UMC August 2004 ROP

Transcription

1 Item # 5 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Nasser Nikravi,OSHPD Add new text as follows: In I.1 Occupancies (except for nurseries). A minimum of two boilers shall be provided. The arrangement of boilers shall be based on the capacity and capability of a boiler or boilers to operate all systems during periods of breakdown or maintenance of any one boiler. Standby water heaters are essential for operation of health care facilities for space heating and infection control purposes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject The definitions of the specific occupancies are unclear. The language of the proposal is too broad in scope and restrictive and would require boilers to be installed where other heat sources may be acceptable. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: NIKRAVI: I will be proposing a code addition that will make occupancy type more clear and specific to hospital use. Item # 6 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Nasser Nikravi,OSHPD Add new text as follows: In I.1 Occupancies (except for nurseries). At least two sources of heat (e.g., two pieces of equipment) shall be provided for supplying essential services such as sterilizers, hot water for dish washing, and domestic hot water for minimum patient service, such as hand washing and baths. Booster heaters for dishwashing providing 125ºF to 180ºF (52ºC to 82ºC) water may be counted as the second source of heat for that service. Health Care facilities operate 24 hours a day and are in need of hot water 24 Hrs. a day. This code will keep the hot water system functional at all times and during the breakdown of one system. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject The issues addressed would be better addressed in the Plumbing Code. 5

2 Item # 7 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Nasser Nikravi,OSHPD Add new text as follows: In 1.1 Occupancies (except for nurseries). All heating equipment, supply, return and exhaust fans shall be provided with emergency electrical power during periods of power outage. In Health Care Facilities Continues operation of ventilation systems are essential for infection control. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject This seems more apropriate language for the Health Care Code. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: NIKRAVI: Health care facilities are buildings that are regulated by building codes. Therefore, this proposal will regulate hospital buildings as well, and will protect the health and safety of the public. Item # 8 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Nasser Nikravi,OSHPD Add text as follows: In 1.1 Occupancies (except for nurseries). Boilers shall have the capacity, based upon the net ratings published by the Hydronics Institute or another acceptable national standard to supply the normal operating requirements of all connected systems and equipment. To assure installation of equipment that is tested and listed per National Standards. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject This language is unecessary and is really an engineering issue and not a code issue. HVAC equipment is already required to be designed to applicable standards. 6

3 Item # 9 UMC SUBMITTER: Mike Long,Self General. This chapter contains requirements for evaporative cooling systems and makeup-air requirements for direct-gas-fired heaters, industrial air heaters, and miscellaneous heaters. Ventilation (outdoor) air for occupants shall be designed in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE or Table 4-1. Ventilation-air supply requirements for specific occupancies are found in the Building Code. TABLE 4-1 OCCUPANCY OUTDOOR AIR REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION OUTDOOR VENTILATION AIR (cfm per square foot of area unless noted) x0.472 for L/s per m2 Group A Occupancies (Applications similar to:) Food and Beverage Service Bars, cocktail lounges 3.00 Cafeteria, fast food 2.00 Dining rooms 1.40 Kitchens (cooking) 0.30 Sports and Amusements Assembly rooms 1.80 Ballrooms and discos 2.50 Bowling alleys (seating areas) & game rooms 1.75 Conference rooms 1.00 Gambling casinos 3.60 Ice arenas 0.50 (playing areas) Playing floors (gymnasium) 0.60 Spectator areas 2.25 Swimming pools (pool & deck area) 0.50 Theaters Transportation Auditorium 2.25 Lobbies 3.00 Stages, studios 1.05 Ticket booths 1.20 Platforms & waiting rooms 1.50 Group B Occupancies (Applications similar to:) Offices Bank vaults 0.08 Conference rooms 1.00 Corridors and utilities 0.05 Darkrooms & duplicating & printing areas 0.50 Elevators 1.00 (note 4) Lockers and dressing rooms 0.50 Meat-processing areas & photo studios 0.15 Office spaces 0.14 Pharmacies 0.30 Public restrooms (per water closet or urinal) 50 cfm/water closet or urinal (note 4) Reception areas 0.90 Smoking lounges 4.20 (note 4) 7

4 Telecommunication centers and data entry spaces 1.20 Group E Occupancies (Applications similar to:) Education Auditoriums 2.25 Classrooms 0.75 Corridors 0.00 Laboratories 0.60 Libraries 0.30 Locker rooms 0.50 Music rooms 0.75 Smoking lounges 4.20 (note 4) Training shop 0.60 Group F Occupancies (applications similar to:) Dry Cleaners, Laundries Coin-operated dry cleaners & laundries 0.30 Commercial dry cleaners 0.90 Commercial laundries 0.25 Storage, pick-up areas 1.05 Group I Occupancies (applications similar to:) Hospitals, Nursing and Convalescent Homes Autopsy rooms 0.50 (note 4) Medical procedure & physical therapy rooms 0.30 Operating rooms 0.60 Patient rooms 0.25 Recovery and ICU rooms 0.30 Correctional facilities Cells 0.40 Dining halls 1.50 Guard stations 0.60 Public restrooms 50 cfm/water closet or urinal (note 4) Group M Occupancies (applications similar to:) Stores, Sales Floors, and Showroom Floors Basement and street levels 0.30 Dressing rooms, malls & arcades, upper levels 0.20 Shipping & receiving areas, storage rooms 0.15 Smoking lounges 4.20 (note 4) Warehouse 0.05 Specialty Shops Barber shops 0.38 Beauty shops 0.63 Clothiers, furniture stores & reducing salons 0.30 Drug, fabric, food or hardware stores & florists 0.12 Pet shops 1.00 Group R Occupancies (applications similar to:) Division 1 Hotels, motels, resorts, dormitories Assembly rooms 1.80 Bedrooms & living rooms 30 cfm/room (note 3) Conference rooms 1.00 Dormitory sleeping rooms 0.30 Lobbies 0.45 Private bathrooms (internittent exhaust) 30 cfm/room (note 3) 8

5 Division 1 Apartment Houses and Division 3 Dwellings and Lodging Houses Individual Dwelling Units and llodging Houses Bathrooms (intermittent exhaust) 50 cfm/room (notes 4 & 5) Bathrooms (continuous exhaust) 20 cfm/room (notes 4 & 5) Kitchens (intermittent exhaust) 100 cfm/room (notes 4 & 5) Kitchens (continuous exhaust) 25 cfm/room (notes 4 & 5) Living areas 0.35 ACH (note 6) Group S Occupancies (applications similar to:) Division 3 Enclosed parking structures 1.50 Notes 1 Applications may not be uniqe to a single occupancy group. Where specific use is not listed, judgement as to similarity shall be by the building official. 2 (Reserved) 3 The sum of the outdoor and transfer air from adjacent spaces shall be suffficient to provide an exhaust rate of not less than 1.5 cubic feet per minute per square foot (0.708 L/s per cubic meter). 4 Normallly supplied by transfer air with local mechanicall exhaust with no recirculation. 5 Independent of room size. 6 Air changes per hour, but not less than 1.5 cubic feet per minute (7.08 L/s) per person. occupancy shall be based on the number of bedrooms; first bbedroom, two persons; each additional bedroom, one person. The table should be provided in the UMC to provide as complete a resource as possible for mechanical systems designers, installers, and inspectors. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject The proposal is inconsistent with the requirements of the building code. The substantiation did not address part of the proposal. In addition, no copyright release was provided with the material. 9

6 Item # 10 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Nasser Nikravi,OSHPD Add new text as follows: Requirements for ventilation (a) General Requirements. 1. All enclosed spaces in a building that are normally used by humans shall be ventilated in accordance with the requirements of this section. NOTE: In addition to meeting the requirements of this section for those occupancies where unusual contaminants are present or anticipated (such as commercial dry cleaners, coin-operated dry cleaners, bars and cocktail lounges, auto repair workshops, smoking lounges, barber shops, beauty shops), it is recommended to use local exhaust ventilation and enclosure to capture the contaminants and discharge them directly outdoors. 2. The outdoor air-ventilation rate and air-distribution assumptions made in the design of the ventilation system shall be clearly identified on the plans required by the AHJ. (b) Design Requirements for Minimum Quantities of Outdoor Air. Every space in a building shall be designed to have outdoor air ventilation according to item 1 or 2 below: 1. Natural Ventilation. Natural ventilation may be provided for spaces that: A. Are within 20 feet of an operable wall or roof opening through which outdoor air flows, which has an openable area more than five percent of the conditioned floor area of the space, and which is readily accessible to occupants of the space at all times when the space is occupied. B. Have a direct outdoor flow from the operable wall or roof opening,unobstructed by walls or doors. 2. Mechanical Ventilation. Each space that is not naturally ventilated under item 1 above shall be ventilated with a mechanical system capable of providing an outdoor air rate no less then the larger of: A. The conditioned floor area of the space times the applicable ventilation rate from table 1-F; or B. 15 cfm per person times the expected number of occupants. For spaces without fixed seating, the expected number of occupants shall be assumed to be no less then one half the maximum occupants load assumed for exiting purposes in the building code. For spaces with fixed seating, the expected number of occupants shall be in accordance with The Building code. EXCEPTION to Section 402.1(b) 2: Transfer air. The rate of outdoor air required by Section 402.1(b) 2 may be provided with air transferred from other ventilated spaces If: A. None of the spaces from which air is transferred have any unusual sources of indoor air contaminants; and B. Enough outdoor air is supplied to all spaces combined to meet the requirements of Section 402.1(b) 2 for each space individually. TABLE 1-F-MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES TYPE OF USE CFM PER SQUARE FOOT OF CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA Auto repair workshops 1.50 Barber shops 0.40 Bars, cocktail lounges, and casinos 1.50 Beauty shops 0.40 Coin-operated dry cleaning 0.30 Commercial dry cleaning 0.45 High- rise residential Building Code Section 1203 Hotel guest rooms (less then 500sq. ft.) 30 cfm/ guest room Hotel guest rooms (500sq.ft. or greater) 0.15 Retail stores 0.20 Smoking lounges 1.50 All others

