walk-in in a Type II

[TJacobs]

2006 IBC:

I have a proposal for a site-assembled walk-in cooler and a walk-in freezer. The type of construction of the building/tenant is Type IIB. The walk-ins are foam core with tongue and groove wood found here:

http://www.hillphoenix.com/productInfo/salesSheets/coolers/pdfs/CoolerSlSht_FINAL.pdf

Are the walk-ins subject to any limitations of IBC 603.1?

 

[Coug Dad]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

Is your concern about combustibles within a Type II-B Building? I would consider a walk in cooler as a piece of equipment and not part of the building construction. If the building is sprinklered, sprinklers would be required both above and within the walk in.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

Don't forget the following sections

2603.4.1.2 Cooler and freezer walls.

2603.4.1.3 Walk-in coolers.

IBC 2006

 

[Plans Approver]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

I have always considered a walk-in cooler/freezer as a prefabricated building component, no different than a site built room with its ceiling below the space's ceiling. Its a storage room (508.2) or S-1 use and subject to sprinklers and accessibility (ADAAG) requirements as a work space where an employee may approach, enter, and exit. No turnaround, no accessible shelving. (ADAAG, not ADA, is a referenced standard in Ohio). As long as it meets Chapter 26, there should be no problem, see 603.1 #3.

 

[TJacobs]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

Don't forget the following sections2603.4.1.2 Cooler and freezer walls.

2603.4.1.3 Walk-in coolers.

IBC 2006

Thanks, they have this covered.

 

[TJacobs]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

Is your concern about combustibles within a Type II-B Building? I would consider a walk in cooler as a piece of equipment and not part of the building construction. If the building is sprinklered, sprinklers would be required both above and within the walk in.

The question is how many would treat walk ins as any other partition/room, which would require fire retardant-treated wood per 603.1. Or would you consider the wood like blocking?

 

[brudgers]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

The question is how many would treat walk ins as any other partition/room, which would require fire retardant-treated wood per 603.1. Or would you consider the wood like blocking?

My first instinct was, "Is it small enough to be reasonably treated as equimpment or furnishings?

On the other hand, if the building is large enough to require classification as type II, then an appropriately non-combustible solution should be found.

 

[Plans Approver]

Re: walk-in in a Type II

The question is how many would treat walk ins as any other partition/room, which would require fire retardant-treated wood per 603.1. Or would you consider the wood like blocking?

It could be FTR wood, are there any out there? Maybe wood around the door as a bolster, but, that's all. There are plenty of walk-ins out there that do not use wood framing. Ask for the UL label on the panels and door as well as the electrical equipment.