Draft FPA Australia Technical Specification for Public Comment FPAA101H DRAFT

Transcription

1 Draft FPA Australia Technical Specification for Public Comment FPAA101H These preliminary pages provide information on the background to this Technical Specification, the system it covers and the context of this Technical Specification as well as instructions on how to provide your public comment. This information has been provided so that as a reader of this public comment draft you understand the context of this draft Technical Specification when providing public comment. Background FPAA101H, Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Design and Installation Hydrant Water Supply provides for a fit for purpose, cost-effective automatic fire sprinkler system supplied from the hydrant system water supply. It was developed as a result of research and testing funded by Fire & Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) and conducted by CSIRO in conjunction with FRNSW staff and FPA Australia members to identify a fit for purpose, cost-effective sprinkler system for Class 2 and 3 residential accommodation buildings, other than Aged Care. It was undertaken as a direct result of the NSW coronial inquest into the death of Connie Zhang and inquiry into the 6 September 2012 fire at Unit 53, Tower B, 4 West Terrace, Bankstown. Two fit for purpose sprinkler systems were developed, both based on existing requirements of current Australian Standards and the use of listed sprinkler heads within the scope of their listing with an emphasis of providing a more cost-effective system that provides a required level of safety. One of the key ways this was achieved was by using existing water supplies in the building either the domestic water supply or the hydrant system water supply. This Technical Specification covers a sprinkler system fed by the hydrant system water supply. System overview As above, the major difference between the system in this Technical Specification and those in other documents (namely, the AS 2118 standards) is that rather than having its own dedicated water supply the sprinkler system is integrated with the hydrant system water supply for the building. This significantly reduces the cost of the system as it eliminates the need for a dedicated sprinkler system water supply tapping, pump set, control valve assembly and riser. Specifically, the FPAA101H system includes a feed for the sprinkler system which is taken at each floor level directly from the hydrant riser. A typical sprinkler piping layout is then provided from this feed for that residential floor.

2 See Clause 1.3 of this Technical Specification for more information and a diagram illustrating this design. Context of the Technical Specification Recent tests have shown that fires in modern buildings burn at a rate eight times faster than 50 years ago. This is principally due to the reduction of furniture and contents made from natural materials and significant increase in furniture and contents made of synthetic materials. This was illustrated in fire testing by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) which showed the fastest legacy room 1 tested transitioned to flashover in just over 29 minutes whereas all modern rooms 2 tested transitioned to flashover in less than 5 minutes and as fast as 3 minutes 45 seconds. 1 Room with older furniture and contents of natural materials ( 1970s) 2 Room with more modern furniture and contents of synthetic materials (2010s) Such quick burning fires and the difficulty faced by the firefighting services reaching an incident in urban areas (e.g. due to traffic, congestion, narrow roads, etc.) in this time was illustrated in the Bankstown fire. This event resulted in the death of one individual and life changing injuries to another prompting the coroner s recommendation for a fit-for-purpose, cost effective sprinkler systems for Class 2 and 3 buildings to be investigated. As a result of this recommendation, testing was funded by FRNSW and undertaken by CSIRO in conjunction with FRNSW and FPA Australia members to identify such a system. FPAA101D and FPAA101H were developed based on this research. FPAA101D and FPAA101H form part of a Proposal for Change (PFC) to the BCA to require sprinkler systems in Class 2 and 3 buildings less than 25 m in effective height, other than Aged Care. This proposal was submitted by FPA Australia, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC). This PFC s objective is to mitigate fire growth rates in modern residential buildings to: (i) maintain tenability to the degree necessary for occupants to safely evacuate or until fire service intervention, (ii) support fire service response, and (iii) improve firefighter safety. In summary, this PFC provides fit for purpose fire suppression in Class 2 and 3 buildings, other than Aged Care, less than 25 m in effective height where none has been previously required and in a cost-effective manner. Providing public comment To provide feedback, go to and download the public comment form. Follow the instructions on the form to complete it then submit it to technical@fpaa.com.au to have your feedback considered.

3 Public comment on FPAA101H is due Friday 23 February All public comment will be reviewed by FPA Australia to identify whether any changes are required to improve the Technical Specification. IMPORTANT: Public comment is only sought on the content of FPAA101H not on its implementation. If the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) supports our Proposal For Change to reference FPAA101D and FPAA101H, the relevant changes will be included in the National Construction Code 2019 (NCC 2019) Public Comment draft due to be released in February As such, any feedback on the implementation should be made based on the changes includes in the public comment draft of the NCC 2019 and, as these relate to the NCC, should be directed to the ABCB.

