Draft FPA Australia Technical Specification for Public Comment FPAA101D 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 FPAA101D, Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Design and Installation Domestic Water Supply provides for a fit for purpose, cost-effective automatic fire sprinkler system supplied from the domestic 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 domestic 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 sprinkler water supply into the building, the sprinkler system is integrated with the domestic 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 FPAA101D system takes its water supply from the building s domestic water riser, downstream of the domestic pump. Each floor will have a branch from the domestic riser to feed the sprinkler system and domestic water for that floor. The branch shall include an isolation valve (to isolate the domestic water and sprinkler system on the floor) after which will
be a further branch to serve the sprinkler system and sole occupancy unit (SOU) toilets. This branch incorporates a backflow prevention device after the take-off point and then reticulates throughout the corridors and common areas and into each SOU on that floor. As this is connected to the domestic water, any interruption or reduction in water supply to domestic appliances (taps, showers, etc.) will also quickly alert occupants to an interruption or reduction in the water supply to the sprinkler system. Additionally, the connection to the SOU toilets helps quickly identify any water supply issues to the SOUs sprinkler system. See Clause 3.0 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. 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 manner. in a cost-effective
Providing public comment To provide feedback, go to http://www.fpaa.com.au/technical/technical-specifications.aspx 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. Public comment on FPAA101D is due Friday 23 February 2018. 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 FPAA101D 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 2018. 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.
2017 FPAA101D Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Design and Installation Domestic Water Supply 4 December
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
Preface This Technical Specification provides for a fit for purpose, cost-effective automatic fire sprinkler system supplied from the domestic 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 Australian 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 water supply. This Technical Specification covers a sprinkler system fed by the domestic water supply. 3 P age
Table of contents 1.0 Scope... 5 2.0 Application... 5 3.0 System Description... 5 4.0 Adoption of AS 2118.5 with variation... 5 5.0 Variations from AS 2118.5... 7 4 P age
1.0 Scope This Technical Specification specifies minimum requirements for the components, design, installation, commissioning and routine service of a fit for purpose fire sprinkler system for Class 2 and 3 buildings not more than 25 m in effective height and fed from the domestic water system. Referred as a FPAA101D system. 2.0 Application This Technical Specification must be read in conjunction with Australian Standards AS 2118.5-2008, Automatic fire sprinkler systems - Home fire sprinkler systems and AS 2118.1:2017, Automatic fire sprinkler systems General systems. See Clause 4.0. 3.0 System Description The FPAA101D system is a fit for purpose fire sprinkler system for Class 2 and 3 buildings not more than 25 m in effective height and fed from the domestic water system. The FPAA101D system takes its water supply from the building s domestic water riser, downstream of the domestic pump. This eliminates the need for a dedicated sprinkler system water supply tapping, pump set, control valve assembly and riser. Each floor will have a branch from the domestic riser to feed the sprinkler system and domestic water for that floor. The branch shall include an isolation valve to isolate the domestic water and sprinkler system on the floor. Downstream of the isolation valve is the take-off point for a branch serving the sprinkler system and sole occupancy unit (SOU) toilets. This branch starts with a backflow prevention device at the take-off point and then runs throughout the corridors and common areas and into each SOU on that floor. A FPAA101D system has the added benefit of having a continually monitored water supply. As the system is fed from the building s domestic water system, any interruption or reduction in water supply to domestic appliances (taps, showers, etc.) will indicate an interruption or reduction in the water supply to the FPAA101D system. See Figure 1 for an illustration of this system configuration. Note: As illustrated in Figure 1.3, a building with a FPAA101D system will have two pipes entering each SOU: The domestic service (as present); and The FPAA101D sprinkler system pipe. The connection of the toilets within the SOU to the sprinkler system pipework effectively provides end-of-line monitoring within each SOU. 5 P age
