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Water and Fire Protection Issues. Bruce Lecair Southwest Regional Manager, National Fire Sprinkler Association. California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5). Adopted into regulation on January 1, 2011, Currently in the 2013 California Residential Code Based on the 2012 ed. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Water and Fire Protection Issues
Bruce LecairSouthwest Regional Manager, National Fire Sprinkler Association
California Residential Code(Title 24, Part 2.5) Adopted into regulation on January 1, 2011, Currently in the 2013 California Residential Code
Based on the 2012 ed. California Residential Code (CRC)
ICC-IRC, 2000 ed., 2003 ed., 2006 ed., & 2009 ed. 2010 CRC based on 2009 IRC State Housing Law (Title 25)
Original California Residential Code, Section R313 2009 ed. IRC Section P2904 - Table P2904.3.6.2(9) 2010 ed. CRC Section R 313.3 NFPA 13D 2010 ed.
Primary Sprinkler System Components
Water supply Meters and valves Piping Sprinklers Alarm (when required by AHJ)
Installing the Residential Fire Sprinkler System
The system may be installed by a licensed contractor or an owner-builder per the CA. State Contractor License Board.
BUT…They can’t do it without H2O!
Connection to City Main
Preferred Arrangement Acceptable Arrangement
Water SupplyOptions
Street Main(probably the most common)
Domestic Water Line
Domestic Water Line
Section 6.2(1) (07)Section 6.2(1) (02)
Preferable ArrangementCity Water Main
City Gate Valve
Main Control Valve To DomesticSystem
Water Meter
DomesticShut OffPressure Gauge
Rubber FacedCheck Valve
Waterflow Detector
Pressure GaugeDrain and Test Connection
To AutomaticSprinkler System
Note: Rubber Faced Check Valves are Optional
NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(a) (07)NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(a) (02)
Acceptable Arrangement with Valve Supervision (option 1)
Rubber Faced Check Valve Note: Rubber Faced Check Valves are Optional
City Gate Valve
City Water Main
Sprinkler Control Valve
Pressure Gauge
Water Flow DetectorPressure Gauge
To AutomaticSprinkler systemDrain and Test
Connection
Water Meter
Domestic Shutoff
To DomesticSystem
NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(b) (07)NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(b) (02)
Rubber facedCheck Valve
City Water Main
City Gate Valve
Water Meter
Main Control Valve
To DomesticSystem
DomesticShutoffValve
Pressure Gauge
Sprinkler Control Valve
Waterflow Detector
Pressure Gauge
To AutomaticSprinkler system
Drain and TestConnection
NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(c) (07)NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(c) (02)
Acceptable Arrangement with Valve Supervision
Meter size and friction loss = $
Keep the domestic and the fire sprinkler separate when possible per NFPA13D
MetersNeptune T-10Meets or exceeds AWWA C-700
How we design can affect the costs to homebuyers Stand alone
Tree Systems (straight run) Looped Systems
Gridded Systems Multipurpose Piping System Passive Purge Mist Systems and Coming soon!
Piping Configurations
Stand alone Independent fire sprinkler and plumbing water
distribution systems Tree Looped
Frequently provides improved hydraulic performance
Separation of fire and plumbing systems can occur at different points in piping
RiserRiser
Branch LinesBranch Lines
Cross MainCross Main
Check Check ValveValve
ControlControlValveValve
SprinklersSprinklers
Tree System (straight run)
RiserRiser
Branch LinesBranch LinesCross MainCross Main
Check Check ValveValve
ControlControlValveValve
SprinklersSprinklers
Looped System
Multi-purpose A water distribution system that satisfies fire sprinkler and
plumbing needs. Almost always connected to supply piping from a single tap Full integration of fire/plumbing Partial integration of fire/plumbing Plumbing demand in large homes may be greater than
sprinkler system demand requirements
Passive Purge Sprinkler system piping that connects to a single,
commonly used plumbing fixture. Almost always connected to supply piping from a
single tap Tree system Looped/Gridded system Commonly used in lieu of backflow
Backflow!!!!
Is it required and if so, when???
Backflow Does theCPC required it?UPC 603
California Plumbing CodeClass (1) Fire Protection System CPC 603.4.16 Protection from Fire Systems.
Note: Fire Protection Systems has not been adopted by the State Fire Marshal. This section cannot be adopted or enforced pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 13114.7
(a), which is being cited for reference. California Health and Safety Code 13114.7
For the purposes of this section the following are definitions of class I and class II systems:
(1) American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A) Manual No. M-14 class I – Automatic fire sprinkler systems with direct connection from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks, or reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or additives of any kind; and all sprinkler drains discharging to the atmosphere or other safe outlets.
Continued CPC 603.4.16 Protection from Fire Systems.
