Inspectors are becoming quickly over worked and rely on qualified contractors to complete system maintenance, inspection, and repair. The AHJ relies on reports provided by contractors (system experts) which should state the system meets the minimum code requirements.
Lets take a look at these pictures and ask the question [click to continue…]
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Wet-Chemical fire suppression systems are important systems that have prevented countless kitchen fires. The systems are typically installed at the requirements of the International Building Code or National Fire Protection Assocation (NFPA) 1, The Uniform Fire Code.
Systems are installed due to code requirements adopted in a community. Many contractors refer to the the term “grease ladden vapors” as the minimum requirement for the system to be installed. Over the years the basis for installation has been tweaked and modified. You can see in the most recent IBC the language from section 904.2.1 truly refers to the type of exhaust hood. Similar language can be found in NFPA 1 or NFPA 101.
The systems are typically pre-engineered by the manufacture. The system go under very specific testing and scrutiny. This means the system is has limitations on what and how it protects appliances, plenum spaces, and exhaust ducts. The qualified contractor (attended training by the manufacture) would provide working shop drawings that show the system complying with the manufacture requirements. [click to continue…]
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A special post by Art Shaw
This is a reoccurring question!
The following comments are based upon your typical pizza oven (chain type found at pizza hut, dominoes, or other major pizza chains) not the solid fuel ovens in use. If you watch any of the cooking channels you will have seen pizza ovens in New York that are heated by coal and ovens that are domed shape and fire brick lined where a few stick of wood are placed in the cooking area to warm the fire brick to cook a pizza.
Using the I-codes section 904.2.1 of the International Building Code states “Each required commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system required by Section 609 of the International Fire Code (IFC) or Chapter 5 of the International Mechanical Code to have a Type 1 hood shall be protected with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with this code”. The code commentary for this section and the corresponding section in the International Fire Code note the need for an approved automatic [click to continue…]
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Dry-chemical fire suppression systems can be utilized for the protection of paint spray booths to gas station canopies. The systems range in size and capacity based on the hazard they are going to protect.
Dry-chemical fire suppression systems have multiple types which can be utilized in varying applications. This may include a fixed system in a paint spray booth, a hand application in a processing area, or the protection of a stand alone hazardous materials room. The basis for many designs can be found in NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems (2009 is the most current addition). This standard includes minimum requirements for dry chemical fire-extinguishing systems that discharge dry chemical from fixed nozzles or hand hose lines by means of expellant gas.
Did you know you can view the NFPA standards for free? Check out this link to the version of NFPA 17.
The standard [click to continue…]
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Resources for Clean Agent Systems Plan Review and Inspection
Clean agent technology has evolved over the years. The technology for the suppression as well as the application has grown leaps and bounds over the last five years. Manufactures have invested money and energy to making systems which will protect critical resources such as computer server rooms or telephone data areas.
Most model building and fire codes refer [click to continue…]
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,Michael: Yes it’s cute but I would write a violation plus its an eyesore to the community.
,Michael O'Brian: Chris, Typically these systems are installed by an approved fire suppression company. First they are approved by the State...
,Chris: I am looking to install a dry chemical system in my auto spray booth. Is this something I can do on my own or do I have to have this done...
,Patrick G. Collier . . . Irish: There’s a myriad of things, very similar to a shopping list that could have been done. One of those things...
,Dave Donka: If you grew up around Chicago the school fire that will always be remembered is The Our Lady of the Angels fire, which broke out...
,FM D. Sang: I have also lived by the rule of reading the section before and after the “code section” of the related topic. Also, I use...