4 2017 FPAA101H Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Design and Installation Hydrant Water Supply 4 December

5 FPA Australia Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) is Australia s major technical and educational fire safety organisation and the national industry peak body for fire safety, which provides information, services and education to the fire protection industry and the community. FPA Australia is a not for profit association and is supported by approximately 1500 members, consisting of leading companies and organisations around Australia employing an estimated 30,000 individuals, and operating across every aspect of the fire protection, building and construction industry. Our vision is: Leading and supporting a professional industry to minimise the impact of fire on life, property and the environment, for a safer community. The objective of FPA Australia s Technical Specifications is to realise this vision by providing fit-for-purpose solutions to make buildings safer. 2 P age

6 Preface This Technical Specification provides for a fit for purpose, cost-effective automatic fire sprinkler system supplied from the hydrant system water supply. It was developed as a result of research and testing funded by Fire & Rescue New South Wales (NSW) and conducted by CSIRO in conjunction with FRNSW staff and FPA Australia members to identify a fit for purpose, cost-effective sprinkler system for residential accommodation namely Class 2 and 3 buildings and was undertaken as a direct result of the NSW coronial inquest into the death of Connie Zhang and inquiry into the 6 September 2012 fire at Unit 53, Tower B, 4 West Terrace, Bankstown. Two fit for purpose sprinkler systems were developed, both with reference to existing requirements of Australia Standards and the use of listed sprinkler heads within the scope of their listing but with an emphasis of providing a more cost-effective solution that still provided a suitable level of safety. One of the key ways this was achieved was by using existing water supplies in the building either the domestic water supply or the hydrant system water supply. This Technical Specification covers a sprinkler system fed by the hydrant system water supply. 3 P age

7 Table of contents 1.0 Scope and General Scope Application System Description Definitions Hydrant System General Compliance with AS Sprinkler System General Extent of sprinkler protection Sprinkler system design Water supply Sprinklers Spacing and location of sprinklers Sprinkler System Piping Pumpsets General Pumpset requirements Valves and Ancillary Equipment General Alarms System Control Valves Isolating Valves Block Plans Other required documentation System commissioning General FPAA101H system tested as one system Water supply proving test (flow test) Hydrostatic pressure test Inspection of system Commissioning report Routine Service General Hydrant system routine service 19 4 P age

8 7.3 Pumpset routine service Sprinkler system routine service 19 5 P age

9 1.0 Scope and General 1.1 Scope This Technical Specification is for the design, installation, commissioning and routine service of a fit for purpose sprinkler system for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings not more than 25m in effective height fed from the hydrant system. Referred to as a FPAA101H system. 1.2 Application This Technical Specification must be read in conjunction with the following Australian Standards: AS :2017, Automatic fire sprinkler systems - General systems AS :2012, Automatic fire sprinkler systems - Sprinkler protection for accommodation buildings not exceeding four storeys in height AS , Fire hydrant installations - System design, installation and commissioning AS , Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems 1.3 System Description This system consists of a typical internal hydrant installation commonly required for a Class 2 or Class 3 buildings where coverage cannot be achieved by external hydrants, and also includes, a feed for the sprinkler system which is taken at each floor level directly from the hydrant riser. A typical sprinkler piping layout is then provided from this feed to each residential floor. See Figure 1.3 for an illustration of this system configuration. Note: In comparison to an AS or AS system, this Technical Specification eliminates the need for a dedicated sprinkler system water supply tapping, pumpset (if necessary), sprinkler control valve set and sprinkler riser. It should be noted that AS also covers a combined hydrant and sprinkler system. However, AS is designed for use in much taller buildings and in all Classes from Class 2 to Class 9 buildings. To account for this complexity, AS includes many requirements in excess of what is required for this Technical Specification which is restricted to Class 2 and 3 buildings not more than 25 m in effective height. 6 P age

10 Figure 1.3 Sample system diagram of a FPAA101H system 1.4 Definitions Alarm initiating switch Pressure or flow switch installed at the control valves used to automatically sense the operation of the FPAA101H system and initiate an alarm condition. Note: An alarm initiating switch is only required where the NCC requires a building occupant warning system, see Clause 5.2. FDCIE Fire detection control and indicating equipment. FPAA101H system A fit for purpose sprinkler system for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings not more than 25m in effective height, fed from the hydrant system. It consists of both a hydrant system and sprinkler system as per the definitions of this Technical Specification. 7 P age

