Help requested on NJ fire wall requirements

[Bob Campbell]

I have a need to install a new production line in my facility and with the current layout, I would be running a conveyor of product directly through my existing fire wall. Could someone point me in the direction of the building code/fire code I need to follow in order to stay in compliance.

I've heard I need to add additional sprinkler protection above and below the conveyor (while tying in the conveyor to shut down if the sprinkler system is activated.

I've also been told I need to make the end of the conveyor retractable, so that a shutter or fire door tied into the sprinkler system can completely seal off the area.

My question is what does the code require.


Of note, this is in a food manufacturing situation.

 

[stookeyfpe]

http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/codreg/

 

[Bob Campbell]

Thank you Stookeyfpe. I spent time going through the code this weekend and I've drawn the following conclusion about my situation.

The firewall separates two sections of the building that are both protected by automatic sprinkler systems. I want to run a conveyor through the opening that is roughly 42" wide, so figure on a 72" wide x 72" high opening (or 36 square feet).

I believe "706.8 Openings" applies here "openings cannot exceed 156 square feet except where both buildings are equipped with a sprinkler system...." In this case both buildings are protected and the opening does not exceed 156 square feet.

Also referencing "Section 716.5". "...aggregate width of openings shall not exceed 25% of the length of the wall...". Again I'm compliant here as I'm only looking at 6' opening and the wall is 315' long (with an existing 30-40 feet of openings for fire rated forklift and pedestrian doors).

Would you interpret the code the same way?

Anyone else care to weigh in?

Thank you!

 

[LCREP]

Bob

Reach out to your insurance loss prevention department if you have not done already. As a retired loss prevention representative I spent a lot time reviewing wall openings in fire walls. In the insurance world fire walls are used to determine insurance premiums. Putting a hole in a masonry fire wall without some of the things you mentioned i.e. Fire door, drop away conveyor, etc would be things I would have mandated if our underwriting dept considered the wall a fire wall. Check out the free FM Data Sheets
MAXIMUM FORESEEABLE LOSS 1-22 for details on fire wall openings.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Bob Campbell,

I would agree with your application of the code. The issue is how the opening is going to be protected with a conveyor penetrating it. In these cases I've recommended the Building Official approve designs complying with FM Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1-22 as equivalency. Understand that in my capacity as a fire official, I'm not granted the authority to approve such a design. The final decision rests with the Building Official because the design and installation of opening protectives is a Building Code issue.

One recommendation is to prepare a detailed design and code equivalency substantiated by applying the referenced FM Data Sheet and meeting with the Building Official for your jurisdiction to explain the issues and demonstrate how equivalency to conventional opening protective (i.e., fire door assembly) is being achieved. If you don't have experience at this I suggest hiring a licensed fire protection engineer. I also suggest to have Plan B ready in case the 1st plan is not acceptable to the jurisdiction.

 

[cdafd]

Do you know why the rated wall is there?

Is it still required?

What does the remainder of the wall look like ?? A lot of holes in it?!

 

[Bob Campbell]

I want to thank everyone for the responses and guidance here, it is very much appreciated.

I'm going to work my way through the FM Global Data Sheet and I'm sure more questions will arise.

I have reached out to my insurance loss prevention department.


@Cdafd - I don't know the full reason for the wall being there in the first place. I do believe years ago, one side was considered the factory floor and another side was more for warehouse space. I'm not sure if at that time, only one of the sides was protected with the sprinkler system. The wall is approximately 315' long and has roughly 30-40' of openings in it along that run (these are fire rated forklift doors and pedestrian doors). This would be the first scenario where a conveyor would run through it.

 

[LCREP]

Bob,

Regarding the fire doors you have on the openings, have you ever drop tested the doors? Drop testing means cutting or melting the fusible link to ensure the fire door operates and drops.

The annual drop testing is required by the NJ Fire Code.

http://www.acmedoor.com/fire-door-testing

The reason I ask is as an insurance person I would witness the testing or at least look for documentation it was done. Fire doors have a very high failure rate in particular rolling steel fire doors. My experience with witnessing MANY fire drop tests included doors not closing all the way, closing with such force they would bounce back open, the fusible link painted, guide rails bent, etc etc. If this testing has not been done it maybe an indication the fire walls are not recognized by the local AHJ and or insurance company, if so then your wall conveyor opening is no big deal.

I was an instructor for the NJ Division of Fire Safety and reviewed the required testing in a warehouse seminar we did for them. NFPA 80 covers fire door testing and is referenced by the NJ fire code.

Hope this helps. Let us know how things go and if you need any more help.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Bob
After reading your last response and the thread the fire wall may no longer be a necessary fire protection feature because it appears the entire building is sprinklered. If the building construction is the same, the occupancy is the same (Factory, Storage and / or Business) and you have sufficient separation from adjacent buildings and property lines, the building could possibly be classified as an Unlimited Area building under the Building Code. Under this classification, the fire wall isn’t required because the building is fully sprinklered. The caveat is the automatic sprinkler system(s) must be properly designed for the stored hazards.

Such an analysis should be performed by a fire protection engineer but you may have a case where because of the conditions I described, the protection of openings in the fire wall isn’t required by the NJ Building Code. Your insurance underwriter may have a different opinion so please check with all the appropriate parties.

 

[Bob Campbell]

@LCREP Yes the current doors passed the drop test as recently as the beginning of this month. But you bring up a great point that I can ask my insurance provider when they are here next week. For the purpose of underwriting are you considering this wall a fire wall (especially when it comes to MFL purposes (where if I understand the data sheet correctly, they assume the sprinkler system is not functioning properly).

 

[LCREP]

Bob,

Yep ask them, some insurance companies will use a max sq ft of the area, some use dollar at risk (i.e.building replacement and contents)including business interruption ( how long will it take to get to the same level of income as before the fire) some look at the operation mfg vs whse, it all depends on who the carrier is and how they underwrite. You may want to ask your financial folks how large of a deductible you have. If it is many $$ millions adequate protection of the opening maybe worth it!

Yes I have had this discussion many many times with plant managers ...lol.