NFPA Journal - January/February 2014 - (Page 16)

>>perspectives McLellan: When we refer to loss of life, we're also referring to first responders. Our new building codes require that engineered lumber be protected with Sheetrock or be sprinklered. That provision had been introduced in the code to protect firefighters. It's not just occupants' lives we're concerned about. If there was a potential for a rescue, it's much more difficult and challenging in those larger homes. Is that why a 4,500-square-foot threshold was determined for requiring sprinklers in singlefamily dwellings? Scott McLellan says Minnesota's new building codes are designed to protect first responders as well as occupants. "it's not just occupants' lives we're concerned about. if there was a potential for a rescue, it's much more difficult and challenging for firefighters in those larger homes." -Scott McLellan Based on this information, what did the advisory committee recommend? McLellan: They made a position in the affirmative that they want to sprinkler all two-family dwellings and townhouses, which we haven't done before. They weren't going to recommend sprinklers for all single-family dwellings. When the advisory committee met, the housing economy was just starting to rise from the ashes. There was real sensitivity on the part of the homebuilders, who were fearful that any added cost could shake the recovery. Peterson: We were hesitant to impose any regulations that would in any way forestall or slow down the housing recovery. That being said, why did you feel that a code requirement for home fire sprinklers was in the state's best interest? Peterson: We're always weighing the cost to the builders and buyers with the cost of losing human life and property. The department decided on its proposed rule: sprinkling every multi-family unit, and for single-family residences we would have a 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) threshold. We looked at these larger homes and thought these were the places where the most property damage and the greatest potential threat to life would occur. 16 NFPA JOURNAL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 McLellan: This figure wasn't scientific. Two fire service agencies approached us with a phase-in. One recommended a phase-in beginning at 4,000 square feet (371.6 square meters), and the other recommended a phase-in at 5,000 square feet (464.5 square meters) over a three-year period. We rejected the idea for a phase-in and opted for 4,500 square feet (418 square meters). We thought a phase-in would be too confusing for builders. Have you modeled your efforts after other states-particularly California and Maryland- or jurisdictions that have sprinkler mandates on the books? Peterson: We knew that efforts were made in California and Maryland, but we wanted to do what's best for Minnesota. We made our own decisions. Those decisions by your department and Gov. Dayton supporting sprinklers weren't well received by members of your state's legislature. Does that concern you? Peterson: Our legislators can do whatever they want, and they should. Our concern, though, was that they didn't have the type of information on hand that we did. We felt that they had more of a knee-jerk response as opposed to a well-thought-out response. That's the great thing about the code system that Minnesota and most states follow-you bring in citizen groups, you talk about and debate the info, and you come up with solutions. What about the arguments from homebuilder associations that say new homes are safer now Photograph: Thomas Strand

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NFPA Journal - January/February 2014

NFPA Journal - January/February 2014
Contents
First Word
In a Flash
Perspectives
In Compliance
First Responder
Research
Wildfire Watch
Outreach
Firewatch
#Are You Prepared?
Life and Death at Memorial
Barrier Smarts
Perfect Storm
Conference & Expo Preview
Section Spotlight
Product Showcase
Looking Back

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