PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amendment of chapter 51-50 WAC, Washington State Building Code and chapter 51-54 WAC, Washington State Fire Code.
Hearing Location(s): Spokane City Council Chambers, West 808 Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA, on September 10, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.; and at the Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building, Washington State Capitol Campus, Olympia, Washington, on September 24, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 15, 2010.
Submit Written Comments to: John Cochran, Council Chair, P.O. Box 41014, Olympia, WA 98504-1014, e-mail joanne.mccaughan@ga.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-9383, by September 24, 2010.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Peggy Bryden by August 26, 2010, TTY (360) 753-7427 or (360) 725-2966.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Chapter 51-50 WAC, Washington State Building Code and chapter 51-54 WAC, Washington State Fire Code.
WAC 51-50-0903 Section 903.2.7: Will provide consistency between past and future sprinkler requirements for certain furniture stores in the Building Code.
WAC 51-54-0900 Section 903.2.7: Will provide consistency between past and future sprinkler requirements for certain furniture stores in the Fire Code.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: This amendment would provide a square foot threshold (5,000 sq. ft.) above which sprinklers would be required in Occupancy Group M where upholstered furniture is sold, including mattresses. Under the current provisions there is no threshold; as currently written, sprinklers would be required whenever a piece of upholstered furniture is present for sale, regardless of the square footage; this is essentially unenforceable by local officials. This was not intended to apply to all furniture stores, and could result in extreme economic impacts to small businesses if this editorial error is not corrected. The change would make the code consistent with the most current life safety code for firefighters. This is consistent with ICC codes being adopted in the 2012 cycle.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.074.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 19.27 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: Will provide continuity and prevent future confusion and fiscal impacts due to inconsistent sprinkler requirements over time.
Name of Proponent: State building code council, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Joanne McCaughan, P.O. Box 41014, Olympia, WA 98504-1014, (360) 725-2970; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The changes will clarify existing rules and will have no disproportionate impact on small businesses.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The state building code council is not listed in this section as one of the agencies required to comply with this statute.
July 26, 2010
John C. Cochran
Chair
OTS-3269.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-03-097, filed 1/20/10,
effective 7/1/10)
WAC 51-50-0903
Section 903 -- Automatic sprinkler systems.
903.2.1.6 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout Group A-2 nightclubs as defined in this
code. ((An existing nightclub constructed prior to July 1,
2006, shall be provided with automatic sprinklers not later
than December 1, 2009.))
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided for Group E Occupancies.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Portable school classrooms, provided aggregate area of any cluster or portion of a cluster of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet (1465 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code. |
| 2. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.1. |
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. Where a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m2).
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic fire sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout
all buildings with a Group R fire area.
| EXCEPTION: | Group R-1 if all of the following conditions apply: |
| 1. The Group R fire area is no more than 500 square feet and is used for recreational use only. | |
| 2. The Group R fire area is only one story. | |
| 3. The Group R fire area does not include a basement. | |
| 4. The Group R fire area is no closer than 30 feet from another structure. | |
| 5. Cooking is not allowed within the Group R fire area. | |
| 6. The Group R fire area has an occupant load of no more than 8. | |
| 7. A hand held (portable) fire extinguisher is in every Group R fire area. |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-097, § 51-50-0903, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 08-01-110, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074, 19.27.020, and chapters 70.92, 19.27, and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-091, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.020, 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 05-24-070, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/5/05, effective 7/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-108, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]
OTS-3349.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-03-100, filed 1/20/10,
effective 7/1/10)
WAC 51-54-0900
Chapter 9 -- Fire protection systems.
902.1 Definitions.
ALERT SIGNAL. See Section 402.1.
ALERTING SYSTEM. See Section 402.1.
PORTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM. A structure, transportable in one or
more sections, which requires a chassis to be transported, and
is designed to be used as an educational space with or without
a permanent foundation. The structure shall be trailerable
and capable of being demounted and relocated to other
locations as needs arise.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided for Group E Occupancies.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Portable school classrooms, provided aggregate area of any cluster or portion of a cluster of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet (1465 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code. |
| 2. Group E Occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less, calculated in accordance with Table 1004.1.1. |
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. Where a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m2).
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all
buildings with a Group R fire area.
| EXCEPTION: | Group R-1 if all of the following conditions apply: |
| 1. The Group R fire area is no more than 500 square feet and is used for recreational use only. | |
| 2. The Group R fire area is on only one story. | |
| 3. The Group R fire area does not include a basement. | |
| 4. The Group R fire area is no closer than 30 feet from another structure. | |
| 5. Cooking is not allowed within the Group R fire area. | |
| 6. The Group R fire area has an occupant load of no more than 8. | |
| 7. A hand held (portable) fire extinguisher is in every Group R fire area. |
SECTION 906 -- PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be
installed in the following locations:
1. In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, R-4 and S occupancies.
2. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) of commercial cooking equipment.
3. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.
