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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