7 This code is an important factor in infection control in all buildings. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Add additional text and delete the year in the ASHRAE 62 reference as follows: in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE or Section This new language offers a choice to smaller HVAC contractors, individuals and designers. The proposal contains permissive, non-mandatory language. This proposal is accepted in principle with the intent that a Task Group be formed to review and correct the permissive language and to correlate this language with ASHRAE 62 and the building codes. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: TAYLOR: I disagree with adding this ventilation code section for the following reasons: 1. The requirements of this section overlap and, in many cases, conflict with the requirements of NFPA 5000, which references Standard 62 for ventilation requirements. It does not make sense to have two overlapping sections, and it places an added burden on both designers and AHJs since they would, for instance, have to calculate ventilation rates using both procedures and take the highest one. Would this have to be done on a space-by-space basis, on an air handler basis, or on a building-wide basis? Note that the ventilation rate calculation methods proposed here and in Standard 62 are completely different. For instance, Standard 62 requires taking the sum of an area based component plus an occupant based component. Title 24 requires that one take the larger of the two components. For all occupancy types, the area based and occupant rates differ. 2. This language comes from the 2003 version of Title 24 Energy Standard. That standard has changed since then new wording has been adopted for the 2005 version of Title 24. Significant changes have been made. So in California, including this section will create conflicts with the revised Title 24 language when it goes into effect in Note that he CEC is considering eliminating this section in the 2008 version of Title 24 and instead referencing the building code which, in turn, references Standard 62. Item # 11 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Nasser Nikravi,OSHPD Add new text as follows: In 1.1 Occupancies (except for nurseries) OUTDOOR AIR INTAKES. Outdoor air intakes shall be located at least 25 feet (7.62 m) from exhaust outlets of ventilating systems, combustion equipment stacks, medical-surgical vacuum systems, cooling towers and areas that may collect vehicular exhaust or other noxious fumes. The bottom of outdoor air intakes shall be located as high as practicable, but not less than 10 feet (3048 mm), above ground level. If installed above the roof, they shall be located 18 inches (457 mm) above roof level or 3 feet (914 mm) above a flat roof where heavy snowfall is anticipated. This code is an important factor in infection control in health care facilities. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject The proposal would introduce conflict with the Fuel Gas Code.This would effectively prohibit the installation of some packaged HVAC units. 11

8 Item # 12 UMC SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell,Air Movement & Control Add text as follows: Fans...Fans located in systems conveying corrosives shall be of materials that are resistant to the corrosive or shall be coated with corrosion-resistant materials. No bearings, drive components or electrical devices shall be placed in the air or gas stream unless they are constructed or enclosed in such a manner that failure of that component cannot ignite the surrounding gas stream. Nonferrous material shall be any material with less than 5% iron or any other material with demonstrated ability to be spark resistant. The user shall electrically ground all fan parts. The use of aluminum or aluminum alloys in the presence of steel which has been allowed to rust requires special consideration Fans shall comply with one of the following types of construction as appropriate for the design and purpose of the duct. Table 5.X Types of Fan Construction A All parts of the fan in contact with the air or gas being handled shall be made of nonferrous material. Steps must also be taken to assure that the impeller, bearings, and shaft are adequately attached/and or restrained to prevent a lateral or axial shift in these components. B The fan shall have a nonferrous impeller and nonferrous ring about the opening through which the shaft passes. Ferrous hubs, shafts and hardware are allowed provided construction is such that a shift or impeller or shaft will not permit two ferrous parts of the fan to rub or strike. Steps shall be taken to assure that the impeller, bearings, damper blades and shaft are adequately attached and/or restrained to present a lateral or axial shift in these components. C The fan shall be so constructed that a shift of the impeller or shaft will not permit two ferrous parts of the fan to rub or strike. Fan applications may involve the handling of potentially explosive or flammable particles, fumes or vapors. Such applications require careful consideration of all system components to insure the safe handling of such gas streams. Although not an ANSI developed standard, AMCA 99 published by the Air Movement and Control Association deals with the fan unit installed in the air handling system. This standard contains guidelines which are commonly used by designers, the fan manufacturers, and users as a means of establishing methods of fan construction in order to comply with the existing code requirement. Incorporating this information and the table from AMCA 99 into the code will more clearly convey the intended fan construction, and aid the specifier and user in determining both the type and design in consideration and full recognition of the potential hazard and the degree of protection required. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject This is product standard language and would be better not included as code language. It would be too difficult to enforce. The language seems to have unecessarily combined flammable vapors and corrosive vapors. 12

9 Item # 13 UMC SUBMITTER: Mike Long,Self Revise text as follows: Design of Product-Conveying Ventilation Systems General. A mechanical ventilation or exhaust system shall be installed to control, capture, and remove emissions generated from product use or handling when required by the Building Code or Fire Code and when such emissions result in a hazard to life or property. The design of the system shall be such that the emissions are confined to the area in which they are generated by air currents, hoods, or enclosures and shall be exhausted by a duct system to a safe location or treated by removing contaminants. Ducts conveying explosives or flammable vapors, fumes, or dusts shall extend directly to the exterior of the building without entering other spaces. Product-conveying eexhaust ducts and shall not extend into or through ducts and plenums... (Remainder of text remains unchanged.) Specifies product-conveying ducts and eliminates an apparent contradiction with that only restricts exhaust ducts under positive pressure from passing through ducts or plenums. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Make the changes indicated. The changes are editorial. 13

10 Item # 14 UMC Table 5-1 SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell,Air Movement & Control Revise table as follows: TABLE 5-1 Minimum Conveying Velocities Feet per Minute (m/s) Vapors, gases, smoke, fumes 500 Any (2.5) The current code text clearly intends for vapors, gases, smoke and fumes to be conveyed through ducts. The word any is problematic in that it technically permits velocities ranging from 0 to infinity, neither of which is appropriate. We recommend a velocity of 500 ft. per minute as a reasonable minimum rate. Although this figure is not derived from hard data, the number is based on typical designs that fan manufacturers encounter in mechanical drawings. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject While the TC agrees that any may not be appropriate, it is reluctant to require an arbitrary value. The substantiation did not contain any justification explaing why 500 should be used as a minimum. The TC invites comments on the subject. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ORRIS: We respectfully request that the TC vote to ACCEPT. The current code text clearly intends for vapors, gasses, smoke and fumes to be conveyed through ducts. The word any is problematic in that it technically permits velocities ranging from zero to infinity, neither of which is appropriate. We recommend a velocity of 500 feet per minute as a reasonable minimum rate. The number is based on typical designs that fan manufacturer s encounter in mechanical drawings and recent changes in other codes and standards. The 2001 NFPA 96 states that the air velocity through any duct shall not be less than 1,200 fpm. However, an errata note to the 2001 edition of NFPA 96, Section calls for a reduction to 500 fpm. The results of ASHRAE Abstract, The Effects of Exhaust Air Velocity on Grease Disposition in Kitchen Exhaust Ductwork, ASHRAE Transaction 2002, v. 108 Pt. 1, were used to substantiate a change to the 2001 edition of NFPA 96. The ASHRAE research project (RP-1003) Final Report found that duct velocities below 1,500 fpm did not result in an increase in the rate of grease deposition on the wall of the ductwork for most of the conditions investigated. The NFPA 96 TC recently rejected a proposal to reinstate a requirement for 1,500 fpm, sustaining the previous action for 500 fpm. See NFPA 96 May 2004 ROP: 96-16, Log #18; 96-59, Log #CP13 (for added reference additions to Annex B.2); and 96-51, Log #CP8 (new Annex material). This change would make the UMC consistent with 2001 and 2004 NFPA

11 Item # 15 UMC Exception 3 SUBMITTER: Ralph Guinn,Self Revise text in 506.1, Exception 3 as follows: (3) Ducts used in central vacuum cleaning systems within a dwelling unit may be of constructed of approved PVC pipe and fittings. Penetrations of fire walls or floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the Building Code. Copper or ferrous pipes or conduits extending from within the separation between a garage and dwelling unit to the central vacuuming unit may be used. The present wording in the code does not clarify that the PVC Pipe and Fittings should be approved and listed to a recognized standard. Such a standard did not exist until it was written by ASTM (Standard Number F2158), now accepted by IAPMO Standards Committee and included as a TIA in It is now submitted as a code change in compliance with the requirements of the procedures. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Make the following modifications to read: (3) Ducts used in central vacuum cleaning systems within a dwelling unit shall be constructed of materials in compliance with the applicable standards referenced in Chapter 17 may be of constructed of approved PVC pipe and fittings. Penetrations of fire walls or floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the Building Code. Copper or ferrous pipes or conduits extending from within the separation between a garage and dwelling unit to the central vacuuming unit may be used. The change clarifies the reliance on the standards in Chapter