Figure 1 Sample system diagram of a FPAA101D system 4.0 Adoption of AS 2118 standards A sprinkler system in accordance with this Technical Specification shall meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 2118.5-2008 except where varied by this Technical Specification, see Clause 5.0. This Technical Specification also references some clauses from AS 2118.1:2017, primarily in regards to components and the location of sprinklers. Note: AS 2118.5 has been referenced as the basis for this Technical Specification. However, this Technical Specification varies aspects of AS 2118.5 to create a fit for purpose and cost effective system for Class 2 and 3 buildings not more than 25 m in effective height fed from the domestic water supply. It has been informed by research and testing conducted by CSIRO in conjunction with Fire and Rescue NSW and FPA Australia members. 6 P age
5.0 Variations from AS 2118.5 Sprinkler systems in accordance with this Technical Specification shall meet AS 2118.5 with the following variations: NOTE: The below text includes a number of notes in blue boxes like this one. These notes are not part of the variations to AS 2118.5 but rather notes to this FPAA101D Technical Specification intended to clarify why certain information is added, modified or deleted. Notes that are not in these boxes are part of the variation itself, such as that for Clause 4.3.2.4 below. There is also one commentary box which is clear (no fill) and is also part of the variation itself, see C4.2.3 in Clause 4.2.3 below. Global change (entire Standard) All instances of home fire sprinkler system are references to a FPAA101D system and any variations on this are to be read accordingly, e.g. a reference to a home sprinkler is a reference to a sprinkler in a FPAA101D system. Preface and Foreword (page 2 and 5) Delete Preface and Foreword. SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL Clause 1.1 (page 6) Delete text (including Notes) and replace with the following: This Standard specifies minimum requirements for the components, design, installation, commissioning and routine service of a fit for purpose fire sprinkler system for sole-occupancy units (SOUs) in Class 2 and 3 buildings less than 25 m in effective height and fed from the domestic water supply. An FPAA101D system shall not be used to protect buildings where more than 25% of the floor area is not classified as Class 2 or Class 3. See Clause 2.5.3.2.2 for guidance on protection of ancillary areas. Clause 1.3.2 (page 7) Delete text (including notes) and replace with; The sprinkler system installation downstream of the floor take-off backflow prevention device shall be installed by a licenced plumber or sprinkler fitter who 7 P age
also holds the specific licence/accreditation to conduct work on FPAA101D systems. Clause 1.5.2 (page 8) Delete Clause 1.5.2. Clause 1.5.3 (page 8) Delete Clause 1.5.3. Clause 1.5.4 (page 8) Delete tank or and Note. Clause 1.5.11 (page 9) NEW 1.5.11 Domestic water system Domestic plumbing system comprising all components from the water supply tapping, including backflow prevention, pump, pipework and plumbing fixtures. Clause 1.5.12 (page 9) NEW 1.5.12 Floor isolation valve Valve used to isolate the sprinkler system and domestic water for the residential floor. Clause 1.5.14 (page 9) NEW 1.5.14 FPAA101D system A fit for purpose sprinkler system for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings not more than 25m in effective height, fed from the domestic water system. Clause 1.5.15 (page 9) NEW 1.5.15 Shadowed area An area rendered unprotected by a vertical feature, such as a protruding wall, obstructing the spray pattern of a sprinkler. 8 P age
Clause 1.5.16 (page 9) NEW 1.5.16 Sole-occupancy unit (SOU) Has the meaning as per the NCC definition except that (c) and (d) of that definition are not relevant in the context of this Standard. Clause 1.5.17 (page 9) NEW 1.5.17 Sprinkler, residential (RES) See Clause 1.3.36 of AS 2118.1:2017. Clause 1.5.18 (page 9) NEW 1.5.18 Sprinkler, sidewall See Clause 1.3.37 of AS 2118.1:2017. SECTION 2 INSTALLATION Clause 2.2 (page 10) Delete text (including Table 2.2 and Figures) and replace with the following: The building shall be sprinkler protected throughout except in the following areas: (a) For the entire building: (i) Concealed floor, ceiling and roof spaces not used as living areas. (ii) Toilets, bathrooms and ensuites, excluding dual use as a laundry. (b) For SOUs only: (i) Hallways, entries, stairs and the like not exceeding 1.5m in width. (ii) Cupboards, wardrobes, walk-in wardrobes, pantries, alcoves and recesses less than 3.0 m 2 ; not containing clothes driers, gas water heaters, cooking appliances and the like, or used for the storage of flammable liquids. (iii) Small architectural features such as planter box windows and bay windows. 9 P age
