A Rehabilitation Planning Guide for Fire Safety in Historic Structures
The NFPA fire safety essentials while rehabbing a historic structure
In 2019, the Notre Dame Cathedral was severely harmed by fire. Primarily finished in the 13th century, it is more than simply a holy place. It is a cultural sign, an iconic landmark, and a historically significant structure. And this was only the most recent of historical landmark fires.
Numerous other historical structures have had a similar fate. Substantial recent examples consist of the National Museum of Brazil 2018, the Honey Run covered bridge in California 2018, and India's National Museum of Natural History 2016.
The workers who will rebuild these structures are specialists and artisans who have committed a life time to preserving historical structures. It will be their responsibility to return these landmarks to their former glory or better.
Historical structure managers have a duty to protect these treasures from fire, specifically throughout repair or rehab projects that increase the danger. Applying NFPA codes to accomplish fire safety in historic structures is necessary.
NFPA 101 requirements for rehab
The rehab requirements for fire safety in historic structures lie within chapter 43 of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Building Rehab. This section indicates 3 options for fire protection and life safety in historical structures.
2018 edition of NFPA 101
43.10 Historic Structures.
43.10.1 General Requirements. Historic structures going through rehabilitation will abide by the requirements of one of the following:
Section 43.10
Sections 43.3, 43.4, 43.5, 43.6, 43.7, as they relate, respectively, to fix, remodeling, modification, reconstruction, and modification of usage or occupancy category
NFPA 914, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures
Notre Dame Cathedral rehab
Rehab work happening at Notre Dame
Utilizing common terms
Before entering the details, we must specify some terms used in this section of NFPA 101 Understanding them ensures that the proper requirements for the designated work are used. Foremost of these definitions is historic structure. What defines a structure as being historic and therefore requires fire defense and life safety requirements?
2018 edition of NFPA 101.
3.3.37.8 Historic Building. A building or facility deemed to have historic, architectural, or cultural significance by a regional, local, or national jurisdiction.
The other terms that require to be defined relate to the type of work that will be performed on the historical structure. Is this a repair work, renovation, adjustment, reconstruction, or a change of use or occupancy category? These are specified in section 43.2.2.
2018 edition of NFPA 101
43.2.2.1.1 Repair work. The patching, remediation, or painting of materials, components, devices, or fixtures for the function of preserving such products, elements, equipment, or components in great or sound condition.
43.2.2.1.2 Restoration. The replacement in kind, strengthening, or upgrading of building aspects, materials, devices, or components, that does not result in a reconfiguration of the structure areas within.
43.2.2.1.3 Modification. The reconfiguration of any area; the addition, relocation, or removal of any door or window; the addition or removal of load-bearing components; the reconfiguration or extension of any system; or the installation of any extra equipment.
43.2.2.1.4 * Restoration. The reconfiguration of an area that impacts an exit or a passage shared by more than one occupant space; or the reconfiguration of a space such that the rehabilitation work area is not permitted to be inhabited because existing means of egress and fire protection systems, or their comparable, are not in location or constantly maintained.
43.2.2.1.5 Change of Use. A modification in the function or level of activity within a structure that includes a modification in application of the requirements of the Code.
43.2.2.1.6 Change of Occupancy Classification. The modification in the occupancy classification of a structure or portion of a structure.
Breaking this down
If you are bringing back an existing building part, it's a repair.
Are you changing or upgrading any structure part or spaces? Then it's a renovation.
Are you reconfiguring an area or changing the design of the floorplan? It is a modification.
Will the adjustments result in a modification or removal of egress or fire protection systems? The work is restoration.
Are you altering the method the building is being utilized? This is a change of usage or occupancy category.
Any work done on a historic structure needs to abide by area 43.10 of NFPA 101 and the particular subsection that applies to the specific type of work being performed.
Examining the historical structure and building systems
The restoration procedure for a historic structure begins with a written report submitted to the authority having jurisdiction, usually a local structure official. This document must be completed by a registered design professional or certified contractor, and somebody well-informed in historic preservation.
This examination intends to offer evidence of the structure's historical significance and recognize the fire protection and life safety features in place. It will provide how upgrades and arrangements of these safety features might be damaging to the structure's historic significance, and show how comparable measures meet the intent of the code requirements.
NFPA 101 cover
Life safety is the main objective for fire safety in historic structures.
While residential or commercial property protection is also a priority, the primary concern of NFPA 101 is life safety, and the majority of its requirements for historic structures are for escape and egress: making sure individuals can safely and effectively get out of the structure in an emergency.
Exceptions to basic code requirements apply to historic structures in particular circumstances. Doors and window openings and corridor and stair widths that do not satisfy the minimum requirements of the Life Safety Code are permitted to remain in use with no modification, if a person can "go through the opening or traverse the exit," and it is appropriate for the occupant load. Furthermore, operational functions can be assigned to restrict the variety of residents allowed within the space at one time, therefore addressing the sufficient ways of egress.
