTM F 1677 standard, as well. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HABER: Adequate substantiation for establishing the minimum slip resistance threshold at 0.50 and for referencing ASTM F 1677 and ASTM 1679 has not been provided. In addition, cost and practicality of the referenced standards have not been addressed. PAULS: My negative ballot is due to my concern that it is premature to reference two specific test methods/devices for measurement of slip resistance in view of the apparent lack of consensus on test methods/devices. I also have a concern that the 0.5 criterion is too restrictive for a requirement at this time. In my opinion, instead of a requirement, the test methods and criteria should be only in the Annex for the time being. Moreover, Technical Committee members did not have copies of the two ASTM Standard Test Methods for review.

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5000- 634 - (12-1.8): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Marshall A. Klein, Marshall A. Klein & Assoc., Inc./Rep. Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 12.1.8 Guards. Guards in accordance with 12.2.2.4 shall be provided at the open sides of means of egress that exceed 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade below. Exception: Guards are not required for the following locations: 1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers. 2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms. 3. On raised stage and platform floor areas such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations. 4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms. 5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment. 6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public. 7. In assembly seating where guards in accordance with Section 15.2.11.1 are permitted and provided. SUBSTANTIATION: As a building code, this section will be required to be specific on exceptions to the general guard requirement. These exceptions are the common ones used in most building codes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add text to read as follows: 12.1.8 Guards. Guards in accordance with 12.2.2.4 shall be provided at the open sides of means of egress that exceed 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade below. Exception: Guards shall not be required for the following locations:

1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers. 2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms. 3. On raised stage and platform floor areas such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations. 4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms including vertical openings. 5. At walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for utilization of special lighting or equipment. 6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public. 7. In assembly seating in accordance with 15.2.11.1. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action adds all the items that the submitter requested, but editorially revises the wording for clarity and needed generalization. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 635 - (12-1.11 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Henry Rohwer, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: “Structures of three or more stories, shall provide two means of access to the roof. Such egress ways may be provided with a door which is readily unlatched from both sides.” SUBSTANTIATION: Stairways in taller buildings should make provisions for exits to the roof, and entrance by fire fighters from the roof to the inside of the building. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed text is too encompassing. For example, it allows no exception for peaked roofs nor does it address security concerns. The fire department always has access with appropriate tools. Chapter 12 addresses egress issues, but this is a fire department access issue. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 636 - (12-2): Accept SUBMITTER: John Taecker, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add text to read as follows: 12.2.1.1.4 Doors and door assemblies required to minimize air leakage and retard the passage of smoke shall be tested in accordance with UL 1784, Standard for Air Leakage Tests for Door Assemblies. The maximum air leakage rate of the door or door assembly shall be 3.0 cfm/ft2 of door opening at 0.10 in. water column for both the ambient and elevated temperature tests. A.12.2.1.1.4 NFPA 105, Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke-Control Door Assemblies may be used to determine an unacceptable level of air leakage for the doors. Also, revise Sections 12.2.3.4, 12.2.4.3.7, and 12.2.12.3.4 as follows: 12.2.3.4 Vestibule. Where a vestibule is provided, the doorway into the vestibule shall be protected with an approved fire door assembly having a 1 1/2-hour fire protection rating, and the fire door assembly from the vestibule to the smoke proof enclosure shall have not less than a 20-minute fire protection rating.


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Doors shall be designed to minimize air leakage in accordance with 12.2.1.1.4 and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector within 10 ft (3 m) of the vestibule door. 12.2.4.3.7* Doors in horizontal exits shall be designed and installed to minimize air leakage in accordance with 12.2.1.1.4. 12.2.12.3.4* Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a barrier with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, unless a greater rating is required in other provisions of this Code. Such barriers, and any openings in them, shall minimize air leakage and retard the passage of smoke. Doors in such barriers shall be designed to minimize air leakage in accordance with 12.2.1.1.4. Doors in such barriers shall have not less than a 20-minute fire protection rating, unless a greater rating is required in other provisions of this Code, and shall be either self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 12.2.1.3.2. Ducts shall be permitted to penetrate such barriers, unless prohibited in other provisions of this Code, and shall be provided with smoke-actuated dampers or other approved means to resist the transfer of smoke into the area of refute. SUBSTANTIATION: Referencing ANSI/UL 1784, along with specific acceptance criteria, provides a more objective means of determining acceptable levels of air leakage, and is also referenced in NFPA 150. The prescribed air leakage rate is used in other model building codes. The proposed new section in Section 12.2.1, Doors, provides a central location for this requirement. The reference to NFPA 105 will provide the code user with additional information on how to determine an acceptable level of air leakage. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 637 - (12-2.1.1.2 Exception (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Michael Fischer, Patio Enclosures, Inc./Rep. National Sunroom Association RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception as follows: Exception: Glass doors and windows in sunroom additions are not required to be made inaccessible. SUBSTANTIATION: The current code language provides a clear path to the outside without confusion created by the use of windows and/or doors that could appear to provide escape but in fact may be mistaken for a safe path. Sunroom additions by their nature provide additional view to the outdoor escape path and often use full-length windows that may be used as secondary means of escape. This new language reflects the nature of these highly glazed additions, and eliminates the need to obstruct the view provided by the glazing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter singles out glass for special treatment. It is confusing to exempt glass doors from a requirement that applies to windows. Glass windows might be present in an assembly occupancy such as a hotel dining room. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 638 - (12-2.1.2.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Julie Ruth, Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.2.2 Minimum Width Measurement. For purposes of determining minimum door width, the door leaf width shall be used clear width is specified. Where clear width si specified, there shall be no projections into the required clear door opening width, measured in accordance with 12.2.1.2.1, lower than 34 in. (86 cm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the required clear door opening width that are not less than 34 in. (86 cm) but that do not exceed 80 in. (203 cm) above the floor or ground shall be limited to the latch hinge side of each door opening and shall not exceed 4 in. (10.1 cm). Projections exceeding 80 in. (203 cm) above the floor or ground shall not be limited. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal clarifies that the projection is permitted to occur on the latch side of the door. The majority of projections onto the door opening width will occur on the latch side of the door, rather than the hinge side. Projections on the latch side of the door are not any greater an obstacle to egress than projections on the hinge side, since the latch side will be the furthest away from the door frame when the door is in a fully open position. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter’s proposed text is not needed. The annex figures adequately show intent. Panic hardware and door closers are attached to a door so they are on the hinge side of the door when the door is open. It is permissable to place hardware at the latch side, but such obstruction must be raised above 80 inches. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 639 - (12-2.1.3 Exception No. 1 and 2): Reject SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Jake Pauls Consulting Services RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: Exception No. 1. Provided that it does not serve as the primary means of escape, in one- and two-family dwellings where the a door discharges to the outside [remainder unchanged]. Exception No. 2. Provided that it does not serve as the primary means of escape, in one- and two-family dwellings, [remainder unchanged]. SUBSTANTIATION: This introduces a part of what is called Visitability, a concept incorporated in some local requirements in the U.S. and in national requirements for new housing in the U.K. We need to recognize that this is a small but crucial aspect of the whole visitability package, the part dealing with the “zero-step entrance” (as advocated by the group, Concrete Change, for example.) Notably, my proposal similar to that made here for Exception 1 was accepted for the IRC during 2000. There will be tougher proposals in the future to get the rest of the Visitability package including the elimination of steps on the remainder of the access/egress route for the home and the provision of a wheelchair accessible route at least to one ground-floor toilet. The items proposed here have the greatest impact on safety as well as usability. They also respond to the general concern about a double, lower standard for stairs serving dwellings. They should not be rejected merely because they are part of a larger program to mainstream certain circulation requirements. We do not, for other


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proposals, reject them because they take a modest, incremental approach in which particular proposals can easily be approved on their own. In addition to facilitating accessibility for occupants and visitors using wheelchairs, the elimination of the single step has a huge benefit for everyone having difficulty with steps, especially steps at doors. I learned this first hand in investigating a serious fall by an elderly woman attempting to enter a residential-type building being used for an office. Until I did the detailed ergonomic evaluation of the unusual stepping pattern required to step over a riser and a threshold, I did not fully appreciate just how difficult this is, even relative to traversing a single step on an ordinary walkway. Thus, in addition to its accessibility benefits, there is a safety and usability benefit that applies to many more people than only those using wheelchairs. Some of these people have disabilities affecting their ambulation due to injury, disease or effects of aging. The change to Exception No. 2 is justified because, as stated, it allows an even worse safety and usability situation in some respects than was permitted by Exception No. 1. An inferior alternative is to limit the use of Exception No. 2 to interior stairways, however, I am not making this my proposal. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not provided adequate justification that the current allowance for a 8-in. stepdown adversely affects means of escape. However, if the stepdown were not permitted, things such as snow accumulation could adversely affect means of escape. It is more important to serve escape needs than it is to address visitability in a piecemeal fashion. The proposed change would require the floor at both sides of the door to be at the same level, yet this does not guarantee that a wheelchair user can get to the vicinity of the door. The submitter’s change would be a partial fix toward visitability. It would be better to address the subject comprehensively at a later date. The submitter’s example of a woman falling occurred in a business occupancy and not a dwelling. Also, there is inadequate substantiation from a cost/benefit consideration. The subject should be allowed to be driven by the market place. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 3 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: In the proponents’ substantiation and during discussions held by the Means of Egress Committee during the NFPA 5000 ROP meeting in Tampa, the proponent indicated a concern that falls can occur due to “the unusual stepping pattern required to step over a riser and a threshold.” (if the step is too close to a door containing a threshold). This hazard could be reduced if (new) one and two family dwellings are required to meet the floor level requirements of the base paragraph (i.e., revise exception 1 so they are not exempted from the base paragraph requirements). In deleting this exception, home builders will have provided a means to sufficiently protect landings from the accumulation of snow and ice in areas subject to these conditions. (Note: the proponent’s discussion of “Visitability”, though a noble concept, is not in itself, substantiation for this requirement.) FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b) PAULS: In addition to relying on the substantiation provided with my public proposal, I object to the reasons provided by the Technical Committee for rejecting the proposal. It is not an adequate argument that I should come back with a more comprehensive proposal; the issue of a step at a door stands quite well on its own as a particular problem of usability and safety. Also, the Committee’s criticism that my example referred to a residential building being used as an office is ridiculous; biomechanically the woman’s body does not change or behave differently depending on the use of the building. The Committee’s action flies in the face of its intention, stated elsewhere, to mainstream certain requirements. Having an exception, allowing

worse facilities just for dwellings, is inconsistent with the mainstreaming philosophy, especially as the most vulnerable users are associated with dwellings. Thus to have the lowest standard where the need is greatest is silly. The snow accumulation issue is also very questionable because snow accumulates at entrances independent of the building occupancy. Indeed, when the same argument was raised within the ICC IRC hearing process in 2000, there was extensive testimony in Rochester, New York, (in the snow-belt area) from advocates saying the snow accumulation argument, as well as the water entry argument, were not good ones. Finally, while the Technical Committee has commendably stuck to its guns on keeping riser heights on new stairways no higher than 7 inches, the continuation of the 8-inch limit here—where there is no handrail typically provided—again is a cruel irony to put it mildly. There will be additional comment at the public comment stage on this matter, including on the cost issue which is another red herring. (See also my Explanation of Negative on 5000-628 (Log #CP2056) which quotes from the public policy of the American Public Health Association directed to NFPA.)

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5000- 640 - (12-2.1.4.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Henry Rohwer, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp. RECOMMENDATION: Provide clarification that the point of applying the opening force is, say, approximately 4 in. from the open face of the door along the inside of the jamb which is on the opposite side from the door hinges. SUBSTANTIATION: Detail needed to define where the specified force is applied. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not provided any sugested language. The technical committee encourges the submitter to submit a public comment with location specified. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b). COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: ELVOVE: Although I concur with the committee’s motion to reject, the committee did discuss this issue at some length and indicated it might be prudent to have a provision that indicates the location of where the opening force is applied. However, given the wide variety of door hardware location in use (traditional door knobs and panic hardware), the committee was unable to come up with firm data. I would encourage the proponent to resubmit his submittal along with some additional information so the committee could address this issue.

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5000- 641 - (12-2.1.5.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.5.2* Every door in a stair enclosure serving more than four stories shall allow re-entry from the stair enclosure to the interior of the building, or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stair enclosure doors to allow re-entry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system.


