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  1. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    Nope. I just enforce the code. R312.2.1 Window sills. In dwelling units, where the opening of an operable window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or surface below, the lowest part of the clear opening of the window shall be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm)...
  2. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    Right, 'cause gravity is much less effective in a residence. I usually just jump from the top stair and float like a feather to the bottom.
  3. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    The argument is self-limiting. If I can't get in, then I don't have to worry about getting out. The "gaining weight during occupancy" argument is cute, but could be made for a 32" clear width door as well. There is quite a difference between ignoring requirements and considering intent when...
  4. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    I meant more dangerous - less safe.
  5. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    In this case, less. As you so frequently point out when trying to argue against sprinklers, stairways cause thousands of injuries and deaths even when they're built in accordance with codes. This one isn't. No, it doesn't. . . . and you can take an educated guess about how much I care what...
  6. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    Yep. A skinny door is, at worst, inconvenient (provided a compliant door is present). The stair being described is quite a bit more than inconvenient. The code specifically says "other doors shall not be required to comply with these dimensions." Where is that language for stairways? The OP...
  7. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    NFPA 101 just what is it? . . . says the designer with a vendetta against codes in general.
  8. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    These receptacles are in excess of the minimum required; therefore, I can wire them however I please. That furnace is capable of providing the minimum level of heat and is vented properly; therefore, I can vent this extra furnace however I please. I've already provided a compliant restroom in...
  9. P

    NFPA 101 just what is it?

    First, NFPA 101 is not a building code. From NFPA 101 1.1.6, "The Code does not address the following: General fire prevention or building construction features that are normally a function of fire prevention codes and building codes." Second, the spiral stair provisions in NFPA 101 are...
  10. P

    IFSTA Inspection and Code Enforcement 7th Edition

    When you see such documents being shared, they are generally either public information (such as a law adopted by a jurisdiction), or are being freely shared by the publisher (as is the case with ICC and NFPA making their codes available for free online). The publication you are referring to is...
  11. P

    Help with a tenant's deficiencies

    Welcome! If the whole complex is on the same system, it is rarely only one tenant having such problems (my experience). The escutcheon's are generally of no consequence unless the ceiling is part of a fire-resistive assembly (rare in a strip mall). The other concerns are very legitimate and...
  12. P

    use group B (university)

    Has Ohio adopted any of the IFC's existing building provisions? Several of them would apply to the structure you describe (not alarms, though). See Ch. 46 of the '09 IFC for more information.
  13. P

    sprinklers in a moved house?

    Ahhhh . . . got it! You were throwing me for a loop thinking someone had forgotten to tell me CO nixed residential sprinklers. There was actually an attempt at the state level a couple of weeks ago, but it went down in flames (pun intended). :)
  14. P

    sprinklers in a moved house?

    I thought you were in Colorado?
  15. P

    Hallway vs corridor

    You receive no benefit in terms of exit access travel distance by adding a corridor to the design. A corridor is an exit access component (leading you to an exit), and an eixt passageway is an exit component (leading you to the exit discharge). Big difference. The root issues in deciding if...
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    Sprinkler Lab at the National Fire Academy CLOSING ????

    I've heard this to be true as well. I was there three years ago for a different class, and they told us to register quickly if we wanted to come back for "structures and systems". The lab has been on the chopping block for some time, with the possibility of computer-based or regional (private)...
  17. P

    Laguna Niguel council rejects fire zone

    . . . and how is this an unfunded mandate? Is the state supposed to pay the extra cost of the building materials because these people want to build in a fire zone? Last time I checked, the state of FL doesn't kick in the extra cost of all that hurricane strapping.
  18. P

    Laguna Niguel council rejects fire zone

    I thought they had a state-wide building code. Why wouldn't they just amend the code for these zones instead of forcing all local municipalities to pass special ordinances about building materials in the zones?
  19. P

    Storm Shelters

    5 is as restrictive as it gets. I wouldn't be opposed to that. The fact of the matter is that everyone who needs to cram in there during a storm is going to, regardless of the posted occ load. You might as well have the egress designed for the worst case. You could have them post different...
  20. P

    FRP under the Hood

    507.9 Clearances for Type I hood. A Type I hood shall be installed with a clearance to combustibles of not less than 18 inches (457 mm). Exception: Clearance shall not be required from gypsum wallboard or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) or thicker cementitious wallboard attached to noncombustible structures...
  21. P

    2012 IRC: R501.3 I-joist floor protection

    This provision had been proposed and failed before, waiting for better data and increased awareness to manifest. Have you looked at the test data prepared by UL (posted above)? Have you not at least read about (or talked to your local FD about) the increase in near-misses, injuries, and deaths...
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    2012 IRC: R501.3 I-joist floor protection

    Nothing would surprise me, but I don't know how much more study could be done on this topic. There are plenty of documented incidents, with a 2008 UL study confirming what had already become common sense...
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    2006 IFGC - Used Oil Unit Heater & 500 gallon Storage Tank

    Motor oil is generally classified as a IIIB combustible liquid, with 500 gallons being no problem in terms of MAQs. I believe the installation of this heater will be regulated by the IMC, not the IFGC. There are also some requirements in the IFC. It should be a listed appliance, installed and...
  24. P

    Sprinkler rule tied to housing permits

    I'd say they basically punted this one. I'm sure the mandate is not a foregone conclusion - the issue will likely be re-evaluated in its entirety as they get closer to the threshold.
  25. P

    Auto Dealership / Occupancy / Toilets

    I believe the question regarding separation of mixed occupancies has been resolved. It was confusion about use of a fire barrier to create separate fire areas.
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