Smoke Control in High-Rise Buildings - FCIA - Firestop Contractors ...

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FCIA Board of DirectorsJodi Clem, 2012 PresidentPREVENT, Inc., Livermore, CATracy Smith, Vice President & 2013 President ElectFirestop Southwest, Tempe, AZEric Keeton, SecretaryDalton Maintenance, Inc., Medway, OHContentsDon Murphy, TreasurerPPMI Firestop, Inc., Indianapolis, INGary Hamilton, DirectorHamilton-Benchmark, Inc., St. Francis, WIScott Rankin, DirectorPyro-Stop, LLC, Philadelphia, PAKen Slama, DirectorNational Firestop LTD, Winnipeg, MB, CanadaBob Hasting, Past-PresidentSpecialty Firestop Systems, Inc., Vancouver, WAPG 6PG 16PG 16Randy Bosscawen, Past-PresidentMulticon Fire Containment, Columbus, OHBill McHugh, Executive DirectorFirestop Contractors International AssociationHillside, ILSubscription information:To subscribe, visit www.fcia.org, click on LifeSafety Digest, subscribe. For article submissions,information, contact FCIA at 708-202-1108 ore-mail info@fcia.org. To unsubscribe, email info@fcia.org, unsubscribe to Life Safety Digest.Life Safety Digest, Volume 8, No. 3, is publishedquarterly by the Firestop Contractors InternationalAssociation. Information has been obtained fromsources believed to be reliable. However, becauseof the possibility of human or mechanical error byour sources, the Firestop Contractors InternationalAssociation does not guarantee the accuracyor completeness of any information and is notresponsible for any errors or omissions of for theresults obtained from use of such information.The publisher reserves the right to censor, review,edit, reject or cancel any materials not meeting thestandards of Life Safety Digest.Editorial Contributions: You are invited to shareyour expertise and perspectives. Before writing,contact FCIA at info@fcia.org for writing guidelines& policies.Advertising Contact: Contact FCIA’s Office forinformation. 708-202-1108; info@fcia.org 4415 W.Harrison St., #436, Hillside, IL 60162Reprints: Life Safety Digest Magazine limitedquantity reprints are available from FCIAheadquarters; 1-100- $.95/issue; 101-500 - $.90/issue ; 501-1000 - $.80/issue; 1000+ - $.70/issue. All shipments FOB 4415 W. Harrison St.,Hillside, IL 60162.Editor’s Message 5Providing Fire Protection WhileKeeping Patient Needs in Mind 6By Jeff RazwickDoors, Hardware, and Codes 9By Scott J. Tobias, AHC/CDC, CDT, CSI, LEED APSmoke Control in High-Rise Buildings... .14By Josh Talley, P.E. & Sharon Gilyeat, P.E.Perimeter Fire Protection in Mid- toHigh-Rise Buildings............................ .16By James ShriverHigh-Rise Building Safety – GlowingPathways and First Responders........... 20By Steve CooperIndustry News................................... 23Code CornerIndustry CalendarOnline: Archived Life Safety Digest available athttp://www.fcia.org , Magazine.On the Cover:PHOTO: High-Rise Buildings have special needs.Balgemann.com Photo.Copyright ©2012, FCIA, the Firestop ContractorsInternational AssociationFall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 3

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Editor’s MessageThere has beena lot going on in theindustry this past fall.FCIA’s “DIIIM”-D-Design, I-Install,I-Inspect andM-Maintain -strategy to improvereliability of installedfirestoppingcontinues to gainacceptance. Read more about DIIM inside thismagazine. Just ask FCIA’s USA and Middle Easternmembers. Pieces of the DIIM are being specified andheld more, especially inspection.The International Code Council had twohearings this year resulting in several chapters ofthe International Building Code being updated forthe 2015 Codes. ASTM and UL have been activewith standards discussions amongst manufacturers,consultants and contractors.In this high-rise building safety issue, youwill find articles on effective compartmentation,firestop systems, fire & smoke dampers, fire-ratedglazing, swinging fire doors and builders hardware,photoluminescent markings and many other areas.Best wishes to all for a great finish to 2012.FCIA Members and guests at FCIA’s DIIM Educational Seminar in DubaiFCIA Life Safety Digest CommitteeAedan Gleeson, ChairGleeson-Powers, Inc.Mike DominguezFirestop Specialties, Inc.Don MurphyPPMI Firestop, Inc.Scott RankinPyro-Stop, LLCBill McHughFCIA Executive DirectorFall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 5

Is the fire-rated glass in an area that requires impact-safetyratedglass?It is important to consider whether the fire-ratedglass is in an area that requires impact-safety-ratedglass to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Per the2006 International Building Code (IBC), all fire-ratedglass in hazardous locations must also meet safetyglazingcriteria. Hazardous locations include doors,sidelites, glass in applications near the floor and otherareas as defined by code.Given the fast-paced nature of healthcareoccupancies, there may be instances in which thebuilding team chooses to provide impact-resistant,fire-rated glass even if not required by code. Hospitalsand care centers are frequently crowded with movingpeople and equipment, and installing impact-safetyrated glass may help reduce glass replacement costs orpotential injuries.Since not all fire-rated glazing offers both fire andimpact protection, it is important to check for fire-ratedproducts that meet CPSC 16CFR1201 Category I or IIimpact classifications, depending on the application.Examples of such dual-performance materials includeFire rated glazing used as a separation for a corridor in aschool. TGP Photofire-rated transparent wall panels and laminated orfilmed fire-rated ceramic glass.Is the fire-rated glass maximizing light transfer?Research shows that access to natural light andviews is important to patient recovery. For example,a 2005 study assessed the significance of sunlight ina hospital room and how it affected patient recovery.The study found that patients with greater exposure tosunlight perceived less pain and used less medication(Walch et al, 2005).Since it is up to the building team to ensure theproduct is oriented in such a way as to maximize lightpenetration, consider whether or not it is possible to:• use floor-to-ceiling fire-rated transparent wallpanels in patient rooms;• couple sequences of fire-rated wall panels withnarrow fire-rated framing to increase occupantviews and daylight transfer;• incorporate full-lite fire-resistive glass in doorswhere privacy is not a concern;• install fire-rated curtain walls in waiting rooms andvisiting centers; and• install non-slip, fire-rated glazed floor systems inspaces to funnel daylight into lower rooms whereFire rated glazing used to separate a laboratoryfrom a corridor. TGP Photosunlight may otherwise be difficult to access.In addition, fire-rated glazing can now offergreater clarity and larger sizes that used to only beavailable with conventional glass. For instance, someglass ceramics with fire-ratings of 20 to 60 minutesare available with maximum sizes of 3 feet x 8 feet perpiece. Such materials can be specified in applicationswhere greater visibility or natural light benefit buildingdesign and occupant health by adding to the comfort ofthe interior environment.Is the fire-rated glazing in a patient-focused area?Fire-rated glass in patient or examination roomshas a special set of considerations. The HealthInsurance Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996(HIPAA) applies not just to protection of personalhealth records and information, but also to visual andacoustic privacy. As such, it is important to considerglass orientation in regards to patient location andensure windows and doors that provide adjustablevisibility and privacy levels.While curtains, blinds, and tints can provideprivacy, these systems can accumulate dust and bedifficult to clean. One solution is product make-upsthat incorporate louvers set between hermeticallysealed panes of fire-rated glass. This is essentially acordless version of Venetian blinds-in-glass. Louverscan be positioned so that vision and light are permittedinto one area, but are limited in the opposite direction.Free of tangled cords and less prone to damage, suchsystems can help balance access to light, provideprivacy and be hygienic.Healthcare Project CollaborationHealthcare building teams face the challenging task ofjuggling a diverse set of performance criteria – in low-riseor high-rise construction. As such, conversations duringthe initial stages of a project can help the manufacturer orsupplier better understand how fire-rated glazing fits intoproject goals, from long-term performance to aestheticsand cost. This leaves critical time for creative problemsolving and design adjustments.Jeff Razwick is vice president for Technical GlassProducts (TGP), a supplier of specialty architectural glazingproducts and fire-rated glass and framing systems. He chairsthe Glass Association of North America (GANA) Fire-ratedGlazing Council (FRGC) and works closely with code officials,manufacturers, and other industry professionals on fire-ratedglazing applications. www.fireglass.com, (800) 426-0279Fall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 7