11 Hydrant system For the purpose of this Technical Specification, the hydrant system includes all piping and components of the FPAA101H system fitted downstream of the hydrant system water supply tapping excluding the sprinkler system. Listed See Clause of AS :2017. Shadowed area An area rendered unprotected by a vertical feature, such as a protruding wall, obstructing the spray pattern of a sprinkler. Shall See Clause of AS :2017. Should See Clause of AS :2017. Sole-occupancy unit (SOU) Has the meaning as the NCC definition except that (c) and (d) of that definition are not relevant in the context of this Technical Specification. Sprinkler, residential (RES) See Clause of AS :2017. Sprinkler, sidewall See Clause of AS :2017. Sprinkler system For the purpose of this Technical Specification, the sprinkler system includes all piping and components of the FPAA101H system fitted downstream of the sprinkler system connection point. Sprinkler system connection point The point where the sprinkler system connects to the hydrant system. 8 P age

12 2.0 Hydrant System 2.1 General This section relates to the hydrant system part of the FPAA101H system alone. It does not cover the sprinkler system part of the FPAA101H system, which is downstream of a sprinkler system connection point. This is covered in Section Compliance with AS The hydrant system shall be in accordance with Australian Standard AS with the following variation the system performance shall be in accordance with Clause 2.3 of AS except that the flow rate required shall be as per Table 2.2. No pumps required by AS Pumps Required by AS Table 2.2 FPAA101H system flow rate Outlets required as per Table 2.1 of AS or more 1 outlet at 10 L/s plus Sprinkler demand 1 outlet at 5 L/s plus Sprinkler demand 1 outlet at 10 L/s plus Sprinkler demand or 10 L/sec, whichever is the greater. 1 outlet at 5 L/s plus Sprinkler demand or 5 L/s, whichever is the greater. n-1 outlets at 10 L/s plus Sprinkler demand or 10 L/sec, whichever is the greater. n-1 outlets at 5 L/s plus Sprinkler demand or 5 L/s, whichever is the greater. Note: The pressure requirements will still be as per Table 2.2 or Table 2.3 of AS , as applicable. 9 P age

13 3.0 Sprinkler System 3.1 General This section relates to the sprinkler system part of the FPAA101H system alone. It does not cover the hydrant system part of the FPAA101H system, which is upstream of a sprinkler system connection point. This is covered in Section Extent of sprinkler protection Sprinklers shall be installed within all areas of the building including inside and outside of the SOU except where excluded below. Exceptions Sprinklers are not required in the following areas: o Concealed spaces; o Garbage chutes; o Lift shafts; o Non walk-in cupboards or wardrobes; o Roof overhangs; and o Fire isolated stairs. 3.3 Sprinkler system design Residential sprinklers shall be spaced in accordance with their listed data sheet with maximum spacing from a wall of half the maximum spacing as listed in the datasheet. The sprinkler system shall be designed to provide for the two most hydraulically unfavourable sprinklers. The minimum discharge density shall be 4.1 mm/min/m 2. The system shall be designed such that the minimum end head pressure shall be maintained for the specific sprinkler selected and its design spacing with two operating sprinklers and the required number of fire hydrants. The sprinkler system shall be fully hydraulically calculated in accordance with Section 14 of AS using the 4.1mm/min/m 2 density and the operating hydrants. Any flexible tube assemblies shall also be included in these calculations. Note: This Technical Specification may allow for flow rates above 150 L/min per sprinkler. Consideration should be given to the friction loss characteristics of flexible tube assemblies when selected for use. Larger than DN 25 assemblies may be required to ensure adequate pressures are available at the sprinkler at the worst case bend and tube length allowance for the selected flexible tube assembly. 10 P age

14 Minimum pipe sizes shall be in accordance with Clause of AS :2017. If other classifications apply to Parts of a Class 2 or 3 building protected by a FPAA101H sprinkler system, the following criteria applies to the Parts that are not Class 2 or 3: o The system shall be designed in accordance with the relevant hazard class to provide an appropriate density of discharge over the assumed area of operation applicable to the hazard class as specified in AS ; and o be fire separated from the Class 2 and 3 parts in accordance with existing NCC deemed-to-satisfy requirements. 3.4 Water supply The sprinkler system shall be supplied with water from the hydrant system via sprinkler system connection points. All hydraulic calculations shall identify the required pump duty with simultaneous flow as nominated under Table Sprinklers Only residential sprinklers of the pendant or horizontal sidewall type shall be used. All sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with their data sheet requirements and this Technical Specification whichever is the more stringent. Only escutcheons and guards approved for use with the residential sprinkler shall be used. 3.6 Spacing and location of sprinklers Spacing of sprinklers shall be in accordance with Table 3.4 of this Technical Specification. Clauses to shall also be considered in the spacing and location of sprinklers Obstructions to water distribution Sprinklers shall be located to avoid obstruction to water distribution in accordance with Clause of AS Note: A ceiling fan blade may present a significant obstruction if stopped immediately below a sprinkler. Sprinklers should be located a minimum of 300mm beyond the outside radius of ceiling fans. 11 P age