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Exception No. 1: Doors on stair enclosures shall be permitted to be equipped with hardware that prevents re-entry into the interior of the building, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) There shall be not less than two levels where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure (b) There shall be not more than four stories intervening between stories where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure. (c) Re-entry shall be possible on the top or next to top story that allows access to another exit. (d) A special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 shall be posted on the stair side of the door to identify doors allowing re-entry. Doors allowing re-entry shall be identified as such on the stair side of the door. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: The sign used to indicate which doors allow re-entry falls under the proposed definition of “special sign: as it is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely. As such, it should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.5.2* Every door in a stair enclosure serving more than four stories shall allow re-entry from the stair enclosure to the interior of the building, or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stair enclosure doors to allow re-entry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system. Exception No. 1: Doors on stair enclosures shall be permitted to be equipped with hardware that prevents re-entry into the interior of the building, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) There shall be not less than two levels where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure (b) There shall be not more than four stories intervening between stories where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure. (c) Re-entry shall be possible on the top or next to top story that allows access to another exit. (d) A special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 shall be posted on the stair side of each door that allows re-entry. Doors allowing re-entry shall be identified as such on the stair side of the door. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so by referencing the newly created provisions of 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-929 (Log #CP104). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 642 - (12-2.1.6.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Locks. Approved, listed, delayed-egress locks shall be permitted to be installed on doors serving low and ordinary hazard contents in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance

with section 11.2, or an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, and where permitted in Chapters 15 through 30, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) The doors shall unlock upon actuation of an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 11.3, or upon the actuation of any heat detector or not more than two smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with 11.2. (b) The doors shall unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or licking mechanism. (c) An irreversible process shall release the lock within 15 seconds upon application of a force to the release device required in 12.2.1.5.4 that shall not be required to exceed 15 lbf (67 N) nor be required to be continuously applied for more than 3 seconds. The initiation of the release process shall activate an audible signal in the vicinity of the door. Once the door lock has been release by the application of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be manual means only. Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, a delay not exceeding 30 seconds shall be permitted. (d)*On the door adjacent to the release device, there shall be a readily visible, durable, special sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and at least 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) in stroke width on a contrasting background that complies with 12.10.8.l1 and reads as follows: PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: Although the sign is required to be readily visible, meaning placed in a conspicuous location, the sign is not requird to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present Substantiation: The sign used to indicate which doors allow re-entry falls under the proposed definition of “special sign: as it is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely. As such, it should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, an occupant may lose faith when the door marked with an exit sign will not immediately open and there is no legible sign that indicates that the occupant must press for a duration in order for the door to open. Although the existing verbiage specifically recognizes this issue by stating that the sign must be “readily visible”, no further guidance is provided. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Locks. Approved, listed, delayed-egress locks shall be permitted to be installed on doors serving low and ordinary hazard contents in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system in accordance with section 11.2, or an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3, and where permitted in Chapters 15 through 30, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) The doors shall unlock upon actuation of an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 11.3, or upon the actuation of any heat detector or not more than two smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with 11.2. (b) The doors shall unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or licking mechanism. (c) An irreversible process shall release the lock within 15 seconds upon application of a force to the release device required in 12.2.1.5.4 that shall not be required to exceed 15 lbf (67 N) nor be required to be continuously applied for more than 3 seconds. The initiation of the release process shall activate an audible signal in the


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vicinity of the door. Once the door lock has been release by the application of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be manual means only. Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, a delay not exceeding 30 seconds shall be permitted. (d)*On the door adjacent to the release device, there shall be a readily visible, durable , special sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and at least 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) in stroke width on a contrasting background that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 and reads as follows: PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so by referencing the newly created provisions of 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-929 (Log #CP104). The new 12.10.8.2 addresses the characters so that stroke width and contrasting background no longer need to be addressed in this paragraph. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 643 - (12-2.1.6.1(d)): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the Blind RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 11.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Locks. (d)* On the door adjacent to the release device, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign in letters at least 2.5 cm (1 in.) high and at least 0.3 cm (1/8 in.) in stroke width on a contrasting background that reads as follows: PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS The sign shall also be provided in tactile and shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. SUBSTANTIATION: In the event of a fire or other emergency, persons who are blind or who have visual impairments will not be able to read the sign in order to know how to use this type of exit door. Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that “All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities.” Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information. Substantiation: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states “Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs) must have raised and Braille letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location [subsection 4.1.3(16)(a)].” COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter’s proposed text expands tactile sign requirements beyond the minimum level intended. The current requirements that appear in the draft are in agreement with the ADAAG advisory review committee recommendations. Informational or directional signs have traditionally been held to visible, rather that tactile, requirements. Also, see Committee Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104) on a new 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: Based upon the Committee’s Action on Proposal 5000-642 (Log #932), the appropriate action on this proposal is “ Accept in Principle, see Proposal 5000- 642 (Log #932).” The proponent requested a reference to ANSI A117 which has been provided via the reference in Proposal 5000- 642 (Log #932) to section 12.10. 8.2 FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 644 - (12-2.1.6.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the Blind RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors. (c) The doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress from a manual release device located 40 in. to 48 in. (102 cm to 122 cm) vertically above the floor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the secured doors. The manual release device shall be readily accessible and clearly identified by a sign that reads as follows: PUSH TO EXIT The sign shall also be provided in tactile and shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Statement of Problem: In the event of a fire or other emergency, persons who are blind or who have visual impairments will not be able to read the sign in order to know how to use this type of exit door. Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that “All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities.” Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information. SUBSTANTIATION: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states “Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs must have raised and brailed letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location (Section 4.1.3(16)(a)).” COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter’s proposed text expands tactile sign requirements beyond the minimum level intended. The current requirements that appear in the draft are in agreement with the ADAAG advisory review committee recommendations. Informational or directional signs have traditionally been held to visible, rather that tactile, requirements. Also, see Committee Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104) on a new 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 645 - (12-2.1.6.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors. Where permitted in Chapters 15 through 29, doors in the means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with an approved entrance and egress access control system, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) A sensor shall be provided on the egress side and arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors, and the doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress upon detection of an approaching occupant or loss or power to the sensor. (b) Loss of power to the part of the access control system that locks the doors shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress. (c) The doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress from a manual release device located 40 inches to 48 inches (102 cm to 122 cm) vertically above the floor and within 5 ft. (1.5 m) of the secure doors. The manual release device shall be readily accessible and clearly identified by a special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and reads as follows: PUSH TO EXIT (d) Activation of the building fire-protective signaling system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset. (e) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: The sign used to indicate that the exit door in question is access-controlled falls under the proposed definition of “special sign” as it is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely. As such, it should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighter intents on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, an occupant may lose faith when the door marked with an exit sign will not immediately open and appears to be locked especially if there is no legible sign that indicates that the occupant must activate a manual release device in order for the door to open. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors. Where permitted in Chapters 15 through 29, doors in the means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with an approved entrance and egress access control system, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) A sensor shall be provided on the egress side and arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors, and the doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress upon detection of an approaching occupant or loss or power to the sensor. (b) Loss of power to the part of the access control system that locks the doors shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress. (c) The doors shall be arranged to unlock in the direction of egress from a manual release device located 40 inches to 48 inches (102 cm to 122 cm) vertically above the floor and within 5 ft. (1.5 m) of the secure doors. The manual release device shall be readily accessible

and clearly identified by a special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 and reads as follows: PUSH TO EXIT (d) Activation of the building fire-protective signaling system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset. (e) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the doors in the direction of egress and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so by referencing the newly created provisions of 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 646 - (12-2.1.8.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add to the end of the existing paragraph: “Self-closing door delay and closing speed shall be in accordance with NFPA 80, 4-4.1.” SUBSTANTIATION: Self-closing devices, not on fire rated doors in the means of egress should still be limited on delay-to-closing and the closing speed. This new sentence embraces NFPA 80 limits on all types of egress doors. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 80 Chapter 4 applies to horizontal sliding doors, not swinging doors. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 647 - (12-2.1.8.2(3)): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add to the end of the sentence: “and NFPA 80”. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 80, 4-4.1 also contains provisions for smoke detector release that should be referenced here. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 80 Chapter 4 applies to horizontal sliding doors, not swinging doors. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 648 - (12-2.1.9.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the blind RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.2.1.9.1* General. Where means of egress doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the doors opens manually to allow egress travel or closes where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to open such doors manually shall not exceed those required in 12.2.1.4.5, except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 lbf (222 N). The door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side of which egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging from any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed (see 12.2.1.4). On the egress side of each door, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign that reads as follows: IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background, The sign shall also be provided in tactile and shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Remainder unchanged. Statement of Problem: In the event of a fire or other emergency, persons who are blind or who have visual impairments will not be able to read the sign in order to know that they mush push the door to egress. Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that “All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities.” Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information. SUBSTANTIATION: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states “Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs must have raised and brailed letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location (Section 4.1.3(16)(a)).” COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter’s proposed text expands tactile sign requirements beyond the minimum level intended. The current requirements that appear in the draft are in agreement with the ADAAG advisory review committee recommendations. Informational or directional signs have traditionally been held to visible, rather that tactile, requirements. Also, see Committee Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104) on a new 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: For emergency egress, people with visual impairments should be provided with signage to denote special instructions such as those required for opening power assisted doors upon loss of power. Signage is required to indicate the operating instructions for power assisted doors. Tactile signage should be installed to provide similar instructions to people with visual impairments; otherwise, they would not understand why the emergency egress door didn’t open automatically as intended. FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 649 - (12-2.1.9.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.9.1*General. Where means of egress doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors with power -assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the door opens manually to allow egress travel or closed where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to open such doors manually shall not exceed those required in 12.2.1.4.5, except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 lbf (222 N). the door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side from which egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging from any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed (see 12.2.1.4). On the egress side of each door there shall be a readily visible, durable special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and reads as follows: IN EMERGENCY, SLIDE TO OPEN. Exception No. 2*: In the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a two-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32 inch (81 cm) single-leaf requirement of 12.2.1.2.3, provided that the clear width of the single-leaf is not less than 30 inches (76 cm). Exception No. 3: For a biparting sliding door in the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32 inch (81 cm) single-leaf requirement of 12.2.1.2.3 if a clear opening of not less than 32 inches (81 cm) is provided by all leafs broken out. Exception No. 4: Doors complying with 12.2.1.14 shall be permitted to be used. Exception No. 5: This requirement shall not apply where other wise provided in Chapter 20. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: Although the sign is required to be readily visible, meaning placed in a conspicuous location, the sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: The sign used to indicate that there this door requires special operation falls under the proposed definition of “special sign” as it is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely and should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path and the information provided along the way. When an occupant loses confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, an occupant may lose faith when the door marked with an exit sign will not immediately or easily open and there is no legible sign that indicates that the occupant must press for a duration in order for the door to open fully. Although the existing verbiage specifically recognizes this issue by stating that the sign must be “readily visible”, that will not ensure legibility. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.9.1*General. Where means of egress doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors with power -assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the door opens manually to allow egress travel or closed where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to open such doors manually shall not exceed those required in 12.2.1.4.5, except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 lbf (222 N). the door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side


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from which egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging from any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed (see 12.2.1.4). On the egress side of each door there shall be a readily visible, durable special sign that complies with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2 and reads as follows: IN EMERGENCY, SLIDE TO OPEN. Exception No. 2*: In the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a two-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32 inch (81 cm) single-leaf requirement of 12.2.1.2.3, provided that the clear width of the single-leaf is not less than 30 inches (76 cm). Exception No. 3: For a biparting sliding door in the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32 inch (81 cm) single-leaf requirement of 12.2.1.2.3 if a clear opening of not less than 32 inches (81 cm) is provided by all leafs broken out. Exception No. 4: Doors complying with 12.2.1.14 shall be permitted to be used. Exception No. 5: This requirement shall not apply where other wise provided in Chapter 20. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so by referencing the newly created provisions of 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 650 - (12-2.1.9.1.1 (New) ): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 12.2.1.9.1.1: “Power operation shall not allow opening if temperatures on either side of the door reach 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).” SUBSTANTIATION: This new paragraph limits the opening of power-operated doors in the means of egress during a fire. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Fire scenarios where, for life safety, it would be desirable to be able to open the door include where a fire fighter has entered the building or where an occupant is crawling near floor level where temperatures are still tenable. There would be reliability issues associated with expecting the power operator to block door opening when such operator is subjected to elevated temperatures. Also, the door in question might be a door to the outside, in which case there is no harm in opening the door under fire conditions. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 651 - (12-2.1.14): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Rick Thornberry, The Code Consortium Inc./Rep. BIFMA International RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.14 Horizontal Sliding Doors. Horizontal sliding doors shall be permitted in means of egress in accordance with Exception No. 3 to Section 12.2.1.4.1 provided that the following criteria are met: Remainder of section to remain unchanged.

SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose of this proposal is to make it very clear that Section 12.2.1.14 is only intended to apply to horizontal sliding doors that are exempt from the side hinge swinging requirement of Section 12.2.1.4.1 as indicated in Exception No. 3 to that section. This revision simply provides a cross reference between this section and that Exception No. 3. Our intent is that these requirements for horizontal sliding doors not be applied to other types of horizontal sliding doors that are allowed by Exception No. 4 to Section 12.1.2.1.4.1. These would typically include sliding doors that serve an office cubical for a private or semi-private office or a small storage area, for example. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.14 Horizontal Sliding Doors. Horizontal sliding doors shall be permitted in means of egress provided that used in accordance with Exception No. 3 to 12.2.1.4.1 shall meet the following criteria are met: (Remainder of 12.2.1.14 to remain unchanged) COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but editorially reorders the words for clarity. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 652 - (12-2.1.14): Reject SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.1.14 Horizontal Sliding Doors. Horizontal sliding doors shall be permitted in means of egress, provided that the following criteria are met: (1) The door is readily operable from either side without special knowledge or effort. (2) The force that, when applied to the operating device in the direction of egress, is required to operate the door is not more than 15 lbf (67 N). (3) The force required to operate the door in the direction of door travel is not more than 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door in motion and is not more than 15 lbf (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum required width. (4) The door is operable with a force not more then 50 lbf (222 N) when a force of 250 lbf (1110 N) is applied perpendicularly the door adjacent to the operating device. (5) The door assembly complies with the fire protection rating and, where rated, is self-closing or automatic-closing by means of smoke detection in accordance with 12.2.1.8, and is installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. (6) A special sign, that complies with 12.10.8.1 and instructs the occupant as to how to open the door, is to be posted on each side of the door. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: Although there may be no “special knowledge or effort” necessary for occupants to make use of this door, most occupants are unfamiliar with sliding doors and may not understand that simply pressing a button or pulling on a lever will open the door. Aircraft and cruise ships make use of doors that, like sliding doors, are not typically encountered on an everyday basis. They may not be difficult to use or require special knowledge but they are marked nonetheless with an instructional sign. As with other signs that would fall under the proposed definition of “special sign”, this proposed sign would be part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely. As such, it


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should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighter intents on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, encountering an unfamiliar type of door may cause an occupant to slow down and question the path of egress. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: A sign that instructs the occupant as to how to open the door is not needed. There is no precedent for such instructions. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: Operation of horizontal sliding doors may not be readily apparent. Hence, signage similar to that required for other types of door and special locking conditions should be provided. Tactile signage should also be provided to assist people with visual impairments. FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 653 - (12-2.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Jake Pauls Consulting Services RECOMMENDATION: In all of the Code’s requirements for stairs, delete all requirements for minimum tread depth and maximum riser height. Add requirements for reduced egress capacity, for tread depths less than 11 inches and for riser dimensions exceeding 7 inches, based on adjustment formulas set out in NFPA 101A, 1998 edition. SUBSTANTIATION: It should be clear from the outset, and obvious given the proponent’s advocacy efforts as well as the undeveloped nature of this proposal, that this is a “straw man” proposal intended to be rejected. It responds to the frequent public comments of at least one Technical Committee member (Mr. Brown) arguing that, in all of his examinations of the technical basis for riser-tread dimensions, he finds there is nothing there. For example, in Mr. Brown’s testimony at the Fall 1999 NFPA Meeting, in relation to revision of stair riser-tread dimensions, he stated: “But basically, if you look at all the documentation there is, there is nothing there. There is no study. There is nothing that shows that there is a real problem with the stair geometry that is there today. There is no numbers there their just isn’t .” Mr. Brown’s opinion is shared by some others. Given the weight being given by some to this opinion, it deserves a response by NFPA committees and members; this proposal provides an opportunity for this. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee believes that riser and tread dimensions of stairs impact more than egress capacity; they affect the use of the stairs. Also, the adjustment factors of NFPA 101A referenced by the submitter are being deleted from NFPA 101A because they have not been kept up to date. As such, the material will not be available for reference purposes. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 654 - (12-2.2.2.3.4): Accept SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Jake Pauls Consulting Services RECOMMENDATION: Delete 12.2.2.2.3.4. (Editorially, revise 12.2.2.2.3.1 so that the last three words are as follows: 12.2.2.2.3.2 through and 12.2.2.2.3.34.) SUBSTANTIATION: This builds upon a larger public proposal that I have submitted recommending the mainstreaming of the “7-11” step geometry for dwellings. Allowing 9 1/2 inch riser heights and tread depths of 7 1/2 inches in dwellings is not appropriate in view of the stair safety and usability problems described at great length in that other proposal. Use of such mean step geometry for spiral stairs should be restricted to very limited population conditions such as industrial occupancies. (Note, I have submitted related public proposals for one and two-family dwellings, section 21.2.5.3, and guest rooms and guest suites, section 23.2.2.3, to permit use of spiral stairs only if they comply with 12.2.2.2.3.2.) COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HABER: Absolutely no justification is provided for the deletion of 12.2.2.2.3.4. Acceptance of the proposal would impose unnecessary restrictions on design without any supporting data demonstrating the relationship between stair geometry, spiral stairs and injury cause or injury prevention.

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5000- 655 - (12-2.2.4.5): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Anthony Leto, J.G. Braun Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: 12.2.2.4.5 Handrail Details (1) Handrails on stairs shall be not less than 34 in. (86 cm) and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread. Exception No. 1: The height of required handrails that form part of a guard shall be permitted to exceed 38 in. (96 cm) but shall not exceed 42 in. (107 cm), measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread. Exception No. 2*: Additional handrails that are lower or higher than main handrails shall be permitted. (2)* Handrails shall provide a clearance of not less than 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastened. (3)* Handrail shall have a circular cross section with an outside diameter of not less than 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) and not more than 2 in. (5 cm). Exception: Any other shape with a perimeter dimension of not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm), but not more than 6 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) shall be permitted, provided that edges are rounded so as to provide a radius of not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). 0.01 in (.025 mm). (4) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length. Exception: Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surfaces of the handrail shall not be considered to be obstructions to graspability, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) They do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) of the bottom of the handrail and provided that, for each 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) of additional handrail


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perimeter dimension above 4 in. (10 cm), the vertical clearance dimension of 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) can be reduced by 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) (b) They have edges with a radius of not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). 0.01 in. (0.25 mm). (c) They obstruct not in excess of 20 percent of the handrail length. (5) Handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts. (6) Handrails that are not continuous between flights shall extend horizontally, at the required height, not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. Exception: Within dwelling units the handrail shall be permitted to extend, at the required height, to points directly above the top and bottom risers. SUBSTANTIATION: 1. A minimum radius of 1/8 in. is too restrictive. The intent of a radius requirement on an edge is to prevent sharp edges which can cause injury. The detail below shows two metal handrail section profiles -- generally available in bronze, steel and aluminum. Bronze and aluminum sections are produced as extrusion while steel sections are hot rolled. These items have never been produced with sharp edges. All edges have a radius of .01 in. or more. These sections have been in use for over 100 years, throughout the world, with no history of injury related to edge sharpness. 2. A minimum radius of 1/8 in. eliminates design options in metal railings since only tube, pipe or oval sections will meet the requirements. The elimination of the “traditional” moulded sections shown below would have a severe impact on the design and fabrication of ornamental railings when no history of safety concerns exists. 3. A 1/8 in. radius will require an inspector to confirm dimensions on all edges while a .01 in. radius will be visually apparent - inspectors will simply need to look for a “roundness’ on the edges to confirm that they are not sharp. 4. Data was obtained form the Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Electronic Injury Information Surveillance System for the category “Falls Involving Handrail Injuries” — 1/1/91 to 6/2/99. In the 101 months of data, there were no cases of an injury caused by a sharp edge on handrail. 5. In regards to brackets, the requirement that edges have a 1/8 in. radius does not take into account the limitations of the manufacturing processes used in the production of handrail brackets. Handrail brackets are cast, machined, stamped or extruded. Cast brackets have the greatest flexibility when dealing with radii but are also the most expensive. However, when brackets are machined, stamped or extruded, 1/8 inch radii cannot be maintained. The stamping, extrusion and machining processes do not lend themselves towards the production of 1/8 inch radii. Many of the components of these brackets are not even 1/8 inch thick. How can you have a 1/8 inch radius on a stamped bracket saddle when it is only 1/16 inch thick? Some components are cut from extruded bar stock. The edges are then chamfered or the part is tumbled to remove sharp edges. To require that each piece now have all edges radiused would make the part cost prohibitive when there is not history of injury caused by these items. 6. Pickets are often produced form generic square or round bar. While round bar meets the proposal’s requirements, square bars would be eliminated. Steel bars cannot be obtained with a 1/8 inch radius on the edges. The edges on steel are generally .01 inch radii. Again, there is no history indicating that square pickets have presented any problems in the past. 7. Moulded cap railing sections are most commonly mounted over an inverted steel support channel. This aids in fabrication and permits the use of hidden welds when attaching baluster bars. Steel channel is a hot rolled product and is not available with a 1/8 inch radius. There is not steel mill that would have any interest in retooling for a channel that meets this requirement. The demand by the handrail industry simply does not exist to support this product in an economical form. 8. Both the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) have accepted the reduction of

the radius requirement from 1/8 in. to .01 in. for the 2001 code cycle with no published opposition or challenge. 9. As there is no epidemic of injuries relating to edge radii and there is not study that states that there is a graspability issue, the radii on railing elements which have been available for over 100 years should be considered sufficient - that radius is .01” or greater. Bibliography: “Falls Involving Handrails/Railings/Banisters 1991 to Present” National Electronic Injury Information Surveillance System (NEISS) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Injury Information Clearinghouse COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Revise text as follows: 12.2.2.4.5 Handrail Details (1) Handrails on stairs shall be not less than 34 in. (86 cm) and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread. Exception No. 1: The height of required handrails that form part of a guard shall be permitted to exceed 38 in. (96 cm) but shall not exceed 42 in. (107 cm), measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread. Exception No. 2*: Additional handrails that are lower or higher than main handrails shall be permitted. (2) * Handrails shall provide a clearance of not less than 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastened. (3) * Handrail shall have a circular cross section with an outside diameter of not less than 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) and not more than 2 in. (5 cm). Exception: Any other shape with a perimeter dimension of not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm), but not more than 6 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) shall be permitted, provided that graspable edges are rounded so as to provide a radius of not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). (4) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length. Exception: Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surfaces of the handrail shall not be considered to be obstructions to graspability, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) They do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) of the bottom of the handrail and provided that , for each 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension above 4 in. (10 cm), the vertical clearance dimension of 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) can be reduced by 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) (b) They have edges with a radius of not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). 0.01 in. (0.25 mm). (c) They obstruct not in excess of 20 percent of the handrail length. (5) Handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts. (6) Handrails that are not continuous between flights shall extend horizontally, at the required height, not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. Exception: Within dwelling units the handrail shall be permitted to extend, at the required height, to points directly above the top and bottom risers. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action should meet part of the submitter's intent. In the exception 12.2.2.4.5(3), the word "graspable" has been inserted so that the 1/8-inch radius applies only to those edges that are graspable. The 1/8-inch radius criterion needs to be maintained because the subject is one of avoiding pressure points on hands, especially for the elderly. Handrails need to be functional, not just decorative. In subpart (b) to the exception to 12.2.2.4.5(4) the submitter's relaxation to a 1/100-inch radius was accpeted because the handrail brackets are not meant to be grasped. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28


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VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: PAULS: The two accepted changes are another step away from mainstreaming of requirements based on safety and usability of building features. Adding “graspable” to the exception referring to the 1/8-inch minimum radius edges simply confuses matters; all surfaces of a proper handrail present an interface with a user’s hand especially in the most critical situation where an upward force has to be exerted on the handrail, with fingers wrapped underneath the handrail, to help arrest a fall. Similarly, allowing the sharp 0.01-inch radius for edges of brackets that the fingers will encounter is a severe departure from the national standard for handrail usability for all users. Older users, who are already most affected by falls on stairs for example, have a greater need for surfaces that will not cause pressure points. The 0.01-inch radius is ludicrous when such biomechanics are considered. As there will be a few international conferences this summer dealing with aging and falls, including a workshop specifically on handrail biomechanics for older users, the Technical Committee can look forward to much more detail on this matter at the public comment stage. (See also my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000- 628 (Log #CP2056) which quotes from the public policy of the American Public Health Association directed to NFPA). COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: ELVOVE: Discussions held by the Means of Egress Committee during the NFPA 5000 ROP meeting in Tampa indicated a need to revise the exception to insert the word “graspable” before “edges” and to add a note/diagram/figure in the appendix (annex) that clarifies what an acceptable 1/8” graspable handrail surface might look like to ensure small edges (<1/8”) used for decorative purposes would not be considered unacceptable. The intent of this provision is not to exclude surfaces that are less than 1/8” if by grasping them, they do not harm the user. (see figure that accompanied Proposal 5000-663 (Log #77).

