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1Expertly Engineering Safety From Fire
Fire Codes and Best Practices: An Introduction
William E. Koffel, P.E., FSFPE
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
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Overview
• Understand the fire code regulatory process in the USA
• Understand the NFPA Code Development Process
• Understand the ICC Code Development Process
• Become aware of key code changes impacting YOUR business
• Discuss some key challenges with current code requirements
Model Codes
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Model Codes
NFPA Code Development Process
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Current Requirements in NFPA 1-2015
• Section covers all outside storage of all pallet types
• 20 – 50 ft. clearance from other storage
• Separation from buildings depending on building construction and number of pallets
• Maximum pile height – 15 ft.
• Maximum stack area – 400 sq. ft.
• Minimum distance between stacks – 8 ft.
• Minimum clearance to property line – 8 ft.
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Current NFPA 1 Requirements
Current NFPA 1 Requirements
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Current NFPA 1 Requirements
NFPA 1 -2018
• Based upon Public Proposal submitted by NWPCA
• Key concepts
• Manufacturing/recycling facilities are different from idle storage
• “BEST” operating practices
• Site plan
• Fire prevention plan
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Security management plan
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NFPA 1 - 2018
• Based upon Public Proposal submitted by NWPCA
• Key concepts• Manufacturing/recycling facilities are different from idle storage
• “BEST” operating practiced• Site plan
• Fire prevention plan
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Security management plan
• Not stored within 0.75 times stack height of property line or important building• Public comment to add a minimum dimension likely to be submitted
• Maximum pile height – 20 ft.
• Alternative approach based upon improved access, protection, or risk assessment
NFPA 1 - 2018
• First Draft was further modified by:
• Key modifications
• Applies to wood, wood composite, and pallets listed to be equivalent to wood
• Site plan shall include all hazardous areas, not just flammable liquid storage
• Limitations of pallet array size
• If access by less than 20 ft, depth shall not exceed 30 ft. from access
• If access by “fire lane”, depth shall not exceed 50 ft. from access
• Exception for approved existing arrangements
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NFPA 1 –2018 Edition
• NO GUARANTEES!
• Important dates
• NFPA Membership Consideration – June 8, 2017
• Released date – August 2017
• Adoption/effective date – VARIES - HOWEVER
SMART CODES
• NFPA 1 contains a paragraph to permit equivalent approaches subject to approval by AHJ.
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ICC Code Development Process
• Conceptually similar to NFPA
• Committee hearings are public hearings
• Final vote restricted to governmental members
• Key Dates for 2018 IFC
• Document release – Fall 2017
NWPCA Proposal to ICC
• Based on preliminary First Draft Report of NFPA 1
• Additional edits
• Minimum distance to property line of 8 ft.
• NOTE: IFC did not contain a section for idle pallet storage, BUT
• Proposal was submitted by Washington State Fire Marshals Association
• NWPCA worked to coordinate two proposals to exempt manufacturing/recycling facilities
• NWPCA Proposal was accepted
• Public Comment with editorial revisions by NWPCA was withdrawn
• SMART CODES BY EARLY INVOLVEMENT BY INDUSTRY
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Application
• Although adoption of the 2018 Editions may be years away, plan now:
• NFPA 1 contains a paragraph to permit equivalent approaches subject to approval by AHJ.
• IFC contains a paragraph to permit alternative approaches subject to approval by the code official
• These are recent changes that could easily be redone or overridden with poor fire experience
• It is the best thing for your business!!!
Risk Management
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Safety
Security
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Fire Safety
Maintenance & Housekeeping
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Pile Size I
Pile Size II
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Code Compliance Issues
• Code development activities were Phase I
• Compliance resources for industry
• NWPCA members or entire industry
• Education of Code Officials
• Program scheduled for ICC Conference in September
• Ongoing resources for members
Code Compliance Issues
• I am being told that I can only store pallets 6 ft. high inside my building. Is that true?
• MAYBE – Most likely the requirement is coming from the requirements for the sprinkler system that is protecting your building. See NFPA 13.
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Code Compliance Issues
• What is involved with
• Site plans
• On-site assessments
• Security management
• Emergency and evacuation plans
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance
• Multitude of NFPA documents that could be references
Code Compliance Document
• Second group to review the document
• Questions
• Is there anything that you are doing that is not included in the document?
• Is there anything in the document that would present a significant problem to you if required to do?
• Does the document meet the needs of the intended audience?
• Too much material
• Too little material
• What should be in the document as compared to:
• An appendix
• Separate online resource
• Other resource
• Do you have resource documents that we can use?
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31Expertly Engineering Safety From Fire
Questions?
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William E. Koffel, P.E., FSFPE
(Registered in DC, MD, NY, OH, PA, VA, WA)
Koffel Associates, Inc.
8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 200
Columbia, MD 21045-2107
410-750-2246
www.koffel.com