15 3.6.2 Impact on response time Sprinklers shall be positioned to reduce impact on response time in accordance with Clause of AS Compatibility Sprinklers within a compartment shall be compatible in accordance with Clause 4.5 of AS Shadowed Areas Shadow areas shall be treated in accordance with Clause of AS : Ceiling Pockets Ceiling pockets shall be sprinkler protected in accordance with Clause of AS : Pendant sprinklers near columns Pendent sprinklers near columns shall be located in accordance with Clause of AS Sprinkler System Piping All sprinklers shall be fed from the hydrant system only. All sprinklers shall be piped such that any one operated sprinkler will automatically start the fire pump (where fitted) and activate the FPAA101H system alarm initiating pressure or flow switch (where fitted). All sprinkler system piping and supports downstream of a sprinkler system connection point shall be in accordance with Section 7 of AS :2017 with the following exceptions and provisions: o Plastic pipe and fittings shall not be used. o Sprinkler system pipes and fittings shall not be required to be galvanized unless installed externally. o Pipework downstream of sprinkler system connection points shall not supply any other services including hose reels, tail-end systems and drenchers. 12 P age

16 4.0 Pumpsets 4.1 General Pumpsets for FPAA101H systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of Clause Pumpset requirements Pumpsets shall be in accordance with AS Pump start pressure sensors shall be duplicated and installed as per AS P age

17 5.0 Valves and Ancillary Equipment 5.1 General 5.2 Alarms FPAA101H systems shall have alarms and valves as per Clauses 5.2 to 5.4 (as required), a block plan as per Clause 5.5 and other documentation as per Clause 5.6. Where a building occupant warning system (BOWS) is required by the NCC, the following system components shall be required so as to activate the BOWS in the event of activation of the FPAA101H system: The system shall include a listed flow or pressure switch connected upstream of any sprinkler system connection points and hydrant valves to provide system operation indication to the FDCIE for operation of building occupant warning systems. The FPAA101H system pressure maintenance jacking pump discharge shall be fitted with a suitably sized restricted orifice so that: o The system alarm is generated within 90 seconds of opening the test drain. o The combined system pump, where fitted, starts within 90 seconds of operating the test drain. o The most hydraulically disadvantaged hydrant shall be maintained at a minimum of 700kPa. Where the orifice is a drilled ball valve, it shall be a lock-shut valve. All restricted orifices, regardless of type, shall be clearly labelled restricted orifice. Where there is a pump room, the flow or pressure switch shall be in the pump room. Where there is no pump room, the flow or pressure switch shall be installed in at the control assembly. A water motor alarm shall not be required. Audible bell and strobe shall be required in accordance with AS where pumps are installed. 5.3 System Control Valves A test valve with an orifice the similar size as the smallest orifice sprinkler head used shall be provided to facilitate the alarm function test as required by Item 1.12 of Table of AS where an alarm initiating switch is required by Clause P age

18 Where flow switches are fitted, the test valve shall be fed immediately downstream of the alarm generating flow switch. Where pressure switches are fitted, the drain shall be fed from the large diameter main, downstream of the pump discharge non-return valve. The test valve shall be hydraulically connected to waste. A DN 10 remote test valve shall be fitted at the top of each combined riser. The test valve should be hydraulically connected to waste or piped such that its discharge is no higher than 200 mm above ground level and in a location considered safe and suitable for a 200 litre discharge. Note: Connection of hoses or temporary pipe for the purpose of conducting this test should not be considered a solution. Where pumpsets are required, an annubar shall be provided within the pump room. The annubar drain shall not discharge to open areas. Drains shall be hydraulically connected to waste without tun-dish or air gap arrangements. Note: Consideration should be given to the significant pressure and flow requirements of the drain facilitating the annubar. Typically, the annubar will be DN 65 and discharge approximately 1500 L/min at significant pressure. It is recommended that annubar drain pipework be upsized by a minimum two standard pipe sizes to reduce the pressure, velocity and friction loss that would occur. Gauge-cocks shall be fitted to pumpsets as per AS A Sprinkler Stop Valve Inside shall be displayed in accordance with Clause 8.4 of AS :2017 and displayed on the outside of the pump room door. Where pumps are not installed a permanent sign at the FDCIE indicating the location of sprinkler isolation valves shall be provided. See Appendix A for sample control assemblies. 5.4 Isolating Valves A main stop valve shall be installed in the pump room, downstream of the pump discharge non-return valve and upstream of control valve assembly. The sprinkler system connection points shall not require an isolation valve. All isolating valves shall be strapped and locked open. 15 P age