Modern interior finishes are needed to fulfill the flame spread and smoke production index requirements in chapter 10 of NFPA 101. However, it is understood that historic buildings will likely have interior surfaces that were installed before the score system, or paperwork of the product's ranking is difficult to get. In this case, the interior surface can remain if it is covered with fire-retardant paint or finish, or if an automated fire sprinkler system safeguards the building.
In structures that are no greater than 3 stories, exit stairwells do not have to be enclosed, and the avoidance of smoke spread can be achieved by using "tight-fitting doors and solid components." These products do not have to be fire-rated. Any walls that are built of wood lathe and plaster are permitted to remain and can be used in location of any required one-hour fire-rated wall or ceiling.
Guards and handrails in grand stairs are exempt from the height and spacing specification of chapter 7, provided that they remain in great condition. Likewise, the exit signs requirements of chapter 7 do not need to be satisfied, as long as the exits and instructions are plainly marked.
A fire sprinkler retrofit will be needed in structures that do not fulfill the minimum fire safety construction requirements for their tenancy classification how the structure will be utilized. In addition, if the AHJ figures out that a fire safety risk exists, they will need fire sprinklers.
The NFPA 914 Rehabilitation Plan
Another choice for the rehab or use of historical structures is the application of NFPA 914: Code for the Security of Historic Structures. This standard sets out a clear plan for taking part in addition, alteration, or rehab of a historical structure.
The first and perhaps most crucial step is selecting the right professional for the job. The contractor and their quality of craftsmanship can make or break the task. It is important to choose a specialist who has a wealth of experience in dealing with historic structures. A knowledgeable contractor will recognize the tools and materials and the allowances and requirements of the fire and building codes. They can likewise supply alternatives and recommendations for equivalencies and compliance.
Before beginning work on the task, the specialist, subcontractors, and building representatives must carry out an initial conference. Its function is to make all required parties familiar with the historic significance of the structure and the scope and expectations of the work, and make sure that they understand the project's fire safety program.
The management of the historical structure must select a representative. It will be this representative's duty to monitor the work being performed and ensure that all parts of the fire safety program are followed. These program components consist of keeping a hazard-free environment, guaranteeing that materials and tools are tidied up at the end of each workday, monitoring any hot work program, and managing fire sprinklers and other fire protection equipment operations and problems.
Hot Work
Hot work calls for a dedicated fire safety program.
Rehab of building and fire defense systems-- is a fire sprinkler retrofit needed?
Different steps must be taken to guarantee fire protection systems are preserved, upgraded, and work as designed:
New products added to the compartmentation of the structure are created to avoid and manage the spread of fire. New doors, shafts, and dampers should be self-closing or created to close automatically in the event of a fire. Any penetrations in fire-rated assemblies, new or existing, need to be appropriately fire-stopped.
Business kitchens are required to be safeguarded by a hood suppression system following NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Security of Commercial Cooking Operations.
The installation of a fire alarm system is required. The system needs to be installed following NFPA 72: National Smoke Alarm and Signaling Code.
Fire extinguishers must be set up on every floor in accordance with NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Automatic fire sprinklers, standpipes, and other fire suppression systems may be required based on the structure's planned usage and occupancy classification. Integrated systems need to be commissioned and checked following the assistance supplied in NFPA 3: Standard for Commissioning of Fire Protection and Life Security Systems and NFPA 4: Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Screening.
Existing roof coverings and interior surfaces need to be treated with fire-retardant product. Records of the application are to be preserved by the structure management. New interior finishes need to fulfill the flame-spread and smoke-development requirements of code based upon the structure's occupancy category. Any recently built dangerous locations must be separated from the rest of the building by a one-hour fire-rated barrier.
Fire Resistant Finish
Employees using a fire-retardant finish to a wall. Source: Covering Paint
Electrical systems ought to be evaluated. Any safety shortages must be fixed and updated. These repairs and any new electrical setups must adhere to NFPA 70: National Electrical Code NEC.
Where the building is within a wildland/urban user interface WUI, the provisions of NFPA 1144: Standard for Lowering Structure
Ignition Threats from Wildland Fire This document governs to structures that are located in wooded locations or surrounded by fire-prone and heavy greenery. It is the duty of the structure owner and agent to have an expert landscape designer assess the fire threats related to the WUI environment. The suggestions of the architect need to become part of the structure's fire security program.
Winter Preventative Upkeep for Fire Sprinklers: Can Fire Sprinklers Freeze?
As the temperatures drop below freezing throughout much of the country, the danger of freezing pipes is on many peoples' minds. We've all heard the threats and seen the damage of a frozen water pipe bursting, but what about the pipes in a fire sprinkler system? Can they freeze and can they be winterized?
