Sprinkler requirements for long term care facilities effective 2013

[bobinillinois]

As many of you are no doubt aware, effective 8/13/2013, long term care facilities that receive any type of Medicare/Medicaid funding will have to be compliant with Federal Register mandate 73 FR 47075.

"This regulation requires all long term care facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities) to be equipped with a supervised automatic sprinkler system by August 13, 2013, installed in accordance with the 1999 edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems" (NFPA 13)."

"This includes for example, the requirements for closets, walk in coolers/freezers, overhangs, loading docks and shafts to have sprinkler coverage."

All installation work is expected to be completed by August 13, 2013, as there are no provisions in the regulation to extend the timeframe for regulatory compliance beyond August 13, 2013, either through waivers of the use of the FSES."

I'm interpreting this to mean that all of these facilities must be fully sprinkled, with BFP's.

My question is will this also mean that quick response heads must be used everywhere?

The 1999 edition of NFPA 13 5-3.1.5 states, Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be the quick-response type as defined in 1-4.5.2.

But Exception No. 2 says For modifications or additions to existing systems equipped with standard response sprinklers, standard response sprinklers shall be permitted to be used.

Exception No. 3 goes on to say, When individual standard response sprinklers are replaced in existing systems, standard response sprinklers shall be permitted to be used.

So will everybody have to use quick response heads or not?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[firepe]

They would only possibly have standard response heads if they were already previously sprinklered, thus the wording

"modifications or additions to EXISTING systems"

If you are providing new sprinkler protection systems, then they will be Quick response, not standard response.

Thanks for the heads up on the Federal requirement.

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives.
Can You Live Without Them?

 

[bobinillinois]

I guess I should have clarified that I'm a sprinkler inspector, so all of my customers will have an existing system.

My initial interpretation of this was that every nursing home etc. would have to be fully sprinkled, with a back flow preventer and utilize quick response heads.

But I'm fuzzy as to if existing standard response heads will have to be replaced with quick response heads?

 

[pipesnpumps]

The real question is what codes and what version of the standard apply for the system you are inspecting. I understand 1999 applies to the reg, but say if you have a 1970s or 80s system they modified; to what version of the nfpa 13 must the mods be installed to? For work I review that would be 2010 version for all new branchlines and components (everything new meets latest).

As for the interpretation of 1999 you posted: Exception 5 is a no brainer. Replace a SR head with a SR head is allowed..

Exception 2 is a bit trickier. It says mods or additions to a system using SR heads may be SR. Like anything it is all in the details and interpretation. I would say exception 2 only applies to mods or additions that are made in the same compartment as an existing system with SR heads. That may be an overly strong interpretation but it seems to me that was the intent, even if not stated. My main concern would be why would anyone want to add new SR heads if every head in that area is going to be new or replaced with new? I think the intent of the code is to allow maintaining standard response heads where they already exist. But if they are added new or a portion of the system is gutted and gets all new heads then it would require QR, but that is just my opinion, and would be hard to enforce if 1999 were applicable version.

 

[bobinillinois]

Contacted our good friends in Washington DC. Bottom line is that systems equipped with standard response heads will be allowed to keep them in place. The heads will not need to be upgraded to quick response heads.

 

[pipesnpumps]

Again the compliance with the Feds only satisfies the Feds. Check your local codes stds also

Real world knowledge doesn't fall out of the sky on a parachute, but rather is gained in small increments during moments of panic or curiosity.

 

[bobinillinois]

http://www.cms.gov/surveycertificationgeninfo/downloads/scletter09-04.pdf