4. On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3 occupancies, in accordance with Section 1415.1.
5. Where required by the sections indicated in Table 906.l.
6. Special-hazard areas, including, but not limited to, laboratories, computer rooms and generator rooms, where required by the fire code official.
SECTION 907 -- FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
[F] 907.2.8 Group R-1. Fire alarm systems, smoke alarms and
carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in Group R-1
occupancies as required in this section and Section 907.2.8.4.
[F] 907.2.8.4. Carbon monoxide alarms. For new construction,
an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed by
January 1, 2011, outside of each separate sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of the bedroom in sleeping units. In a
building where a tenancy exists, the tenant shall maintain the
CO alarm as specified by the manufacturer including
replacement of the batteries.
[F] 907.2.8.4.1 Existing sleeping units. Existing sleeping
units shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms by July 1,
2011.
[F] 907.2.8.4.2 Alarm requirements. Single station carbon
monoxide alarms shall be listed as complying with UL 2034 and
shall be installed in accordance with this code and the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
[F] 907.2.9 Group R-2. Fire alarm systems, smoke alarms and
carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in Group R-2
occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.9.1 through
907.2.9.3.
907.2.9.1 Group R-2 boarding homes. A manual fire alarm
system shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies where the
building contains a boarding home licensed by the state of
Washington.
| EXCEPTION: | In boarding homes licensed by the state of Washington, manual fire alarm boxes in resident sleeping areas shall not be required at exits if located at all constantly attended staff locations, provided such staff locations are visible, continuously accessible, located on each floor, and positioned so no portion of the story exceeds a horizontal travel distance of 200 feet to a manual fire alarm box. |
[F] 907.2.9.3.1 Existing dwelling units. Existing dwelling
units shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms by July 1,
2011.
[F] 907.2.10 Group R-3. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be
installed in Group R-3 occupancies as required in Sections
907.2.10.1 through 907.2.10.3.
[F] 907.2.l0.1 Carbon monoxide alarms. For new construction,
an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed by
January 1, 2011, outside of each separate sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of the bedroom in dwelling units. In a
building where a tenancy exists, the tenant shall maintain the
CO alarm as specified by the manufacturer including
replacement of the batteries.
[F] 907.2.10.2 Existing dwelling units. Existing dwelling
units shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms by July 1,
2011.
| EXCEPTION: | Owner-occupied Group R-3 residences legally occupied prior to July 1, 2010. |
909.6.3 Elevator shaft pressurization. Where elevator shaft
pressurization is required to comply with Exception 6 of IBC
Section 708.14.1, the pressurization system shall comply with
and be maintained in accordance with IBC 708.14.2.
909.6.3.1 Activation. The elevator shaft pressurization
system shall be activated by a fire alarm system which shall
include smoke detectors or other approved detectors located
near the elevator shaft on each floor as approved by the
building official and fire code official. If the building has
a fire alarm panel, detectors shall be connected to, with
power supplied by, the fire alarm panel.
909.6.3.2 Power system. The power source for the fire alarm
system and the elevator shaft pressurization system shall be
in accordance with Section 909.11.
SECTION 915 ALERTING SYSTEMS
915.1 General. An approved alerting system shall be provided
in buildings and structures as required in chapter 4 and this
section, unless other requirements are provided by another
section of this code.
| EXCEPTION: | Approved alerting systems in existing buildings, structures or occupancies. |
| EXCEPTION: | Systems which do not require electrical power to operate. |
915.4 Combination system. Alerting system components and
equipment shall be allowed to be used for other purposes.
915.4.1 System priority. The alerting system use shall take
precedence over any other use.
915.4.2 Fire alarm system. Fire alarm systems sharing
components and equipment with alerting systems must be in
accordance with Section 6.8.4 of NFPA 72.
915.4.2.1 Signal priority. Recorded or live alert signals
generated by an alerting system that shares components with a
fire alarm system shall, when actuated, take priority over
fire alarm messages and signals.
915.4.2.2 Temporary deactivation. Should the fire alarm
system be in the alarm mode when such an alerting system is
actuated, it shall temporarily cause deactivation of all fire
alarm-initiated audible messages or signals during the time
period required to transmit the alert signal.
915.4.2.3 Supervisory signal. Deactivation of fire alarm
audible and visual notification signals shall cause a
supervisory signal for each notification zone affected in the
fire alarm system.
915.5 Audibility. Audible characteristics of the alert signal
shall be in accordance with Section 7.4.1 of NFPA 72
throughout the area served by the alerting system.
| EXCEPTION: | Areas served by approved visual or textual notification, where the visible notification appliances are not also used as a fire alarm signal, are not required to be provided with audibility complying with Section 915.6. |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-100, § 51-54-0900, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 09-04-027, § 51-54-0900, filed 1/28/09, effective 7/1/10; 08-01-101, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-093, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.020, 19.27.031, 19.27.074 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 05-24-071, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/5/05, effective 7/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-105, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]
Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.