Doors, Hardware, and CodesBy Scott J. Tobias, AHC/CDC, CDT, CSI, LEED APWhen it comes to doors and hardware,understanding the purpose of building, fire, life safety,and other codes can help design professionals select theproper products as well as enable them to create clear,correct, concise, and complete specifications. However,when selecting and specifying these Division 08 and28 products, it is also critical to understand the balancebetween life safety and security. An end-user’s needs orwants for functionality might not coincide with the codeof law, which, of course, takes precedence. For example, abuilding owner may prefer a very expensive high securitysystem that secures all openings and monitors themelectronically, sending off a signal if there is an illegalentry. However, National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code, states certain doors (someof which may very well be the ones the owner wantedsecured) must shunt their alarm, unlock, and releaseduring a fire, leaving the opening unprotected.Understanding the Purpose of CodesIn setting minimum requirements for safeguardinglife, health, public welfare, and property, the codesprovide for better buildings. They allow a uniformity ofbuilding laws and offer a means to police constructionmaterials and methods. Doors and hardware are affectedby local building codes, typically a direct or modifiedadoption of the International Building Code (IBC) or, in thepast, one of the national model building codes.The IBC was created by the International CodeCouncil (ICC), which formed in 1999 and consolidatedthe three existing main code entities. At the time, theBuilding Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) hadits National Building Code, the International Conference ofBuilding Officials (ICBO) had the Uniform Building Code,and the Southern Building Code Congress International(SBCCI) maintained the Standard Building Code. The firstedition of the International Building Code was releasedin 2000; it is updated on a three-year cycle and can beadopted into law by local jurisdictions or internationallyeither in its entirety or as amended. The current editionis dated 2012. The 2015 Code Development Process isunderway as this is written.Other important codes include the aforementionedLife Safety Code and NFPA 70, National Electric Code (NEC).Codes become law when they are adopted by a state, city,or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). When these codesdirectly reference a standard, that standard in turn alsobecomes law. For example, NFPA 80, Standard for FireDoors and Other Opening Protectives, is currently referencedby all editions of IBC and NFPA 101. The old expression,“If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” applies as the codes knowNFPA 80 is the most complete fire door standard andrather than recreate the wheel, reference it in its entirety.The following excerpt is from IBC2012 Chapter 7,Section 716: Opening Protectives:716.5 Fire door assemblies and shutters shall beinstalled in accordance with this section and NFPA 80.The different codes have common language andstandards which is ideal for uniformity. Repeatedlanguage appears throughout various code booksregarding fire protection, life safety, accessibility, means ofegress, electrical systems and many other disciplines thatcomprise a building.Fire Door and Frame TestsFire endurance and hose stream tests are requiredfor virtually all fire-rated doors. For the most part (butwith exceptions) the rating of a fire door is typicallythree-quarters the rating of the surrounding wall or fireseparation. For instance, a four-hour wall requires anA-label, or three-hour, rated fire door, while a two-hourwall requires a B-label, or 1.5-hour rated fire door.The fire endurance test evaluates the resistanceof doors and frames to fire in a furnace for a specifiedperiod. This is to ensure doors will burn for an expectedtime in accordance with the surrounding conditionsof the doorway. The neutral pressure in the furnace ismeant to mimic real-life fire conditions and is maintainedequal to atmospheric pressure. The fire door test heatstages are as follows:• 68° F ambient at start of test;• 1,000° F at five minutes;• 1,500° F at 20 minutes;• 1,700° F at 60 minutes; and• 1,925° F at three hours.Once the door has passed the fire endurance portionof the test, the hose stream evaluates structural integrity.In other words, since the first part of the test confirmedthe door withstands a fire for a certain predeterminedperiod, the second part must now make sure the doorhas fused into place. The means to evaluate this properlyis a firefighter’s hose, which uses a great deal of waterpressure, and should not result in a door flying open toallow smoke and fire to billow out.During the test, the hose stream is always 20 feetaway from the opening, the hose nozzle size is always1.125 inches in diameter, and the water always exceeds250 gallons per minute. The tests differ slightly by firedoor rating, a 90-minute door gets 30 pounds per squareinch at 1.5 seconds per square foot (or 2.5 minutes forevery 100 square feet) and a 3-hour door gets 45 poundsper square inch at 3 seconds per square foot (or 5 minutesfor every 100 square feet). The hose pattern is alsospecified in the standard.In addition to Section 716 of the IBC referencingNFPA 80, other provisions of the section includerequirements for positive-pressure fire testing. Until2000, fire-rated doors were not truly tested to real-worldconditions. That is to say, the pressurization of older firetesting practices maintained the neutral pressure planein the furnace at the top of the opening and the negativepressure plane occupied the balance of the space belowthe neutral plane, basically the entire height of theopening from top clearance to undercut. Positive-pressuretesting, on the other hand, mimics real fires where theneutral plane is established no more than 40 inches aboveFall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 9

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Accessibility IssuesAlthough fire-rated doors must close, accessibilitystandards also state they must have a maximum allowedopening force, and this can also be a major conflict.A typical parallel arm, surface-mounted door closer isapproximately 65% efficient in its performance. Whatdoes that mean exactly? That means the closing forceis approximately 65% of the opening force, so witha 5-pound maximum opening force allowed, at 65%efficiency, the door closer will only have 3 pounds ofclosing force. Typically, this would not be nearly enoughto close a door properly, especially with changes inbuilding pressurization and HVAC being turned on andoff for heat and air-conditioning. How is this conflict dealtwith? Fire codes always take precedent over accessibilitystandards and the door must close to protect before it hasto comply with the opening force requirement.Per NFPA 80, overlapping astragals are required onfire-rated pairs of doors greater than 1.5 hours or “B”label. This is to prevent fire’s spread from one side of thepair of doors to the other through the clearance between.To work properly, the code also requires a coordinatingdevice to manage the closing of a pair of doors in theproper sequence. Picture an overlapping astragal on a pairof doors, if the doors close in an incorrect sequence, andthe door with the astragal projecting off the door edgecloses first, the door without the projection will get hungup on the astragal. In other words, the door will not closeand latch properly.Clear WidthsThe clear width of an opening is the minimumdimension from the face of the door open at 90 degrees tothe face of the opposite stop of the frame. Various codesreference the clear width opening minimum requirementto be 32 inches; the maximum allowed door leaf widthis 48 inches. This allows for a set standard of clearpassage through any given egress opening. In Chapter 4(“Accessible Routes”) of ICC/ANSI A117.1 2003, Section404 on doors and doorways requires:04.2.2-Clear Width: Doorways shall have a clearopening width of 32 inches (815 mm) minimum.Clear opening width of doorways with swingingdoors shall be measured between the face of the doorand stop, with the door open 90 degrees.This leads to the question: “What is the clear widthopening of a 36-inch wide door hung on standard weight4.5-inch wide x 4.5-inch high mortise butt hinges?” Tofind out, one must take the door width, deduct the doorthickness sticking into the opening at 90 degrees (andtaking away from the overall clear width dimension), andsubtract both of the stop dimensions (which also stick intothe door opening and take away from the overall clearwidth dimension). In this case, the equation becomes:36 - 1.75 - 1.25 = 33The clear width opening is 33 inches, 1 inch to spare.However, what does this mean if the opening was narrowto begin with and there is not enough in the budget to ripout the door, frame, and hardware, widen the opening,and replace it with a new door, frame, and hardware?This is the same equation, starting out with a 34-inchopening:34 - 1.75 - 1.25 = 3112 life safety digest /// Fall 2012The resulting clear width opening is 31 inches, 1 inchtoo short. There are certain cases where a simple swingclearhinge can help save money. As its name suggests, thishardware takes the door and swings it clear of the opening.The use of such a hinge adds the additional 1.75 inches tothe clear width opening. As shown in the same equation:34 – 1.25 = 32.75A 32.75-inch clear width opening still leaves anadditional 0.75 inch to spare.Projections Into the Clear WidthThere are restrictions on the allowed projections intothe clear width of a door opening. Per various codes,nothing is allowed to project off the face of a door into theclear width opening for the first 34 inches from the floor.This ensures nothing gets in the way or prevents a personfrom moving through an opening using a wheelchair orcane. Once at a height of 34 inches, 4 inches is allowedto project from the face of the door into the clear widthopening. The project limitations are up to 80 inches inheight and once above, there is no limitation. In the IBC,this is covered in Chapter 10 (“Means of Egress”) and inANSI/A117.1 in Chapter 4.The Need for Improved EgressBy examining tragic building fires (from Chicago’sIroquois Theater in 1903 to the Station Nightclub inWarwick, Rhode Island, a century later), safety expertsrecognize even today that improving building occupants’means of egress is necessary. Technology and codedevelopment efforts for life safety have typically focusedon the actual detection, alarm, notification, and evensuppression of the fire. Efforts to improve egress havehistorically taken a back seat to fire suppression andeffective compartmentation/containment technologiessimply because means of escape have been moreprocedure and study-based, such as with fire drills, mostlydue to a lack of product availability and enhancement.Egress SignageUntil recently, early exit signs were similar to currentmodels. They were generally made of either metal lit bya nearby incandescent light bulb or a single-bulb fixturewith a glass cover. The flaw of these initial devices wasthe power to light the sign often went out during a fire.This was addressed with battery backup and, eventually,generator devices. Most current signs are bigger with aback-lit incandescent bulb, which shines behind the word“exit” on both sides of the sign, making it more visiblethan earlier versions.Relative to code adoption, there have been someslow improvements to exit signage and the methods foremergency evacuation, but it has begun. One methodinvolves low-level exit signage, which would more clearlymark exits when the traditional above-doorway signsare obscured by rising smoke. California’s building codesrequire the use of a luminescent exit sign located withinthe bottom 254 mm (10 inches) of the door, flush withthe skin. This code is currently going through the adaptionprocess in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.Lighting the WayIn late September 2006, the ICC public hearingsheard four proposals regarding floor proximity pathmarking but not one of them passed. The code council

