Help on a specific question about sprinkler systems!!

[mfelly]

Hello guys,

New to the forums here and looking for some help on a tricky code we're trying to get through on a job.

So, were working on a very large manufacturing building (F1 Occupancy) that has an existing conveyer belt running underground right below the feet of the workers. The floor does have grades located every 20 feet or so that have holes to look down into the conveyer belt. But, recently the owner has dug out a big trench next to the conveyer belt (about 4 feet wide, 5 feet below belt with a walkway to work on belt if needed), the building inspector has told us that we need to look into whether or not this belt/trench needs a sprinkler system under the floor. Keep in mind the original plans had been approved with ONLY the conveyer belt but since people will be down there at times now, there is a question of whether or not it needs a sprinkler. Also, the sprinkler heads in the factory are 30 feet in the air on the ceiling and are "ESFR" sprinklers if that helps.

Any input would be awesome guys! Thanks in advance!!

 

[cda]

Welcome

 

[cda]

Good question

Any electrical down there?

Lights, plugs, motors etc??

So what are all the dimensions of the pit???

I am leaning to yes sprinklers required

What does the fire sprinkler company say?????

 

[steveray]

Typically "obstructions" larger than 4' wide need suppression under them.....

 

[mfelly]

Good question

Any electrical down there?

Lights, plugs, motors etc??

So what are all the dimensions of the pit???

I am leaning to yes sprinklers required

What does the fire sprinkler company say?????

No electrical, no lights, motors, plugs.

Dimensions are exactly 3’6” wide and 4’6” high with removable open grate covers to get into the trench.

As for fire sprinkler company we will reach out to them next.

 

[mfelly]

Would it not need sprinklers if we removed grates and put in diamond metal plates so it is full enclosed??

 

[cda]

With that info and size

I think I would not require sprinklers

Let me look at NFPA 13

And get the sprinkler company’s take on it

Since they can see the hole picture

 

[cda]

So is the conveyor belt four feet or less????

Important piece of info to the puzzle.

If it is, no problem


If OVER four feet, than we have to talk.

I am thinking, if over four feet, everyone involved sets down and has a discussion.

TO me common sense would say no sprinkler required. Just everyone has to agree, and document it.

 

[mfelly]

So is the conveyor belt four feet or less????

Important piece of info to the puzzle.

If it is, no problem


If OVER four feet, than we have to talk.

I am thinking, if over four feet, everyone involved sets down and has a discussion.

TO me common sense would say no sprinkler required. Just everyone has to agree, and document it.

No, conveyer belt is about 1 foot wide. The whole trench is about 5 feet wide all together.

 

[cda]

I would not require added protection


No obstruction over four feet.

Ceiling level sprinklers there to protect the floor.