module 10-fire life safety systems for a commercial building

fire and life safety operation and guide manual

1. FM-403FM-403
Building Systems & TechnologyBuilding Systems & Technology
Dave Leathers, CFM
Jim Whittaker, P.E.
Chris Hodges, P.E., RRC
Instructors:
GMU Facility Management Program
Module 10 – Fire and Life Safety SystemsModule 10 – Fire and Life Safety Systems

2. Purpose
•Protect occupants
•Protect the asset
•Fire suppression
•Fire detection
•Notification
•Evacuation
•Extinguish
•Fire alarm systems
–Detect
–React
–Notify
–Control
–Evacuate
Fire and Life Safety Systems

3. Fire Protection Program
•Main components of fire protection:
–Early detection and alarm system
–Means of egress
–Compartmentalization
–Smoke Control
–Fire Suppression Systems
–Emergency Power
Fire and Life Safety Systems

4. Basic Fire Protection
Principles
•All the elements for basic fire protection can
be broken down into these categories:
–passive fire protection systems
–active fire protection systems
Fire and Life Safety Systems

5. Passive Fire Protection
•Control the ignition, growth
and spread of fire through
the use of fire-resistive
materials, or by providing
physical barriers to the
movement of flame or
smoke.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

6. Passive Fire Protection
•Intended to maintain the following:
–Provide structural integrity of floor, wall and ceiling
assemblies during a fire for a specified time period
–Compartmentalize the room or space to control
the fire spread
–Provide exiting systems for occupants to safely
evacuate the building
Fire and Life Safety Systems

7. Active Fire Protection
•Take direct physical action to reduce the
growth rate of fire or the migration of smoke.
•Fire sprinkler and smoke control systems that
receive signals, alert occupants, and cause
certain fire control measures to occur.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

8. Fire Protection Codes & Design Standards
•National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
standards include:
–NFPA 10 - Fire Extinguishers
–NFPA 70 - Electrical Systems
–NFPA 72 - Fire Alarm Systems
–NFPA 96 - Kitchen Hoods
–NFPA 90A and 90B - Mechanical Systems
–NFPA 101 - Life Safety
–NFPA 99 - Healthcare Systems and several other
standards for special hazard systems
Fire and Life Safety Systems

9. •Fire codes are often written so that the authority
to enforce the code can be a municipality, or
other government agency.
•These authorities are called AHJ’s, or Authorities
Having Jurisdiction.
Fire Protection Codes & Design Standards
Fire and Life Safety Systems

10. Performance based fire protection approach
•Evaluating the hazard presented and the
development of the most appropriate method to
protect this given hazard
–Risk Assessment
–Evaluate Hazards
–Manage Fire Impact
–Determine Appropriate Fire Protection Tools
Fire and Life Safety Systems

11. Passive Fire Protection Systems
•The purpose of compartmentalizing is to protect
building occupants and property by:
–Confining the fire, heat smoke and toxic gases to the
area of origin until the fire is extinguished or
completely burns itself out
–Providing areas of refuge for the occupants and
protecting firefighters
Fire and Life Safety Systems

12. Passive Fire Protection Systems
•Primary role of the HVAC system in Fire
Protection is to contain smoke allowing
occupants to escape
–Stairwell pressurization
–Atrium exhaust
–Fire floor, floor above
and below containment
Fire and Life Safety Systems

13. Passive Fire Protection Systems
•Smoke rather than actual flames accounts for
about 90% of all fire casualties
•One solution is to minimize the use of
furnishings and construction materials that
produce large quantities of smoke
Fire and Life Safety Systems

14. Active Fire Protection Systems
Two Primary Functions
• Fire Detection and Notification
• Fire Suppression
Fire and Life Safety Systems

15. Fire Detection and Notification Systems
•Purpose
–Detect smoke and fire
–Notify occupants and firefighters (alarms)
–Allow for evacuation of occupants
Fire and Life Safety Systems