clearly stated the proposals were technology-specific andthat there was a lack of installation standards for location,and the types of occupancies proposed were not uniform.The ICC said it would allow a consensus proposal bebrought back at the May 2007 final action hearings. Atthat point, the group was satisfied with what it saw; theproposal, although somewhat limited, was incorporatedinto the IBC 2007 ½ Supplemental as Section 1027-ExitPath Markings as follows:1027.1-General: Approved luminous markingsdelineating the exit path shall be provided in exitenclosures including vertical exit enclosures andexit passageways of buildings of Group A, B, E, I, M,and R-1 having occupied floors located more than75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of firedepartment vehicle access and shall comply withSections 1027.1.1 through 1027.1.7.Exception: Exit path markings shall not be requiredin lobbies or areas of open parking garages, where suchlobby or area is located on the level of exit dischargeand complies with the exception to Section 1023.1.Two forms of luminescent technology are availableto comply with the referenced for exit path markings,photoluminescence and electroluminescence. Productsrelying on the photoluminescence technology require noelectricity to glow, but need to charge with an ambientsource of light (similar to glow-in-the-dark hands ornumbers on a watch held up to a light before beingviewed in darkness). The photoluminescent sourcedissipates over time if not re-energized. It can be appliedas tape and can even be furnished as a baked or sprayedon pre-treated fixture on metal stair nosings.Electroluminescence, on the other hand, is anactual light-emitting capacitor (LEC), which is far morevisible than photoluminescence and actually increasesin brightness over the first 10 to 60 minutes. Thistechnology is typically provided as an integrated openingassembly such as a complete door, frame, and hardwaresystem. It can be tied into and used in daily buildingoperation in addition to emergency and HVAC systems.Egress marking with luminescent technology helpsoccupants find exits not in the immediate line of sightby providing a guide along a low-level path down thecorridor or stairway directly to a doorway (also markedwith the technology). On July 1, 2007, New YorkCity adopted the requirement for photoluminescenttechnology path marking on all new and existing class“E” buildings 23 meters (75 feet) or taller as part ofLocal Law 26. In other words, all existing buildings withthese parameters were not “grandfathered” in and everybuilding shall comply.For New York City, “photoluminescent technology”is specifically called out, but there is active lobbyingto change the requirement to “luminescent,” whichwill allow the choice of technology. An advantage ofelectroluminescence is its incorporation into buildingsystems monitoring. Just as one can now see from adesktop computer or Blackberry which HVAC unit isdown, facility management will soon be able to monitoralarmed and secure doorway and emergency egress pathlighting to ensure proper operation.Recent innovations also include audio-based wayfindingsystems that can make exit locations highlynoticeable in emergencies, further guiding occupantsdirectly to an exit. This is accomplished by combiningaudio and visual alerts, including white noise—highlyeffective in providing direction in an open space—andan audible, multilingual alert stating the exit’s location.Some other alerts include a bright white light-emittingdiode (LED) strobe and a green, triangular laser beam,which gets smaller in diameter as you approach the exit.This, along with the various examples citedthroughout the article, reinforces the importance of alwaysincluding the name and date of all the appropriate codesand standard documents in one’s specifications. It is crucialto be aware of any local amendments or exceptions thataffect door, frame, and hardware requirements, alongwith any particular exceptions impacted by means ofegress codes, occupancy types, occupancy loads, sprinklersystems, and fire alarm systems.About the AuthorScott Tobias is Senior Director of Architectural Developmentfor ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions leading a nationalteam of Door Opening Consultants. Its services include providingcontinuing education in addition to door and hardwarespecification coordination and support. Scott is a Past Presidentfor the NY Chapters of the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI)and Construction Specification Institute (CSI). He is also PastPresident of the Northeast Region of CSI, most recently served fiveyears on the national board for CSI, and is the current Chairmanof the Mid-Hudson chapter of ASIS International. Scott can becontacted via e-mail at stobias@assaabloydss.com or by telephoneat 845-742-4827.INTUMESCENTTO YOUR SPECIFICATIONSCustom or stock solutions and applicationsfor doors, louvers, wraps, joints, pipe, electricalbox inserts, head-of-wall joint systems,sheets. Both soft and hard char intumescentmaterial in colors and various thickness or tospecial needs. Test compliance to most USand International standards.ZERO INTERNATIONALwww.zerointernational.com718-585-3230 / 800-635-5335Fall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 13Zero-Intumescent to Your Specifications Ad.indd 16/15/12 9:26:03 AM

