Requiring notification devices in existing buildings?

[mtlogcabin]

Existing retail store built in the early 80's under the UBC. Adding an addition to the rear for receiving and storage of products. Addition meets current code and sprinkler riser being updated to current requirements and a new alarm panel and notification devices are being installed in the addition. My concern is the lack of notification devices throughout the sales floor. Although the designer did not specify the IEBC I would like to use it to require notification devices throughout hte existing portion. The sprinkler was used for area increase when the original building was built and is still needed for the addition.

Am I over reaching on this one? How do others get notificaion appliances installed in existing buildings? Opinions please.

2009 IEBC

1002.3 Fire protection systems.

Existing fire areas increased by the addition shall comply with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code .

 

[cda]

is this an M??? over 15000 sq ft

well does not seem like a fire alarm system is required in the first place or am I missing somethiing??

seems like monitoring only of the sprinkler???

 

[brudgers]

IMO, existing building upgrades are best handled through the fire code.

YMMV, but NFPA has IBC punked in this regard.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Over 600 OL exception 2 would be applicable or manual, designers choice

[F] 907.2.7 Group M.

A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group M occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The combined Group M occupant load of all floors is 500 or more persons.

2. The Group M occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge .

Exceptions:

1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in covered mall buildings complying with Section 402.

2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler waterflow.

 

[Papio Bldg Dept]

I would say based upon the IEBC section you quoted, you are not over-stepping your bounds by requiring the existing fire area (which is being increased by the addition) to comply with Chapter 9 of the IBC. As brudgers pointed out, the NFPA will most likely trigger the notification appliances if not other requirements too. We would require it in our AHJ.

 

[cda]

Yes once they hit over 500 full system through out new and old

 

[mtlogcabin]

IMO, existing building upgrades are best handled through the fire code.

The fire code does not include "M" occupancies in Chapter 46 which is for existing buildings with no work being done. 907.2 is for new construction which are general requirements. The IEBC 1002.3 would be a specific requirement because of the increased fire area.

That is my code path and I just want to make sure I am correct. NFPA is not applicable unless I can find the charging lanquage in the I-Codes.

Notification devices are also an ADA issue and should qualify for the tax breaks correct. Might help in the sale of the installation if the owner can get a portion back.

 

[cheyer]

We would require it based on our local ordinance requirement for notification appliances for sprinkled bldgs.

 

[Big Mac]

Why woudn't it be required for notification for the disabled if nothing else?

 

[JBI]

Exception # 2 above only addresses the pull stations, notification devices are still required. Use of the EBC should be through your local law(s), not a random initiative by the AHJ.