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Chapter 31 Special Construction: Special Construction, Massachusetts Building Code 2015 | UpCodes
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"3103.1.1 Conformance
Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation, and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure public health, safety, and general welfare."
I am running in to a problem where a temporary fire station (which is a tensile membrane structure: read large tent) per the word of the law and interpretation of the code official is required to have sprinklers.
our current rational is as follows:
- Per Section 3103.1.1 of the MA Building Code, “Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation, and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure public health, safety, and general welfare.” We have highlighted “as necessary” to explain the team’s approach.
- Recognizing that the bays are not public space, the welfare of the first responders is our greatest consideration.
- In lieu of a sprinkler system that would provide automatic detection and fire suppression, we have designed and incorporated the following elements to ensure fire safety in an alternative method:
- Fully monitored fire alarm system per Section 907 complete with heat and smoke detectors, strobes, horns, and pull stations.
- Reduced travel distance to fire extinguishers throughout the facilities.
- Trained fire prevention and firefighting personnel are the nearest on-scene people.
- The bays are separated into two buildings, so if one structure is exposed to fire, the other can be used to fight it.
Does anyone know of any code citations, bulletins or guidance on how the commonwealth interprets and applies special construction sections and language like this?
any suggestions would be much appreciated!