Smoke Control in High-RiseBuildingsBy Josh Talley, P.E. & Sharon Gilyeat, P.E.Active and passive smoke control plays a criticalrole in high-rise building fire and life safety. Extensiveexposure to smoke remains the primary cause of mostfire-related fatalities. Tall buildings have inherentlylonger evacuation times and in some cases it is notpractical to employ total building evacuation procedures.It is paramount to the safety of the occupants thattenable conditions are maintained for as long as possible.In the late 1960s, fire protection professionalsbegan to look closely at the increased risk of fire andsmoke spread in tall buildings, and building and firecodes have evolved to try to combat or at least controlthis increased risk. Smoke control requirements startedinitially as just passive methods, where buildingconstruction features were used to limit the movementof smoke and fire; buildings were compartmented andfloor openings were sealed. The methods employedeventually became both passive and active. Even today,the primary method of controlling smoke and firespread in a high-rise building is still by maintaining theintegrity of the floor construction and enclosing verticalopenings in fire barriers. Requirements for elevatorlobby enclosures and pressurization of hoistways andexit enclosures have also been added to combat smokespread. Recent building code changes continue toemphasize the importance of passive smoke control.In addition to requiring the protection of penetrationsand joints with approved firestop systems, high-risebuildings in certain risk categories now require specialinspections by qualified inspectors of the methods andmaterials used to protect these systems.Many of the changes to building and fire codesover the years are a result of major life-loss fires.Unfortunately our industry is like most, we tend to bemore reactive than proactive. The Triangle ShirtwaistFire in 1911 was one of the first notable high-rise firesin the U.S. Of the 146 fatalities, many were attributedto smoke inhalation. Code officials for the first timespecifically took notice of the impact of smoke spreadin this tragedy.From 1960 to 1980, there was a significant amountof research and industry push toward controlling smokethrough building ventilation systems. American Societyof Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE) began to get involved in the “smoke control”fire community in the late 1960s. It made sense that,if air can be moved through the building to controlthe temperatures in the building, the same systemsshould be able to be used to move smoke and heat froma building. The federal government funded much ofthis work, as it began to build and therefore needed toprotect, high-rise buildings. There was also a push fromthe detention and correction industry, which saw smokecontrol as one feature that could be used to protectoccupants in place.In 1971, the General Services Administration (GSA)held an international conference on high-rise buildingfire safety in response to a fire that occurred above the30th floor of the One New York Plaza office building. By1974, the Seattle Federal Office Building was designedand constructed. This building incorporated GSA’ssmoke control design approach and became a modelfor future GSA/federal high-rise buildings. The smokecontrol design, known as the “sandwich” approach, isstill in use today. The system provides exhaust on thefloor of fire origin and supplies air on the floor aboveand below the fire floor. Other high-rise fire safetydesign concepts stemming from the Seattle modelbuilding include the concept of an emergency controlcenter, now referred to as a fire command center; andthe use of two-way fire department telephones and firealarm voice evacuation systems. All are still included intoday’s high-rise provisions.In 1982, ASHRAE published the Design ofSmoke Control Systems for Buildings. It wasn’tlong afterward that NFPA established two technicalcommittees to begin to address smoke control systemdesign standards. By 1990, NFPA 92A, Standard forSmoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and PressureDifferences and 92B, Standard for Smoke ManagementSystems in Malls, Atria, and Large Spaces, wereadopted as either a guide or recommended practice.In 2005/2006, the documents were published asStandards by NFPA and have now been combined intoa single Standard, NFPA 90.Many of the first active smoke control methodsintroduced into the codes for high-rise buildings usedoperable windows or vertically continuous shafts thatrelied on natural stack effect and buoyancy forces tomove smoke out of the building. The intent was toremove smoke from the building after the fire wasunder control and primarily was for fire department use.Later editions permitted sprinkler-protected buildingsto have smoke control that utilized the building HVACsystem to remove smoke from the building. Thesesystems were by no means “engineered,” nor were theybased on any analytic analysis; however, they wereautomatic. These systems now played an overall role inegress and life safety, and were not just being used bythe fire service during post-fire operations.By 2000, most if not all zoned smoke controlrequirements for high-rise buildings were removedfrom the building codes. The mandate for sprinklerprotection using quick response technology is recognizedas an extremely effective method of controlling fireand smoke spread and led to the removal of therequirements for active zoned smoke control.Recently, the International Building Code wentfull circle, and has introduced smoke “removal”requirements for new high-rise buildings back into14 life safety digest /// Fall 2012

Perimeter Fire Protection inMid- to High-Rise BuildingsBy James ShriverIn Caracas, Venezuela in 2004 where fire occurredon the upper floors and lack of water pressureprevented suppression on the fire floor, fire spreadtook place. At the Tamweel Tower Apartments inDubai, UAE two weeks ago, fire spread rapidly atthe exterior skin of the building as well. At the 1stInterstate Building in Los Angeles, lack of or improperperimeter fire containment was cited as a factor inthe fast spread of fire from floor to floor. These arefires that occurred in sprinklered and non-sprinkleredbuildings leaving fire to spread rapidly at the exteriorof the building.Each individual building has very specific andunique requirements for perimeter fire protection. Toprovide the fire protection at the building’s perimeter,the void between the interior face of the curtainwall and slab edge, it must be understood that it is afunction of the total curtain wall design that creates theability to resist floor-to-floor fire spread.The purpose of this article is not to debatesprinklers in buildings. A balanced approach to fireand life safety includes sprinklers, detection andalarm systems, occupant education and effectivecompartmentation in buildings worldwide.So what’s been discovered and developed in thepast 40 years that will help you better understandperimeter fire containment? How can you gain andincrease the knowledge and skill to not only properlydesign, install and inspect these systems, but tocommunicate to the architect, building owner andmanager, general contractor and building officialsthat what is being provided will indeed meet theInternational Building Code (IBC) requirements forlife safety? Whatever your role is, this knowledge andexpertise is vital for a successful bid and installationthat provides the requirements for the building’sprotection and the occupant’s life safety. Included withthese key factors is a Resources Section that will routeyou to sites for expanding your research on perimeterfire containment.Since 1970 when the inception of installingmineral wool (safing) insulation to fill the perimetervoid to prevent the spread of flame and hot gases fromfloor to floor was developed, tremendous knowledgehas been gained on how to improve perimeter fireprotection. Today, using the standardized ASTMStandard Test Method for Perimeter Fire Containment(ASTM E2307), the industry has been educated onhow complicated perimeter fire protection has become,especially with the ever-changing architectural designs.Simple designs that were tested more than 15 yearsago had spandrel heights exceeding 36 inches andmullion spacing of 60 inches. Since that time, curtainwall designs have dramatically changed with the desirefor greater vision area, green building requirements,and the emphasis to reduce construction costs. Recentdesigns with shorter spandrel heights, wider mullionspacing, factory-built curtain wall panels, and uniquelyshaped mullion and transom extrusions have expandedthe design complexity and challenged the industry toprovide the life safety requirements necessary to meetthe latest building code requirements.The 2009 International Building Code Section714.4 states:714.4 Exterior curtain wall/floor intersection.Where fire resistance-rated floor or floor/ceilingassemblies are required, voids created at the intersectionof the exterior curtain wall assemblies and floorassemblies shall be sealed with an approved system toprevent the interior spread of fire. Such systems shall besecurely installed and tested in accordance with ASTME 2307 to prevent the passage of flame for the timeperiod at least equal to the fire-resistance rating of thefloor assembly and prevent the passage of heat and hotgases sufficient to ignite cotton waste. Height and fireresistancerequirements for curtain wall spandrels shallcomply with section 705.8.5.Currently a majority of ASTM E 2307 listedsystems are aluminum curtain walls that include stickbuilt and unitized curtain walls with typical spandrelheights ranging from 36 to 69 inches. Systems usingprecast concrete, metal studs and insulated panels alsohave listings; however, this article will focus on thealuminum curtain wall designs. Since aluminumunitized systems continue to gain popularity in thecurtain wall industry, testing has been focused usingthese designs which are presenting the industry withnumerous challenges.These curtain walls fabricated in a factory are oftenbuilt to include the requirements for perimeter firecontainment with the concept of improving qualityand costs. The completed panels are then shipped tothe jobsite and installed on the building. The void thatis created between each floor perimeter and the wallmust be filled with safing insulation and covered withan approved smoke sealant to stop flame, hot gases andsmoke from migrating to the floors above.As with unitized systems, the demand andmovement toward energy efficiency, greenconstruction plus the desires for greater eye appealhas the curtain wall construction industry changing innumerous ways. No longer are the spandrel heightsa minimum of 36 inches but some are as short as 8inches. The mullions and transoms are not just a boxbut an engineered system that snaps together andallows for movement and critical water drainage.These systems make decisions on screw penetrations16 life safety digest /// Fall 2012