(2) American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A.) Manual No. M-14 class 2 – Automatic fire sprinkler systems which are the same as class I, except that booster pumps may be installed in connections from the street mains.
(b) Automatic fire sprinkler systems described in subdivision (a) shall not be required any backflow protection equipment at the service connection other than required by standards for those systems contained in the publication of the National Fire Protection Association entitled “Installation of Sprinkler Systems” (NFPA Pamphlet No. 13, 1980 edition)
Topic Backflow requirements for Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems under the 2013 California Residential Code
Code Section(s)
2013 California Residential Code R313.3..5.3
Requested by
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)Bruce Lecair, Regional Manager
Date Received
December 16, 2013
Date Issued December 30, 2013 Interpretation 13-001
California State Fire Marshal Code Interpretation
Question: Is it the intent of Section R313.3.5.3 of the 2013 California Residential Code (CRC) to require backflow protection to separate a stand-alone residential fire sprinkler system from a potable water source supplying the system?Answer: The answer to this question is dependent on the specific installation. Stand-alone residential sprinkler systems that
1) Use piping materials that are suitable for potable water, 2) Do not contain antifreeze, and 3) Do not have a fire department connection, are excluded from any backflow protection requirements under CRC Section R313.3.1.
CRC Section R313.3.1 is a “specific” code provision that applies to residential sprinkler systems meeting these criteria.
Any stand-alone residential sprinkler system that does not meet the three criteria must be provided with backflow protection in accordance with CRC Section 313.3.5.3, which contains the “general” requirements for providing backflow protection for residential sprinkler systems.
CRC Section 1.1.7 indicates that, where a conflict exists between code sections, specific provisions prevail over general provisions, even if the specific provision is less restrictive. For reference, CRC 1.1.7 assigns the following as the general order of precedence and use of the California Residential Code (Item 2 applies in this case):
1. Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.
2. Specific provisions. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
3. Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.
Explanation
Background This is consistent with California Health and
Safety Code Section 13113.7 Also reprinted in Section 603.5.15 of the California
Plumbing Code Which does not require backflow for residential fire
sprinkler systems meeting the requirements listed in CRC 313.3.1
Lets talk about Water Discharge for Water-based Fire Protection Systems Almost all of our Fire Protection Systems use
water Everyone uses water Water is regulated!!! Who knew?
WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION
SYSTEMS DISCHARGE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
MANUAL
California State Fire Marshal
In cooperation with CA. Division of Water Quality
Storm Water Section September 2011
Bruce Lecair, NFSA Regional Manager
http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/aes/waterdischargemanual.pdf
Overview In response to a request for action by the
Fire Sprinkler Industry (NFSA) in California, the State Fire Marshal convened a Water Discharge for Fire Protection Task Force. Office of the State Fire Marshal Automatic
Extinguishing Systems Advisory Committee Task Force was established with representatives
from various agencies and industry practitioners
Acknowledgement This Best Management Practices (BMP)
Manual was developed through the accumulation of research, analysis, and collaborative efforts of the many disciplines via a Special Task Force for the California Office of the State Fire Marshal Water Discharge for Fire Protection.
Scope and Purpose Provide a set of Best Management Practices (BMP’S),
which specifically provided a common set of tools for the proper processing of water discharged from a water-based fire protection system discharges in California
Dischargers are however encouraged to contact the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operator to discuss any specific discharge requirements and reporting
Why Important? Requirements of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act.
Environmental stewardship – balance approach to environment and life safety system maintenance.
Industry need for a consistent set of tool box methods.
Keeps Inspection Maintenance and Testing (ITM) costs reasonable and predictable.
Eliminates or reduces regulatory conflicts.
Potentially streamlines regulator cost burden.
Why an Issue?
Uncontrolled - not good
Controlled - but enough?
Hmmmm - not good
Permits The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General or
Regional Permit requires dischargers to minimize sediments and other debris entering storm drain system.
Failure to follow appropriate procedures can result in adverse impacts to the environment including aquatic animals and plants, obstruction of storm control facilities, flooding, legal liability.
Who cares? Regulatory community – RWQCB
and MS4 operators Fish & other aquatic species Habitat People who use creeks and look
at gutters and drainage ways ITM contractors and building
owners Fire agency officials
Water purveyors --- the consistency issue
What the BMP Manual can do for you? Fit your needs --- Prepared by interest based
practitioners (in California) to balance generic issues and concerns.
Avoid fines/conflicts where accepted by the regulator. Provides MS4 Safe Harbor if approved & followed. Provides training syllabus. Provides good education and direction – easy to read
and use. Review Why Important? above.
