IBC Art. 903.2.1.5 - sprinklers in A-5 accessory use areas >1,000 sqft

[blugosi]

According to art. 903.2.1.5:
"Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2)."

Does this refer to the aggregate area, or standalone fire areas of 1,000 square feet?
In an outdoor swimming pool installation I have 900 square feet of storage on ground level some 20 feet away from the pool water surface, and another 500 square feet at 10 feet below that , separated by a concrete slab.
Both areas are accessory use to the A-5 swimming pool, pumps, chlorination, pool maintenance equipment etc.
Access to the lower level is by an external open staircase.
Should I add the two levels and go for sprinklers because of that?

 

[mtlogcabin]

Should I add the two levels and go for sprinklers because of that?

My 1st thought is what type and how much chlorination will be used and stored in this structure?

International Fire Code
903.2.11.6 Other required suppression systems.
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire suppression system for certain buildings and areas.

TABLE 903.2.11.6
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS



SECTION 5005
USE, DISPENSING AND HANDLING

5005.1 General.
Use, dispensing and handling of hazardous materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5005. Use, dispensing and handling of hazardous materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

According to art. 903.2.1.5:
"Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2)."

Does this refer to the aggregate area, or standalone fire areas of 1,000 square feet?

Each space. From the 2021 IBC Commentary:

Group A-5 occupancies are assembly uses intended
for viewing of outdoor activities. This occupancy classification
could include amusement park structures,
grandstands and open stadiums. A sprinkler system is
not required in the open area of Group A-5 occupancies
because the buildings would not accumulate
smoke and hot gases. A fire in open areas would also
be obvious to all spectators.

Enclosed areas such as retail areas, press boxes
and concession stands require sprinklers if they are in
excess of 1,000 square feet (93 m2). The 1,000-
square-foot (93 m2) accessory use area is not intended
to be an aggregate condition but rather per space. ...

 

[mtlogcabin]

Forgot to include the code path from the IBC to the IFC section 903.2.11.6

[F] 903.2.11.6 Other required suppression systems.
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire suppression system for certain buildings and areas.

[F] TABLE 903.2.11.6
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS.....

 

[blugosi]

Thank you both!

 

[Penguin87]

My 1st thought is what type and how much chlorination will be used and stored in this structure?

International Fire Code
903.2.11.6 Other required suppression systems.
In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire suppression system for certain buildings and areas.

TABLE 903.2.11.6
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

View attachment 14488

SECTION 5005
USE, DISPENSING AND HANDLING

5005.1 General.
Use, dispensing and handling of hazardous materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5005. Use, dispensing and handling of hazardous materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

Lol, he's going to get into a hazardous assembly type and be in for a real treat.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Not if you keep the quantities below the hazard limits. It is educating the pool operators to not stock the building with amounts greater than what's allowed that is the issue after the pool is operational.

 

[blugosi]

Lol, he's going to get into a hazardous assembly type and be in for a real treat.

I might treat the storage rooms as a mixed separated occupancy. Then they would be assessed as an S occupancy.

I believe that the intent of the Code was about say an outdoor stadium with accessory areas under the bleachers.
I can see the risk in such an arrangement .

A fire inside a concrete warehouse , next to the deck of a 3500 square feet swimming pool ,open to the air with two dozens of sunbeds and a canopy, does not seem like a significant risk.

The thing is that the disinfectants they plan on using are not a fire hazard per se , instead corrosive and oxidizers.

 

[steveray]

Not aggregate and relatively sure that is not the intent there…