Clause 2.2.1 (page 10) NEW 2.2.1 Covered balconies Balconies on residential floors shall be protected in accordance with Clause 5.9.10 of AS 2118.1:2017. Clause 2.3 (page 12) Delete Clause. NOTE: Smoke alarms or smoke detection is also an important fire protection measure in Class 2 and 3 buildings but already required by the National Construction Code and state legislation and therefore does not need to be included in this Technical Specification. Clause 2.5.1 (page 13) Delete Clause 2.5.1 Clause 2.5.2 (page 13) Delete Clause 2.5.2 including associated Figures. Clause 2.5.3 (page 13) Delete text including Figures and replace with the following: 2.5.3.1 General The FPAA101D system is a fit for purpose fire sprinkler system for Class 2 and 3 buildings not more than 25 m in effective height and fed from the domestic water system. The FPAA101D system takes its water supply from the building s domestic water riser, downstream of the domestic pump. 2.5.3.2 Sprinkler system Take-offs feeding the sprinkler system for the floor shall incorporate a floor isolation valve to allow the supply to the sprinkler system on that floor to be isolated. This valve shall be upstream of the branch feeding the domestic water meters on the protected floor. NOTE: The floor isolation valve is fitted upstream of the water meters so that domestic water usage monitors the floor isolation valve. If the valve is 10 P age
inadvertently left shut, occupants are alerted that the sprinkler system is inoperative as they will have no water available at their SOU taps. 2.5.3.2.1 Connection to SOU toilets All SOU toilets shall be fed directly from the SOU s sprinkler system. Pipework and connection to the toilet cistern shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1 except that the feed shall be from the sprinkler system. NOTE: The purpose of the connection to SOU toilets is to monitor the water availability at every SOU in the building. Such end-of-line monitoring increases system reliability by protecting against deliberate or inadvertent isolation to parts of the protected floor. 2.5.3.2.2 Ancillary Areas The whole building shall be sprinkler protected subject to the minor exceptions specified in Clause 2.2. If more than 25% of the floor area of a building is not classified as Class 2 or Class 3, an FPAA101D system shall not be used. If other classifications apply to ancillary parts of a Class 2 or 3 building protected by a FPAA101D system (e.g. Class 7 carparks, Class 6 retail etc.), these parts of the building shall not be located above the fourth storey; be sprinkler protected in accordance with Clause 4.3.4 of AS 2118.4 and be provided with end-of-line sprinkler system monitoring via also providing water supply to toilets serving these ancillary parts of the building. 2.5.3.4 Connection to other systems No part of the sprinkler system shall be connected to any other service including drencher systems, hose reels or the like. 11 P age
SECTION 3 WATER SUPPLIES Clause 3.3 (page 18) Delete Clause 3.3 (including Clauses 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 and associated Figures) and replace with the following: Clause 3.3 Source of supply The domestic water system shall be fed from the network utility operator drinking water supply and the FPAA101D system shall be fed from this domestic water system. NOTE: See typical FPAA101D system configuration in Figure 1 of FPAA101D. Clause 3.4 Delete Clause 3.4. Clause 3.5 Delete 100 L/Min and replace with 132 L/min. Delete 10 min and replace with 60 min. Clause 3.6.1 (page 23) Delete text and replace with Pumpsets shall be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1. Clause 3.6.2 (page 23) Delete Clause 3.6.2. Clause 3.6.3 (page 23) Delete Clause 3.6.3. Clause 3.6.4 (page 23) Delete Clause 3.6.4. Clause 3.6.1 (page 24) Delete Figure 3.6.1. 12 P age
Clause 3.6.5 (page 25) Figure 3.6.5 Delete FIRE SPRINKLER PUMP and replace with FIRE SPRINKLER/POTABLE WATER PUMP Clause 3.6.6 (page 25) Delete Clause 3.6.6. Clause 3.6.7 (page 25) Delete Clause 3.6.7. Clause 3.6.8 (page 25) Delete Clause 3.6.8. Clause 3.6.9 (page 25) Delete Clause 3.6.9. Clause 3.7 (page 26) Delete Clause 3.7 including Figures. SECTION 4 DESIGN AND HYDRAULICS Clause 4.2.1 (page 27) Delete 50 L/min and replace with 66 L/min. Clause 4.2.3 (page 27) Delete Clause 4.2.3. Clause 4.2.3 (page 27) NEW 4.2.3 Simultaneous flow The network utility operator drinking water supply shall be capable of supplying simultaneously the FPAA101D system flow demand, the domestic flow demand and the demand of the wet or dry hydrant system. C4.2.3 Where a network utility operator drinking water supply supplies a sprinkler system, it should be capable of providing simultaneously the 13 P age
