Consulting-Specifying Engineer - January 2009 - (Page 21) Codes & Standards supplement code development cycle, the requirements for the fire service access elevator were expanded. Prior to the supplement, in high-rise buildings, a single elevator was required to serve all floors. The code will require the elevator to open into a rated vestibule that also provides access to an exit enclosure. There also are requirements to enhance the robustness of the elevator. (G63-06/07) Fire service elevator hoistway lighting: The hoistway for the fire service elevator required for high-rise buildings must be illuminated at not less than 1 foot candle for the entire height when firefighters’ emergency operation is active. (G195) Fire service elevator lobby: A minimum size of 150 sq ft with a minimum dimension of 8 ft will be required for lobbies that fire service elevators open into. (G197) Bond strength of sprayed fire-resistive material (SFRM): The minimum bond strength for SFRM in buildings more than 420 ft in height will be 1,000 psf. This will have an impact on the cost of the material and installation. (G68-06/07) Fire command center size: The IBC and IFC were modified to increase the minimum size of the fire command center from 96 sq ft to 200 sq ft with a minimum dimension of 10 ft. (F84) Sprinkler system design for buildings more than 420 ft tall: Requirements have been added to the IBC and IFC requiring sprinkler systems in buildings more than 420 ft tall to have alternating floors supplied by different risers. This proposal was developed in response to the World Trade Center disaster. (G46) Smoke removal for high-rise buildings: All high-rise buildings will be required to have natural or mechanical ventilation for removal of products of combustion. The alternatives include operable windows at a rate of 40 sq ft per 50 linear ft of perimeter, or mechanical ventilation at a rate of four air changes per hour. Glazed opening for ventilation may be fixed if they can be cleared by firefighters, and there are exceptions for Group R-1 and designs producing equivalent results. (G64) Elevator shaft pressurization: The requirements for elevator shaft pressurization used in lieu of elevator lobbies were revised. The minimum and maximum pressure differentials to adjacent floor areas have been changed to 0.10 in. and 0.25 in., respectively. A rational analysis as would be required for smoke control systems also will be required for construction documents. (FS67) Other requirements Two-way communication at elevators: A requirement has been added for a two-way communications system at elevators that serve as part of the means of egress. (E34) Crowd managers: The IFC will require trained crowd managers for facilities or events where more than 1,000 persons will congregate. Crowd managers are to be provided at a rate of 1 per 250 people. (F59) Emergency responder radio coverage in buildings: Requirements for approved radio coverage within new and existing buildings will be added to the IBC and IFC. This requirement may include the incorporation of repeater systems within buildings for compliance. Exceptions will allow the authorities to accept wired systems on a case-by-case basis. (F87) Inspection of passive fire protection: Requirements that the owner perform annual visual inspection of passive fire protection were added to the IFC. Concealed fire protection that is not easily accessible through removable panels, ceiling tiles, etc. is not required to be inspected. (F105) Site fabricated stretch systems: A definition and requirements for site fabricated stretch systems used as interior finishes were added to the IFC. (F119) Sprinklers in gymnasiums and arenas: The exception for sprinklers covering areas used exclusively for participant sports has been removed from the codes. The rationale for this change focused Planning on going green? AERCO helps facilities become LEED certified. At AERCO, we recognize the importance of the LEED certification system and green building design and operation. In fact, as an industry leader and member of the US Green Building Council, we have written a white paper to help engineers and facility managers understand how AERCO products complement LEED-NC projects. For your FREE copy of our white paper and more details, visit www.aerco.com/leed2 Heat You Can Bank On Copyright 2009 AERCO International, Inc. Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JANUARY 2009 21 Input #211 at csemag.com/quickResponse http://www.aerco.com/leed2 http://www.aerco.com/leed2 http://www.csemag.com/quickResponse
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