12 Item # 16 UMC Exception 2 SUBMITTER: Ralph Guinn,Self Revise text as follows: Construction. Ducts used for conveying products shall be of substantial airtight construction and shall not have openings other than those required for operation and maintenance of the system. Ducts constructed of steel shall comply with Table 5-5 or 5-6. Exceptions: (1) Class 1 product-conveying ducts that operate at less than four (4) inches water column (995.6 Pa) negative pressure and convey noncorrosive, nonflammable, and nonexplosive materials at temperatures not exceeding 250ºF (121ºC) may be constructed in accordance with Tables 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4,6-5, 6-7, 6-8, or, with prior approval, UMC Standard No (2) Ducts used in central vacuuming systems within a dwelling unit may be onstructed of approved PVC pipe and fittings. Penetrations of fire-resistive walls, floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the Building Code. Copper or ferrous pipes or conduit extending from within the separation between a garage and dwelling unit to the central vacuum unit may be used. (Remainder of text remains the same.) The present wording in the code does not clarify that the PVC Pipe and Fittings should be approved and listed to a recognized standard. Such a standard did not exist until it was written by ASTM (Standard Number F2158), now accepted by IAPMO Standards Committee and included as a TIA in It is now submitted as a code change in compliance with the requirements of the procedures. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Make modifications to Exception 2 to read as follows: (2) Ducts used in central vacuuming systems within a dwelling unit may be constructed of shall be constructed of materials in compliance with the applicable standards referenced in Chapter 17 approved PVC pipe and fittings. Penetrations of fire-resistive walls, floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies shall comply with the Building Code. Copper or ferrous pipes or conduit extending from within the separation between a garage and dwelling unit to the central vacuum unit may be used. The change clarifies the reliance on the standards in Chapter

13 Item # 16.1 UMC SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on the UMC, Add existing language from from the 2000 UMC and insert it into a new section Renumber the existing section as Where Required. Hoods shall be installed at or above all commercial-type deep fat fryers, broilers, fry grills, steam-jacketed kettles, hot-top ranges, ovens, barbecues, rotisseries, dishwashing machines and similar equipment which produce comparable amounts of steam, smoke, grease or heat in a food-processing establishment. For the purpose of this section, a food-processing establishment shall include any building or portion thereof used for the processing of food, but shall not include a dwelling unit. (CP0004) The material from the 2000 UPC provides guidance to the user as to where hoods are required in the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept Item # 17 UMC SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell,Air Movement & Control Revise as follows: Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to bare metal at frequent intervals prior to surfaces becoming heavily contaminated with grease or oily sludge. After the exhaust system is cleaned to bare metal or original factory coating, it shall not be coated with powder or other substance. The entire exhaust system shall be inspected by a properly trained, qualified, and certified company or person(s) acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with Table 5-4. Many fan components are shipped from the factory with coatings for specific purposes. Cleaning to the bare metal may remove such coating or other protective finish essential to proper operation and maintenance. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Make the following changes to read: Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to bare metal or the original factory coating at frequent intervals prior to surfaces becoming heavily contaminated with grease or oily sludge. After the exhaust system is cleaned to bare metal or original factory coating, it shall not be coated with powder or other substance. The entire exhaust system shall be inspected by a properly trained, qualified, and certified company or person(s) acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with Table 5-4. This makes the intent of the change clearer. The TC understands that this was extracted text and now that it has been replaced with the modified text will forward the new language to the NFPA 96 TC for consideration. 17

14 Item # 18 UMC SUBMITTER: Vickie Lovell,Air Movement & Control Revise text as follows: When a vent-cleaning service is used, Aa certificate showing date of inspection or a log documenting the cleaning of the duct indicating the date cleaned shall be maintained on the premises. When a vent-cleaning service is used, and aafter cleaning is completed, the vent-cleaning contractor shall place or display adjacent to within the kitchen area a label indicating the date cleaned and the name of the servicing company. It shall also indicate areas not cleaned. Whether an owner uses a third party vent cleaning service or uses on-site personnel, regular cleaning is essential. Record keeping by the responsible party aids in inspection, maintenance, and fire safety and should not be limited to a professional service company. Additionally, when proper inspection and cleaning is not performed and a fire occurs, any documents located in the kitchen may be destroyed that would be useful in determining the cause of the fire incident. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject This subject matter will be referred to the NFPA 96 TC since it is extracted text. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ORRIS: We respectfully the committee to vote Accept in Principle. The committee action was to reject, but agreed in principle that the owner, if accepting the responsibility to clean the duct, should also be held to the same accountability, training, and record-keeping as a third party cleaning service. It was also discussed that the current test is extracted from NFPA 96 verbatim and, therefore, cannot be changed. NFPA 96 TC recently expanded their document regarding the cleaning and maintenance of exhaust ducts, including definitions of certified and trained personnel, plus additional annex material. We request that the UMC committee submit their own proposal to update Section and to insert the cleaning and maintenance requirements for ducts to be in accordance with NFPA

15 Item # 19 UMC SUBMITTER: Arnold A. Rodio,Self Delete text as follows: General. Supply air, return air, and outside air for heating, cooling, or evaporative cooling systems shall be conducted through duct systems constructed of metal as set forth in Tables 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-8, 6-9, and 6-10, or metal ducts complying with UMC Standard No. 6-2 or the referenced HVAC duct construction standard in Chapter 17, Part II. Rectangular ducts in excess of 2 inches w.g. shall comply with UMC Standard No. 6-2 or the referenced HVAC duct construction standard in Chapter 17, Part II. Ducts, plenums, and fittings may be constructed of asbestos cement, concrete, clay, or ceramics when installed in the ground or in a concrete slab, provided the joints are tightly sealed. (Remainder of text remains unchanged.) Asbestos cement piping should be deleted due to health concerns relating to asbestos products. This pipe is not readily available anymore. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept Item # 20 UMC SUBMITTER: Doug Fredericksen,Self Revise text as follows: General.... Concealed building spaces or independent construction within buildings may shall not be used as ducts or plenums. (Remainder of text unchanged.) Unducted plenums are often filled with combustibles after final inspection. They waste an immense amount of energy. In cases of toxic mold or terrorist attack one is unable to isolate the airflow to alleviate the problem. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject This would eliminate using unducted return air plenums in buildings. Unducted plenums actually reduce energy usage as their pressure drop is lower. The substantiation does not contain any technical justification supporting the reason for the proposal. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: NIKRAVI: This proposal would not only save energy by keeping conditioned air in the conditioned space, it also has health benefits of not exposing conditioned air to dirty, dusty, or molding attic spaces. 19

16 Item # 21 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Dr. Marcelo M. Hirschler, Fire Retardant Chemicals Association Add new text as follows: The accessible portion of abandoned materials exposed to airflow shall be removed. A material shall be deemed accessible if it is not permanently closed by the structure or finish of a building and it is capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish. This proposal is fairly simple and is being presented for consistency with the National Electrical Code. It recognizes that plenums should not be in places where abandoned materials are stored. If something is no longer used (in other words, if it is abandoned) it should be taken out of the plenum. There is the potential for increasing fire hazard if abandoned materials are left flying around in plenums. An explanation of what is an accessible material is also added to the code, to help mechanical officials, so they don t need to make a guess as to what is meant. This explanation also originates from NFPA. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject This requirement would be very difficult if not impossible to enforce. The substantiation provides no compelling health and safety issues that justify it adoption. The term abandoned materials is not specific to materials used in the mechanical code. 20

17 Item # 22 UMC SUBMITTER: Dr. Marcelo M. Hirschler, Fire Retardant Chemical Association Revise text as follows: Combustibles within Ducts or Plenums. Materials exposed within ducts or plenums shall have a flame-spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed rating index of not more than 50 when tested as a composite product in accordance with ASTM E84 or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or as a composite product in accordance with NFPA 255 Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, ASTM E or ANSI/UL : be non combustible or shall have a flame spread index not greater than 25 and a smoke developed index not greater than 50, when tested as a composite product in accordance with one of the following test methods: NFPA , Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, ASTM E b, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL , Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, except as indicated below. Exceptions: (1) Return-air and outside-air ducts, plenums or concealed spaces which serve a dwelling unit shall be permitted to be of combustible construction. (2) Air filters meeting the requirements of Sections and (3) Water evaporation media in an evaporative cooler. (4) Charcoal filters when protected with an approved fire suppression system. (5) Electrical wiring in plenums shall comply with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be listed and labeled as suitable for use in plenums and shall have a flame spread distance not greater than 5 ft (1524 mm), an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and a peak optical density not greater than 0.5, when tested in accordance with NFPA , Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces. Flame propagation and smoke production characteristics of exposed electric cables installed in concealed space used as air plenums shall: (a) Exhibit a flame travel of five (5) feet (1524 mm) or less, and (b) Produce smoke having an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and having a peak optical density of 0.5 or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cable for Use in Air-Handling Spaces. (c) Wiring meeting these requirements shall be listed and labeled as plenum cable as required by the National Electrical Code. (6) Nonmetallic fire sprinkler piping in plenums shall be listed and labeled as suitable for use in plenums and shall have a flame spread distance not greater than 5 ft (1524 mm), an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and a peak optical density not greater than 0.5, when tested in accordance with UL , Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. shall meet the following requirements: (a) Exhibit flame travel of five (5) feet (1524 mm) or less, and (b) Produce smoke having an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and having a peak optical density of 0.5 or less when tested in accordance with UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. (7) Nonmetallic pneumatic tubing in plenums shall be listed and labeled as suitable for use in plenums and shall have a flame spread distance not greater than 5 ft (1524 mm), an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and a peak optical density not greater than 0.5, when tested in accordance with UL , Standard for Safety Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics. shall meet the following requirements: (a) Exhibit flame travel of five (5) feet (1524 mm) or less, and (b) Produce smoke having an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and having a peak optical density of 0.5 or less when tested in accordance with UL 1820, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics. (8) Loudspeakers and recessed lighting fixtures, including their assemblies and accessories, in plenums shall be listed and labeled as suitable for use in plenums and shall have a peak rate of heat release not greater than 100 kilowatts, an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and a peak optical density not greater than 0.5, when tested in accordance with UL , Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces. shall meet the following requirements: 21