required flow for the domestic water system and fire hydrants. It is expected that the fire brigade would not isolate the sprinkler system until the fire is extinguished and may use the hydrants to supplement sprinkler operation. Clause 4.3.2.4 (page 32) NEW 4.3.2.4 Ceiling fans Sprinklers shall be located a minimum of 300mm beyond the outside radius of ceiling fans. NOTE: A ceiling fan blade may present a significant obstruction if stopped immediately below a sprinkler. Clause 4.3.2.5 (page 32) NEW 4.3.2.5 Shadowed Areas Shadow areas shall be treated in accordance with Clause 5.7.10 of AS 2118.1:2017. Clause 4.3.2.6 (page 32) NEW 4.3.2.6 Pendant sprinkler near columns Pendent sprinklers near columns shall be located in accordance with Clause 5.7.4 of AS 2118.1-2017. Clause 4.3.3.4 (page 32) NEW 4.3.3.4 Ceiling pockets Ceiling pockets shall be sprinkler protected in accordance with Clause 5.7.11.3 of AS 2118.1:2017. Clause 4.4.1 (pages 39-42) Delete text including all Tables and associated notes and replace with the following: FPAA101D systems shall be fully hydraulically calculated in accordance with Section 14 of AS 2118.1:2017 using the design criteria as per Clause 4.2, the sprinkler spacing as per Clause 4.3 and the minimum sprinkler pressure as per Clause 4.4.2. NOTE: This Clause uses 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.2 to hydraulically calculate the requirement for an FPAA101D system. The required flow and pressure determined will need to be made available from the domestic water system. 14 P age
Clause 4.4.3 (pages 42-51) Delete Clause 4.4.3 including all Tables and Figures. SECTION 5 COMPONENTS Clause 5.1 (page 52) Delete Items (c) and (f). Clause 5.1.1 (page 10) NEW 5.1.1 WaterMark All components installed downstream of the floor backflow prevention device (including sprinklers) shall be certified and authorised under the WaterMark Certification Scheme. Clause 5.2.1.1 (page 52) Delete Clause. Clause 5.2.1.3 (page 52) Delete Clause. Clause 5.2.2 (page 52) 1. Delete first sentence. 2. Delete Plastics at the start of the second sentence and replace with plastic. 3. Delete Note. Clause 5.2.3 (pages 52 and 53) Delete Clause 5.2.3. Clause 5.3 (page 53) Delete entire Clause and replace with the following new Subclauses: 5.3.1 Backflow protection The floor backflow valve shall be a non-testable dual check valve and shall not be fitted with isolation valves. 15 P age
NOTE: Minimising the possibility of inadvertent isolation of the sprinkler system in Class 2 and 3 buildings is of paramount importance. Isolation valves fitted at backflow devices are used to perform testing on the device and to facilitate its maintenance or replacement. As a non-testable device is specified and provisions for isolation and drainage are available, dedicated isolation valves are not required to be installed. 5.3.2 Drain Valve A 15mm locked shut drain valve shall be installed immediately downstream of the dual check valve backflow device to facilitate de-pressurizing the installation downstream of the device if required. NOTE: This Technical Specification does not include test valve assemblies. Such assemblies are used for routine testing ( maintenance under AS 2118.5). The requirements to use this have been removed due to the nature of the system whereby the availability of water will be monitored with day to day water usage of the occupants. 5.3.3 Location plate Where the floor isolation valves are located within a cupboard, a location plate shall be installed on the exterior of the cupboard bearing the following words SPRINKLER STOP VALVE INSIDE in clear permanent lettering, in letters at least 25mm high and in a contrasting colour to the background. Clause 5.4 (pages 54-55) Delete Clause 5.4 (including Figure). Clause 5.5.1 (page 55) 1. Delete text in Clause 5.5.1(b) and replace with the following: (b) be of the concealed, flush or domed pendent type or sidewall type; and 2. Delete last sentence and Note. Clause 5.5.2 Delete text (excluding note) and replace with the following: Six (6) spare sprinklers and a compatible spanner shall be kept in a locked box fixed adjacent to the fire indication panel (FIP), where fitted. Where no FIPs are used, the spares box shall be installed adjacent to the ground level floor isolation valve. 16 P age
Clause 5.5 (pages 56 to 57) 1. Delete Figure 5.5(A). 2. Delete Figure 5.5 (B). 3. Delete Figure 5.5(C). SECTION 6 COMMISSIONING Section 6 (page 59) 1. Add 6.1 GENERAL between the Section heading and the first paragraph. 2. Delete Item (d). NOTE: This Standard does not include test valve assemblies. 3. Delete Item (e). 4. Delete Item (f). 5. Delete Item (g). 6. Delete Item (h). 7. Delete Item (i). SECTION 7 ROUTINE SERVICE Section 7 (page 59) NEW Add new Section 7 as follows: SECTION 7 ROUTINE SERVICE 7.1 GENERAL Routine service of a FPAA101D system shall consist of an annual inspection of the sprinkler system to ensure that sprinklers have not been damaged, painted or unduly obstructed. Stock of spare sprinklers and spanner should also be checked at this time. NOTE: This activity could be conducted at the same time that the SOU is accessed to undertake the annual inspection of smoke alarms. APPENDICES Delete all appendices. 17 P age