16. Fire Detection and Notification Systems
•Immediate and reliable detection of fire and
smoke is essential
•If detection is delayed, paths of egress can
become blocked
•Since most buildings and parts of building are
vacant at some time, automatic fire detection is
usually required
Fire and Life Safety Systems

17. Fire Detection System Components
•Detectors:
–Smoke detectors
–Duct detectors
–Heat detectors
–Pull stations
–Flow switches
•Notifiers:
–Speakers
–Horns/bells
–Lights
•Controllers:
–Local control panels
–Annunciator panels
–Main control panels
–Tamper switches
–Central station notification
device
•Other
–Wire
–HVAC system connections
–Computer, printer, etc.
–Trouble alarms
Fire and Life Safety Systems

18. Fire Detection System
Main
Panel
Annunciator
Panel
Monitoring
Service
Computer
Power In
Local
Panels
Flow
Switch
Pull
Station
Smoke/
Heat
Smoke
EF
Horns/
Speakers
Lights/
Strobes

19. Fire Suppressions Systems
Fire and Life Safety Systems

20. Fire Suppressions Systems
•Purpose
–Contain the fire
–Eliminate the fire
Fire and Life Safety Systems

21. Fire Suppression System Components
•Piping
•Control valves
•Fire pumps
•Jockey pumps
•Air compressors
•Fire extinguishers
•Chemical systems
•Alarm valves
•Sprinkler heads
•Automatic valves
•Back flow preventers
•Strainers
•Control valve locks
•Indicators
Fire and Life Safety Systems

22. Fire Suppression System Types
•Wet type system
•Dry type system
•Pre-action system
•Chemical system
•Hose
•Fire extinguisher
Fire and Life Safety Systems

23. Fire Suppression System Components
•Automatic Sprinkler Control Design
Objectives
–“In general terms of property protection, sprinkler
systems are typically designed to achieve fire
control...”
–“Fire control can be described as limiting the fire
size by decreasing the rate of heat release and
pre-wetting adjacent combustibles, while
NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 19th Edition, p. 10-193.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

24. Wet
Pipe
System

25. Dry
Pipe
System

26. Pre-
action
System

27. Fire Pumps
•Typically, three types of fire pumps are
used:
–horizontal split-case,
–vertical in-line
–and vertical shaft turbine.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

28. Horizontal Split-case Fire Pump
Fire and Life Safety Systems

29. Vertical Shaft Turbine Fire Pump
Fire and Life Safety Systems

30. Vertical In-line Fire Pump
Fire and Life Safety Systems

31. Maintenance
•Only as good as the design, installation and maintenance of
the systems.
•Passive systems do not have the same testing and inspection
requirements or standards as active fire protection systems.
•Once the passive system is installed, inspected and accepted
by the building official and the certificate of occupancy is
issued, the system is generally not re-inspected unless
changes to the structure affecting the passive system occur.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

32. Maintenance – Passive Systems
•Make sure not to overlook
passive systems!
•Fire and smoke dampers
•Fire-rated walls and
assemblies
–Can be voided with a simple
hole
Fire and Life Safety Systems

33. Maintenance –
Testing & Maintenance Program
•Has the occupancy classification changed?
•Have any walls been relocated?
•Are the exits free of obstructions?
•Are the emergency lights operational?
•Have any fire extinguishers been removed or
relocated?
•Are fire and smoke walls still intact?
Fire and Life Safety Systems

34. Fire Alarms Maintenance
•A systematic approach to fire alarm
system maintenance should include
the following three components:
–Inspection and Testing
–Maintenance Management
–Operational Considerations
Fire and Life Safety Systems

35. Fire Alarms Maintenance
Fire Alarm Systems
Problems Maintenance
False alarms
Devices not installed correctly
Smoke detectors dirty
Trouble alarms
Not up to current code
Alarms not heard
Working with local authorities
Understanding the code
Test part of the system monthly
Clean smoke detectors
Oversee all device installations
Have system tested periodically by a
qualified company
Document all test results
Fire and Life Safety Systems