ASTM E2307 test method and the fire load as requiredin the standard.Industry awareness is critical of these findings,especially with literature reviews on glass breakage,heat flux energy created when the flame extends abovethe floor due to spandrels shorter than 36 inches, andfull height vision glass. Although limited testing hasbeen done with short spandrels along with varyingresults, the recent findings indicate that with life safetyas the primary concern, thought needs to be given towhat would occur should an uncontrolled fire develop.Types of Curtain Wall AnchorsAnchors used to hang a unitized curtain wall on theexterior of a building are typically made of aluminum.Recently, designs and installations have the anchorsmounted to the underside of the floor slab with directexposure to flame and hot gasses should a fire occur.Specifications need to address the protection of theseanchors in that event. Aluminum not only melts intypical fire temperatures, but loses structural strengththereby subjecting the unitized curtain wall to shiftand potentially cause failure at the perimeter joint.Flame and hot gases would then enter the floor above.This creates the domino effect that the perimeter fireprotection was installed to prevent.Nature of the curtain wall components (e.g.aluminum framing, extrusion design, spandrelpanel design, wet or dry mullions and transoms)along with the floor rating and structural designsoften impedes efficient and proper installation.Floor-to-ceiling glass means a transom will belocated at the slab. Transoms and the extrusiondesigns that are located at floor level often prevent anaccessible means to mechanically attach the spandrelinsulation and mullion covers, or provide the spacenecessary to install a standard backer bar for supportingthe safing insulation at the perimeter void. A recenttested and listed system published in the UL FireResistance Directory (CW-D-1012) helps resolve thebacker bar issue and congestion that occurs at the edgeof slab and the curtain wall mounting anchor.Issues with transoms extruded with special shapesintroduce another element on how to mechanicallyattach the spandrel insulation when standard hangerswill not work. Custom hangers are one alternative.Mullions and transoms designed to channel wateraccumulation away from the building and maintaina dry structure means minimum or no penetrations.Any permitted penetrations must be sealed to preventwater leakage over the life of the building. Structuralfloor designs that prohibit the installation of mullioncovers can be resolved by installing safing at the top andbottom of the beam and still providing the smoke stopseal at the top of the slab.Building geometry at curtain wall – inclined,staggered, curved, etc.Unusual and unique building designs are increasingwith today’s technology. A building’s curtain wall thatis designed and installed with various angles and shapescreates an exposure that in event of a fire will cause theglazing to break and fall out. Again, the result is flamesand hot gases spreading to the floor above bypassing theperimeter fire containment system.Thinking Toward the FutureProfessional Training YieldsExpert FireproofersFire Rated Walls A Great Finished Deck Applying the Proper ThicknessCall us for information about today’sfireproofing and plastering systems andthe best people to apply them.Chicago Plastering Institute5611 W. 120th StreetAlsip, IL 60803(708) 371-310018 life safety digest /// Fall 2012

Let’s not wait on a major incident to trigger the highrisebuilding industry into taking action. Today, areas arebeing observed that can cause serious failures in the eventof an uncontrolled fire and should be addressed now. Someof the issues cited above are basic building science issuesand can be resolved through proven engineering practices.However, curtain walls with short spandrels must have extraconsideration given to perimeter fire protection.Remember, it is the responsibility of all parties to be vigilantin maintaining the current level of LIFE SAFETY and strive forcontinuing improvement.Resources:Today the need for perimeter fire containmentis recognized, and it is known that it must meet therequirements as specified in the building codes andbe properly installed. But, where do you obtain thatspecific knowledge to design and properly install thecorrect system? The obvious and most frequentlyused resource is the Internet. Search key words“Perimeter fire-containment” and you will beintroduced to articles on the basics of perimeter firecontainment, specifications documents, InternationalFirestop Council training program, AEC Daily -Online AIA approved Educational programs, etc. TheInternational Firestop Council (IFC) at www.firestop.org is an excellent website for training programsand understanding the engineering guidelines.Underwriters Laboratory at www.ul.com in its FireResistance Directory has tested and listed systems thatcan be found under UL perimeter fire containmentsystems in the OnLine Certifications Directory -Category XHDG. Intertek at www.intertek.com, alsolists tested perimeter fire containment systems as testedper ASTM E2307. Listed and tested systems can alsobe found on the websites of individual companies thathave systems listed with UL and Intertek. Anotherresource is the Firestop Contractors InternationalAssociation (FCIA), www.fcia.org, that list contractorsthroughout North America, which can providethe installation services on curtain walls and offerseducation as well.In addition to the hundreds of listed and testedsystems in the testing laboratories’ published fireresistancedirectories, another source for informationand assistance is the technical staff at individualcompanies. An example is Thermafiber’s Insolution©Group, www.thermafiber.com, that has excellentknowledge combined with supporting perimeterfire containment tests for curtain wall systems. Itstechnical staff is very knowledgeable on the publishedsystems and capable of providing perimeter firecontainment designs and engineering judgments toassist you in meeting the requirements of the buildingcode and the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.References:Refer to this article at www.thermafiber.com/technicallibrary/technicalpapers for a complete listingof the references and details.Jim Shriver, of Shriver ConsultingService, has a BS in MechanicalEngineering and has over 36 years ofexperience in the construction industry,most recently as Corporate Director ofTechnical Services for Thermafiber,Inc. He is also the author of severalpublished articles pertaining toperimeter fire containment. Jim can bereached at jshriver45@gmail.com or260-312-3406.Efficient Design and Quality Constructionmakes Albion the only choice forProfessional Firestop Tools.BulkSausageBulk/sausageCartridge● Albion hasavailable a widevariety of bulk,sausage andcartridge guns● Metal andplastic nozzles● Accessories,bulk loadersand partsNew96 page catalogon requestManufacturers of manual, battery, and airpowereddispensing tools and accessories for the mostdemanding professional and industrial applications.www.albioneng.comALBION Engineering Co.1250 N. Church StreetMoorestown, NJ 08057-1102856-235-6688 FAX: 800-841-7132E-MAIL: service@albioneng.comFall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 19

High-Rise Building Safety –Glowing Pathways and FirstRespondersBy Steve CooperWell, the dust has finally settled in the buildingcode debates regarding High Rise Building Egressrequirements. Now we can get on with the business ofeducating everyone who participates and benefits fromthe related code adoptions of 2009 and 2012 for theInternational Building Code (IBC) and InternationalFire Code (IFC). The list of beneficiaries begins withHigh Rise Building occupants. The intended effect ofthe new codes was established primarily to save livesof people escaping from any emergency that requiresevacuation of a high rise structure.Benefits obvious to First RespondersThe benefits quickly became obvious to FirstResponders as well. First responders like fire-fighters,medical personnel and law enforcement are nowable to navigate a structure in the dark 30% moreefficiently than before the codes were adopted. 1 Bothoccupants and first responders gain a measure of safetydue to the advances in product technology that lead tothe approval and adoption of new code requirementsin the IBC and IFC forChapter 10 SectionsIBC Typical Stairwell Egress Markings1022 and 1024 “Means3. Final Exit Door Markingsof Egress”.Manufacturers ofegress componentsAROUND PERIMETERfor high riseOF FINAL EXIT DOORAND FLOOR MOUNTEDDEMARCATION LINEbuildings developedFloor ID sign1” WIDE SOLID CONTINUOUSPHOTOLUMINESCENT STRIPthe technologiesand methods for5’ 0”application that18” MAXbenefit a wide rangeRunning Man Signof communities.Beginning with thebuilding occupantsPush to Open Signand first respondersmentioned above andalso the architecturalBalco imageand technicalcommunities that nowhave enhanced life safety products to reduce life safetyrisks. Product choices that require very little energyand are primarily made of reusable resource materialsare available from many manufacturers.High Rise Building Evacuation philosophyHigh rise buildings are defined as any buildingwith occupants at a level 75 feet or higher above firedepartment access, according to the 2012 InternationalBuilding Code and NFPA 101, The 2012 Life SafetyCode. Manufacturers have the responsibility toeducate the public, first responders, code enforcementagencies and architectural communities about HighRise Building SafetyIBC Typical Stairwell Egress Markingsand these new4. Stairwell Identification Signagerequirements.Building Occupantegress for highrise buildings haschanged strategy inrecent years. Theprimary change isthe philosophy ofevacuation. TheFloor ID signstrategy used priorto the collapse of theWorld Trade centersNOTE: All photoluminescent productsrequire external light source for charging 60minutes prior to illumination per IBC 1024 on Sept 11, 2001 wasto evacuate occupantsusing a “floor by floor“Balco imagemethod based onlocation of the danger.The current strategy is “total building evacuation” withmeasures as rapidly as possible.Excerpt from 2009 IFC 4604.23 Egress Path Markings,Code Commentary, “Historically, code requirements forhigh-rise buildings were written under the assumption thatbuildings would be evacuated floor-by-floor…Acts of terrorismand accidental incidents, such as power failures, have made itnecessary to consider design for full building evacuation…”First responders are key to high rise buildingsafety because they bring order to very stressful andoften chaotic emergencies. Their mission is to savelives. The advancements in Photoluminescent (PL)technologies have increased the potential lives savedbeyond building occupants and extended the life savingbenefits to first responders as well. They risk theirlives as a routine part of their job. In Pennsylvaniathree firefighters lost their lives because they weredisoriented and did not know which level of thebuilding they were on. This confusion is believedto have lead to them being trapped in a dangerouslocation with tragic results. 2The IBC/IFC Chapter 10 Section 1022 wasrevised for the 2012 version of the code to requirethe addition of stairway identification signage withdistinctive markings. These markings are intended toprovide information for evacuees and first respondersalike. Stairwell identification signage is required to bephotoluminescent in high rise buildings because PL isknown to function for an extended period in completedarkness even when backup generators fail to operate.After complete power is cutoff or lost in astructure, PL egress markings light the way throughdarkness and smoke providing a 30% increase in20 life safety digest /// Fall 2012