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5000- 656 - (12-2.2.4.5/4 Exception (c)): Accept SUBMITTER: Anthony Leto, J.G. Braun Co./Rep. National Ornamental & Misc. Metals Association RECOMMENDATION: Delete text as follows: (c) They obstruct not in excess of 20 percent of the handrail length. SUBSTANTIATION: 1. Glass, solid and perforated panels have come into use as an option to baluster railings. These panels mount directly below the handrail or into a slot within the handrail. These are excellent alternatives in situations where there may be a hazard relating to falling objects but it would not be permitted because a panel would be interpreted as a 100 percent obstruction. 2. It does not support code requirements that now call for a reduction of guard openings to prevent accidental falls by small children through a guard. A closed panel inserted beneath a handrail would provide a safe guard but be in conflict with this requirement. 3. A panel railing would continuously support the handrail and, in essence, not be an obstruction at all. The continuous nature of the panel would mean that fingers would glide along the panel instead of striking a bracket every 4 to 5 feet or a baluster picket every 4 inches. Brackets and balusters are much more disruptive in a power grip than a panel supported railing. 4. The 20 percent allowable obstruction is an arbitrary figure. There is no evidence to support the notion that there is any benefit to this figure. Where is the documentation to support a 20 percent limitation? Why not 25 percent? 50 percent? 75 percent? 100 percent? Why is contact every four inches acceptable and simply having your fingers glide along a panel unacceptable?

In the absence of any documentation, the support of a figure of 20 percent to define “allowable” obstruction” is unfounded and unnecessary. We ask that the exception be deleted from the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: PAULS: In yet another capitulation to the railing industry the prevailing members of the Technical Committee are turning their back on important biomechanical considerations for usability and safety of handrails. Especially for the critical fall-arresting grasp of a handrail, the user’s fingers must be able to get underneath the handrail. Allowing a continuous obstruction does not allow any such grasp. Contrary to what the proponent said, the 20 percent criterion was not arbitrary; it was based on reasonable consideration of two factors; the spacing of balusters and the ability of a person’s fingers to grasp underneath a handrail even when there was a localized obstruction affecting the flexure of only one finger, not all of them as happens with the solid baluster. Again, as with other items on which I am submitting a negative ballot (and will submit public comments) the Committee Action has reduced significantly the effectiveness of the only safety net provided to arrest fails, the functional handrail.

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5000- 657 - (12-2.2.4.5(1)): Accept SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Jake Pauls Consulting Services RECOMMENDATION: Revise text: “Handrails on stairs and ramps shall be have a consistent height of of not less than 34 in. (86 cm) and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the stair tread or ramp walking surface, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread or the ramp walking surface.” SUBSTANTIATION: This provides a more explicit requirement for handrail height for ramps. It also fills a regulatory gap regarding the expectation of consistency of handrail height that is both normal and expected by users. Of course this “consistent height” is subject to normal interpretation of construction tolerances on the order of 3/8 in. (10 mm). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 658 - (12-2.2.4.5(1)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Revise 12.2.2.4.5(1) to read: 12.2.2.4.5 Handrail Details. (1) Handrails on stairs and ramps shall be have a consistent height of not less than 34 in. (86 cm) and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the stair tread or ramp walking surface, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread or ramp walking surface. SUBSTANTIATION: This provides an explicit requirement for handrail height for ramps. It also fills a regulatory gap regarding the expectation of consistency of handrail height that is both normal and expected by users. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 659 - (12-2.2.4.5(2)): Reject SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Jake Pauls Consulting Services RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: (2) Handrails shall provide a clearance of not less than 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) 60 mm (2 3/8 in.) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastened. SUBSTANTIATION: Research on hand-handrail biomechanics has repeatedly led to recommendations that the traditional 1 1/2 inch (38 mm) clearance is seriously inadequate for both normal grasp and emergency grasp conditions. For example, see Chaffin et al. (1978) who recommended 2.25 inches minimum; Maki and Fernie (1983) who recommended 6 inches, minimum, minus the diameter of the handrail; Templer (1992) who recommended 3.65 inches based on a 1.5-inch diameter handrail; and Feeney and Webber (1994) who recommended 80 mm or 3.15 inches minimum. NFPA 101 Appendix A-7.2.2.4.5(2) notes the 2.25-inch minimum based on ergonomic studies. The BOCA National Building Code, 1996, based on recommendations from the BOCA Ad Hoc Committee on Stairway Safety, requires 2 1/4 inches minimum. Most codes and standards maintain the traditional 1 1/2 inch minimum despite an absence of technical justification for it. Concerns about getting one’s arm stuck between spacings exceeding 1 1/2 inches appear to be without empirical foundation and, indeed, many people’s wrist and part of their forearm can slip into a 1 1/2 inch space especially if there is a failure to locate and grab the handrail successfully, thus the 60 mm or 2 3/8 inches proposed here (anticipating the rounded metric dimensions being adopted by NFPA) is a relatively modest minimum clearance founded on the least demanding research-based recommendations. If there is a concern about the maximum projection of 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) permitted into the required means of egress width, this should be addressed with an associated change to section 12.3.2, not by a dogged insistence on maintaining the traditional 1 1/2 inch minimum clearance. Some other model codes and the ANSI A117.1 standard have gone to maximum projections, of handrails into required stairway width, of 4 or 4 1/2 inches (100 to 115 mm) with the higher allowance sometimes restricted to stairways (as in the BOCA NBC). The NFPA Building Code could easily do the same if there was a concern over the traditional limitations of section 12.3.2. For example, 4 1/2 inches or 115 mm as a new maximum projection, would permit handrail widths of up to 2 1/8 inches or 55 mm. However the best handrail widths, including vertically oriented oval sections (a relatively good design biomechanically), would only project about 1 1/2 inches or 38 mm plus the new minimum clearance of 2 3/8 inches or 60 mm for a total projection of only 3 7/8 inches or 98 mm. Setting the maximum permitted projection at 100 mm or 4 inches would not only encourage such sensible handrails but would also be consistent with the most stringent requirement in ANSI> A117.1. (and presumably the new ADAAG) for all situations, not only stairways and ramps. References: Chaffin, D.B. et al. (1978). An ergonomic basis for recommendations pertaining to specific sections of OSHA standard, 19 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D - Walking and Working Surfaces. Occupational Safety & Health Administration Report No. OSHA/RP-78/001 (PB-284370), U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. Feeney, R.J. and Webber, G.M.B. (1994). Safety aspects of handrail design: A review. Building Research Establishment Report, BR260, Garston, Watford, U.K., 19 p. Maki, B.E. and Fernie, G.R. (1983). Biomechanical assessment of handrail parameters with special consideration to the needs of elderly users. Report for Biomedical Engineering Research Program, DEE, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, NRCC 29399. Templer, J.A. (1992). The staircase: Studies of hazards, falls, and safer design. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not substantiated the proposed increase in handrail/wall clearance. The current

ADAAG prescribes a minimum of 1 1/2 inches, which is consistent with the Life Safety Code. If the minimum handrail/wall clearance were increased, it would have the effect of decreasing the space between handrails installed at each side of a stair. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b). PAULS: My negative ballot takes issue with the two reasons the Committee gave for rejection. First, the current ADAAG is not based on biomechanics studies which consistently have recommended greater than 1 1/2 inch clearance. The second reason is also flawed. There is greater loss to safety from an inadequate handrail-to-wall clearance than there is with the inch or two of reduced width between handrails. The latter width is something I have studied in great detail in the last 32 years; indeed it was my research on crowd movement on stairs in evacuations that led to significant changes to all model codes and NFPA standards, in the 1980s, related to egress capacity and crowd movement generally. Given that I also referenced the work of research colleagues, it is astonishing that the Committee stated, in its first sentence: “The submitter has not substantiated the proposed increase in handrail/wall clearance.” The Committee provided no technical substantiation from research-based literature.

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5000- 660 - (12-2.2.4.5(3) Exception): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Daniel M. McGee, Consulting Engineer/Rep. Julius Blum & Co. Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: (3) Exception: Any other space with a perimeter dimension of not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm), but not more than 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm), and with the largest cross-sectional dimension not more than 2 1/4 . (5.7 cm) shall be permitted, provided that edges are rounded so as to provide a radius of not less than 1/8 0.01 in. (0.3 cm 0.25 mm). SUBSTANTIATION: Criteria “(b)” of the “Exception” to Paragraph (4) specifies that the edges of handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail have a minimum radius of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm). Such a requirement is of questionable validity and would most certainly eliminate many of the ordinary balusters and handrail support brackets currently in use. The basis and source of the minimum 1/8 in. radius and requirement is not known. However, it is well known that both balusters and handrail brackets with edges with curvatures of much less than 1/8 in. have been manufactured and used for years. Depending on the material, method of manufacture or desired appearance, the edges of handrail brackets and balusters may be chamfered, ground, extruded or cast with edges that are specified to be broken” to a radius as small as .01 in. This industry practice has not resulted in the delivery of either balusters or handrail brackets that have not been found to provide satisfactory service. To prevent injury or discomfort to the hand, it is not necessary to round all objects to a curvature as large as 1/8 in. Many items commonly handled do not have radii defined edges. For examples, cabinet handles, lever type door handles, wood and metal furniture, light switches, silverware and so forth. Many of the items mentioned have square, chamfered or “broken” edges as are most evident on bolts and nuts. Many of these patterns are manufactured with edges “broken” to .01 in. radius and have been used without incident. Some architectural panels may not be 1/8 in. thick and hence could not have 1/8 in. radius edges.


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In consideration of the above we believe the requirement for the 1/8 in. minimum radius on edges of handrail support brackets and balusters should be revised to .01 in. radius. Note: Supporting material available for review upon request at NFPA headquarters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. See Proposal 5000-655 (Log #656). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: As explained in the committee statement on the referenced proposal, the action taken should meet part of the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: PAULS: My negative ballot is submitted for reasons similar to those noted in relation to my negative ballot on other handrail proposals, specifically Proposal 5000-655 (Log #656) which the Committee references in its statement.

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5000- 661 - (12-2.2.4.5(4)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Revise 12.2.2.4.5(4) to read: (4) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length. Exception: Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail shall not be considered to be obstructions to graspability, provided that the following criteria are met: (a) They do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) of the bottom of the handrail and provided that, for each 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension above 4 in. (10 cm), the vertical clearance dimension of 11/2 in. (3.75 cm) can be reduced by 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). (b) They have edges with a radius of not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm). (c) They obstruct not in excess of 20 percent of the handrail length. SUBSTANTIATION: The deletion of words corrects an error made in the processing of NFPA 101-2000 which incorrectly permitted a reduction in finger clearance to less than 1 1/2 inches. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: ELVOVE: See my Comment on Affirmative on Proposal 5000-655 (Log #656).

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5000- 662 - (12-2.2.4.5(4) Exception (a)): Reject SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Jake Pauls Consulting Services RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: (a) They do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 60 mm 1 1/2 (3.75 cm 2 3/8 in.) of the bottom of the handrail and provided that, for each 13 mm (1/2 in. 1.3 cm) of additional handrail perimeter above 100 mm (4 in. 10 cm), the vertical clearance dimension of 60 mm 1 1/2 (3.75 cm 2 3/8 in.) can be reduced by 5 mm 1/8 in. (3/16 in. 0.3 cm).