36. Suppression Systems Maintenance
Suppression Systems
Problems Maintenance
Freeze
Accidental discharge
Inadequate flow
Improper inspections
Sprinkler heads obstructed
Control valves closed or inoperable
Failure or fire pump
Inadequate number of extinguishers
Dry system inspection
Water in dry pipe systems
Air compressor or jockey pump failure
Sprinkler damage in garages
Inspections for open and locked valves
Periodic operation of fire pump
System flow tests
Maintenance of jockey pump and
compressor
Fire extinguisher inspections
Chemical system inspections
Keeping fume hoods clean
Operation and inspection of automatic
valves
Fire and Life Safety Systems

37. Fire Pump Maintenance
•Two procedures should be followed for testing automatic
transfer switches.
–The first procedure consists of simulating normal power
failure while the pump is delivering peak power output to
cause connection of the pump motor to the alternate
power source. This is to verify that higher than normal
currents do not occur during testing of the transfer switch.
–Second, engine generator sets providing emergency or
standby power to fire pump assemblies and automatic
transfer switches shall be tested routinely and exercised in
accordance with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and
Standby Power Systems. This test is to verify the proper
operation of the transfer switch.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

38. Fire Pump Maintenance
•The fire pump controller is
required to have an
interconnected transfer
switch.
•Operation of the transfer
switch is critical, since the
main power may fail or be
shut off during a fire
incident.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

39. Fire Protection Deficiencies
•Means of Egress
•Fire Detection and Alarm
•Fire Suppression
•Fire Rated Separations
•Emergency Lighting / Exit Signs
Fire and Life Safety Systems

40. WHAT TO LOOK FOR . . .WHAT TO LOOK FOR . . .
Identification of Identification of
DefectsDefects
Fire and Life Safety Systems

41. • What To Look For . . .

Have Alterations Been Made That Could Affect Life/Safety
• Recommendations

Periodically Test Detection and Alarm Systems

Routinely Check Egress Routes & Doors

Remove Stored Combustible Materials

Be Careful With Tenant Improvements & Fitouts

Are Alarms Adequate, Y2K & ADA Compliant

Is Emergency Egress & Lighting Adequate?

Code Violations – Storage, Signage, Fire Stopping, Doors

Is Compartmentation & Sprinkler Coverage Adequate?

Recalled Sprinklers – Central Omega & Star Sprinklers
Fire and Life Safety Systems

42. Dead End Corridors
Means of Egress
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
•50 feet in sprinklered
Business Occupancies
•20 Feet in all other
occupancies
•Exceptions include
small suites and wide
areas.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

43. Dead End Corridors
and
Fire and Life Safety Systems
Insufficient Number of
Exits
•< 500 = Two Exits
•500 to 999 = Three Exits
•>1000 = Four Exits
•Exceptions (Table 1017.2
Spaces With One Means
of Egress)

44. Poorly Identified
Exits
•Blocked Exit signs
•No Exit Signs
•Confusing Exit
Arrangements
Fire and Life Safety Systems

45. Reversed Door
Swing
•Doors must swing in the
direction of egress
travel when serving 50
or more occupants.
•All means of egress
doors in stairwells must
swing in the direction of
egress travel.
Fire and Life Safety Systems

46. Exiting in Hazardous
Areas
•Not Permitted
–Loading Docks
–Mechanical Spaces
–Any Hazardous
Areas
Fire and Life Safety Systems

47. Exit Discharge
•Must Lead Directly
to a Public Way
•Many Exceptions
–Interior Stairwells
–Courts
–Lobbies
–Exit Passageways
–Horizontal Exits
Fire and Life Safety Systems

48. Maintenance
•Storage in corridors
•Blocked Doors
•Locked Doors
•Broken Components
–Handrails
–Steps (Stairs)
–Doors
Fire and Life Safety Systems