California Participants - Dischargers of waterWater-based fire protection acceptance testing
- Underground – Type A, C-16, C-34 and C-36 only - Above Ground – C-16 only - OSFM “A” license concern- Fire departments
Water Flow – C-10 (limited to water flow only)MS4 Operators (city, county, districts, road department)SWRCB & RWQCBs (NPDES permits)
Types of Discharge Covered in the Manual
Water-based fire protection system acceptance testing
Periodic water-based fire protection system testing and maintenance
Fire hydrant testing
Water-based fire protection system leaks and emergency repairs
Notification and Record Keeping Manual covers discharges to the municipal storm sewer
system and open channels.
Does not cover discharges into the sanitary sewer system.
When using this manual, “a discharge” is water that comes from a single event or a series of directly related events on a single project.
Notification and Record Keeping A single discharge of less than 1,500 gallons
Discharger does not need to give prior notification A single discharge equal to or greater than 1,500
gallons but less than 10,000 gallons Discharger does not need to give prior notification for any
single discharge, but needs to maintain records of the discharge A single discharge equal to or greater than 10,000
gallons Discharger needs to give prior notification and maintain records
of the discharge
Prior Notification Dischargers should notify the MS4 agency/ operator
not less than 24 hours prior to any planned discharge and as soon as possible after any emergency discharge.
The method of notification must be by one of the four options:1. Telephone call (file a record)2. A fax transmission 3. An email 4. In person (leave a note and file a copy)
FIRE SPRINKLER WATER DISCHARGE SUMMARY
Event Total Gallons Notification MS4 De-Chlorination
Sediment andDebris Control
Within Piping System
ExteriorSurface
Chemical Testing
Record Keeping
≤ 1,500 Not Required Not Required Not Required ** *** Not Required
> 1,500 ≤ 10,000 Not Required * ** ** *** Required
> 10,000 Required * ** ** *** Required * Required if discharge is to enter storm drain system and water is fresh. ** Required if debris exists and together with discharge will enter storm drain system. *** Required if it has been determined that chemical additives are within piping system.
Record Keeping
Records should be kept utilizing the sample form provided in manual Appendix C (next slide).
Records of discharges should be retained for a minimum of five years. Records must be available for review by the MS4 agency/operator and/or RWQCB.
Information Required for Discharges >1,500 gallons
Name of discharger Date of notification Method of notification Location of discharge Date of the discharge Time of beginning and
end of discharge
Duration Flow rate Total number of gallons
discharged Type of de-chlorination
“chemicals” used Concentration of chlorine
measured Type of sediment controls
used
Flow and Volume DeterminationDischargers need to determine the flow and
volume of the discharge. Flow is determined by one of the following methods.
- Attaching a flow meter to the discharge opening and reading the displayed values.
- Measuring the pressure from a pressure gauge and then using the table or formulas in Appendix B.
- Bucket & stopwatch method – small flows . Volume is determined by multiplying the flow (e.g.,
gallons/minute) by the duration of the discharge (minutes).
Water Discharge Mitigation Conduct flows for the shortest duration possible. Ensure the water is not cloudy, discolored and/or has
no unusual odor. Ensure water flows will be free of potential chemical
additives, contaminants such as oil, contaminated soils, etc.
If it is determined that chemicals have been added to the fire protection system, additional actions must be taken.
Whenever possible and when safe to do, contain flows onsite by directing the water to landscaped or green areas.
Discharge Mitigation (continued)
Water flow trajectory will not impact nearby vehicles, equipment, or pedestrian traffic.
Ensure curbs or ditches are adequate to handle the flow.
Drain inlets are open and free of debris.
Remove all debris from road, curb, and gutter. If chlorine residual is detected, use de-chlorination
tablets.
Discharge Mitigations (continued) Water flows into intended drain inlets. Ensure water does not cause erosion. Flowing water will not cause flooding or damage to
adjacent properties. Water flow does not create slick or unsafe conditions.
With permission of the local sanitary sewer agency, system discharge may be to wastewater sewer if no other options available.
Water Testing Where cloudiness, discoloration and odors occur, prior
testing by an accredited laboratory may be required.
Turbid water due to rust and musty stagnation would be subject to application of the BMP.
Upon completion of the water testing, submit results to the MS4 agency/operator.
If chemicals are to be reintroduced into a system, provide proper signage.
De-chlorination The MS4 General/Regional NPDES Permit requires all
waters discharged must be de-chlorinated before entering a storm drain pipes or channel.
Methods of de-chlorination include aeration and/or other appropriate means such as infiltration to the ground or bags, diffusers, and sediment traps in drop inlets where de-chlorination chemical can be applied and is controllable.
De-chlorination Equipment Bag – Consisting of a
mesh bag into which large tablets of dry chemical are placed.