18 (a) Have a peak rate of heat release not greater than 100 kilowatts. (b) Produce smoke having and an average optical density not greater than 0.15 and having a peak optical density of 0.5 or less when tested in accordance with UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces. (9) Smoke detectors. (10) Duct insulation, coverings and linings and other supplementary materials complying with This proposal is fairly simple and mostly editorial: (1) it states that materials exposed to the airflow can be non combustible as well as being 25/50 materials (which is consistent with what other codes or standards require), (2) it uses the correct terminology of flame spread index and smoke developed index (and not smoke developed rating), and uses the same wording not greater than for all properties (consistent with the language in proposals to and , all of which use the Steiner tunnel test), (3) it recognizes that listing to each of the standards cannot be done on one property separately (in other words, when a product is listed to NFPA 262 it is listed for flame spread, average optical density and peak optical density, and the same occurs with UL 1887, UL 1820 and UL 2043; products cannot be listed to flame spread only or smoke only), (4) it adds duct insulation (and its coverings and linings and supplementary materials) and explains that they are special cases, since a particular practice (ASTM E 2231) has been developed for them, and sends the code user to section for dealing with these duct insulation materials and (5) it lists each standard with its corresponding latest adoption year. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LEMOFF: The subject of flammability of materials in ducts and plenums is covered in both NFPA 90A and the UMC. The NFPA Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, responsible for NFPA 90A, has received proposals from Mr. Hirschler and others on the subject, and currently is voting on proposals. I believe that the UMC continues its desire to have the coverage coordinated with NFPA 90A and I, therefore, vote negatively because the action taken would be different from the revised coverage in NFPA 90A. I plan to submit comments to revise the UMC to be consistent with NFPA 90A. 22

19 Item # 23 UMC , Exception 10 (New) SUBMITTER: Patrick A. McLaughlin,Semiconductor Industry Association Add new exception to Section as follows: 11. Materials in a Group H, Division 6, fabrication area including the areas above and below the fabrication area sharing a common air recirculation path with the fabrication area. The spaces below and above the fabrication area (cleanroom) are all part of a single air circulation path that operates at a high velocity and any smoke generated by materials, whether in the raised floor, interstitial space, or fabrication area will quickly disperse throughout all these areas. There is no benefit in restricting these materials in the raised floor and interstitial spaces since they are already allowed in the fabrication area. These areas are not allowed to be connected to any other part of the building. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept Item # 24 UMC Paragraph 6 SUBMITTER: Ralph Koerber,ADC Revise text as follows: Joints and Seams of Ducts. Joints of duct systems shall be made substantially airtight by means of tapes, mastics, gasketing, or other means. Crimp joints for round ducts shall have a contact lap of at least 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) and shall be mechanically fastened by means of at least three sheet-metal screws equally spaced around the joint, or an equivalent fastening method. Joints and seams for inch (0.41 mm) (No. 28 gauge) and inch (0.33 mm) (No. 30 gage) residential rectangular ducts shall be as specified in Table 6-1 for inch (0.48 mm) (No. 26 gage) material. Joints and seams for rectangular duct systems shall be as specified in Table 6-1. Joints and seams for flat oval ducts and round ducts in other than single-dwelling units shall be as specified in Table 6-8. Joints and seams and all reinforcements for factory-made air ducts and plenums shall meet with the conditions of prior approval in accordance with the installation instructions that shall accompany the product. Closure systems for rigid air ducts and plenums shall be listed in accordance with UL 181A, Standard for Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts and Air Connectors. Closure systems for Fflexible air ducts shall be listed in accordance with UL 181B, Standard for Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors. Current wording requires flexible duct be listed in accordance with UL 181B. Intent should be for the closure system to be listed to UL 181B. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 23

20 Item # 25 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Arnold A. Rodio,Self New text for (Renumber rest of section) General Air Ducts installed under a floor in a crawl space shall be installed such as to maintain a clearance of eighteen (18 ) inches vertical overall for all portions that would obstruct access to any part of the crawl space. Often ducts are installed in crawl spaces and block all access. It is often necessary to cut air ducts apart to gain access to crawl space area or to tunnel under the duct. Would also bring UMC into conformity with of UPC requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 24

21 Item # 26 UMC SUBMITTER: Dr. Marcelo M. Hirschler, Fire Retardant Chemicals Association Revise text as follows: Insulation of Ducts...Insulation applied to the surface of ducts, including duct coverings, and linings, tapes and adhesives, located in buildings shall have, when tested as a composite installation in the form in which they are used, a maximum a flame spread index not greater than of 25 and a maximum smoke-developed index of a smoke developed index not greater than 50, when tested in accordance with NFPA , Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or in accordance with ASTM E a 2003b, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials or in accordance with the provisions of UL , Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, using the specimen preparation and mounting procedures of ASTM E , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics. Where these products are to be applied with adhesives, they shall be tested with such adhesives applied. Air duct coverings and linings shall not flame, glow, smolder, or smoke when tested in accordance with ASTM C , Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation, at the temperature to which they are exposed in service. In no case shall the test temperature be below 250 F (121 C). Factory-made air ducts and faced insulations intended for installation on the exterior of ducts shall be legibly printed with the name of the manufacturer, the thermal resistance (R) value at installed thickness and the flame-spread flame spread index and smoke-developed smoke developed index of the composite material. This proposal recognizes that now a standard practice has been issued, ASTM E , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, (which is also attached) and this practice describes in detail all specimen preparation and mounting methods for duct insulation and all ancillary supplementary materials (including adhesives). The same practice applies to ASTM E 84 and UL 723 (which have already incorporated the language) and to NFPA 255 (which is being amended now). Use of this practice is much more suitable, clearer and detailed than talking about testing as a composite. ASTM E 2231 was not in existence when the proposals were worked on for the 2003 UMC and that is why the code talks about composite testing. This proposal has as its parallel a proposal to section for pipes. The remainder of the changes are simply editorial, for consistency between and and 602.2, all of which use the Steiner tunnel test. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Make the following changes to read: Insulation of Ducts...Insulation applied to the surface of ducts, including duct coverings, and linings, tapes and adhesives, located in buildings shall have, when tested as a composite installation in the form in which they are used, a maximum a flame spread index not greater than of 25 and a maximum smoke-developed index of a smoke developed index not greater than 50, when tested in accordance with NFPA , Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or in accordance with ASTM E a 2003b, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials or in accordance with the provisions of UL , Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, using the The specimen preparation and mounting procedures of ASTM E , Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics shall be used. Where these products are to be applied with adhesives, they shall be tested with such adhesives applied. Air duct coverings and linings shall not flame, glow, smolder, or smoke when tested in accordance with ASTM C , Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation, at the temperature to which they are exposed in service. In no case shall the test temperature be below 250 F (121 C). Factory-made air ducts and faced insulations intended for installation on the exterior of ducts shall be legibly printed with the name of the manufacturer, the thermal resistance (R) value at installed thickness and the flame-spread flame spread index and smoke-developed smoke developed index of the composite material. 25

22 The changes clarify the intent of the proposal and show that the standard is applicable regardless of the fire test used. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LEMOFF: The subject of flammability of materials in ducts and plenums is covered in both NFPA 90A and the UMC. The NFPA Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, responsible for NFPA 90A, has received proposals from Mr. Hirschler and others on the subject, and currently is voting on proposals. I believe that the UMC continues its desire to have the coverage coordinated with NFPA 90A and I, therefore, vote negatively because the action taken would be different from the revised coverage in NFPA 90A. I plan to submit comments to revise the UMC to be consistent with NFPA 90A. Item # 26.1 UMC SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on the UMC, Revise to read as follows: Louvers, and Grilles and Screens. (A) Louvers and Grilles. The required size of openings for combustion, ventilation and dilution air shall be based on the net free area of each opening. Where the free area through a design of louver, or grille or screen is known, it shall be used in calculating the size opening required to provide the free area specified. Where the louver and grille design and free area are not known, it shall be assumed that wood louvers will have 25 percent free area and metal louvers and grilles will have 75 percent free area. Non- motorized louvers and grilles shall be fixed in the open position. (B) Minimum Screen Mesh Size. Screens shall not be smaller than 1/4-inch mesh. (C) (Rest of Text) (CP0001) The reason this proposal is being reviewed is because the TC had reviewed the NFPA 54 Errata as issued by NFPA. The committee is now reviewing the original TIA with additional changes that reflect the current TIA 02-1 (NFPA 54). The committee is determining how to add this to the 2006 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 26

