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  1. sdpaddler50

    Building spill containment

    I worked on a project where one of these was used in a h3. Pretty slick. I believe there are now other manufacturers that make similar products.
  2. sdpaddler50

    Sprinkler Safety Margin

    In my area, socal, 10% is the norm. It will provide a good safety factor. I am very wary of computer generated tests. I have seen some of these that have been way off. If possible, for new construction, I always specify an actual flow test be done, preferably using a min 4 in hydrant outlet and...
  3. sdpaddler50

    Means Egress question existing S-1

    Mark, thanks for the reply. Re the vents, agreed. Fire testing at FM since the 70's has shown that smoke vents are not needed when QR ESFR are used, but that discussion is for another thread. This particular AHJ requires vents, even with ESFR. But, they also mandate the links of the vents be 2...
  4. sdpaddler50

    Means Egress question existing S-1

    To the MOE experts out there; I am working on a project where a large warehouse is going to have the existing sprinklers removed, and ESFR and a pump will be added to accomodate a new tenant. There is an existing, rated exit tunnel that runs from the center of the warehouse, to an exit door on...
  5. sdpaddler50

    This was pretty cool....

    I am missing something here. I don't see how the residual water trapped in the system ext a fire. It must have been a very low btu heat release fire. If the valves are closed, and a fire starts this usually ends with 100 percent damage especially when comb const is involved. Fire loss history...
  6. sdpaddler50

    IBC's used for use oil storage

    Yes, fm has been calling out this problem for years. 275 gal of even a high fp oil turns into a three dim pool fire, igniting nearby combustibles. The fm data sheets have some solutions for this as well. Check out 7-29.
  7. sdpaddler50

    Fire in South America

    Fire in South America Police: Brazil nightclub fire kills at least 232 - World News Death toll = 245, one exit, 900 people in the club, foam on the walls, fireworks, probably no sprinkler system. I am sure we will get more details over the next few days.
  8. sdpaddler50

    HazMat Management Programs

    To clarify, my haz mat technical reports are very comprehensive, 20 to 50 page reports that cover all aspects - fire systems, control areas, construction, etc. I am only referring to the HMMP portion here.
  9. sdpaddler50

    HazMat Management Programs

    As you all know, every ahj have their own criteria regarding what they require depending on whether MAQ's are exceeded, and other factors. CFC 2701.5.1 requires a Haz Mat Management Plan (HMMP) which requires a drawing showing where the bad stuff is located, evac plan, exiting, etc. But, the...
  10. sdpaddler50

    Cal switching to ICC?

    There is no reason to provide the source. A fellow consultant mentioned it to me. Like you both said, probably just a rumor. Either way, i like uniformity. I have to do work in numerous cities, and each have their own adopted ordinances. Some make sense, others dont.
  11. sdpaddler50

    Cal switching to ICC?

    Heard a rumor our state may adopt the IFC/IBC in their entirety some time in the future and stop doing the CFC/CBC format? anyone esle hear this?
  12. sdpaddler50

    Happy New Year

    I wish everyone good health in 2013. Regards, SDpaddler.
  13. sdpaddler50

    Underground Sprinkler Piping

    As others have noted fire mains under the slab is not a good thing. Have you ever seen the result of a blowout. I bet you could find some pics if you googled it. I have seen it in person sevaral times. The last one involved 175 psi pump pressure at the elbow feeding the riser and it was ugly. If...
  14. sdpaddler50

    Fire Barrier Rating - Control Areas

    Builder Bob, in a 1 story, S-1, Type V warehouse example, you would not need a rated ceiling. The 1 hr wall in between the control areas is all that is needed. There is no requirement to provide sheet rock, or any other type of fire resistant materials on the underside of the ceiling in my...
  15. sdpaddler50

    Fire Barrier Rating - Control Areas

    -In a flammable liquids room, a rated ceiling is required by both NFPA 30, and FM. Any properly designed flam liq room i have worked on had a min 1, or sometimes 2 hour lids depending on various factors. -If we are trying to “separate material quantities from horizontal and vertical fire...
  16. sdpaddler50

    Fire Barrier Rating - Control Areas

    Scenario: Type V-N (wood roof and conc walls), 1 story, housing S-1 (rack storage of widgets). A control area is provided to allow storage of combustible liquids, so that the MAQ of these liquids is not exceeded. Table 2703.8.3.2 (2009 IFC) allows up to 4 control areas (we have 2) and the fire...
  17. sdpaddler50

    HazMat: Material classification computer program?

    Oldfieldguy (sounds like a good screen name for me :) ) - I did not see your response on EngTips regarding this. StookeyFPE replied that the first version of Hmex had the capabilities i was looking for, but due to all of the complexities, and changing variables involved to quantify each...
  18. sdpaddler50

    HazMat: Material classification computer program?

    CDA-the chemsw is a nice program, but i called them and its designed for plants to keep track of their fluids/amounts real time. It's not a fire code/reporting tool. TJ- I ran across the Hmex program this morning. For $200, looks like a good tool. But, for the detailed reports i need to...
  19. sdpaddler50

    HazMat: Material classification computer program?

    I am curious as to what websites others are using to quantify liquids, gasses, etc for hazmat purposes. There are quite a few government and university websites, but the ones i have found are not that great. Anyone know of any good computer based programs? I dont mind paying for the program. My...
  20. sdpaddler50

    Required fire flow

    Thanks for clarifying Bob.
  21. sdpaddler50

    Required fire flow

    You guys are speaking in greek to me. The Civil Engr usually does fire flows for on site hydrants, so its not something i have dealt much with. Cal Fire Code, Table BB105.1 is attached. I assume this is similar to the IFC. What reference, tables did you use to calculate? just curious. Thanks.
  22. sdpaddler50

    S-1 Aircraft Hangar Fire Barrier

    Specifying, and designing fire protection systems with only the fire and bldg. code would not be possible for a large, commercial grade hanger. The code does not provide the specifics needed. Any large hanger using sophisticated foam water deluge systems that are activated by heat detectors...
  23. sdpaddler50

    S-1 Aircraft Hangar Fire Barrier

    One aspect you may want to verify, is whether the planes have fuel in their tanks when inside the hangers. I have not been involved with hangers for a long time, but if I remember correctly, SOP is to only allow a min amount when inside. AS others have noted 409 is where the meat is in regards...
  24. sdpaddler50

    A door and travel distance question for an S-1, Warehouse; New Const.

    I don’t have access to the IBC. Referring to the 2010 CBC, there is a provision allowing 400 ft travel distance as noted below and these conditions are met. The Arch is quoting 250’, and that distance is exceeded. The Architect is therefore proposing an alternate means of method with smoke...
  25. sdpaddler50

    A door and travel distance question for an S-1, Warehouse; New Const.

    Thanks for the input re the .20 and .15. .20 is still noted in the CBC, so for now, that is what needs to be used, unless they adopt for their 2013 version. -To confirm: 400 ft is the max exit access dustance for an S-1 with sprinklers, n0t 250 ft for this particular situation? I am fairly...
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