Industry NewsFCIA FIC Update – FCIA’s Firestop IndustryConference & Trade Show, Nov. 6-9, 2012 was a greatsuccess! Educational sessions from Dr. John Hall, NFPA’sChief Statistician, Gary Lougheed, the National ResearchCouncil of Canada, Anne Guglielmo, Joint Commission,Kevin Dale of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman and Flatt, ClayBooth of Thermal Ceramics all brought new informationto FCIA’s Attendees. Presentations are in the FCIAMembers Only section. Watch for details as the FCIAEducation and Committee Action Conference is beingplanned by the Program Committee. Save the dates….April 30, May 1-3, 2013.Joint Commission’sAnne GuglielmoNational Research Council of Canada’sGary LougheedFCIA Conference DelegatesThermal Ceramics’ Clay BoothJoin FCIA on Facebook and LinkedIn! –FCIA is now on Facebook and LinkedIn with Twitterto follow shortly. If you don’t have a Facebook page orLinkedIn profile, don’t worry, it’s easy and fun! Youcan go to our webpage at www.fcia.org and click onthe Facebook or LinkedIn icons. You’ll be prompted tomake either a page or profile. Remember to ‘like’ us onFacebook, and join the conversation! FCIA social mediaoutlets are designed to connect with firestop professionalsand facilitate industry news and discussions. Postingswill not be accepted for advertisements, job listings, jobestimating or costing, anti-trust issues or inappropriatecomments. Thank you for helping us keep theconversation going!FCIA’s Firestop DIIM Seminar in Dubai, UnitedArab Emirates – FCIA’s Executive Director Bill McHughvisited FCIA Members and important industry influencersin Dubai. FCIA’s DIIM Educational Seminar in the UAEwelcomed 100 people over two days Nov. 28 and 29, 2012.“At this session, we broke the Firestop ‘DIIM’ intofour different presentations”, states FCIA MembershipChair, Bill Hoos.For the D-Design, Bill McHugh presented about theadvantages of firestop systems tested to ASTM E 814, UL1479, and UL 2079. Specified Technologies, Inc. TonyAbou Rjeily presented about Perimeter Fire ContainmentSystems and ASTM E 2307.Shoeb, STI and Eastern Wings enjoy FCIA’s DIIM FirestoppingEducational Seminar in Dubai.For the I-Install, FM Approval’s Vidur Berrypresented about the FM 4991 Standard for the Approvalof Firestop Contractors and the UL Qualified FirestopProgram’s Romnish Kapoor on their contractorQualification Program.In the I-Inspection, we covered the ASTM E2174 and ASTM E 2393 Penetration and Joint FirestopInspection Standards and International AccreditationServices IAS AC 291 Accreditation Criteria for SpecialInspection Agencies.To finish, HILTI’s Amir Toma presented an updatedprogram on M-Maintenance of Fire and SmokeResistant Construction in existing buildings.Contacts were made with several FCIA’s friends andcolleagues from around the Persian Gulf Region. DubaiMunicipality, consultants such as KEO, the Civil Defence,Department of Municipal Affairs and many more were inattendance. Visit www.fcia.org to check out the agendaand presentations.ULC Qualified FirestopContractors – FCIA CanadaMembers report they are seeingspecifications for the QualifiedFirestop Contractors in Canada.It’s happened in the west, centraland eastern parts of Canada. Afterseveral years of work, efforts arestarting to pay off. Look for severalFCIA visits to Canada in 2013.UL’s Betsy Titus at FCIA’sFIC ConferenceICC Board Accepts cdp ACCESS Report – ActionPending – The concept of remote participation in ICC’scode development process was first raised as early as 2003.In April 2011, the Code Development Review Ad-HocCommittee recommended the initiative to the ICC Board,which confirmed the proposal later in the year. The firstcdp ACCESS Steering Committee meeting was held inJanuary 2012 with webinars, surveys and forums to seekMember feedback leading up to a report. In surveys, themajority of respondents support the cdp ACCESS initiative.“It’s not just about having the money to travel to thehearings,” Dupler explained, “it’s also about having thetime to do it.”During its Oct. 22 meeting in Portland, the CodeCouncil Board of Directors voted to accept the cdpACCESS Steering Committee’s report for the initiative toincrease participation in ICC’s code development process.Code Council Board President William D. Dupler, whoalso serves as a steering committee member, explainedto Annual Conference delegates during a cdp ACCESSForum that the Board will make a final decision on therecommendations at its meeting in December. More aswe learn it.Fall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 23