23 Item # 27 UMC SUBMITTER: Mark Kendall,Self Revise text as follows: Location. Central heating furnace and low-pressure boiler installations in bedrooms or bathrooms shall comply with one of the following: be of the direct vent type. (1) Central heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers shall be installed in a closet located in the bedroom or bathroom, the closet shall have a weather-stripped solid door with a self-closing device, and all combustion air shall be obtained from the outdoors. (2) Central heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers shall be of the direct vent type. [NFPA 54: 9.3.1] The IAPMO extraction policy (revised September 16, 2003) requires that material from NFPA 54 be printed in whole and not be technically revised when extracted into the Uniform Mechanical Code. Section coverage for the installation of furnaces and boilers in bedrooms and bathrooms does not conform to the IAPMO extraction policy and is in conflict with NFPA 54. The proposed revision brings section into compliance. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject Discussed together with item 28. Note: This item failed to receive a 2/3 majority during the ballot process. In accordance with Section of the regulations, we are requesting public comment on this proposal. The TC will also review this item as a Public Comment at its next meeting. There is no definition of a closet or what can be stored in closets. The term weather-stripped is not defined and does not guarantee an air-tight space. The proponent provided no technical justification to support the adoption of the proposal. There is no direction regarding the type of self-closing device that would be required. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 14, NEGATIVE: 5, ABSTENTION: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BEACH: I vote negative on the proposed committee action on this item. The propane industry feels that the National Fuel Gas Code has been effectively vetted by all segments of the industry and represents safe, economical guidance for the installation of appliances. I encourage the committee to reconsider this issue. CABOT: The ANSI Board of Standard Review (BSR) has found the 2003 UMC to be in conflict with the ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code, on this subject. The proposal would eliminate this conflict form the 2006 edition of the UMC. Under ANSI regulations, failure to eliminate conflicts with the existing ANSI Standard for fuel gas installations will ultimately result in the UMC not receiving an ANSI designation. The proposal also follows the IAPMO extraction policy that requires material extracted from the NFPA 54 to be printed in whole and not be technically revised. CHURCH: PPFA believes that conflicts among American National Standards cannot be allowed to exist; this proposal will eliminate conflicts between this code and NFPA 54. GIBSON: This creates a conflict between ANSI documents. This proposal would eliminate such a conflict between the UMC and NFPA 54. Further work by task groups may be required to attempt to resolve the conflict. TAECKER: I agree with Mr. Cabot s comments. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: NOTAFT: As a Mechanical Inspector, without a proper definition of closet or what can be stored in closets, also the term weather stripped is not defined as a type of self-closing device, that would be required. I am unable to confirm the installation is guaranteed and an air tight space with approved materials. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: LEMOFF: NFPA elects not to vote on this controversial issue; however, it is noted that the action taken on this proposal does not resolve a difference between the UMC and NFPA 54, while an action taken by the UPC committee on a similar subject did remove a conflict between the UPC and NFPA 54. The committee is encouraged to review this subject at its next meeting. 27

24 Item # 28 UMC SUBMITTER: James Ranfone,Self Revise text as follows: Location. Central heating furnaces and low pressure boiler installations in bedrooms or bathrooms shall comply with one of the following: be of the direct vent type. (1) Central heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers shall be installed in a closet located in the bedroom or bathroom, the closet shall have a weather-stripped solid door with a self-closing device, and all combustion air shall be obtained from the outdoors. (2) Central heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers shall be of the direct vent type. [NFPA 54: 9.3.1] The IAPMO extraction policy (revised September 16, 2003) requires that material from NFPA 54 be printed in whole and not be technically revised when extracted into the Uniform Mechanical Code. Section coverage for the installation of furnaces and boilers in bedrooms and bathrooms does not conform to the IAPMO extraction policy and is in conflict with the NFPA 54. The proposed revision brings section into compliance. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject Note: This item failed to receive a 2/3 majority during the ballot process. In accordance with Section of the regulations, we are requesting public comment on this proposal. The TC will also review this item as a Public Comment at its next meeting. Based on the action taken in item 27. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 14, NEGATIVE: 5, ABSTENTION: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BEACH: I vote negative on the proposed committee action on this item. The propane industry feels that the National Fuel Gas Code has been effectively vetted by all segments of the industry and represents safe, economical guidance for the installation of appliances. I encourage the committee to reconsider this issue. CABOT: The ANSI Board of Standard Review (BSR) has found the 2003 UMC to be in conflict with the ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code, on this subject. The proposal would eliminate this conflict form the 2006 edition of the UMC. Under ANSI regulations, failure to eliminate conflicts with the existing ANSI Standard for fuel gas installations will ultimately result in the UMC not receiving an ANSI designation. The proposal also follows the IAPMO extraction policy that requires material extracted from the NFPA 54 to be printed in whole and not be technically revised. CHURCH: PPFA believes that conflicts among American National Standards cannot be allowed to exist; this proposal will eliminate conflicts between this code and NFPA 54. GIBSON: This creates a conflict between ANSI documents. This proposal would eliminate such a conflict between the UMC and NFPA 54. Further work by task groups may be required to attempt to resolve the conflict. TAECKER: I agree with Mr. Cabot s comments. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: NOTAFT: As a Mechanical Inspector, without a proper definition of closet or what can be stored in closets, also the term weather stripped is not defined as a type of self-closing device, that would be required. I am unable to confirm the installation is guaranteed and an air tight space with approved materials. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: LEMOFF: NFPA elects not to vote on this controversial issue; however, it is noted that the action taken on this proposal does not resolve a difference between the UMC and NFPA 54, while an action taken by the UPC committee on a similar subject did remove a conflict between the UPC and NFPA 54. The committee is encouraged to review this subject at its next meeting. 28

25 Item # 29 UMC SUBMITTER: Mike Long,Self Revise text as follows: Furnace Plenums and Air Ducts. (A) Furnace plenums and air ducts shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, or NFPA 90B, Standard for the Installation of Warm-Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems. (B) A furnace plenum supplied as a part of a furnace shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. (C) Where a furnace plenum is not supplied with the furnace, any fabrication and installation instructions provided by the manufacturer shall be followed. The method of connecting supply and return ducts shall facilitate proper circulation of air. (D) Where a furnace is installed so supply ducts carry air circulated by the furnace to areas outside the space containing the furnace, the return air shall also be handled by a duct(s) sealed to the furnace casing and terminating outside the space containing the furnace. [NFPA 54:9.3.7] Return and Outside Air Source. A warm-air furnace shall be provided with return air, outside air, or both. Heating systems regulated by this code and designed to replace required ventilation shall be arranged to discharge into the conditioned space not less than the amount of outside air specified in the Building Code Separation. Except as permitted by the exceptions to Section 906.6, there shall be a positive separation between combustion air and outside or return air for blower-type heating systems. The combustion-chamber opening shall be separated from a fan plenum by an airtight separation without openings therein, except through an air lock at least 16 square feet (1.49 m2) in area, equipped with tight-fitting doors arranged to close automatically. A fan plenum access not exceeding twenty-four (24) by thirty (30) inches (610 mm x 762 mm) may be equipped with a tight-fitting panel or door Area Requirements. The minimum unobstructed total area of the outside or return-air ducts or openings to a gravity-type warm-air furnace shall be not less than seven (7) square inches (4516 mm2) per 1000 Btu/h (293 W) approved output rating or as indicated by the conditions of listing of the furnace. The minimum unobstructed total area of the outside or return-air ducts or openings to a blower-type warm-air furnace shall be not less than two (2) square inches (1290 mm2) per 1000 Btu/h (293 W) approved output rating or bonnet capacity of the furnace. The total area of the outside or return-air ducts or openings need not be larger than the minimum indicated by the conditions of listing of the furnace. The minimum unobstructed total area of the outside or return-air ducts or openings to a heat pump shall be not less than six (6) square inches (3871 mm2) per 1000 Btu/h (293 W) nominal output rating or as indicated by the conditions of listing of the heat pump. Exceptions: Complete duct systems for blower-type warm-air furnaces or heat pumps that are sized in accordance with Chapter 16, Part II Referenced Standards or by other approved methods Dampers. Volume dampers shall not be placed in the air inlet to a furnace in a manner which will reduce the required air to the furnace Ducts for Blower-Type Warm-Air Furnace. Except as provided in Section 906.6, air for every fuel-burning blower-type warm-air furnace shall be conducted into the blower housing from outside the furnace space by continuous airtight ducts Prohibited Sources. Outside or return air for a heating system shall not be taken from the following locations: Closer than ten (10) feet (3048 mm) from an appliance vent outlet, a vent opening of a plumbing drainage system or the discharge outlet of an exhaust fan, unless the outlet is three (3) feet (914 mm) above the 29