19 5.5 Block Plans The FPAA101H system block plan shall be a combination of the requirements of Clause 8.3 of AS :2017 and Clause 7.11 of AS with the following variations: o The block plan shall be provided in the pump room and booster cabinet. o The block plan shall be titled FPAA101H System Block Plan. o The block plan shall include the following table and be completely populated: Duty - Measured At Annubar Hydrant Duty Sprinkler Duty Combined Duty For Annubar Flow Testing Pump Duty 5.6 Other required documentation FLOW L/M PRESSURE kpa Note: The location for where a duty was calculated is important. For example, a duty that was calculated for the annubar will be significantly different to that measured at the most hydraulically disadvantaged hydrant. A pressure gauge schedule and valve list shall not be required. Emergency instructions and isolation procedures shall be provided in accordance with Clause 8.5 of AS : P age

20 6.0 System commissioning 6.1 General FPAA101H systems shall be commissioned in accordance with Clauses 6.2 to FPAA101H system tested as one system A FPAA101H system consists of a hydrant system and sprinkler system as per the definitions of this Technical Specification. Both shall be commissioned as one system not a separate hydrant and separate sprinkler system because as per this Technical Specification it is one system whereby the sprinkler system is fed from the hydrant system. Commissioning shall consist of a water supply proving test (flow test) as per Clause 6.3, a hydrostatic pressure test as per Clause 6.4 and an inspection of the system as per Clause 6.5 and shall be documented in a commissioning report as per Clause 6.6. Note: It should be understood that both plumbing contractors and fire protection contractors may be required to complete the design and installation. It may be possible that the allowance for the sprinkler water supply capacity may be overlooked during the hydrant design or installation process. As such, it is critical that the system is commissioned as a whole by a competent person experienced in fire sprinkler and hydrant systems design and flow testing procedure. 6.3 Water supply proving test (flow test) A water supply proving test (flow test) shall be conducted using the annubar at the pumpset or where there are no pumps, at the most hydraulically disadvantaged hydrant to determine that the flow and pressure required by Clause 2.2 is achieved. 6.4 Hydrostatic pressure test The hydrostatic pressure test shall be carried out in accordance with Clause of AS Inspection of system A full visual survey of the FPAA101H system, including sprinkler system connection points shall be conducted. 17 P age

21 6.6 Commissioning report The results of the activities in Clauses 6.3 to 6.5 shall be documented in a commissioning report which identifies not only these results but: The details of the site (client, address, premises name, type of system) The details of the individual and company that undertook the commissioning (name of individual, name of company, address and contact details of company) Date of commissioning and signature of individual that completed the commissioning. Any notes of relevance. 18 P age

22 7.0 Routine Service 7.1 General FPAA101H systems shall be routinely serviced in accordance with AS with the service frequencies and service activities applicable to these systems identified in Clauses 7.2 to Hydrant system routine service The hydrant system part of a FPAA101H system shall be serviced in accordance with Section 4 of AS (there are no variations). 7.3 Pumpset routine service The pumpset(s) in a FPAA101H system shall be serviced in accordance with Section 3 of AS (there are no variations). 7.4 Sprinkler system routine service The sprinkler system part of a FPAA101 system shall be serviced in accordance with Clauses to Monthly service Conduct the following service activities from Table of AS : Items 1.2, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.17 and Six-Monthly service Conduct the following service activities from Table of AS : Yearly service Items 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5. Conduct the following service activities from Table of AS : Items 3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.17, 3.18, 3.19, 3.20, 3.21, 3.22 and Survey items Items 3.17 through 3.23 shall only be required within areas outside the SOUs. Item 3.5 shall be conducted for the FPAA101H system, as per Clause 6.3 of this Technical Specification Five-Yearly service Conduct the following service activities from Table of AS : Items 4.1, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8 and P age

23 7.4.5 Ten-Yearly, Twenty-Five Yearly and Thirty-Yearly service The ten-yearly, twenty-five yearly and thirty-yearly activities under Table of AS shall not be required to be conducted. Note: It is recommended that when a building or part of a building is being refurbished that the age of the sprinklers be checked and if over 25 years of age should be replaced. 20 P age

24 Appendix A Sample Control Assemblies The following drawings illustrate sample control assemblies for FPAA101H systems: Figure A1 Control Valve Assembly at the ground floor hydrant cupboard 21 P age

25 Figure A2 Control Valve Assembly at the Booster Cupboard 22 P age