Helpful Hints: Top 10 Life Safety Compliance Deficiencies of 2011 - Part 9
We are winding down to the end our blog series on the Top Ten Life Safety Compliance Deficiencies of 2011 with this week's entry #9, K56 - Sprinkler System Installations. The deadline to have your buildings fully sprinkled is August 13, 2013 and with so many providers having to have sprinkler systems installed over the last couple of years the rigor for compliance on K56 is only going to grow.
With that in mind, I wanted to focus this week's entry on the common errors and scenarios that occur with Sprinkler System Installations to really give you an idea of ways that you can get cited.
K56 -Sprinkler System Installation
Sprinklers must be installed throughout a facility in accordance with NFPA 13
- Complete sprinkler system required for all new construction
- Complete sprinkler system required for certain existing construction types
- Complete sprinkler system required for all nursing homes, regardless of construction type by Aug. 13, 2013
Waivers and FSESs for lack of sprinklers in certain areas will no longer be permitted after that date. There will be no extensions to complete sprinkler installation.
Common Errors with Sprinklers
Common areas that incorrectly lack sprinkler coverage
- Closets
No size requirements to qualify a space as a closet
- Combustible overhangs that extend more than 4ft off building
- Room behind dryers
- Elevator machine rooms
No exception in code
- Elevator shaft
Exceptions can be met
- Electrical rooms
- Walk-in coolers/freezers
- Linen/Trash Chutes
- Attics
Items connected to sprinklers or sprinkler pipes
Sprinklers not properly spaced
- Between 6ft and 15ft apart with most sprinklers
- Single sprinkler exceeds maximum protection area
- Sprinklers installed within 4in of ceiling/wall joint
- Pendants not between 1in and 12in of ceiling
Sprinkler obstructions
- Light fixtures
- Cubicle curtains
Improperly sized mesh
Curtain bunched in front of sprinkler
- Storage
- Exit signs
- Movable walls
- Book shelf or Filing Cabinet
- Ductwork
All areas of a building must be sprinkler protected for a building to be fully sprinkled (Combustible overhangs greater than 4ft, elevator machine rooms, electrical rooms, walk in coolers/freezers and closets are the most commonly omitted areas)
Full Suppression would be considered fully sprinkled - the entire premises (NFPA 13 Section 5-6 contains tables to show minimum distances from sprinkler to obstructions).
Common Citation Scenarios
If the following isn't true:
- An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, to provide complete coverage for all portions of the building.
- The system is properly maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems and it is fully supervised.
- There is a reliable, adequate water supply for the system. Required sprinkler systems are equipped with water flow and tamper switches, which are electrically connected to the building fire alarm system. LSC reference: 19.3.5
I hope you have found these common errors and citation scenarios to be helpful. Through regulatory changes sprinkler systems have been brought closer to the forefront on the facilities management side in Senior Living and the first step in ensuring compliance and safe buildings is the installation.
I appreciate those who have shared your experience about previous K Tags on the list and I encourage you all to do so. Sharing what's happened to you could save someone else a headache and a citation during survey.
I complete the series next week on the Top Ten Life Safety Compliance Deficiencies of 2011 with #10, K12 - Construction Type. With that final entry, I'll include a summary of the entire Top Ten list to provide you a quick review.
I look forward to talking with you all next week!
Sources:
Top 10 Deficiencies and How to Avoid Them, Indiana State Department of Health
Preventative Maintenance Manual, Ohio Department of Health
So That's What They Look For, CMS
Hi Great information on sprinklers.
I worked as a fire inspector prior to becoming a building Manager and recently had a small leak from a sprinkler head. I look above the tiles and was shocked to see the plastic flexable pipe held by wire attached to ceiling supports and HVAC pipes ect.
These pipes must be installed correctly by fastening to the ceilings and for 1" pipes must be supported every 6'. I hope your readers take a look above the ceiling tiles just to see what is hiding out of sight.
Thanks
James