26 outside-air inlet Where it will pick up objectionable odors, fumes or flammable vapors; or where it is less than ten (10) feet (3048 mm) above the surface of any abutting public way or driveway; or where it is in a horizontal position in a sidewalk, street, alley or driveway A hazardous or insanitary location or a refrigeration machinery room as defined in this code From an area, the volume of which is less than 25 percent of the entire volume served by such system, unless there is a permanent opening to an area the volume of which is equal to 25 percent of the entire volume served. This permanent opening, when used to provide return air to a warm-air furnace, shall be of sufficient area to comply with Section Exception: Such opening when used for a warm-air furnace in a dwelling unit may be reduced to no less than 50 percent of the required area, provided the balance of the required return air is taken from a room or hall having at least three doors leading to other rooms served by the furnace From a room or space having any fuel-burning appliances therein. Exception: This shall not apply to: 1. Fireplaces, fireplace appliances, residential cooking appliances, direct vent appliances, enclosed furnaces and domestic-type clothes dryers installed within the room or space. 2. A gravity-type or listed vented wall furnace. 3. A blower-type system complying with the following requirements: Where the return air is taken from a room or space having a volume exceeding one (1) cubic foot (0.028 m 3 ) for each ten (10) Btu/h (2.93 W) fuel input rate of all fuel-burning appliances therein. At least 75 percent of the supply air is discharged back into the same room or space. Return-air inlet shall not be located within ten (10) feet (3048 mm) of any appliance firebox or draft diverter in the same enclosed room or confined space A closet, bathroom, toilet room or kitchen Screen. Required outside-air inlets shall be covered with screen having 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) openings. Exception: An outside-air inlet serving a nonresidential portion of a building may be covered with a screen having openings larger than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm), but in no case larger than one (1) inch (25.4 mm) Return-Air Limitation. Return air from one dwelling unit shall not be discharged into another dwelling unit through the heating system Air Supply Duct Size. The minimum unobstructed total area of the supply-air ducts from a blower-type warm-air furnace shall be not less than two (2) square inches (1290 mm2) per 1000 Btu/h (293 W) approved output rating of the furnace, and the minimum unobstructed total area of the supply-air ducts from a gravity-type warm-air furnace shall be not less than seven (7) square inches (4516 mm2) per 1000 Btu/h (293 W) approved output rating or as specified by the conditions of listing of the furnace. The total area of the supply-air ducts need not exceed the area of the furnace outlet plenum collar. For the purpose of this section, a volume damper, grille or register installed to control airflow shall not be considered an obstruction. The minimum unobstructed total area of the supply-air ducts from a heat pump shall be not less than six (6) square inches (3871 mm2) per 1000 Btu/h (293 W) nominal output rating or as indicated by the conditions of the listing of the heat pump. Exceptions: Complete duct systems for blower-type warm-air furnaces or heat pumps that are sized in accordance with Chapter 16, Part II Referenced Standards or other approved methods Surgical Operating Room. Warm-air furnace duct openings serving a surgical operating room shall be 30

27 at least five (5) feet (1524 mm) above the floor. This material contains important guidelines not represented in the 2003 edition. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject Many of the issues apply to systems other than furnaces such as air conditioners and air handlers. Many of the sizing items in the proposal are not necessary or not specific to furnaces. Other code sections already address ventilation. The proposal contains insufficient substantiation. The TC invites comments and revisions. Item # 30 UMC SUBMITTER: Mike Long,Self Delete Clothes Dryers, through in its entirety. Clothes dryers are addressed in already. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject The section that is proposed for deletion covers other additional, important issues specific to clothes dryers that are necessary in the code. The extensive coverage in the existing section 905 is merited in light of the number of reported clothes dryer duct fires. 31

28 Item # 31 UMC SUBMITTER: Mark Kendall,Self Revise text as follows: Unvented. Unvented fuel-burning room heaters shall not be installed, used, maintained, or permitted to exist in a Group I or R Occupancy, nor shall an unvented heater be installed in any building, whether as a new or as a replacement installation, unless permitted by this section. This subsection shall not apply to portable oil-fired unvented heating appliances used as supplemental heating in Group S, Divisions 3, 4, and 5, and Group U Occupancies, and regulated by the Fire Code Prohibited Installations. Unvented room heaters shall not be installed in bathrooms or bedrooms. Exceptions (1) Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, one listed wall-mounted unvented room heater equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system shall be permitted to be installed in a bathroom provided that the input rating shall not exceed 6,000 Btu/hr (1760 W/hr) and combustion and ventilation air is provided as specified in 902.0(B). (2) Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, one listed wall-mounted unvented room heater equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system shall be permitted to be installed in a bedroom provided that the input rating shall not exceed 10,000 Btu/hr (2930 W/hr) and combustion and ventilation air is provided as specified in [NFPA 54:9.23.1] This subsection shall not apply to portable oil fired unvented heating appliances used as supplemental heating in Group S, Divisions 3.4, and 5, and Group U Occupancies, and regulated by the Fire Code. The IAPMO extraction policy (revised September 16, 203) requires that material from NFPA 54 be printed in whole and not be technically revised when extracted into the Uniform Mechanical Code. Section coverage for unvented gas room heaters does not conform to the IAPMO extraction policy and is in conflict with NFPA 54. the proposed revision brings section into compliance. Note: Same as Item #32 COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject Items 31, 32, and 33 were discussed together. Note: This item failed to receive a 2/3 majority during the ballot process. In accordance with Section of the regulations, we are requesting public comment on this proposal. The TC will also review this item as a Public Comment at its next meeting. The manufacturer s recommendations are conflicting. The recommmended length of continuous use cannot be enforced by the AHJ. Some manufacturer s require windows to be left partially open during use of unvented heaters. The combustion air sources from occupied spaces are not verifiable. The TC notes that the NFPA 54 document contains a footnote in the Annex to section which states It is recommended that space heating appliances installed in all bedrooms or rooms generally kept closed to be of the direct vent type. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 12, NEGATIVE: 7, ABSTENTION: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BEACH: I vote negative on the proposed committee action on this item. The propane industry feels that existing installation instructions and operational warnings on gas-fired equipment provide adequate information for the safe use of the equipment. Restrictions on the use of this equipment will only serve to force undue burdens on consumers who cannot afford to install central heating systems or pay the higher utility bills of electric equipment. In addition, I am not aware of any documented safety issues with unvented appliances supplied with oxygen depletion sensors as required by ANSI Z In fact, testimony at the meeting indicated the exact opposite. I encourage the committee to reconsider this issue. CABOT: The ANSI Board of Standard Review (BSR) has found the 2003 UMC to be in conflict with the ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code, on this subject. The proposal would eliminate this conflict form the 2006 edition of the UMC. 32

29 Under ANSI regulations, failure to eliminate conflicts with the existing ANSI Standard for fuel gas installations will ultimately result in the UMC not receiving an ANSI designation. The proposal also follows the IAPMO extraction policy that requires material extracted from the NFPA 54 to be printed in whole and not be technically revised. CHURCH: PPFA believes that conflicts among American National Standards cannot be allowed to exist; this proposal will eliminate conflicts between this code and NFPA 54. DENTON: The committee statement in the ballot material does not reflect the rationale provided by the technical committee (TC). It was crafted by the presiding officials at the meeting,as a member who voted negative could not develop a rational. The committee statement expresses subjective opinions and misinformation, and it does not specifically respond to the recommendation the TC rejected. The UMC is inconsistent will all other major codes that permit unvented gas heaters. Importantly, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, permits unvented gas heaters,and the UMC should be consistent with it as a matter of practicality. The unvented gas heater industry has a remarkable safety record; the products are well-accepted by the American public; and, the category has been extensively researched and peer-reviewed relative to the very issues cited by the committee statement for rejection. I reject the TC s rejection of Items 31, 32 and 33 as unvented gas heaters should be permitted by the UMC. GIBSON: This creates a conflict between ANSI documents. This proposal would eliminate such a conflict between the UMC and NFPA 54. Further work by task groups may be required to attempt to resolve the conflict. ROTUNDO: I recommend acceptance on this proposal. These heaters have been shown to be safe and, in fact, are installed in millions of homes. No incidents of injury or death have occurred to any of the TC s knowledge. This would constitute empirical evidence of their safety. The reliance on a thermocouple and the height of the flame (or its absence) is a fire basis for safety; gas water heaters rely on this system and have a superior safety record. TAECKER: There is an ANSI standard that provides requirements, including the oxygen depletion sensor. These products are listed to an ANSI standard (ANSI Z , Gas-Fired Room Heaters, Volume II, Unvented Room Heaters). Since 1980, unvented appliances have been required to have an oxygen depletion safety system (ODS). Fifteen million units have been installed in the 20 years since ODS has been required. There are no known field reports of these heaters. The National Fuel Gas Code has addressed the installation of unvented heaters for 30 years. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: NOTAFT: We have conflicts with other entities, Uniform Mechanical Code, National Gas Code, ANSI regulations, etc. The basic objection has been that unvented gas-fired appliances equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor will not provide conventional venting systems designed to carry products of combustion outdoors allowing product of combustion to build up indoors, most significantly results in an increase in the level of carbon monoxide and a decrease in the oxygen level. As unusually tight construction becomes the standard in cooler climates, low air exchange rates in structures increases personal exposures to indoor air pollutants. The recommended length of continuous use cannot be enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, so I do have a negative vote. The manufacturers repeatedly claim that no deaths have occurred with the products but relatively low concentrations of the products of combustion can cause potentially serious health problems, especially to those with existing infirmities or illness. How many brain cells die with one Btu of fuel consumed? EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: LEMOFF: NFPA elects not to vote on this controversial issue; however, it is noted that the action taken on this proposal does not resolve a difference between the UMC and NFPA 54, while an action taken by the UPC committee on a similar subject did remove a conflict between the UPC and NFPA 54. The committee is encouraged to review this subject at its next meeting. 33