SUBSTANTIATION: First, the draft of the Code reflects an error in the 2000 edition of NFPA 101 for which an errata should be issued. Second, the 1 1/2 inc. dimension is without biomechanical foundation and is inadequate for finger clearance to the side of and below the handrail. Third, in accordance with NFPA’s apparent policy, the proposal is made in hard metric by rounding down the required clearance. This has the effect of reducing the clearance requirement for a 50 mm (2 in.) diameter round railing section - with a perimeter dimension of 157 mm (6.2 in.), for example, by 20 mm (0.8 in.) to only 40 mm (1.6 in.). Thus the larger clearance requirement affects mostly smaller handrail sections. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The 1 1/2 inches of finger depth is adequate to keep users from avoiding handrail use. The subject was discussed in detail when the SAF-MEA committee met recently to prepare the NFPA 101B ROP. The "bad" handrail, with which the submitter is concerned, was forced into retirement when the 1 1/2 inches rule was implemented. See Proposal 5000-661 (Log #CP102) which corrects an error that occurred in the printing of NFPA 101-2000 on which the NFPA 5000 draft is based. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b). PAULS: The rejection by the Committee of my public proposal misconstrues my intentions both at this time and when the 1 1/2 inch dimension came into the Code at the last cycle. I objected at the time that 1 1/2 inches was not adequate and that opinion, based on biomechanics, has not changed. Further detail in a public comment will be made after this summer’s international conference on technology and aging where a workshop is devoted to handrail issues.

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5000- 663 - (12-2.2.4.5.4 Exception (b)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Daniel M. McGee, Consulting Engineer/Rep. Julius Blum & Co. Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: “Exception: (b) They have edges with a radius of not less than 1/8 0.01 (0.3 cm. 0.25). SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraph “(a)” of the “Exception” contains a requirement pertaining to surface edges requiring that they have a minimum radius of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm). It is not believed that the general statement that all edges shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 in. is appropriate or necessary. Application of such a general requirement would eliminate from use some of the oldest common handrails in use today. Some of which have been in use for over 100 years. Noncircular handrail profiles with edges of less than 1/8 in. curvature have been in use many years and have not been found to be difficult to grasp or cause undue pressure on the hand. For example, the profile shown is illustrative of railings, used where architects or owners use an architecturally pleasing shape that has edges with a radius less than 1/8 in.


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Typical Handrail Section The requirements should not be so restrictive as to prohibit some variety in the selection of handrails. The above profiles would not have been specified for so many years if they caused harm or were unpleasant to grasp. Evidence that edges with only a slight radius are not uncomfortable to grasp is illustrated by silverware, cabinet handles and lever type door handles that are also squeezed in using. The method of manufacturing noncircular profiles of wood and metal may dictate the edge condition. Profiles made by forging or extruding may result in edges that are most economically smoothed by grinding or sanding or tumbling. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 5000-655 (Log #656). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: PAULS: My negative ballot is submitted for reasons similar to those noted in relation to my negative ballot on other handrail proposals, specifically Proposal 5000-655 (Log #656) which the Committee references in its statement. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: ELVOVE: See my Comment on Affirmative on Proposal 5000-655 (Log #656).

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5000- 664 - (12-2.2.4.5.4 Exception (c)): Accept SUBMITTER: Daniel M. McGee, Consulting Engineer/Rep. Julius Blum & Co. Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise Exception to read as follows: (c) The obstruct not in excess of 20 percent of the handrail length SUBSTANTIATION: Subsection 12.2.2.4.5 (4) requires handrails, “be continuously graspable along their entire length.” However, it logically and necessarily provides an “Exception” to allow for handrail support brackets and balusters, the need for which is obvious. Unfortunately overly restrictive and undocumented limitations have been imposed on the handrail support brackets and the balusters by criteria “(c)”.

Criteria “(c)” of the “Exception” limits the accumulative attachment length of the brackets and balusters to a maximum of 20 percent of the handrail length. The most immediate effect of the above requirement is to eliminate continuously supported handrails generally supported by glass, or solid or perforated metal guards often specified where stairs have open sides. The use of solid type balusters has greatly increased in recent years to prevent children from falling from the side of stairs or through open guards. Elimination of the continuous stiffening effect of the top handrail section would significantly reduce the overall strength of the combination handrail-glass balustrade. Redesigning the handrail-glass balustrade system with vertical supports every six in. extending 2 1/2 in. below the handrail would not only be expensive, it may not be possible because of the stress concentrations occurring at the glass/fastener connection. We have seen no data demonstrating that solid glass or perforated metal balusters have not performed satisfactorily. It is obvious that in handrail tests, a person can withstand a greater load with a fully circular grip on a handrail than on a less than full circle grasp. However, the test is not one of maximum individual strength; it is one of how much load must be withstood to restrain or right oneself in a slip. It is recognized that there are many falls on stairs. However, these falls have statistically been shown to have resulted from carrying objects, tripping on objects, bad lighting, omission of handrails and similar mishaps. Seldom if ever have the accident data shown that it was the shape of the handrail or the interference of a baluster that caused the fall. Handrails of all types and sizes have been used for centuries and significantly contributed to preventing falls. Unfortunately reliable research data indicates that only about 40 percent of stairway users make use of handrails. In recognition of the above discussion, we believe the restrictions and limitation placed on the number of balusters and length of attachment of solid balusters is unduly restrictive and should be eliminated. It is therefore recommended that criteria “(c)” of the “Exception” to Subsection 12.2.2.4.5 be deleted. Note: Supporting material available for review upon request at NFPA headquarters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: PAULS: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-656 (Log #657) which addresses the same issue.

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5000- 665 - (12-2.2.5.1.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 12.2.2.5.1.1: “Stair enclosures 75 feet or more in height shall include fire doors tested under positive pressure with the neutral plane at 40 inches in accordance with NFPA 252.” SUBSTANTIATION: Stair enclosures become holding places when large populations egress into stair towers. Even if there is a staged evacuation in a building, occupants will spend an extended period of time in the enclosure. Doors tested under positive pressure are less likely to fail, resulting in higher levels of life safety for the occupants of a building. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The door addressed by the submitter is no different than any other fire door required throughout the means of egress. If the submitter believes that positive pressure


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testing is needed, he should generalize the provision for applicability to all fire doors. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 666 - (12-2.2.5.2 Exception No. 2 (New) ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: David Hammerman, Ron Nickson, Marshall Klein and Associates/Rep. National Multi-Housing Council RECOMMENDATION: Add another Exception to this section as follows: Exception 2: Separation from the interior of the building is not required for exterior stairs connected to open-ended corridors in a building protected throughout, including corridors and stairs, by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 11.3.1.1. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed change is intended to recognize what has already been accepted by other Model Code organizations. It is a balanced approach to achieve exposure protection of exterior stairways by accepting recognized alternatives. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add an second exception to 12.2.2.5.2 as follows: Exception No. 2: Separation shall not be required between corridors and outside stairs provided that: 1. The building, including corridors and stairs, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 or, where applicable, NFPA 13R. 2. The corridors comply with Chapter 12. 3. The corridors are connected on each end to an outside stair complying with 12.2.2.6. 4. At any location in the corridor where a change in direction exceeding 45 degrees occurs, a clear opening to the exterior of not less than 35 ft2 (3.25 m2) or an outside stair shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located to restrict the accumulation of smoke and toxic gases. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action further develops the details raised conceptually by the submitter. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 667 - (12-2.2.5.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the Blind RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.2.2.5.4 Stair Identification Signs. Add a second paragraph as follows: Tactile signage shall also be provided and shall indicate the story of, and the direction to, exit discharge. Tactile signage shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American national Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Statement of Problem: In the event of a fire or other emergency, persons who are blind or who have visual impairments will not be able to read the sign in order to know the story of, and the direction to, exit discharge. Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information.

Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that “All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities. SUBSTANTIATION: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states “Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs must have raised and brailed letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location (Section 4.1.3(16)(a)).” COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise as follows: 12.2.2.5.4 Stair Identification Signs. Stairs serving five or more stories shall be provided with signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the floor level story, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair enclosure. The signage also shall state the floor level story of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. The floor level designation shall also be tactile in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1 American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. (Note the underlined sentence above is to be positioned immediately after the new sentence being added by the Committee Action on Proposal 5000-668 (Log #936). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so using substitute language for clarity and coordination. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 668 - (12-2.2.5.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.2.5.4 Stair Identification Signs. Stairs serving five or more stories shall be provided with special signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the story, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair enclosure. The signage also shall state the story of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. The signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: Stair identification signage falls under the proposed definition of “special sign”, as it is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely. As such, it should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path and the information provided along the way. When an occupant loses confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, an occupant may lose faith when the door marked with an exit sign will not immediately or easily open and there is no legible sign that indicates that the occupant must press for a duration in


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order for the door to open fully. Although the existing verbiage specifically recognizes this issue by stating that the sign must be “readily visible”, that will not ensure legibility. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. Secondarily, illumination of some safety signs, such as stair identification signs, may assist firefighters in their attempts to navigate a dark or smoke-filled building during search-and-rescue or suppression operations. As time if often of the essence in such operations, efforts should be made to reduce the likelihood of delays caused by firefighters not being able to locate and read such signage with a flashlight. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.2.5.4 Stair Identification Signs. Stairs serving five or more stories shall be provided with special signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the story, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair enclosure. The signage also shall state the story of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. The signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so by referencing the newly created provisions of 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 669 - (12-2.2.5.4, 12.2.2.5.5 and 12.2.2.6 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Delete 12.2.2.5.4 and 12.2.2.5.5. Insert a new 12.2.2.6 (and renumber draft 12.2.2.6 to become 12.2.2.7) to read as follows: 12.2.2.6* Stairway Marking. 12.2.2.6.1 Stairs serving five or more stories shall be provided with signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair enclosure. The signage also shall state the floor level of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. The signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. The floor level designation shall also be tactile in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1 American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. 12.2.2.6.2 Wherever an enclosed stair requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge, special signs with directional indicators indicating the direction to the level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2, and be visible when the door is in the open or closed position. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where signs required by 12.2.2.6.1 are provided. Exception No. 2: Stairs extending not more than one story below the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious shall not be subject to this requirement. 12.2.2.6.3 The sign shall be painted or stenciled on the wall or on a separate sign securely attached to the wall. 12.2.2.6.4 The stairway identification letter shall be placed at the top of the sign in minimum 1 in. (2.5 cm) high lettering in accordance with 12.10.8.2.

12.2.2.6.5 Roof access or no roof access shall be designated by the words "Roof Access" or "No Roof Access" and placed under the stairway identification letter. Lettering shall be a minimum 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and in accordance with 12.10.8.2. 12.2.2.6.6 The floor level number shall be placed in the middle of the sign in minimum 5 in. (12.7 cm) high and in accordance with 12.10.8.2. Mezzanine levels shall have the letter "M" or other appropriate identification letter preceding the floor number, while basement levels shall have the letter "B" or other appropriate identification letter preceding the floor level number. 12.2.2.6.7 The lower and upper terminus of the stairway shall be placed at the bottom of the sign in minimum 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and in accordance with 12.10.8.2. A.12.2.2.6 Figure A.12.2.2.6 shows an example of a stairway marking sign.

Figure A.12.2.2.6 Example of a stairway marking sign. (as shown in draft at the end of this report)

SUBSTANTIATION: The provisions of 12.2.2.5.4 and 12.2.2.5.5, as found in the NFPA 5000 draft, were taken from NFPA 101 and address life safety of building occupants. For purposes of the building code, the material needs to be expanded. The wording in the proposal is modeled after that found in NFPA 1. It also incorporates actions taken on Proposals 5000-667 (Log #308), 5000-668 (Log #936), and 5000-671 (Log #937). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 670 - (12-2.2.5.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the Blind RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.2.2.5.5 Egress Direction Signs. Whenever an enclosed stair requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge, signs with directional indicators indicating the direction to the level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such signage shall be readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. The sign shall also be provided in tactile and shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply when signs required by 12.2.2.5.4 are provided. Exception No. 2: Except for the tactile sign,sStairs extending not more than one story below the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious shall not be subject to this requirement. Statement of Problem: In the event of a fire or other emergency, persons who are blind or who have visual impairments will not be able to read the sign in order to know that they must travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge. Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that “All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities.” Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information. SUBSTANTIATION: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states “Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs must have raised and brailed letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location (Section 4.1.3(16)(a)).”


