Section 12-H905. STANDPIPE SYSTEMS

 

Strike Section 905.2 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert new Section 905.2 to the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

 

905.2 Installation standard.  Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 14.

 

Exceptions:

 

1.The residual pressure of 100 psi for 2½-inch hose connection and 65 psi for 1½-inch hose connection is not required to be greater than 65 psi in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where the highest floor level is not more than 150 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

 

2.No fire pump shall be required provided that the standpipes are capable of a minimum 250 gallons per minute (gpm) at 65 psi to the topmost floor in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, or a minimum of 500 gpm at 65 psi to the topmost floor in all other buildings, from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Strike Section 905.3.1 of the International Fire Code in its entirety and insert new Section 905.3.1 in the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

 

905.3.1 Building height.  Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of the fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access for purposes of this section, recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less shall be excluded.  Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible shall be excluded from the determination of the lowest level or highest level of fire department vehicle access.

 

Exceptions:

 

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

 

2. Class I manual standpipes are allowed in open parking garages where the highest floor is located not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

 

3. Class I manual dry standpipes are allowed in open parking garages that are subject to freezing temperatures, provided that the hose connections are located as required for Class II standpipes in accordance with Section 905.5.

 

4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

 

5. Hose stations for use by the building occupants shall not be required, subject to the approval of the Fire Chief, provided that each hose connection is 2 1/2 inches (63.5 mm) and is equipped with a 2 ½-inch by 1 ½- inch (63.5 mm by 38.2 mm) reducer and a cap attached with a chain.

 

 

authority

Section 10 of the Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986 (Act), effective March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code § 6-1409 (2012 Repl.)) and Mayor’s Order 2009-22, dated February 25, 2009, as amended.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 3251 (March 28, 2014 – Part 2); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 61 DCR 5246 (May 23, 2014).

EditorNote

The District of Columbia Fire Code (2013), referred to as the “Fire Code,” consists of the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code as amended by the District of Columbia Fire Code Supplement (2013) (12 DCMR H). The International Fire Code is copyrighted by the International Code Council and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ifc/2012/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2012-000003&bu2=IC-P-2012-000019.