Diffuser De-chlorination chemicals
- Sodium Sulfite - Sodium Bisulfate - Sodium Thiosulfate- Ascorbic Acid
Chlorine Residual Test Kits
Test Strips Color Wheels Electronic Colorimeters Pitot Tube Pressure gage Flow Meter (optional)
Pressure Gauge & Diffuser with De-chlorination Bag
Sediment Control The MS4 General/Regional NPDES Permit
requires all dischargers to minimize sediments and other debris entering a storm drain.
Failure to follow this procedure could result in adverse impacts to aquatic animals, obstruction of flood control facilities, flooding, and legal liability.
Sediment Control Equipment
Wattles Sand Bags Gravel bags Mats Booms Barricades Silt Fencing Hay Bales
Hoses Filters Debris Storage Brooms Shovels Rakes Vacuum Truck or
Wet/Dry Vacuum
There are a wide variety of equipment that may be used for sediment control and clean-up (Appendix D).
Determine Flow Path Inspect the flow path to ensure the flow path is clear and
unobstructed allowing water to flow to the storm drain. Consider the following: The maximum flow rate that will not cause erosion or
scouring of any exposed ground in the flow path. The flow path must offer adequate capacity. There must be nothing in the path that would interfere
with the de-chlorination process or hinder the analysis of the chlorine level.
Determine Flow Path (continued)
Evaluate and determine the appropriate BMP.
Isolate the riser or control valve prior to draining.
Evaluate the release volume and character.
Compare with the release point and conveyance.
Coordination with MS4 Before the drain event, check to be sure the fire
protection system discharge does not interfere with or delay storm sewer repairs or corrective actions undertaken by the MS4 agency/operator.
Example: MS4 is repairing a downstream culvert or is removing sediment & expecting dry weather. ITM event would need to be rescheduled.
Organize Flow Path
Wattle line to end point
Organize Flow Path
Protecting slick area
Discharge Alignment Alignment of the discharge point can have important
implications.
Whether the discharge point is diffuser, hose, or a pipe, it must be placed in such a way that it does not undercut pavement or erode soils.
The force with which the water is hitting the surface should be minimized by adjusting the flow.
Typical Procedure Place gravel or sand filled bags to form dams
across the flow path and curb with the end of the dam curving slightly upstream.
Consider dam height, length, the number of bags used.
The interval between dams will vary depending upon site conditions and the resources available.
Drain Inlet Procedure Evaluate and determine appropriate BMP. Place bags to protect drain inlet. Protection should be installed around all affected drain
inlets. Several bags may need to be stacked on top of each
other to produce the desired protection. Remove grate from drain inlet and ensure that it is clear
and clean of debris. Place filter bag insert so that edges are secured when
grate is replaced. Periodically inspect and adjust bags.
Sediment Bag (filter)
Remove Grate and Place Bag
Grate Placed Over Bag
Grate With Bag Plugging Curb
Trimming Bag to Suit
Finished Sediment Bag
Adding Wattles
Or Filter + Wattles = Good
Drainage Swale Dam
Discharge Procedures Record the time of the beginning of the discharge. Begin the flow slowly, increasing flow gradually so as not
to damage any equipment or property. Inspect the discharge path as the flow increases. Make sure that no scouring, erosion, or undercutting of
pavement is occurring. When needed:
- Reduce the flow rate of the discharge - Adjust the angle of the discharge - Stop discharge altogether
Prepare the Flow Path for Discharge Remove materials that may obstruct or divert
discharge flow from the discharge point to the entrance.
Also remove any materials that may interfere with the de-chlorination process or clog the sediment control equipment.
Prepare the De-chlorination Place the de-chlorination control
equipment between the point of release and the entry to the storm drain.
Add the de-chlorination chemical to the equipment.
Measure the chlorine concentration at a point prior to storm drain inlet ---- it should be…..
Non-detect!
Diffuser in Action
Without diffuser, high velocity flow would cross street and cause potential damage to property
If Chlorine Residual is Present
Control the flow discharge to match the equipment
Add more chemical to the vessel as needed Reduce flow (slowly) – allows longer chemical
contact time
Take steps to eliminate chlorine to non-detect, including:
Discharge Completion When the discharge is complete, allow any
water that is ponded behind the dams to drain When the discharge complete, record the
time and volume discharged Clean the flow path and upstream dams to
remove residual sediment from the street Retrieve all control equipment and remove
temporary drain inlet sediment bag(s), wattles, etc.
Clean–up (Controls in Place)
Clean and Remove Equipment
The Discharge of Water is a Privilege
and not a RightFollow the BMP manual in cooperation with the MS4 or the AHJ, record and keep records, and report as necessary and the job should go well…. ------- and the environmental should be protected!
Or at least that’s the idea.
Thank you
Bruce Lecair, NFSA Southwest Regional Manager
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