49. Maintenance and Testing
Reports
•Review Recent
Reports
•Determine Testing
Cycle in NFPA 13
•Verify Existence and
Extent of Maintenance
and Testing Programs
Fire and Life Safety Systems

50. ADA Compliance
•Strobe Lights
–Wall Mounted
–No Ceiling Mounted
–Locations
Fire and Life Safety Systems

51. Monitoring of All
Necessary
Systems
–HVAC
–Sprinkler System
–Initiating Devices
–Notification Appliances
–Fire Pump
–Magnetic Door Holders
Fire and Life Safety Systems

52. Monitoring
•Waterflow
•Tamper Supervisory
•Low Pressure
•Fire Pump
Fire and Life Safety Systems

53. Improperly Protected
Hazards
•Change in Use
•Incorrect Installation
•Incorrect Design
•Incorrect Type of
System
Fire and Life Safety Systems

54. Recalled Sprinklers
•Central Omega
•Star Sprinklers
Fire and Life Safety Systems

55. Penetrations
•Unsealed Penetrations
not permitted in Fire
Rated Construction
•Unprotected Openings
not permitted in Fire
Rated Construction
Fire and Life Safety Systems

56. Automatic Door
Closing
•Required for Fire
Rated Wall
Assemblies
•Ensure operability
Fire and Life Safety Systems

57. Sign Locations
•Exit Signs
–At every exit where
two or more exits are
required
•Emergency Lighting
–In all means of
egress
Fire and Life Safety Systems

58. Renovations, alterations and additions require
the new construction to meet current codes.
Existing systems to remain generally can remain
as is and are “grandfathered” under the new
codes…with the exception of possibly...
Fire alarm and suppression systems
Fire and Life Safety Systems

59. BUILDING CODE (EXISTING BUILDING ALTERATION, REPAIR & CONVERSION
D.C. BUILDING CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 1992
100.2.1 D.C. Building Code: BOCA 1990 as amended by D.C. Code Supplement
ARTICLE 33 – ALTERATION, REPAIR & CONVERSION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
3307.0 High-Rise Buildings – Provisions shall apply to existing buildings over 75’ in height
3307.2 Sprinkler System – An automatic sprinkler system…shall be provided throughout
each floor or fire area undergoing alteration or repair work, or being converted to a
different use, whenever the extent of the work…exceeds the limits set forth in any of
the three tests:
1.Cost of the work exceeds 50% of prorated assessed value
2.New interior walls exceed 50% of length of existing walls
3.Alteration or replacement of HVAC exceeds 2 out of 3 of…
a.Plumbing 150% of piping length…
b.Electrical 75% of wiring length…
c.HVAC serving 75% of the floor area, 75% of L of ductwork…
Fire and Life Safety Systems

60. Fire & Life Safety
Fire and Life Safety Systems

61. Fire & Life Safety
No Fireproofing
Fire and Life Safety Systems

62. Dead End Corridor
Fire and Life Safety Systems

63. Fire & Life Safety
This Is
Not An
Exit
?
Confusing Signage
Fire and Life Safety Systems

64. Fire & Life Safety
Inadequate Fire Stopping
Fire and Life Safety Systems

65. Inadequate Fire Stopping
Fire and Life Safety Systems

66. 1.Compartmentalization – Open Penetrations
2.Fire Doors Propped, Inadequate Latches/Closers
3.Blocked Exits with Stored Materials
4.ADA Compliant Fire Notification Devices
5.Exits Discharging Into Un-rated Areas
6.Manual Pull Station Locations (Height/5’ of Exits)
7.Egress Doors Swing Wrong Way
8.Smoke/Heat Detection in Mechanical Rooms/Sys
9.Inadequate Sprinkler Coverage (TI Work)
10.Stair Guard Rails/Non-Slip Treads
Extra Credit: Sprinkler Monitors Deactivated, Damaged
Heads, Lack of Spare Heads
Top 10 Fire & Life Safety Code ViolationsTop 10 Fire & Life Safety Code Violations
Fire and Life Safety Systems