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COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The sign presents informational material that traditionally, and in accordance with ADAAG, has been visible only, not tactile. Such tactile signage will not be easily located by persons with sight impairments. They won’t know to feel for the location of such sign. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: For emergency egress, signage should be provided for people with visual impairments to denote special instructions such as the direction of egress in a stairwell. Tactile signage denoting this (and other information) is required by 12-2.2.5.4 for stairwells serving 5 or more stories. Egress directional information should be covered in this section for all other cases; otherwise, people with visual impairments would not know the direction of egress travel Note: tactile signage would have to be located where people with visual impairment could easily find it (i.e., adjacent to the stair entrance). FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 671 - (12-2.2.5.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.2.5.5 Egress Direction Signs. Whenever an enclosed stair requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge special signs with directional indicators indicating the direction to the level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1. and be readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where signs required by 12.2.2.5.4 are provided. Exception No. 2: Stair extending not more than one story below the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious shall not be subject to this requirement. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: Egress direction signs fall under the proposed definition of “special sign” as they are part of the egress information system that occupants rely on the egress safely. As such, they should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path and the information provided along the way. When an occupant loses confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, an occupant may lose faith when the door marked with an exit sign will not immediately or easily open and there is no legible sign that indicates that the occupant must press for a duration in order for the door to open fully. Although the existing verbiage specifically recognizes this issue by stating that the sign must be “readily visible”, that will not ensure legibility. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise text to read as follows:

12.2.2.5.5 Egress Direction Signs. Whenever an enclosed stair requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge special signs with directional indicators indicating the direction to the level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2, and be readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position. Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where signs required by 12.2.2.5.4 are provided. Exception No. 2: Stair extending not more than one story below the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious shall not be subject to this requirement. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so by referencing the newly created provisions of 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 672 - (12-2.3.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise the second sentence to read: “The smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted to be created by using natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation incorporating a vestibule, or by pressurizing the stair enclosure.” SUBSTANTIATION: This section is addressing enclosures in general, not just stair enclosures. A smokeproof enclosure that is an area of refuge can use this paragraph with the change. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. In the 12.2.3’s change all occurrences of "stair" and "stairway" to "enclosure" as follows: 12.2.3.2 Performance Design. An appropriate design method shall be used to provide a system that meets the definition of smokeproof enclosure. The smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted to be created by using natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation incorporating a vestibule, or by pressurizing the stair enclosure. 12.2.3.6 Access. Access to the smokeproof enclosure stair shall be by way of a vestibule or by way of an exterior balcony. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to smokeproof enclosures consisting of a pressurized stair enclosure complying with 12.2.3.9. 12.2.3.7 Natural Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures using natural ventilation shall comply with 12.2.3.3 and the following. (a) Where access to the stair enclosure is by means of an open exterior balcony, the door assembly to the stair enclosure shall have a 1 1/2-hour fire protection rating and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector. Openings adjacent to such exterior balconies shall be protected in accordance with 12.2.2.6.5. (b) Every vestibule … (c) Every vestibule … 12.2.3.8 Mechanical Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures using mechanical ventilation shall comply with 12.2.3.3 and the following. (a) Vestibules … (b) The vestibule … (c) To serve ... (d) The stair enclosure shall be provided with a dampered relief opening at the top and supplied mechanically with sufficient air to discharge at least 2500 ft3/min (70.8 m3/min) through the relief opening while maintaining a positive pressure of not less than 0.10 in. water column (25 Pa) in the stair enclosure relative to the vestibule with all doors closed. 12.2.3.9 Stair Pressurization.


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12.2.3.9.1 Smokeproof enclosures using stair pressurization shall use an approved engineered system with a design pressure difference across the barrier of not less than 0.05 in. water column (12.5 Pa) in sprinklered buildings, or 0.10 in. water column (25 Pa) in nonsprinklered buildings, and shall be capable of maintaining these pressure differences under likely conditions of stack effect or wind. The pressure difference across doors shall exceed that which allows the door to begin to be opened by a force of 30 lbf (133 N) in accordance with 12.2.1.4.5. 12.2.3.9.2 Equipment and ductwork for stair pressurization shall be located as specified by one of the following: (1) Exterior to the building and directly connected to the stairway enclosure by ductwork enclosed in noncombustible construction (2) Within the stair enclosure with intake and exhaust air directly to the outside or through ductwork enclosed by a 2-hour fire-resistive rating (3) Within the … Exception: Where the building, including the stairway enclosure, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 11.3, the fire resistance rating shall be permitted to be not less than 1 hour. In all cases specified by 12.2.3.9.2(1) through (3), openings into the required fire resistance rating shall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by self-closing fire protection-rated devices. 12.2.3.10 Activation of Mechanical Ventilation and Pressurized Stair Enclosure Systems. 12.2.3.10.1 For both mechanical ventilation and pressurized stair enclosure systems, the activation of the systems shall be initiated by a smoke detector installed in an approved location within 10 ft (3 m) of the entrance to the smokeproof enclosure. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee made numerous changes similar to that requested by the submitter in order to achieve consistency. This should meet the submitter’s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 673 - (12-2.3.3): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Add the following to the end of the subsection: “Doors in smokeproof enclosures shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 105, Smoke Doors.” SUBSTANTIATION: This defines the opening protective requirement for the enclosure. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 105 was returned to committee and not elevated in status from a recommended practice to a standard. As such, it cannot be referenced in a mandatory fashion. Also, if NFPA 105 is to be used, a specific leakage rate will need to be established. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 674 - (12-2.3.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise the last sentence as follows: “Doors shall be designed to minimize air leakage in accordance with NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Doors and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector within 10 ft of the vestibule door.” SUBSTANTIATION: The presence of this new standard provides ready requirements for minimizing air leakage through a door. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: NFPA 105 was returned to committee and not elevated in status from a recommended practice to a standard. As such, it cannot be referenced in a mandatory fashion. Also, if NFPA 105 is to be used, a specific leakage rate will need to be established. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 675 - (12-2.3.8): Reject SUBMITTER: Henry Rohwer, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows: “Discuss where minimum air changes are needed relative to certain occupancies and chemicals present. Reference to applicable U.K. Standards on this topic would be very worthwhile.” SUBSTANTIATION: Requirements for minimum air change rates needs to be added for defining such requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: No specific text suggested. If the subject needs to be addressed it should be done in the individual occupancy chapters. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

___________________ (Log #869)

Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 676 - (12-2.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Fran McCabe, Prefco Products, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section 12.2.4 “Smokeproof Means of Egress” that would permit components of the egress system, such as exit access corridors, exit passage ways, and vestibules that are connected to a pressurized stairwell, to be pressurized with an increasing pressure gradient with the highest pressure differential in the stairwell. SUBSTANTIATION: Although the working draft does not contain specific requirements pertaining to smoke control, smokeproof means of egress is a new performance concept that has had success in Asia and other industrialized countries. This proposal is an opportunity to discuss the various options to a whole building engineered smoke central system. Both types of systems are intended to provide a smoke tenable escape route. Smokeproof means of egress may be less complicated to design, test, ad implement, and may


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also provide increased travel distances, increased headroom, reduced ratings, etc. as a life safety equivalency concept. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter proposed no language. However, some of the submitter’s intent has been met by the Committee Action on Proposal 5000-672 (Log #338) on 12.2.3.2. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

___________________ (Log #938)

Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 677 - (12-2.4.3.6): Reject SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revised text to read as follows: 12.2.4.3.6 Swinging fire doors shall be permitted in horizontal exits, provided that the criteria of both 12.2.4.3.6(1) and (2), or the criteria of 12.2.4.3.6(1) and (3) are met as follows: (1) The doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel (2) Where a horizontal exit serves areas on both sides of a fire barrier, there shall be adjacent openings with swinging doors that open in the opposite directions, with special signs that comply with 12.20.8.1 on each side of the fire barrier identifying the door that swings with the travel from that side. Exception: Sleeping room areas in detention and correctional occupancies shall be exempt from the sign requirement. (3) The doors shall be of any other approved arrangement, provided that the doors always swing with any possible egress travel. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: Signage used to indicate swinging fire doors falls under the proposed definition of “special sign” as they are part of the egress information system that occupants rely on the egress safely. As such, they should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path and the information provided along the way. When an occupant loses confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. Certainly, an occupant may lose faith when the door marked with an exit sign will not immediately or easily open and there is no legible sign that indicates that the occupant must press for a duration in order for the door to open fully. Although the existing verbiage specifically recognizes this issue by stating that the sign must be “readily visible”, that will not ensure legibility. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Subitem (2) that the submitter is requesting be revised is being deleted via Committee Proposal 50007-678 (Log #CP103). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 678 - (12-2.4.3.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Delete subitem (2) and its exception as follows: 12.2.4.3.6 Swinging fire doors shall be permitted in horizontal exits, provided that the criteria of both 12.2.4.3.6(1) and (2), or the criteria of 12.2.4.3.6(1) and (3) are met as follows: (1) The doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel (2) Where a horizontal exit serves areas on both sides of a fire barrier, there shall be adjacent openings with swinging doors that open in the opposite directions, with signs on each side of the fire barrier identifying the door that swings with the travel from that side. Exception: Sleeping room areas in detention and correctional occupancies shall be exempt from the sign requirement. (2) (3) The doors shall be of any other approved arrangement, provided that the doors always swing with any possible egress travel. SUBSTANTIATION: The provision being deleted is not needed for effective use of the horizontal exit. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 679 - (12-2.4.4.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Daniel M. McGee, Consulting Engineer/Rep. Metal Construction Association RECOMMENDATION: Add the following section: 12.2.4.4.7 Construction: Bridges connecting buildings shall be of noncombustible construction. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 12.2.4.4 does not mention what material or type of construction bridges connecting buildings should be constructed of. The proposed new section will clarify the types of construction required. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Inadequate substantiation to require noncombustible construction. Such a consideration should be a function of the construction type of the building. The bridge might be equated to an outside stair. There is no similar requirement requiring all outside stairs to be of noncombustible construction. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 680 - (12-2.8): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Replace all of 12.2.8 (i.e., 12.2.8 through 12.2.8.8.2) with the following: 12.2.8* Fire Escape Stairs. Fire escape stairs shall not constitute any of the required means of egress. A.12.2.8 For requirements for replacement fire escape stairs and new fire escape stairs in existing buildings, see Chapter 54. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal deletes most of the provisions for fire escape stairs. For new construction, a Code-complying outside


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stair (or some other componet such as an inside exit stair or a ramp) is needed. For existing buildings, the annex note will refer the user to Chapter 54. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 681 - (12-2.8.1.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Gregory J. Cahanin, Cahanin Code Consulting RECOMMENDATION: Revise the paragraph and exception: 12.2.8.1.2 New fire escape stairs shall be installed only when the authority having jurisdiction has been provided satisfactory evidence of the impracticality of a standard egress stair in an existing building. New fire escape stairs shall be accessed by pedestrian doors and shall not incorporate ladders or access windows. SUBSTANTIATION: I hesitate to even consider the inclusion of fire escape stairs in a new building code. The new language puts the burden of fact upon the building owner to provide the reasoning where a judgment can be made as to the acceptability of a fire escape stair on a new building. Renovations of existing buildings can always include new interior enclosed stairs or exterior stairs meeting the 7-11 requirements of the code. The impracticality of not putting in a legitimate stair hinges on gross leasable space and the loss of it for a stair. This does not seem to be a problem with a vacant lot next door to the renovated building that must install exits according to what we know ill ensure safe egress. Strong consideration should be given to removing 12.2.8.1 in its entirety from NFPA 5000. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter's text has removed the phrase "shall not constitute any required means of egress" which needs to be retained. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 682 - (12-2.8.1.2 Exception): Reject SUBMITTER: Northcentral Regional Fire Code Dev. Committee RECOMMENDATION: Delete the exception. SUBSTANTIATION: As currently worded it cannot be determined if this exception permits a new non replacement fire escapes on an existing building or is permitting a replacement of an existing fire escape. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: There is a need to permit a fire escape stair to correct a deficiency in an existing building. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 683 - (12-2.12.3.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.2.12.3.5 Each area of refuge shall be identified by a special sign stating the following: AREA OF REFUGE. The sign shall conform to the requirements of CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, for such signage and shall display the international symbol of accessibility. Signs also shall be located as follows: (1) At each door providing access to the area of refuge (2) At all exits not providing an accessible means of egress, as defined in Chapter 3 (3) Where necessary to indicate clearly the direction to an area of refuge Signs shall be illuminated as required for exit signs where exit sign illumination is required meet the requirements of 12.10.8.1. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions but reference should be made to proposed requirement in 12.10.8.1 to maintain consistency and bring verbiage in line with other proposals regarding special signs. Substantiation: The area of refuge sign falls under the proposed definition of “special sign” as it is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on to egress safely. It is already accorded that status by way of the requirement that it “be illuminated as required for exit signs...” This change would simply group it with the other special signs, retaining the illumination requirement. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Replace the lead-in to 12.2.12.3.5 with the following: 12.2.12.3.5 Signs complying with 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2, stating AREA OF REFUGE, and including the international symbol of accessibility shall be provided to identify the location of areas of refuge as follows: (1) At each door providing access to the area of refuge (2) At all exits not providing an accessible means of egress, as defined in Chapter 3 (3) Where necessary to indicate clearly the direction to an area of refuge Signs shall be illuminated as required for exit signs where exit sign illumination is required. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action revises the provisions for clarity and use of the new 12.10.8.1 and 12.10.8.2. See Proposal 5000-701 (Log #CP104). This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 684 - (12-2.13.4): Reject SUBMITTER: James F. McMullen, The McMullen Company, Inc./Rep. O’Keeffe’s, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows: “...referenced in Section 8.3. NFPA 252, Standard Methods for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies. Glazing in view panels of fire doors limited to 100 square inches, except meeting temperature rise limits of 450o at 30 minutes. No glazing in side lights/transoms unless tested to NFPA 251, Building Construction and Materials...” (remainder text unchanged). SUBSTANTIATION: There is no test method in Section 8.3. This proposal identifies the NFPA standards and further limits glazing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.


