SECTION 6.8  SPECIAL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Subsection 6.8.1.  Installation

6.8.1.1.  (1)  Where a special fire suppression system is installed after November 21, 2007 to comply with this Code, the system shall conform to one of the standards set out in Sentences (3) and (4).

(2)  If a water-based fire suppression system is not compatible with fire suppression for specific types of hazards, a special fire suppression system conforming to one of the standards set out in Sentence (3) is permitted to be installed in lieu of a water-based system.

(3)  The design and installation of a special fire suppression system that is not water-based shall conform to one of the following standards:

(a)   NFPA 11, “Standard for Low‑, Medium‑, and High‑Expansion Foam”,
(b)   NFPA 12, “Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems”,
(c)   NFPA 12A, “Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems”,
(d)   NFPA 12B, “Standard on Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems”,
(e)   NFPA 17, “Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems”,
(f)   NFPA 17A, “Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems”, or
(g)   NFPA 2001, “Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems”.

(4)  The design and installation of a water‑based special fire suppression system shall conform to one of the following standards:

(a)   NFPA 15, “Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection”, or
(b)   NFPA 16, “Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems”.

(5)  Wetting agents used in conjunction with water-based fire suppressions systems shall conform to NFPA 18, “Standard on Wetting Agents”.

(6)  A hazard for which a fire suppression system has been designed shall not be increased unless the level of fire protection is also commensurately increased.

(7)  Operating and maintenance instructions for a special fire suppression system shall be posted in proximity to the equipment and, if manual controls are provided, shall also be posted near the manual controls.

(8)  Valves and controls for a special fire suppression system shall be clearly marked to indicate their function and shall be accessible at all times.

Subsection 6.8.2.  Inspection and Maintenance

6.8.2.1.  (1)  Except as otherwise provided in this Section, where special fire suppression systems have been installed, inspection and maintenance shall be provided in conformance with the appropriate standards set out in Sentences 6.8.1.1. (3), (4) and (5).

(2)  Where a special fire suppression system of a type has been installed in accordance with a standard not referred to in Article 6.8.1.1., inspection and maintenance shall be provided in conformance with the specified standard and in the absence of a standard, to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance instructions.

(3)  If a special fire suppression system or any part thereof is shut down

(a)   the fire department and building occupants shall be notified in accordance with Article 1.1.1.1., and
(b)   the supervisory staff shall be notified.

Test records

6.8.2.2.  Written records shall be kept of inspections, maintenance and testing in conformance with Subsection 1.1.2.

Container maintenance

6.8.2.3.  Extinguishing agent containers provided for special fire suppression systems shall be fully charged with the proper quantity of extinguishing agent and the necessary operating pressure maintained.

Discharge outlets

6.8.2.4.  Discharge outlets for special fire suppression systems shall be kept free of dirt and residue.

Piping

6.8.2.5.  Piping and equipment shall be mechanically secure and accessible for cleaning and maintenance.

Replacement equipment

6.8.2.6.  No replacement equipment and devices provided for special fire suppression systems shall be used unless suitable for the installation in which they are to be placed.