NFPA 13-2016 Updates
VOLUME 3-16
NFPA 13 - 2016 Updates –
Useful Exceptions:
1. Sprinklers installed below skylights that
are less than 32 sq. ft. are not required
to meet the 12 inch deflector distance
below the skylight (NFPA 13-8.5.7.1.1)
2. Soffits located against a wall and less
than 24 inches wide do not require
additional protection below (NFPA 13
Fig. 8.6.5.2). When using sidewall
sprinklers, soffits less than 8 inches wide
do not require protection (NFPA 13-
8.7.4.1.3.2).
3. Fire Protection above cloud ceilings
could be eliminated if the openings
between the clouds are less than 20% of
the ceiling area. Several other criteria
may still require additional protection
above the cloud ceiling (NFPA 13-
8.15.1.2.1.3 and NFPA 13-8.15.24.1).
4. Combustible Concealed Space
sprinklers are not expressly required for
concealed spaces less than 36 inches
deep. Standard spray sprinklers may be
used at a reduced cost on steel pipe
systems (NFPA 13-8.15.1.6.1).
5. When protecting closets and pantries
that are less than 24 sq. ft. in hotels and
motels, there is no longer a restriction
that the “least dimension” be less than
3’-0” in order to omit sprinklers (NFPA
13-8.15.8.2). This applies to all closets in
NFPA 13R and 13D applications.
NFPA 13 - 2016 Updates –
More Restrictive Requirements:
1. Sprinklers are required in all bathrooms
for limited care facilities and nursing
homes (NFPA 13-8.15.8.1.2).
2. Multistory buildings exceeding two
stories in height shall be provided with a
floor control valve, check valve, main
drain, and flow switch at each level.
Exceptions apply when the combined
floor areas are less than 52,000 sq. ft. or
where the top level of the building is
supplied by the piping on the floor
below (NFPA 13-8.2.4).
3. The “three times” rule for vertical
and horizontal obstructions is
required for distances greater than
24 inches (NFPA 13 Fig. 8.6.5.2.1.3).
4. Conduit, piping and other
obstructions below ESFR heads are
required to have a larger separation
between solid members in order to
eliminate sprinklers below them
(NFPA 13-8.12.5.3.3).
5. A single air vent, at the highest point
of a wet system, is required to
prevent corrosion. Multiple air vents
are not required (NFPA 13-7.1.5).
6. Solid Shelf Racks are now defined as
“A rack that is not defined as an
open rack”. This also applies to the
placement of loads, including boxes
or pallets “that block the openings
that would otherwise serve as the
required flue spaces” (NFPA 13-
3.9.3.8).
7. Commodity Classifications shall be
determined based on the makeup of the
entire storage unit including the primary
packaging and pallet (NFPA 13-
5.6.1.1.1).
By, Craig Atkinson
FIRELINE
The 2016 version of NFPA 13 is here! So what now? Even though the State of Utah, along with other states, are still living in the
dark ages, using older versions of NFPA 13, most AHJ’s will allow us to make exceptions and follow the most recent edition. Although
they can’t legally enforce the 2016 requirements, until it has been adopted by each state, several changes and clarifications in the 2016
version could be advantageous on our current projects. If you find yourself in one of these scenarios, bring it up, so we can help. It might
be worth negotiating with the AHJ to make an exception and definitely worth digging in our heels if they’re attempting to apply new
restrictions before their time... In any case, it’s important that we all know our options. Below are a few “bullet points” of significant
changes that affect us and should be considered moving forward.
Welcome!
Patrick Gudmendsen – SH Shop
Misty Asay – Accounting
Zachurey Robb – FS Inspections
Morgan Jones – SH Technician
Weston Hathaway – FS Service/Insp.
Max Robbins – FS Apprentice
Sarah Weis - Accounting
James Conrad – FS Apprentice
Russell Warnick – Shop
Congrats
Brandon Boyd – NICET Level III
True friendship is hard to find and is very rare. I was very lucky to be
able to call Brandon Noble and Eddie Garcia my friends. One of my
favorite memories with both of them was at the Westerner. I was
suckered punched from behind (I assume mistaken identity). The
coward had about 5 or 6 of his buddies there but that didn't stop us.
Brandon and Eddie were ready to help a friend out, and so it began.
To make a long story short, we took care of those guys. I'll never
forget laying there on the ground in hand cuffs with my two best
friends grinning ear to ear. This may not be the most positive story
about my friends, but it's a story that says a lot about their loyalty.
Brandon and Eddie were great friends and will always have a place in
my heart. -Jake Asay
The annual summer picnic has been booked!
Save the Date:
Saturday, July 9
th
(Details to Follow)
REMEMBERING BRANDON & EDDIE
Brandon and I became very good friends shortly after my
hire date. He was always busting ass in the shop and remodeling
next door. He was such a good guy to work with. Even when we
were working, he would yell something funny at me across the shop
all day. Honestly he was like family to me. I see the guys at the shop
more than I see my family so it's like a 2nd home to me. Brandon will
be missed and will never be replaced on that line welder.
I didn't know Eddie for very long but the time I did, he was
always trying to help me in some way shape or form. When I was
welding he'd come say good morning and squeeze my shoulders
with his freaking gorilla hands and almost put me to the floor. I miss
both these guys and hope their happy wherever they are right now.
-Ryan Ziegler
As we express our
gratitude, we
must never forget
that the highest
appreciation is
not to utter
words, but to live
by them.
