Unusable Space above walk-in Coolers

[AREexams]

Hello,

I'm working on remodeling an existing grocery store, Construction Type IB. The rating of the Roof/Ceiling assembly is 1-HR. Do I need to extend the ceiling membrane over the walk-in cooler boxes even if the kneewalls all around the top of the coolers extend to the bottom of the roof? The enclosed space above the boxes is unused. Refrigeration machinery is in a penthouse on the roof; the only access to the enclosed space above the coolers is through access panel(s) for the purpose of piping/conduit/ductwork maintenance.

Thanks in advance for your help!

ARE

 

[mtlogcabin]

[F] 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations.

Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.

1. Any room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.

2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, when approved by the fire code official.

3. Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

4. Rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.

5. Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces.

6. Machine rooms and machinery spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008.

That is what the IBC states. NFPA has some exceptions for "limited" combustible products.

It will be an AHJ call if it will be allowed.

 

[pwood]

I would say yes to extending the ceiling membrane because it won't be rated if the membrane for that area is not installed.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Sorry i had to re-read the post

Agree with pwood fire rating needs to continue over the cooler spaces