Occupancy Classification - New Industrial Bldg 1

[Haldorson]

Hello All,

A new industrial building with twelve units is being constructed. No information is available as to what will be occuring in each unit.

What occupancy classification should this be designed to?

Please let me know if further information is required.

Thanks for any and all assistance.

 

[NJ1]

You need to provide way more information in order to determine the classification.

 

[cdafd]

What processes will take place

Any chemicals

Any storage

How many sq ft

 

[Haldorson]

There are 12 units (2400 sq.ft each) on the ground level with stairs to an office space above. It is simply noted as an 'industrial space'. What each future tenant does in terms of work in the space is unkown. I'm assuming it will be on a unit-by-unit basis.

In a situation like this is there a recommended course of action?

 

[pipesnpumps]

I would say Extra hazard group 2, if there is no storage. (and no further info)

 

[stookeyfpe]

I wouldn't touch it. Too little information.

 

[pipesnpumps]

Ok, so the tenant is not known..

For most future occupancies for industrial users of a 2,400 sq ft shop space, they are going to have a mix of uses. The EH-2 comment was a joke, but it would certainly cover you for alot of situations including some flammables and miscellaneous storage, but that is a very robust surpression system and chances are won't be needed in most cases.

Personally what I would do is this:
a) Design the underground supply mains and stub-up (UG lead-in) for Extra Hazard Group 2.
b) Install the system riser and sprinkler piping for the shop floor as Ordinary Hazard Group 2 and the office area as Ordinary 1 (just in case they have misc. file storage up there).

c) when designing the placement of the riser, you need to ghost-in (plan space for) a possible booster fire pump room. If they have something exotic, like say they are manufacturing expanded foam donut hemmorhoid seat cushions and wanting to store them on 100' tall racks, then there is a possibility a pump will be required. It is actually possible to need a fire pump for a 2,400 sq ft space..

d) realize that the ability to LEASE the space will be limited by the sprinkler system.. For example you design to Ordinary 2, but the prospective tenant has a process that requires EH1 or EH2. You can either re- fit-out the sprinkler system to meet EH-1/2 at cost to the owner, or they will have to change their process or move certain functions or materials out the building.

Personally I think OH2 is gonna cover you for most tenants for that kind of space. If it doesn't typically the business license will not be issued without the fire marshall's approval (when he/she catches the higher sprinkler demand requirements), so the perspective tenant won't be able to occupy the space anyway..

Basically, what I am saying is use your best guess as to what kind of occupancy hazard will be leasing the space..

 

[stookeyfpe]

My bigger concern is the function of the space. You can speculate on sprinkler designs but without knowing what's going it, it's a crap shoot. I'm thinking of a 2,400 square foot building filled with organic peroxides and oxidizers. He calls it Industrial - I can call it Hazardous. It makes a big difference in the level of protection.

The original proponent didn't mention where this is. If the buildings are in the Empire of Nardia, I suspect our collective experience can't offer any guidance.

 

[Haldorson]

Thanks all for your thoughtful responses. It's been helpful. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to assist others on this forum.

 

[MaInspector]

I would speak to your local Building Department about how they would like you to proceed. They may let you do a build out as they are occupied and you know who the tenant will be. Usualy as long as there is full detection within the spaces.