The new requirements in the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) and the International Building Code (IBC) are the result of the International Code Council (ICC) membership approving a proposal during the May 2010 Final Action Hearing to require the installation of CO detection in new and existing Group-R and Group-I occupancies, such as hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, hospitals and nursing homes.
The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) has adopted the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) without amendments to the CO and smoke detection sections.
NFPA 72-2010 refines and more carefully defines the concept of intelligibility.
Jonathan R. Hart, Associate Fire Protection Engineer with the National Fire Protection Association, is responsible for documents addressing information technology equipment, telecommunication facilities, wet and dry chemical extinguishing systems, explosion protection, commercial cooking systems, fire safety and emergency symbols, and water mist fire protection systems. Hart holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and is finishing work toward an M.S. degree in Fire Protection Engineering.
As a relatively new concept to fire and life safety systems, intelligibility requirements will change how these systems are designed and installed. Designing for intelligibility can be complicated by a variety of factors. While the properties of the speaker have some impact on the intelligibility of a system, most factors have to do with the occupancy itself. So while important, speaker choice will not always ensure intelligibility.
Aspiration detection systems must comply with the state, local, federal and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards, specifically, the NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code), NFPA 75 “Standard for Protection of Computer and Data Processing Equipment,” and NFPA 76 “Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities.” Ultimately, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will dictate fire protection requirements. Although aspiration systems must comply with codes, they are not required by code.
Scott Bailey is the senior vice president of Koorsen Fire & Security, an installation and service company that has been privately held since 1946. The company focuses on inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, fire extinguishers, access control and video surveillance systems, as well as monitoring of residential and commercial [...]
Robert E. Solomon, P.E., National Fire Protection Association, tells how identifying building use, occupancy and other factors impacts planning for an appropriate system. A comprehensive fire- and life-safety design requires a cohesive blend of alarm/detection capabilities, an appropriate suppression system and a number of other building construction features that depend on occupancy, type of facility [...]
Are You Installing the Right Carbon Monoxide Detector?
When security dealers, installers and distributors are evaluating which carbon monoxide (CO) detector to purchase, they should look for a product that is listed for the intended use and features that comply with the industry’s most recent product standards. Every alarm professional should understand the differences between American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards ANSI/UL 2034 and ANSI/UL 2075 and be aware of the new requirements of the third edition of ANSI/UL 2075 that become effective later in 2009.
Ever wonder how changes to NFPA codes and standards are made? Here’s a quick guide.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages public participation in its code and standards development. Codes and standards are revised every three to five years in a systematic and inclusive process that provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to submit input through key points in the development cycle.