30 Item # 32 UMC SUBMITTER: James Ranfone,Self Revise text as follows: Unvented. Unvented fuel-burning room heaters shall not be installed, used, maintained, or permitted to exist in a Group I or R Occupancy, nor shall an unvented heater be installed in any building, whether as a new or as a replacement installation, unless permitted by this section. This subsection shall not apply to portable oil-fired unvented heating appliances used as supplemental heating in Group S, Divisions 3, 4, and 5, and Group U Occupancies, and regulated by the Fire Code Prohibited Installations. Unvented room heaters shall not be installed in bathrooms or bedrooms. Exceptions: (1) Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, one listed wall-mounted unvented room heater equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system shall be permitted to be installed in a bathroom provided that the input rating shall not exceed 6,000 Btu/hr (1760 W/hr) and combustion and ventilation air is provided as specified in 902.0(B). (2) Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, one listed wall-mounted unvented room heater equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system shall be permitted to be installed in a bedroom provided that the input rating shall not exceed 10,000 Btu/hr (2930 W/hr) and combustion and ventilation air is provided as specified in 902.0(B) [NFPA 54:9.23.1] This subsection shall not apply to portable oil fired unvented heating appliances used as supplemental heating in Group S, Divisions 3,4 and 5, and Group U Occupancies, and regulated by the Fire Code. The IAPMO extraction policy (revised September 16, 2003) requires that material from NFPA 54 be printed in whole and not be technically revised when extracted into the Uniform Mechanical Code. Section coverage for unvented gas room heaters does not conform to the IAPMO extraction policy and is in conflict with NFPA 54. The proposed revision brings section into compliance. Note: Same as Item #31 & Item #33. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject Note: This item failed to receive a 2/3 majority during the ballot process. In accordance with Section of the regulations, we are requesting public comment on this proposal. The TC will also review this item as a Public Comment at its next meeting. Based on the action taken in item 31. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 12, NEGATIVE: 7, ABSTENTION: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BEACH: I vote negative on the proposed committee action on this item. The propane industry feels that existing installation instructions and operational warnings on gas-fired equipment provide adequate information for the safe use of the equipment. Restrictions on the use of this equipment will only serve to force undue burdens on consumers who cannot afford to install central heating systems or pay the higher utility bills of electric equipment. In addition, I am not aware of any documented safety issues with unvented appliances supplied with oxygen depletion sensors as required by ANSI Z In fact, testimony at the meeting indicated the exact opposite. I encourage the committee to reconsider this issue. CABOT: The ANSI Board of Standard Review (BSR) has found the 2003 UMC to be in conflict with the ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code, on this subject. The proposal would eliminate this conflict form the 2006 edition of the UMC. Under ANSI regulations, failure to eliminate conflicts with the existing ANSI Standard for fuel gas installations will ultimately result in the UMC not receiving an ANSI designation. The proposal also follows the IAPMO extraction policy that requires material extracted from the NFPA 54 to be printed in whole and not be technically revised. CHURCH: PPFA believes that conflicts among American National Standards cannot be allowed to exist; this proposal will eliminate conflicts between this code and NFPA

31 DENTON: The committee statement in the ballot material does not reflect the rationale provided by the technical committee (TC). It was crafted by the presiding officials at the meeting,as a member who voted negative could not develop a rational. The committee statement expresses subjective opinions and misinformation, and it does not specifically respond to the recommendation the TC rejected. The UMC is inconsistent will all other major codes that permit unvented gas heaters. Importantly, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, permits unvented gas heaters,and the UMC should be consistent with it as a matter of practicality. The unvented gas heater industry has a remarkable safety record; the products are well-accepted by the American public; and, the category has been extensively researched and peer-reviewed relative to the very issues cited by the committee statement for rejection. I reject the TC s rejection of Items 31, 32 and 33 as unvented gas heaters should be permitted by the UMC. GIBSON: This creates a conflict between ANSI documents. This proposal would eliminate such a conflict between the UMC and NFPA 54. Further work by task groups may be required to attempt to resolve the conflict. ROTUNDO: I recommend acceptance on this proposal. These heaters have been shown to be safe and, in fact, are installed in millions of homes. No incidents of injury or death have occurred to any of the TC s knowledge. This would constitute empirical evidence of their safety. The reliance on a thermocouple and the height of the flame (or its absence) is a fire basis for safety; gas water heaters rely on this system and have a superior safety record. TAECKER: There is an ANSI standard that provides requirements, including the oxygen depletion sensor. These products are listed to an ANSI standard (ANSI Z , Gas-Fired Room Heaters, Volume II, Unvented Room Heaters). Since 1980, unvented appliances have been required to have an oxygen depletion safety system (ODS). Fifteen million units have been installed in the 20 years since ODS has been required. There are no known field reports of these heaters. The National Fuel Gas Code has addressed the installation of unvented heaters for 30 years. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: NOTAFT: We have conflicts with other entities, Uniform Mechanical Code, National Gas Code, ANSI regulations, etc. The basic objection has been that unvented gas-fired appliances equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor will not provide conventional venting systems designed to carry products of combustion outdoors allowing product of combustion to build up indoors, most significantly results in an increase in the level of carbon monoxide and a decrease in the oxygen level. As unusually tight construction becomes the standard in cooler climates, low air exchange rates in structures increases personal exposures to indoor air pollutants. The recommended length of continuous use cannot be enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, so I do have a negative vote. The manufacturers repeatedly claim that no deaths have occurred with the products but relatively low concentrations of the products of combustion can cause potentially serious health problems, especially to those with existing infirmities or illness. How many brain cells die with one Btu of fuel consumed? EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: LEMOFF: NFPA elects not to vote on this controversial issue; however, it is noted that the action taken on this proposal does not resolve a difference between the UMC and NFPA 54, while an action taken by the UPC committee on a similar subject did remove a conflict between the UPC and NFPA 54. The committee is encouraged to review this subject at its next meeting. 35

32 Item # 33 UMC SUBMITTER: James Ranfone,AGA Revise text as follows: Unvented. Unvented fuel-burning room heaters shall not be installed, used, maintained, or permitted to exist in a Group I or R Occupancy, nor shall an unvented heater be installed in any building, whether as a new or as a replacement installation, unless permitted by this section. This subsection shall not apply to portable oil-fired unvented heating appliance used as supplemental heating in Group S, Divisions 3, 4, and 5, and Group U Occupancies, and regulated by the Fire Code Prohibited Installations. Unvented room heaters shall not be installed in bathrooms or bedrooms. Exceptions: (1) Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, one listed wall-mounted unvented room heater equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system shall be permitted to be installed in a bathroom provided that the input rating shall not exceed 6,000 Btu/hr (1760 W/hr) and combustion and ventilation air is provided as specified in 902.0(B). (2) Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, one listed wall-mounted unvented room heater equipped with an oxygen depletion safety shutoff system shall be permitted to be installed in a bedroom provided that the input rating shall not exceed 10,000 Btu/hr (2930 W/hr) and combustion and ventilation air is provided as specified in 902.0(B). [NFPA 54:9.23.1] This subsection shall not apply to portable oil fired unvented heating appliances used as supplemental heating in Group S, Divisions 3,4, and 5, and Group U Occupancies, and regulated by the Fire Code. The IAPMO extraction policy (revised September 16, 2003) requires that material from NFPA 54 be printed in whole and not be technically revised when extracted into the Uniform Mechanical Code. Section coverage for unvented gas room heaters does not conform to the IAPMO extraction policy and is in conflict with NFPA 54. The proposed revision brings section into compliance. Note: Same as Item #31 & Item #32. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject Note: This item failed to receive a 2/3 majority during the ballot process. In accordance with Section of the regulations, we are requesting public comment on this proposal. The TC will also review this item as a Public Comment at its next meeting. Based on the action taken in item 31. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 12, NEGATIVE: 7, ABSTENTION: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BEACH: I vote negative on the proposed committee action on this item. The propane industry feels that existing installation instructions and operational warnings on gas-fired equipment provide adequate information for the safe use of the equipment. Restrictions on the use of this equipment will only serve to force undue burdens on consumers who cannot afford to install central heating systems or pay the higher utility bills of electric equipment. In addition, I am not aware of any documented safety issues with unvented appliances supplied with oxygen depletion sensors as required by ANSI Z In fact, testimony at the meeting indicated the exact opposite. I encourage the committee to reconsider this issue. CABOT: The ANSI Board of Standard Review (BSR) has found the 2003 UMC to be in conflict with the ANSI Z223.1, National Fuel Gas Code, on this subject. The proposal would eliminate this conflict form the 2006 edition of the UMC. Under ANSI regulations, failure to eliminate conflicts with the existing ANSI Standard for fuel gas installations will 36