ICC Chapters win Awards – At the ICC AnnualConference, ICC President Bill Dupler announced fiveChapter Merit Award Winners for 2012:• Colorado Association of Plumbing andMechanical Officials• Kansas City Metro Association of PermitTechnicians• Northwest Building Officials and CodeAdministrators of Illinois• Southern California Fire Prevention OfficersAssociation• Virginia Building and Code OfficialsAssociationFCIA Congratulates these ICC Chapters for theservice they provide promoting fire and life safety inbuildings through many avenues.New ICC Chapters – Six new ICC Chapters havebeen approved since the 2011 Annual Conference inPhoenix:• Illinois Mechanical Inspectors Association• Wisconsin Code Officials Alliance• Cayman Islands Codes Association• C.A.S.E.D.I. from Mexico (an InternationalChapter)• Louisiana Building Code Alliance, LLC• Region II that includes Chapters in the statesof Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon,Washington and Wyoming“Congratulations to all of you and welcome to theICC family of Chapters as the newest Chapters,” ICCPresident Dupler said. “We hope you will play an activerole in ICC and look forward to building a partnershipwith you in the future.”NIBS Symposium – Evaluating Risk & ImprovingBuilding Performance - Attend the Integrated ResilientDesign Symposium and learn how to evaluate buildingsagainst the threat of multiple hazards, using methodsthat quantify risk, resilience and performance to helpensure planning and operations are safe, secure, durable,efficient and sustainable. With the theme Evaluating Risk,Improving Performance, the Integrated Resilient DesignSymposium offers attendees a number of tools to assesspotential risks to buildings from blast, chemical, biologicaland radiological (CBR) threats and natural hazards, whileincorporating high-performance attributes into buildingdesign.Scheduled for Wednesday, January 9 from 8:00 am –11:45 am during Building Innovation 2013, seating forthe Integrated Resilient Design Symposium is extremelylimited. Find out more about this event. Register toattend, at www.nibs.org.Firestopping NAICS Code and Economic Census– The Economic Census is the U.S. Government’s officialfive-year measure of American business and the economy.It is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, and response isrequired by law.Forms go out to more than 4 million businesses,including large, medium and small companiesrepresenting all U.S. locations and industries.Respondents are asked to provide a range of operationaland performance data for their companies.As part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s mission tomeasure America’s economy, the next EconomicCensus will be conducted for the year ending December2012. We need YOU to respond that you are a ‘FirestopContractor using the code NAICS 238310. With thisdeclaration, it proves that firestopping is a trade.FCIA worked with the North American IndustryClassification Code groups in the USA, Canada andMexico to have this NAICS code created for FirestopContractors. Thanks to Bill Hoos and Bob Hasting fortheir diligence working with this group.Holes in Healthcare Facility Barriers, Really? –The Joint Commission’s (JC) George Mills has stated atthe American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE)Conventions the past two years, …• Top 10 2011 JC Violations –Penetrations andDoors• Top 2 JC Violations – Penetrationsand DoorsPenetrations of Fire Barriers arefound to fail, becoming violations in52% of the surveys conducted.Penetrations of Smoke Barriers arefound to fail, becoming violations in47% of the surveys conducted.The question being asked by George Mills of the JCis, “Holes in fire and smoke barrier walls are a problem,still?” Is the real problem after the specialty firestopcontractors leave the new or renovated areas? Is this amanagement problem? Are above ceiling permits neededto do work on building services in healthcare occupanciesto control the work around barriers?How can this be controlled by facility management?FCIA is working on this as a Fire Barrier Initiative. Lookfor solutions to unravel throughout 2013.Fire Department Accredited by IAS – Thevillage of Tinley Park, Ill., Fire Prevention Bureau isthe first local department in the nation to achieve FirePrevention and Life Safety Department Accreditationfrom the International Accreditation Service (IAS).A subsidiary of the International Code Council, IASprovides an independent assessment and verificationthe department operates at the highest legal, ethical andtechnical standards. Tinley Park is a south Chicago suburband one of the fastest growing suburbs in the area. Theaccreditation is based on the IAS Accreditation Criteriafor Fire Prevention Departments/Code EnforcementAgencies (AC426). The accreditation process included anIAS review of the bureau’spolicies and procedures, anonsite pre-evaluation in Apriland a full evaluation of thebureau onsite in July. Visitwww.iasonline.org for moreinfo about accredited buildingand fire departments, specialinspection agencies whoinspect construction workcovered in Chapter 17 of theInternational Building Code,Chapter 17.Joint Commission’sAnne GuglielmoIAS’ Board Chair John Barrios andPresident Chuck Ramani present FireDepartment Accreditation to TinleyPark’s Ken Dunn and Daniel Riordan’IAS Photo24 life safety digest /// Fall 2012

Precut fire safing insulationin a resealable bagQuick, convenient and jobsite friendly.Easy-to-carry,lightweight bag.ULUL is a registered trademark of UnderwritersLaboratories.INTERTEK is a trademark of Intertek Group plc.THERMAFIBER , SAFINGPAKS and THE NAMEIN MINERAL WOOL are registered trademarksof Thermafiber Inc.© 2012 Thermafiber, Inc.Ask your favorite building supplies retailerto stock Thermafiber SafingPaks ,call 1-888-834-2371 or email us atsafingpaks@thermafiber.com.

Code CornerICC Final Action Hearings Summary -Portland’s Downtown Convention Center was thesite for the Fire Safety, General, and Egress Hearingswhere FCIA’s proposal (and others) were presentedon Thursday, Oct. 26 and Friday, Oct. 27.The American Society of Healthcare Engineersand the International Code Council’s (ICC) Ad HocCommittee on Health Care provided a package ofproposals for the assembly to debate and decide.According to Bill Koffel, Koffel Associates, FCIA CodeConsultant, “ASHE’s goal in this effort at ICC is toreduce building construction and maintenance costsdue to having to use multiple codes that may in somecases conflict.” Koffel goes on to state, “in some statessuch as Maryland, ASHE members must comply withthe International Building Code 2012, the NFPA101-2009 and NFPA 101-2000 simultaneously.”ICC’s goal was to gain recognition by the Center forMedicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) either aloneor in addition to the NFPA 101 Code.“The proposals have minimal changes to fireratedor smoke-rated compartmentation,” accordingto Bill Koffel, FCIA Code Consultant. “Suites may belarger which may impact corridor wall constructionand more current versions of standards such as NFPA80 means that annual inspection of fire doors ratherthan ‘frequent’ inspection will be required.”Proposals were submitted for healthcare andother occupancies. A summary of some is below.Look for more in the next issue of Life Safety Digest.Proposals to eliminate elevator lobbies in GroupI-2 and all buildings were disapproved.Proposal G-76, increasing the compartment sizeto 40,000 square feet in Group I-2 occupancies, wasapproved. There is still the travel distance to a smokebarrier limited to 200 feet which restricts the size ofthe compartment.In FS-114, a proposal to eliminate smokedampers in smoke barriers for Group I-2 Hospitalsand Ambulatory Care Facilities was approved.FS-114 - 717.5.5 (IMC 607.5.4) Smoke barriers.A listed smoke damper designed to resist the passageof smoke shall be provided at each point a ductor air transfer opening penetrates a smoke barrier.Smoke dampers and smoke damper actuation methodsshall comply with Section 717.3.3.2.Exceptions:1. Smoke dampers are not required where the openingsin ducts are limited to a single smoke compartmentand the ducts are constructed of steel.2. Smoke dampers are not required insmoke barriers required by Section 407.5ambulatory care facilities and for Group I-2hospitals hospital occupancies where theHVAC system is fully ducted in accordancewith Section 603 of the International MechanicalCode and where buildings are equippedthroughout with an automatic sprinkler systemin accordance with Sections 903.3.1.1 andequipped with quick response sprinklers inaccordance with Section 903.3.2.Other Code Development Proposals -There were proposals submitted, including bythe International Firestop Council to mandatefirestopping in head-of-wall applications to testmethod, ASTM E 2837-11 Standard TestMethod for Determining the Fire Resistanceof Continuity Head-of-Wall Joint SystemsInstalled between Rated Wall Assemblies andNonrated Horizontal Assemblies.This new test is for where a fire-resistance-ratedwall assembly meets a non-rated roof assembly,which occurs frequently in one-story structures. Thecouncil mentioned that the assembly testing wassimilar to the building perimeter fire containmenttesting that currently exists in the code. Opposingtestimony stated that since the roof is not rated,why should the gap be rated to extend the wall tothe non-rated roof assembly? The proposals wereDISAPPROVED.There were also proposals FS-136 and FS-142from the International Firestop Council to add thenew ASTM E2816-11, Standard Test Methods forFire Resistive Metallic HVAC Duct Systems test tothe code for stair pressurization ducts and air ductswith the objective to eliminate fire dampers in fireresistance-ratedassemblies. The fire-resistance-ratedductwrap is used on the complete length of the ductand exposed to many different fire conditions. At thehearings, none of the proposals were successful. Someopponents commented that “fire-rated ductwrap isno substitute for a fire damper,” “there is no droptest in this assembly test.” Proponents stated that theassembly was tested to several standards includingASTM E 119, ASTM E 814 fire exposures.FS-136 909.20.5.1 Stair Pressurization Ducts.Where interior exit stairways are pressurized, HVACducts used to supply uncontaminated air shall beprotected with shaft enclosures in accordance withSection 713, or tested in accordance with ASTME2816.FS-142 909.21.3 Ducts for system. Any ductsystem that is part of the pressurization systemshall be protected with the same fire-resistancerating as required for the elevator shaft enclosure.Exception: Ducts tested and listed for not less than2-hour fire-resistance in accordance with ASTME2816 are permitted.In FS 73, a proposal on firestop engineeringjudgments (EJs) from the Wisconsin Code OfficialsFall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 27