Fire Sprinklers aren’t Winterized. They’re Maintained.
If you deal with a reputable fire sprinkler company then your fire sprinklers need to be prepared for any severe elements during their annual arranged maintenance and examinations. Don't be deceived by companies using winterization for your fire sprinklers as cold weather preparation should currently be part of regular maintenance, if required.
If the temperature in the area where your fire sprinkler system lies doesn't get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, then there is no need to worry about the sprinkler pipes freezing. If the sprinkler system remains in an area that might experience freezing temperature levels, then there are steps that ought to be done to decrease the risk of the fire sprinkler system freezing. The actions to take depend upon the type of fire sprinkler system you have installed.
The Two Kinds of Fire Sprinklers
Minimizing the threat of your fire sprinkler system freezing depends on the kind of fire sprinkler system set up. The type that is found inside lots of companies is a wet system. In a wet system, the pipelines of the sprinkler system are full of water. When a sprinkler head is activated by the heat of a fire, the water sprays out, comparable to what would occur when turning on a faucet.
The second type of sprinkler system is a dry system, which are usually located in parking lots, attics, and warehouses where the temperature levels can drop below freezing. In a dry system, the pipelines are pressurized with air that holds the water back from the main water line. When a sprinkler is activated, the air is released, which enables the water to stream through the pipelines and out the sprinkler head.
While dry systems are less vulnerable to freezing compared to wet systems in winter conditions, they are still can freeze. This is because of the reality that the air in the pipes contains condensation, which can condense in the low points of the pipes and freeze. Due to the distinctions in the systems, they each need their own unique actions to lower the risk of freezing.
Winter Preventative Upkeep for Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems
While a lot of wet fire sprinkler systems are installed in buildings where the temperature will not drop below 50 degrees, there are certain applications where they may be prone to freezing, like when part of the wet system is run out to an unheated garage or area that is exposed to the elements.
To keep the water inside the pipes of a wet fire sprinkler system from freezing in locations where the temperature level may drop below 50 degrees, an antifreeze loop is included. By adding antifreeze to the water in the fire sprinkler pipes, the freezing point is much lower, minimizing the danger of the pipelines freezing.
Throughout the annual inspection, the fire sprinkler specialist will take test samples from the fire sprinkler system to make sure the correct concentration of antifreeze is in the water. If the correct concentration of antifreeze is not sustained, it could lead to a frozen or burst fire sprinkler pipeline.
Cold Weather Preventative Upkeep for Dry Fire Sprinkler System
A dry fire sprinkler's pipes aren't filled with water, like in a wet system, which indicates there's no requirement for antifreeze. The dry system has plenty of air which contains moisture and can condense in the low points of the system, which can freeze and rupture the pipelines.
To get ready for the colder temperatures in the winter, a fire sprinkler professional will inspect and drain the low points of the system where drum drips are located to deal with the condensation. The fire sprinkler technician will also examine the pitch or angle of the pipelines to the drains to make certain that the condensation flows correctly to the low point drains pipes. If the pitch isn't correct, the condensation can gather elsewhere in the pipelines where it could be at danger of freezing in the winter season.
During the warmer months, the fire sprinkler expert will carry out a yearly assessment which might consist of flushing the fire sprinkler system. After flushing the system with water to make sure the system is running properly, the pipelines are then blown out with air to dry them. Once all the pipes have been dried out, they are sealed and pressurized with air. A specialist will normally recommend that the low points are examined and drained every few days after flushing, due to the increased moisture in the freshly pressurized lines.
What can I do to Lower the Danger of Sprinklers Freezing?
While there isn't much else that is needed beyond routine draining and examinations of dry systems, there are additional steps that one can take to avoid a wet system from freezing and bursting.
The one and only risk to a wet fire sprinkler system without an antifreeze loop freezing, is the temperature level. The temperature where the wet fire sprinkler system is installed should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You are required to make sure the building heat is working in all areas where the fire sprinkler system lies. Among the most typical reasons for a wet fire sprinkler system freezing is that the heat in a building is unintentionally shut off or loses power.
If there are vents that are obstructed or shut off, open them to enable the heat to disperse and warm the space or location where the fire sprinkler system lies. Areas that present the highest danger for freezing are attics, stairwells, skylights, entrances, and under floorings. If you can't manage the temperatures in these areas or seal off the cold air leakages, you need to insulate the pipes.
While the fire sprinkler professionals need to examine every part of the fire sprinkler system for possible exposure to freezing temperature levels and deal with those concerns, it's still a great concept to regularly inspect the locations where the system is set up for cold temperatures. Damaged windows, loose siding, damaged roofs, and other changes in a building's exterior can quickly result in a huge drop in temperature level around the pipelines of a fire sprinkler system.