33 ultimately result in the UMC not receiving an ANSI designation. The proposal also follows the IAPMO extraction policy that requires material extracted from the NFPA 54 to be printed in whole and not be technically revised. CHURCH: PPFA believes that conflicts among American National Standards cannot be allowed to exist; this proposal will eliminate conflicts between this code and NFPA 54. DENTON: The committee statement in the ballot material does not reflect the rationale provided by the technical committee (TC). It was crafted by the presiding officials at the meeting,as a member who voted negative could not develop a rational. The committee statement expresses subjective opinions and misinformation, and it does not specifically respond to the recommendation the TC rejected. The UMC is inconsistent will all other major codes that permit unvented gas heaters. Importantly, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, permits unvented gas heaters,and the UMC should be consistent with it as a matter of practicality. The unvented gas heater industry has a remarkable safety record; the products are well-accepted by the American public; and, the category has been extensively researched and peer-reviewed relative to the very issues cited by the committee statement for rejection. I reject the TC s rejection of Items 31, 32 and 33 as unvented gas heaters should be permitted by the UMC. GIBSON: This creates a conflict between ANSI documents. This proposal would eliminate such a conflict between the UMC and NFPA 54. Further work by task groups may be required to attempt to resolve the conflict. ROTUNDO: I recommend acceptance on this proposal. These heaters have been shown to be safe and, in fact, are installed in millions of homes. No incidents of injury or death have occurred to any of the TC s knowledge. This would constitute empirical evidence of their safety. The reliance on a thermocouple and the height of the flame (or its absence) is a fire basis for safety; gas water heaters rely on this system and have a superior safety record. TAECKER: There is an ANSI standard that provides requirements, including the oxygen depletion sensor. These products are listed to an ANSI standard (ANSI Z , Gas-Fired Room Heaters, Volume II, Unvented Room Heaters). Since 1980, unvented appliances have been required to have an oxygen depletion safety system (ODS). Fifteen million units have been installed in the 20 years since ODS has been required. There are no known field reports of these heaters. The National Fuel Gas Code has addressed the installation of unvented heaters for 30 years. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: NOTAFT: We have conflicts with other entities, Uniform Mechanical Code, National Gas Code, ANSI regulations, etc. The basic objection has been that unvented gas-fired appliances equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor will not provide conventional venting systems designed to carry products of combustion outdoors allowing product of combustion to build up indoors, most significantly results in an increase in the level of carbon monoxide and a decrease in the oxygen level. As unusually tight construction becomes the standard in cooler climates, low air exchange rates in structures increases personal exposures to indoor air pollutants. The recommended length of continuous use cannot be enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, so I do have a negative vote. The manufacturers repeatedly claim that no deaths have occurred with the products but relatively low concentrations of the products of combustion can cause potentially serious health problems, especially to those with existing infirmities or illness. How many brain cells die with one Btu of fuel consumed? EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: LEMOFF: NFPA elects not to vote on this controversial issue; however, it is noted that the action taken on this proposal does not resolve a difference between the UMC and NFPA 54, while an action taken by the UPC committee on a similar subject did remove a conflict between the UPC and NFPA 54. The committee is encouraged to review this subject at its next meeting. 37

34 Item # 34 UMC (New) SUBMITTER: Mike Long,Self Add new text as follows: Attic Furnaces (Upright and Horizontal) Upright furnaces may be installed in an attic or furred space more than five (5) feet (1524 mm) in height, provided the required listings and furnace and duct clearances are observed. Horizontal furnaces may be installed in an attic or furred space provided the required listings and furnace and duct clearances are observed. Clearances of a warm-air attic furnace from combustibles shall be as specified in Section An attic or furred space in which a warm-air furnace is installed shall be accessible by an opening and passageway as large as the largest piece of the furnace and in no case less than thirty (30) inches by thirty (30) inches (762 mm x 762 mm) continuous from the opening to the furnace and its controls. Exception: The access opening into the space may be twenty-two (22) inches by thirty (30) inches (559 mm x 762 mm), provided the largest piece of equipment can be removed through the opening. The distance from the passageway access to furnace shall not exceed twenty (20) feet (6096 mm) measured along the center line of the passageway. The passageway shall be unobstructed and shall have continuous solid flooring not less than twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) wide from the entrance opening to the furnace. A level working platform not less than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) in depth and width shall be provided in front of the entire firebox side of the warm-air furnace, and if the furnace temperature-limit control, air filter, fuel-control valve, vent collar or air-handling unit is not serviceable from the firebox side of the furnace, a continuous floor not less than twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) in width shall be provided from the platform in front of the firebox side of the furnace to and in front of this equipment. Exception: A working platform need not be provided when the furnace can be serviced from the required access opening. A permanent electric outlet and lighting fixture controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening shall be provided at or near the furnace. This material contains important guidelines not represented in the 2003 edition. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 3 Gagle, Morris, Trafton EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: TAYLOR: I disagree with adding this section in its specific form and in this location, but I do not disagree with the principles. Reasons: 1. Many of the proposed restrictions (e.g., access) should not be limited to gas furnaces. They apply to any fan-unit whether it is a furnace, an electric furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. This unfairly discriminates against furnaces to the advantage of other technologies. 2. The exception simply contradicts the requirement since it applies under all cases. Just make the exception the rule and there is no need for the exception. 3. Many of the requirements proposed here are in sections 305 to 309 in one form or another. There is no need to repeat. This proposal should be rejected and the author should be advised to look at incorporating them into section 3 where the requirements do not already exist. 38

35 Item # 35 UMC Exception 9 (New) SUBMITTER: Dale Dressel, Committee Chair,NFPA TC on Boiler Comb Sys Hazards Add new exception as follows: (9) Boilers within the scope of NFPA 85, including associated fuel systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. This proposal was created and endorsed through NFPA ballot by the NFPA TC on Boiler Combustion System Hazards, the Technical Correlating Committee responsible for NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. It is not intended for this material to become an extract from NFPA 85. This information is beneficial to users of the code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Add a reference to NFPA 85 in Chapter 17 with the appropriate date. Standards referenced in the code should be included in the table of referenced standards. Item # 36 UMC SUBMITTER: Dale Dressel, Committee Chair,NFPA TC on Boiler Comb Sys Hazards Revise text as follows: Controls. Required electrical, mechanical, safety, and operating controls shall carry approval of an approved testing agency or be accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Electrical controls shall be of such design and construction as to be suitable for installation in the environment in that they are located. This proposal was created and endorsed through NFPA ballot by the NFPA TC on Boiler Combustion System Hazards, the Technical Correlating Committee responsible for NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. It is not intended for this material to become an extract from NFPA 85. Listed equipment is not always available for components used in large utility/industrial power boilers (those falling within the scope of NFPA 85). This proposal would allow an alternative to listed equipment to address this concern. This would then cover those large power boilers where there may not be listed/approved equipment/controls. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 39

36 Item # 37 UMC SUBMITTER: Dale Dressel, Committee Chair,NFPA TC on Boiler Comb Sys Hazards Modify Section to add a new sentence to the end of the section as follows: Discharges from relief valves on industrial boilers shall be discharged to a remote location clear of personnel. This proposal was created and endorsed through NFPA ballot by the NFPA TC on Boiler Combustion System Hazards, the Technical Correlating Committee responsible for NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. It is not intended for this material to become an extract from NFPA 85. Power boiler industry does not run all relief devices to grade or an open receptacle. Large power boilers (those falling within the scope of NFPA 85) can be quite tall (greater than 10 stories high). Industry practice is not to run all the relief valve discharges on these type units to grade. They are discharged to a remote location clear of personnel. This provides a safe installation without requiring a long length of piping which in itself could cause relief device operational problems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle Make the following changes to read: Discharges from relief valves on industrial boilers shall be discharged to a remote location clear of personnel. an approved location. It is not possible to regulate that the discharge location be free of personnel. Each situation may warrant a different solution and must be decided by the AHJ. When testing relief valve discharge it is sometimes important that the discharge not occur in a remote location. Item # 38 UMC SUBMITTER: John Hill,Self Add text as follows: Drainage. For heating or hot-water-supply boiler applications, the boiler room shall be equipped with a floor drain or other means suitable for disposing of the accumulation of liquid wastes incident to cleaning, recharging, and routine maintenance. No steam pipe shall be directly connected to any part of a plumbing or drainage system, nor shall any water having a temperature above one hundred and forty 140ºF (60ºC) be discharged under pressure directly into any part of a drainage system. Pipes from boilers shall discharge by means of indirect waste piping, as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or the boiler manufacturer s recommendations. Make it clear to mechanical contractors that no water with a temperature higher than 140ºF can enter the sanitary sewer system. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 40

37 Item # 39 UMC SUBMITTER: Dale Dressel, Committee Chair,NFPA TC on Boiler Comb Sys Hazards Revise as follows: Section : Add a sentence at the end of the existing text as follows: That portion of the oil-burning system supplied on boilers and covered within the scope of NFPA 85 shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 85. This proposal was created and endorsed through NFPA ballot by the NFPA TC on Boiler Combustion System Hazards, the Technical Correlating Committee responsible for NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. It is not intended for this material to become an extract from NFPA 85. Oil systems, gas systems and coal systems are covered by NFPA 85 for units that fall within the scope of NFPA 85. Adding the sentence proposed would eliminate inconsistencies between the UMC and NFPA 85 for oil fired systems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 41

38 Item # 40 UMC Table 10-3 SUBMITTER: Dale Dressel,NFPA TC on Boiler Comb Sys Hazards Modify Table 10-3 to add a line in the table for gas and oil fired boilers over 12.5 million BTU/hr requiring these units shall meet NFPA 85. This proposal was created and endorsed through NFPA ballot by the NFPA TC on Boiler Combustion System Hazards, the Technical Correlating Committee responsible for NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. It is not intended for this material to become an extract from NFPA 85. The table as written has discrepancies with NFPA 85 for the size units that would fall within the scope of NFPA 85. Acceptance of the proposal would bring consistency between the two documents for these controls. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept 42