Alliance was disapproved. The original proposaltried to restrict the use of EJs to instances in whicha listed system is non-existent and reconfiguringthe penetrating items is impractical. It also soughtto have EJs prepared by manufacturers’ technicalrepresentatives, and approved by the AHJ. In thepublic comment, the proposal focused on onlywhere a listed system was determined to be nonexistent.Verification of the “non-existing” listing isthrough the contractors, manufacturers and testinglaboratories public information.Opponents to the EJ proposals came frombuilding departments, fire marshals and those whooversee healthcare facilities. They thought theproposal would legitimize EJs making them equalto tested and listed systems. Others believed thatthis should be covered in the performance code andthat there should be a better definition of “approvedsource.” FCIA had submitted a similar proposal lastcycle that was disapproved.In G-15, the Chapter 2 Joint definitionmodifications were heard. Originally, at the ICCCommittee Hearings in Dallas, FCIA had submittedproposal G-15 to better define a “joint” using thecontinuity concept that the joint was the spacebetween two assemblies rather than the junction.FCIA’s G-15 proposal at Dallas ICC CommitteeHearingsJOINT. The opening in or between adjacentassemblies that interrupts the continuity of afire-rated or smoke-rated assembly and eitherinvolves the intersection of dissimilar materials orassemblies, is created due to building tolerances, oris designed to allow independent movement of thebuilding in any plane caused by thermal, seismic,wind or any other loading.FCIA’s proposal at ICC FINAL Action Hearings inPortland, Ore. then tried to refine the proposal in thecontext of Chapter 7 only while covering objectionsheard at the committee hearings in Dallas. Whilethere was some support for the concepts, this was alsodisapproved.715.1 General. Joints that interrupt the continuityof installed in or between fire-resistance-ratedwalls, floor or floor/ceiling assemblies and roofsor roof/ceiling assemblies shall be protected by anapproved fire-resistant joint system designed toresist the passage of fire for a time period not lessthan the required fire-resistance rating of the wall,floor or roof in or between which it is installed.Fire-resistant joint systems shall be tested inaccordance with Section 715.3.715.1 General. Joints that involve dissimilarmaterials in installed in or between fire-resistanceratedwalls, floor or floor/ceiling assemblies androofs or roof/ceiling assemblies shall be protectedby an approved fire-resistant joint system designedto resist the passage of fire for a time period notless than the required fire-resistance rating ofthe wall, floor or roof in or between which it isinstalled. Fire-resistant joint systems shall be testedin accordance with Section 715.3.The International Firestop Council focused on thedefinition of the joint in another fashion, by focusingon the junction where the assemblies meet.JOINT. The opening junction in or betweenadjacent assemblies that is interrupts the continuityof a fire-rated or smoke-rated assembly and eitherinvolves the intersection of dissimilar materials orassemblies, is created due to building tolerances, oris designed to allow independent movement of thebuilding in any plane caused by thermal, seismic,wind or any other loading.In FS180, Bill Koffel, of Koffel Associates, hadproposed adding that penetrations in thermal barrierswould need to be sealed to maintain the thermalbarrier integrity.2603.4 Thermal barrier. Except as provided forin Sections 2603.4.1 and 2603.10, foam plasticshall be separated from the interior of a buildingby an approved thermal barrier of ½- inch (12.7mm) gypsum wallboard or a material that is testedin accordance with and meets the acceptancecriteria of both the Temperature TransmissionFire Test and the Integrity Fire Test of NFPA275. Penetrations of the thermal barrier shall beprotected to maintain the integrity of the thermalbarrier. Combustible concealed spaces shall complywith Section 718.Although successful at the committee hearings,this proposal was DISAPPROVED.The International Code Council CodeDevelopment process is quite exciting to attend. Therewere days of hearings and testimony that took place inPortland, Ore. for this code cycle. We’ll cover more ofthe proposals in the next issue of Life Safety Digest.The 2013/2014 Code Development Cyclestarts with proposals due Jan. 3, 2013 for theInternational Code Council Performance Code,International Existing Building Code, InternationalEnergy Conservation Code, International FireCode, International Property Maintenance Code,International Swimming Pool and Spa Code,International Residential Code, International WildlifeUrban Interface Code, and International Zoning Code.Hearings take place April 21 – 28 in Dallas.Canada Codes – The Canadian Commission onBuilding and Fire Codes has several committees thatmanage the Canadian National Buildingand Fire Codes. There is a “StandingCommittee on Fire Protection” thatmeets from time to time. The mostrecent meeting of the Committee onFire Protection was in Quebec City, Nov. 21-22. TheFall 2012 \\\ life safety digest 29

next meeting is April 30-May2, place TBD. More as wehear from NRC-CRC.Abu Dhabi NationalBuilding Code – Abu Dhabi,UAE has been fast trackingthe adaption of the Abu DhabiNational Building Code. Thecode is based on the 2009version of the InternationalBuilding Code. Weunderstand that the Abu DhabiDepartment of MunicipalAffairs (DMA) may be requiring special inspections offirestopping as an amendment to the code. We sent the2012 International Building Code language for specialinspections of firestopping that FCIA was successfulwith at the ICC Hearings for DMA to use as a reference.Efforts like this continue to improve the reliability ofinstalled firestopping in buildings. We met Ms. FatmaAmer at the FCIA Educational Seminar in Abu Dhabi,UAE last year. Check out the winter edition Life SafetyDigest for more about this development.FCIA at ICC Hearings - FCIA had the honorof being selected by the ICC Councils and Boardof Directors to participate as a member of theInternational Building Code Fire Safety Committee.The service on the Fire Safety Committee this codecycle was a lot of work, but well worth the time to“give back” and volunteer at this important codedevelopment process. FCIA made some friends whileat both the Committee Action Hearings and the FinalAction Hearings visiting with building officials, firemarshals,and industryrepresentativesfrom aroundthe world.Thanks toBob Hastingand TonnieCavanais whoworked the FCIA Exhibition Booth at ICC’s TradeICC Code Development Final Action Hearings allow debatefor governmental members to make voting decisions.Show while Executive Director Bill McHugh travelledto Atlanta for ASTM E06 Meetings.Additionally, Bob Hasting and Bill McHugh spokeat the ICC Expo education sessions on Tuesday andWednesday. FCIA co-presented the session with theInternational Firestop Council’s Brice Miller. It was anopportunity for FCIA to focus on the “IIM” of “DIIM”story in addition to products, testing and plan review.ICC’s Annual Luncheon and Banquet were verywell attended, with about 1,500 people attendingeach event. As a member of the InternationalAccreditation Services (IAS) Board of Directors, asubsidiary of the ICC, we had a great seat to view theChapter and Awards Ceremonies and Host ChapterRecognition that took place at the ICC AnnualConference.Life Safety Digest2013 Industry CalendarJanuary 7 to 11Building Innovation 2013 – TheNational Institute of BuildingSciences Conference & Expo,Washington, DCwww.nibs.orgFeb. 24 to 27American Society of HealthcareEngineers Planning, Design andConstruction, San Franciscowww.ashe.orgMarch 11 to 15EduCode International 2013,Las Vegaswww.iccsafe.org/educate/March 18 to 22AWCI Conference & INTEX Expo,San Antoniowww.awci.orgApril 14 to 17ASTM E06 Meetings, Indianapoliswww.ASTM.orgApril 17 to 20National Insulation AssociationAnnual Convention, TusconApril 21 to 28ICC Code Development Hearings,Dallaswww.iccsafe.orgApril 30 to May 3FCIA Education and CommitteeAction Conferencewww.fcia.org30 life safety digest /// Fall 2012

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