Emergency System Requirement

[avvo0523]

I am working on an expansion project for an existing site which does not have an Emergency System. I raised the concern several time to our clients about adding in an Egress Lighting system at the minimum. Their reaction is "If power is out, power is out". I am searching in the NFPA Life Safety Code to see if there's any specific requirements for Emegency System to be installed in existing site but can not seem to find. Anybody has experienced this similar case? Please advise. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks

 

[dpc]

It really depends on the type of facility and its purpose, size, etc. Emergency lighting and power requirements are based on the occupancy of the building. This can be taken up with the local fire marshal or whoever the "local authority having jurisdiction" might be.

There are distinctions made between "emergency" and "standby" power requirements in the NEC - two very different things.

 

[EEJaime]

As DPC stated, the requirement is completely dependant upon what the occupancy is, where the facility is located, and local and state codes. If it is a healthcare facility, (Type I-"Institiutional"), a public building, a shopping mall, etc..., there are very specific requirements. You will want to look also at the Uniform Building Code for the specific occupancy rating. Any "A" occupancy, (Places of Assembly), will require emergency egress lighting. Any "B" occupancy, (Business/commercial/retail), will have different exiting requirements, etc....

 

[avvo0523]

Thank you so much DPC & EEJAMIE for your advise. The project is an existing petrochemical plant. What type of occupancy classification is it or where do I look it up? Sorry but I am inexperienced with Building Code.
Thanks again.

 

[dpc]

Petrochemical facilities are a world unto themselves and there are numerous codes and consensus standards that would apply, depending on the location in the facility and what processes are involved.

Normally, a large petrochem firm should have a Health and Safety group that would be involved in making these types of decisions, along with the insurance provider.

Egress lighting, emergency systems, etc are normally a big concern at these plants because in the inherent hazards.

There are a few engineers on this forum who work in petrochemical industry, so stay tuned, you'll probably get a better answer soon, but it seems to me you may need to enlist some local help from someone familiar with the plant and the applicable codes.

 

[rbulsara]

Code/standard to refer to is NFPA 101 which dictates, at least in the USA ,where emergency lighting is required. The installation shall be in accordance with NEC. Also visit your State's website for Life Safety codes.

 

[rbulsara]

Oh I see that you already refering to Life Safett code which is NFPA 101, it must be there.

 

[EEJaime]

In NFPA 101-Chapter 40, Industrial Facilities, you may find some requirements. I am sure that some industrial safety group will have published the need for emergency egress lighting, emergency powered alarm and alerting systems, safety controls, at least power for auto-shutdown equipment, etc.... But again, that is best addressed by an engineer familiar with the Petro-Chem industry.