Marijuana Grow Facility Sprinkler Density

[Oremus]

I'm having a problem finding guidance on the proper density for a med marijuana facility which is an F-1 occupancy. The existing system is an ancient ordinary hazard pipe scheduled system and as such the limits of the schedule won't allow any additions without major revamping. We've opted to calculate the modifications to this system but this opens up a whole host of other problems since the water pressure isn't ideal. Long story short - our original design density is for ordinary group II - but I'm wondering if there is any reason why this couldn't be calculated as an Ordinary I, which would solve most of our issues?

 

[skdesigner]

13 lists 'Agricultural Facilities' as OH-2. I have only done one medical grow op, and that is what we designed it to.

There was no storage in this particular building, only growing tables and ancillary service areas like offices, change rooms and broom closets. I was never inside the building, but I'm told the security is like Fort Knox.

 

[Oremus]

Yeah, figures - Agricultural Facilities is first on the list and I missed it. I did see 'Tobacco products manufacturing' in there as well which was tipping me back towards ord group II but I think between that and the Ag Facilities there is no question that this needs to have at a minimum an ordinary group ii density.

Thanks Sk!

 

[skdesigner]

My pleasure. Happy holidays!

 

[TravisMack]

Just another agreement with OH2. I have done a couple grow facilities and we do them as OH2.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

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[EmmanuelTop]

I wonder if sprinklers are really required in a Mary Jane garden. In case of fire, one could just laid back and enjoy, exercise deep breaths, and inhale the smoke until the fire extinguishes by itself. In technical safety language, this is called a "burndown philosophy".



Dejan IVANOVIC
Process Engineer, MSChE

 

[stookeyfpe]

It would be prudent on the part of any designer to ask if hash oil will be extracted within the building. If hash oil extraction is an intended activity, your client will more than likely be engaged in solvent extraction, and depending on the solvent, the ceiling sprinkler discharge density could increase to Extra Hazard Group I or II. See NFPA 35.