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COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter's text would subject glazing to fire testing for fire barriers, not for fire door testing. There is insufficient substantiation to justify this change. The technical committee responsible for Chapter 8 is continuing its work on the subject of side-lite testing. The issue remains unresolved. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NEGATIVE: 1 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b). EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KOFFEL: See my Explanation of Abstention for Proposal 5000-631 (Log #25).

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5000- 685 - (12-3.1.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Charles Nelson, Fowlkes and Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: 12.3.1.2 Under “waiting spaces” reference is made to “12.1.7.2 and 13.1.7.2” these are not correct. Reference should be made to 15.1.6.4. SUBSTANTIATION: In order to be “user friendly” the entire code format should be consistent with the IBC. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. No specific action needed here. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The correct reference will be inserted once Chapter 15 is more complete. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 686 - (12-3.1.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Kenneth E. Bush, Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal RECOMMENDATION: Add the Figure to determine the appropriate occupant load factor for covered malls to Table 12.3.1.2 of this Code. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal seeks to add the figure needed to correctly determine the occupant load factor for the covered mall portions of covered mall buildings. This figure was not included as part of the draft. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 5000-628 (Log #CP2056).

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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(Log #CP806) Committee: SAF-MER

5000- 687 - (Table 12-3.1.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Mercantile and Business Occupancies RECOMMENDATION: Revise the entry for the double + note on Table 12.3.1.2 for mercantile occupancies to read: “+For the purpose of determining occupant load in mercantile occupancies with no street floor, as defined in 3.3.xxx, but with access directly from the street by stairs or escalators, the principal floor at the point of entrance to the mercantile occupancy shall be considered the street floor.” SUBSTANTIATION: The revisions are for clarification that this applies to a specific purpose. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 19 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 19

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5000- 688 - (12-3.3.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gene Boecker, CCI (Code Consultants, Inc.) RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.3.3 Egress Capacity. 12.3.3.1 Egress capacity for approved components of means of egress shall be based on the capacity factors shown in Table 12.3.3.1. (See Table 12.3.3.1 below.) SUBSTANTIATION: The table is proposed to be revised as shown. Only Health Care had previously recognized a “trade-off” for sprinkler protection. The table is reformatted for better comparison of the sprinkler versus non-sprinklered condition. Factors are added for sprinklered conditions for the Board and Care, High Hazard, and “all others” categories based on the one third reduction indicated for Health Care occupancies. Recognition of sprinkler protection should occur for all categories, not just Health Care. The factors also correlate to that in the 2000 IBC and have been used by BOCA for years.

Table 12.3.3.2 Stairways (in per person)

[cm per person] Level Components and Ramps

(in per person) [cm per person]

Unsprinklered Sprinklered Unsprinklered Sprinklered Board and Care 0.4 [1.0] 0.3 [0.8] 0.2 [0.5] 0.15 [0.38] Health Care Sprinklered 0.6 [1.5] 0.3 [0.8] 0.5 [1.3] 0.2 [0.5] Health Care Nonsprinklered 0.6 [1.5] 0.5 [1.3] High Hazard Contents 0.7 [1.8] 0.3 [0.8] 0.4 [1.0] 0.2 [0.5] All Others 0.3 [0.8] 0.2 [0.5] 0.2 [0.5] 0.15 [0.38]


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COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 12.3.3.1 as follows: 12.3.3.1 Egress capacity for approved components of means of egress shall be based on the capacity factors shown in Table 12.3.3.1.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action does what the submitter requested, but also clarifies the sprinkler system requirements that must be met in order to use the more lenient capacity factors for sprinklered occupancies. The action on this proposal is not reflected in Proposal 5000-628 (Log #CP2056) which is the SAF-MEA committee's overall proposal for a Chapter 12, Means of Egress. The vote at the ROP-preparation meeting on the action on this proposal was split. The technical merits of the subject will be balloted here, and not as part of the overall chapter proposal. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 NEGATIVE: 5 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: Modifications to the egress capacity figures should not be made solely on the consideration of the installation of automatic sprinkler protection. While automatic sprinklers may provide a very capable means to mitigate the effects of fire due to early and effective fire control, there are other factors which could negatively impact on the movement of building occupants which are beyond the control capabilities of sprinkler protection alone. Such an example is the smoke production from a smoldering fire which may never cause sprinkler activation, but could severely impair the movement of occupants in or near the area of fire origin. In addition, the effects of a fire may spread to other areas of the building which are not near the actual fire, such as smoke spread through building openings or ventilation equipment, which could affect emergency people movement. In these cases, a larger egress capacity may be necessary in order to accomplish timely evacuation particularly where large numbers or where people with slowed reaction or movement due to disabilities are present. In addition, it is not prudent to make additional safety factors dependent upon mechanical systems which could be subject to limitations or even failure. Also, the basis for the requirements of this Code should not be dependent upon the requirements found in other recognized Codes, as stated in another substantiation regarding this subject. ELVOVE: Do not decrease egress capacity on the basis of installation of sprinkler protection. Although I am a proponent for sprinkler protection and recognize the benefits of such protection (i.e., increased evacuation time in the event of a fire), the building code addresses other emergencies besides fire. The intent of providing adequate egress capacity is to move people through the building at a certain rate; although this rate may be delayed if sprinklers are installed, the rate would not change if another emergency arose that required expeditious egress (which would not necessarily be available if the capacity were reduced.) KOFFEL: The Life Safety Technical Committee on Means of Egress has addressed this issue on numerous occasions with varying results.

Most of the time, the Technical Committee has not supported this change and therefore, I do not believe a consensus exists to include this additional sprinkler modification in NFPA 5000. Historically, the Technical Committee has not supported this sprinkler modification for inclusion in the Life Safety Code. If the change is not appropriate for a document where the scope is limited to life safety from fire and similar emergencies it would not seem appropriate for NFPA 5000 which has a broader scope. While I support rational modifications for automatic sprinkler protection, this proposal seems to lack technical justification. Should the sprinkler system fail to control the fire and along with the other modifications already permitted by the Code (increased travel distance, reductions in corridor wall fire resistance ratings, etc.) how can one then justify decreasing the egress width? Is that not the time when the egress capacity will be needed? Since the scope of NFPA 5000 is broader than life safety from fire, are there other times that the means of egress will be necessary for which an automatic sprinkler system will offer no benefit? Prior to supporting this change, I believe that reasonable egress calculations should be submitted to the Technical Committee demonstrating that a sprinkler system failure, despite how reliable the systems may be, or a non-fire emergency will not result in an unacceptable loss. Additional information can be found in Public Comments 101-228 and 101-229, 1999 November Association Technical Meeting Report on Comments. PAULS: Just because BOCA and IBC have adopted the reduced egress widths for sprinklered occupancies is not adequate justification. If there were a sufficient technical basis for such reductions, I would want to see specific technical background especially as it would be best to make a less-arbitrary reduction at the time the Code is written in hard metric dimensions. Merely because the building is sprinklered is not sufficient by itself to justify reductions. VERSTEEG: I vote against the Committee’s action in this matter. Specifically, I take issue with the reduced capacity factors based on the presence of automatic sprinklers. My opposition to the use of differing factors for sprinklered versus non-sprinklered buildings is not intended to diminish the excellent performance record of automatic sprinkler systems. My opposition to this proposal is based solely on the fact the occurrence of fire is not the only event which will require occupants to use the egress system, i.e. severe weather, earthquakes, acts of violence, bomb threats, etc. Similar proposals have been evaluated for the Life Safety Code and subsequently rejected by the committee for this very reason. With consideration of the broader scope of a building code versus that of the Life Safety Code, it only makes sense not to permit a reduction in the egress capacity based on sprinklers when in fact the sprinklers will not mitigate a majority of the conditions requiring emergency egress.

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Table 12.3.3.2 Stairways (in. per person)

[mm per person] Level Components and Ramps

(in. per person) [mm per person]

Unsprinklered Sprinklered† Unsprinklered Sprinklered† Board and Care 0.4 [10] 0.3 [7.6] 0.2 [5] 0.15 [4] Health Care Sprinklered 0.6 [15] 0.3 [7.6] 0.5 [13] 0.2 [5] High Hazard Contents 0.7 [18] 0.3 [7.6] 0.4 [10] 0.2 [5] All Others 0.3 [7.6] 0.2 [5] 0.2 [5] 0.15 [4] † Sprinklered. Occupancy is sprinklered throughout with an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 or, where applicable, NFPA 13R.


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5000- 689 - (Table 12-3.3.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Dave Frable, U.S. General Services Administration RECOMMENDATION: Revise Table 12.3.3.1 as follows:

a: Occupancies equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 11.3 SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose of this proposed code change is allow flexibility in calculating egress capacity in occupancies that are provided with sprinkler protection. The new values selected for occupancies that are sprinklered protected are base don requirements of other nationally recognized model building codes that have been adopted throughout the country. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Action on Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802) COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 21 NEGATIVE: 5 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802). ELVOVE: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802). KOFFEL: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802). PAULS: See my Explanation of Negative on Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802), the same issue. VERSTEEG: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-688 (Log #802).

___________________ (Log #697)

Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 690 - (12-5.1.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Dave Frable, U.S. General Services Administration RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.5.1.5 Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be permitted to be considerd as a single exit separate exits if enclosed in accordance with 12.1.3.2 and separated from each other by 2-hour fire resistance-rated noncombustible construction. There shall be no penetrations or communicating openings, whether protected or not, between the stair enclosures. SUBSTANTIATION: The intent of this proposed code change is to reaffirm the belief that scissor stairs cannot be reliably built to create an absolute barrier to the passage of smoke and toxic gases between the stairs. Even if they can be isolated initially, there is still a concern that settling of the building or exposure to fire conditions might result in the cracking of the separating wall. The proposal does not eliminate scissor stairs but only permits them to be counted as one exit enclosure instead of two exit enclosures.

COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 12.5.1.5 to read as follows: 12.5.1.5 Interlocking or scissor stairs shall only be permitted to be considered as a single exit. be permitted to be considerd separate

exits if enclosed in accordance with 12.1.3.2 and separated from each other by 2-hour fire resistance-rated noncombustible construction. There shall be no penetrations or communicating openings, whether protected or not, between the stair enclosures. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes what the submitter requested by limiting scissor stairs to being considered as a single exit. Once the statement is made that a scissor stairs cannot serve as more than one exit, the enclosure requirements for exit stairs are covered adequately elsewhere in the chapter and need not be repeated here. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 691 - (12-10.1.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the Blind RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.10.1.3 Exit Door and Exit Stair Door Tactile Signage. Tactile signage shall be located at each exit door and each door into an exit stair enclosure, and such signage shall read as follows: EXIT EXIT STAIR EXIT ALARM Signage shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, and shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 in. (152 cm) above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The intent of 12.10.1.3 is to provide a means by which persons who are blind or who have visual impairments may be able to identify doors which open to an exit stair enclosure. By only sating “EXIT”, persons with visual impairments will not know that they are entering a stair enclosure and must now climb up or down stairs to exit the building. Additionally, CABO/ANSI Å117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities already contains requirements for the installation height of the sign, and should, therefore, be governed by that document. While all buildings do not have doors which open to an exit stair enclosure, all buildings do have exit doors. In the event of fire, persons with visual impairments are entitled, by federal law, to have access to the markings of the means of egress.

