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F-1/S-1 space with wood working operations

M

mwskopf

SAWHORSE
Joined
Sep 30, 2019
Messages
54
Location
Kansas
Morning all,
I’m working on a code footprint for a wood stake factory (think wood building layout stakes). Currently calling the 7,500 s.f. building F-1/S-1 non separated non sprinklered type VB (IBC 2018). Calling it VB because of some of the wood infill walls -even though it is a PEMB (pre engineered metal building Type II-B)

Question 1 on sprinks 903.2.4.1. “Woodworking operations” says that you have to sprink any area over 2500s.f that generates “finely divided combustible waste”. Is that waste just saw dust or finer dust from sanding? The company does not use any sanding operations and they use a collection system that vacuums shavings and pipes them to outside storage containers. I did see the reference to Chapter 22 of the IFC in the aforementioned IBC 903.2.4.1. The IFC mentions a mandatory DHA (Dust hazard analysis) I am currently looking into that. (the stake company has not done one of those).

Question 2: If I do call the space F-1 or S-1 am I correct in referring back to chart 301.1(1) in finding the maximum allowable quantity for fire area of only 125 pounds(combustible solids)? That’s only a couple sheet of ¾” plywood…. I am envisioning at least a few racks full of raw materials to make stakes with. Seems like an S-1 area should be able to have a lot more than that. Am I not using the chart correctly?

Thanks all,

Mark Schwartzkopf
 
Several years ago in a town near my home town, a high school wood shop exploded because of sawdust from the collection system for their table and radial arm saws.
 
Re: Q1 - I consider sawdust as “finely divided combustible waste,” whether it is the product of sanding or cutting.

Re: Q2 - Your project would be considered a Group F-1 occupancy. Regarding Table 307.1(1), there are no "combustible solids"; only "flammable solids." A flammable solid is defined in Chapter 2. I do not believe that wood falls into the "flammable solid" category (otherwise, we have a lot of hazardous material Type V and IV buildings in the country). However, you might be concerned with the "combustible dust" material category per Table 307.1(1). Combustible dust is also defined in Chapter 2, but you do not need to worry if the sawdust produced is larger than 420 microns. Otherwise, per Footnote 'q' of Table 307.1(1), you must prove to the building official (per Section 414.1.3) that the concentration of combustible dust will not create a fire or explosion hazard.
 
Thanks as always Ron! I guess I thought wood would be a either a combustible or flammable solid -since its solid, and flammable and all... I see your point on type V and IV buildings though. So there would be no limit then in regards to how much raw lumber they had? as long as not "high piled"
Thanks again
 
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