Table 12.3.3.1 Without Sprinkler

System Without Sprinkler System

With Sprinkler Systema

With Sprinkler Systema

Stairways Level Components and Ramps

Stairways Level Components and Ramps

Board and Care 0.4 0.2 Health Care Sprinklered

Health Care Nonsprinklered

Health Care 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.2 High Hazard Contents

0.7 0.4 0.3 0.2

All Others 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.15


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We provide the hearing impaired with access to the fire alarm signals by requiring visual strobes (Section 11.2.3.2). We provide the mobility impaired with accessible means of egress (Section 12.5.4). We provide tactile signs at each door to an area of refuge (Section 12.2.12.3.6y). We provide tactile signs at each door into an exit stair enclosure (Section 12.10.1.3). Now we must provide accessibility to the marking of the means of egress so that people with visual impairments can locate the exit doors. Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that “All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities.” In certain occupancies and for security reasons, exit doors are sometimes equipped with alarms and signs which state ‘EMERGENCY EXIT - ALARM WILL SOUND”. Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states “Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs must have raised and brailed letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location (Section 4.1.3(16)(a)).” COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise as follows: 12.10.1.3 Exit Stair Door Tactile Signage. Tactile signage shall be located at each exit door into an exit stair enclosure requiring an exit sign, and such signage shall read as follows: EXIT Signage shall comply with CABO ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, and shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 in. (152 cm) above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee action accomplishes most of what the submitter requested by making the provision applicable to all exit doors. Doors with alarm devices do not need tactile signage for emergency egress use. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 692 - (12-10.1.3): Reject SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.10.1.3 Exit Stair Door Tactile Signage. Special, tTactile signage shall be located at each door into an exit stair enclosure, and such signage shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and read as follows: EXIT Signage shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, and shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 inches (152 cm) above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem: The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation: Exit door tactile signage falls under the proposed definition of “special sign” as they are part of the egress information system that occupants rely on the egress safely. As such, they should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path and the information provided along the way. When an occupant loses confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path

taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. Of special note is that tactile signage was introduced with the explicit intention of assisting visually impaired occupants. The importance of the visibility of this signage to those who are visually impaired but not completely blind cannot be understated. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: There is an illuminated exit sign at the door such that the tactile signage itself need not be illuminated. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 693 - (12-10.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. INTL Photoluminescent Safety Products Council RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.10.4 Power Source. Where emergency lighting facilities are required by the applicable provisions of Chapters 15 through 29 for individual occupancies, the signs, other than approved self luminous signs, shall be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. The level of illumination of the signs shall be in accordance with 12.10.6.3 or 12.10.7 for the required emergency lighting time duration as specified in 12.9.2.1 However, the level of illumination shall be permitted to decline to 60 percent at the end of the emergency lighting duration. Exception: Approved exit signs that provide continuous illumination independent of external power sources for a duration of not less than 1 1/2 hours, in case of primary power loss. Statement of Problem: As written, this section would require that photoluminescent signs be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. This would be redundant and unnecessary as these signs are already required by their UL 924 listing to be legible after 1 1/2 hours without any external illumination of power. SUBSTANTIATION: Photoluminescent signs are already required to be listed in accordance with UL 924, Standard for Safety Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. The proposed exception is similar to the 2000 International Building Code, Section 1003.2.10.5. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Propopsal 5000-628 (Log #CP2056). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 694 - (12-10.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. INTL Photoluminescent Safety Products Council RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows: 12.10.4 Power Source. Where emergency lighting facilities are required by the applicable provisions of Chapters 15 through 29 for individual occupancies, the signs, other than approved self-luminous or photoluminescent signs, shall be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. The level of illumination of the signs shall be in


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accordance with 12.10.6.3 or 12.10.7 for the required emergency lighting time duration as specified in 12.9.2.1. However, the level of illumination shall be permitted to decline to 60 percent at the end of the emergency lighting duration. Statement of Problem: As written, this section would require that photoluminescent signs be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. This would be redundant and unnecessary as these signs are already required by their UL 924 listing to be legible after 1 1/2 hours without any external illumination or power. SUBSTANTIATION: Photoluminescent signs are already required to be listed in accordance with UL 924, Standard for Safety Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. This provision is also found in the 2000 International Building Code, Section 1003.2.10.5. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Propopsal 5000-628 (Log #CP2056). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

___________________ (Log #393)

Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 695 - (12-10.5.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. INTL Photoluminescent Safety Products Council RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.10.5.2* Continuous Illumination. Every sign required to be illuminated by 12.10.6.3 and 12.10.7 shall be continuously illuminated as required under the provisions of Section 12.8. Exception*: Illumination for signs shall be permitted to flash on and off upon activation of the fire alarm system. SUBSTANTIATION: Most buildings, unless continuously occupied, tend to turn off most, if not all, of the lights in the building at the end of the work day. This includes the exit signs. All too often, however, varying numbers of people will re-enter the building after normal work hours, i.e. at night and on week-ends. During that time, the majority of exit signs are not on. This presents a dangerous condition which violates the intent of Section 12.10.5.2 which requires that signs be continuously illuminated when the building is occupied. This requirement has been adopted by the ICBO, BOCA and SBCCI in the 2000 International Building Code, Section 1003.2.10.5. This proposal will eliminate a potential conflict between the two codes and provide the level of safety intended for the marking of means of egress. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It would be inconsistent to require signs to be illuminated, where illlumination of the means of egress would not be required. Conversely, if the means of egress is required to be illuminated, then the exit signs should be illuminated. The submitter's language would require illuminated signs in buildings that are unoccupied for lengthy periods, such as a seasonal hotel. This would be too burdensome. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 696 - (12-10.7.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. INTL Photoluminescent Safety Products Council RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.10.7.2* Photoluminescent Signs. The face of a photoluminescent sign shall be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The illumination levels on the face of the photoluminescent sign shall be in accordance with its listing. The charging illumination shall be a reliable light source as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. The charging light source shall be of a type specified in the product markings. SUBSTANTIATION: Most buildings, unless continuously occupied, tend to turn off most, if not all, of the lights in the building at the end of the work day. This includes the exit signs. All too often, however, varying numbers of people will re-enter the building after normal work hours, i.e. at night and on week-ends. During that time, the majority of exit signs are not on. This presents a dangerous condition which violates the intent of Section 12.10.5.2 which requires that signs be continuously illuminated when the building is occupied. This requirement has been adopted by the ICBO, BOCA and SBCCI in the 2000 International Building Code, Section 1003.2.10.5. This proposal will eliminate a potential conflict between the two codes and provide the level of safety intended for the marking of means of egress. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It would be a waste of energy to have the lights on at all times just for the purpose of charging photoluminescent signs. Rather, the listing process, via UL 924, will identify photoluminescent signs that take too long to charge (i.e., in excess of 30 minutes). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 697 - (12-10.8): Reject SUBMITTER: Manny Muniz, Manny Muniz Assoc./Rep. California Council of the Blind RECOMMENDATION: Add a third paragraph as follows: "The sign shall also be provided in tactile and shall comply with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities." SUBSTANTIATION: In the event of a fire or other emergency, persons who are blind or who have visual impairments will not be able to read the sign in order to know that the door is not an exit door. Persons with visual impairments are entitled to have access to this critical exiting information. Section 13.2.1 of the proposed draft of NFPA 5000 requires that "All buildings and structures, and their associated sites and facilities shall be accessible to persons with physical disabilities." Substantiation: The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II Technical Assistance Manual, published by the Department of Justice (November 1993), page 9, Subsection 3 states "Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (men’s and women’s rooms; room numbers; exit signs) must have raised and Braille letters; must comply with finish and contrast standards; and must be mounted at a certain height and location [subsection 4.1.3(16)(a)]." COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Exits are marked and that should be adequate. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28


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VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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5000- 698 - (12-10.8.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: New text: 12.10.8.1* Illumination. All special signs shall be illuminated as required for exit signs. Statement of Problem: Special signs which provide information vital to egress, are not presently required to be illuminated and are, thus, not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. SUBSTANTIATION: In Section 4.5.3.3 Awareness of Egress System, the Life Safety Code requires that "Every exit shall be clearly visible, or the route to reach every exit shall be conspicuously indicated. Each means of egress, in its entirety, shall be arranged or marked so that the way to a place of safety is indicated in a clear manner." Although some of these markings such as exit signs, are far more familiar and implicitly understood by all, each of the markings falls under the umbrella of the term "special sign" and provide egress information to assist occupants in making their decisions about which path to use to reach an exit and successfully escape the building. As such, each marking is important and efforts must be made to ensure that all will be available for occupants to use and read under normal and emergency conditions to fulfill the requirement that the "way to a place of safety is indicated in a clear manner." Should normal power fail and occupants become reliant on the emergency lighting system, special signs should still be visible and legible as occupants may fail to egress safely without these vital components of the egress system. Requiring that special signs be illuminated as required for exit signs will help to ensure that they will continue to be visible and legible during an emergency such as a fire. Section 4.5.3.4, Lighting of NFPA 5000 states, "Where artificial illumination is needed in a building or structure, egress facilities shall be included in the lighting design." It is proposed that special signage would be included as egress facilities as occupants may need to rely upon them to egress safely. Although some would argue that as special signs do not typically need to be legible from the same distance as exit signs, that they could still be visible and legible at a lower illumination level, special signs will likely have very small lettering (1/4 in. or less) and detailed maps and will have to be illuminated to a level sufficient for occupants to read: There should be confidence that the illumination level chosen will be sufficient to prevent the sign from becoming an impediment to egress by virtue of being so poorly illuminated that occupants are required to take more time than is necessary to read it. A secondary issue is that illumination of some special signs, such as stair signs, may assist firefighters in their attempts to navigate a dark or smoke-filled building during search-and-rescue or suppression operations. As time is often of the essence in such operations, efforts should be made to reduce the likelihood of delays caused by firefighters not being able to locate and read such signage with a flashlight. As with exit signs, illumination of special signs could be accomplished by external or internal illumination. It is believed that this requirement would not place undue economic hardship on builders and owners. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee Proposal 5000-929 (Log #CP104). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action taken on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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5000- 699 - (12-10.8.1): Reject SUBMITTER: James D. Amy, Jr., Findlay, OH RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows: 12.10.812* No Exit. Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads as follows: NO EXIT. Such sign shall comply with 12.10.8.1 and have the word NO in letters in 2 inch (5 cm) high with a stroke width of 3/8 inch (1 cm) and the word EXIT in letters 1 inch (2.5 cm) high, with the word EXIT below the word NO. SUBSTANTIATION: Statement of Problem The sign is not required to be legible under normal or emergency conditions. No requirements for internal or external illumination to ensure legibility are present. Substantiation The NO EXIT sign falls under the proposed definition of “special sign” as it is already in that section and is part of the egress information system that occupants rely on the egress safely. As such, it should meet the proposed requirements for special signs. Specifically, it should be visible and legible during normal and emergency conditions. Should this sign not be visible and legible to occupants during a fire or other emergency, egress may be delayed, increasing the likelihood of injury or death. Occupants’ egress speed is heavily related to their confidence in the egress path and the information provided along the way. When an occupant loses confidence in the path they are taking, they may slow down or reconsider the path taken. This can affect their safety, the safety of those trying to egress behind them and possibly even that of firefighters intent on rescuing the occupants. This will be corrected by the proposed revision. Assuming the proposal to require that special signs be illuminated is accepted, this section would have to be renumbered to 12.10.8.2. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The NO EXIT sign should not be illuminated to the same degree as an exit sign. Otherwise, too much attention would be called to this sign for occupants positioned large distances from the sign. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 25 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: FIXEN: See my Explanation of Negative for Proposal 5000-133 (Log #531b).

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Committee: SAF-MEA 5000- 700 - (12-10.8.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress RECOMMENDATION: Revise current 12.10.8.1 to read as follows (note that via Committee Proposal 5000-701 (CP#104) this paragraph is being renumbered to become 12.10.8.3): 12.10.8.3* 12.10.8.1* No Exit. Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads as follows: NO EXIT Such sign shall comply with 12.10.8.2 and have the word NO in letters 2 in. (5 cm) high with a stroke width of 3/8 in. (1 cm) and the word EXIT in letters 1 in. (2.5 cm) high, with the word EXIT below the word NO. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed revision implements the character provisions of proposed 12.10.8.2 so as to make stroke width specification unnecessary. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 28 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 26 NOT RETURNED: 2 DeVries, Woodward

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