IBC Should Look Closer at Schools' Sprinkler Requirements

The current International Building Code states that a new school or addition can be up to 20,000 sq. ft. without meeting a fire sprinkler requirement, however a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse/storage building must meet sprinkler requirements. Despite proposals to lower the sq. ft. requirement for schools, the past code changes were defeated and there have been new proposed changes.

At a state level, Illinois has amended its sprinkler law to require new school buildings or additions 7,200 or more sq. ft., affecting one or more area, to install a fire sprinkler system. Automatic fire detection or manual alarm systems are required in areas not requiring sprinklers. Regardless, attention/action to reform the existing IBC in relation to schools is needed.

I differ with the argument no hazard exists. Loss suffered by a community as a result of a school fire, the danger faced by children, and the devastation shared by children and adults should incite lowering of the 20,000 sq. ft. mandate.

It is disturbing that we must install fire sprinklers to protect warehoused lettuce but we are not required to do the same for our children.

The industry should lower sq. ft. requirements for fire sprinklers in schools. It is time for change. Unless we act there will be no progress. Our children deserve the protection.

Richard A. Piccolo is president of B & F Technical Code Services, Inc. With more than 30 years in the building code and fire industry, Mr. Piccolo is a Master Code Professional, a Certified Building Official, a Certified Fire Official, a Certified Property Maintenance Inspector, a Certified Building Inspector, a Certified Plans Examiner, an Illinois Certified Fire Inspector and a Certified Firefighter III. He has helped write building and fire codes for the state of Illinois as well as a number of municipalities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Piccolo

Sprinkler Head Guard with Shield- Fits 1/2" and 3/4" sprinkler heads

FEATURES: DURABLE with bright red finish.

APPLICATION: Quality constructed head guard with shield is designed to fit around sprinkler head and protect head from being hit

SPECIFICATIONS: Color: Bright Red.
Fits 1/2" and 3/4" sprinkler heads.
Shield prevents water spray from falling on the sprinkler head and not allowing the head to go off if the temperature reached that fuse point.

1/2" 175 Degree- Upright Sprinkler Head- Standard Response- Used in Warehouses

FEATURES: Decorative Bulb, UL/FM Approved, Standard Response Sprinkler Head

APPLICATIONS:Used In Ordinary Hazard Applications: Warehouses, Retail, Etc.

SPECIFICATIONS: Color:BRASS
175 Degree Temperature Rating
1/2" (NPT) threads.

1/2" 155 Degree- Pendant Sprinkler Head- Standard Response- Used in Retail Buildings

FEATURES: Chrome decorative bulb, UL/FM standard response sprinkler head.



APPLICATION: Commonly used with chrome escutcheons.

SPECIFICATIONS: Color, Chrome finish.
155 degree temperature rating.
UL/FM approved.
1/2" NPT- National Pipe Threads

3/4" 286 Degree- Upright, Large Orifice Sprinkler Head- Standard Response

FEATURES: Decorative Bulb, UL/FM Approved, Standard Response Sprinkler Head, Large Orifice

APPLICATION: Used in Ordinary Hazard Application:Warehouses, Retail, Etc.

SPECIFICATIONS: Color:BRASS
286 Degree Temperature Rating
3/4" (NPT) threads

3/4" 155 Degree- Upright, Large Orifice Sprinkler Head- Standard Response

FEATURES: Decorative Bulb, UL/FM Approved Standard Response Sprinkler Head,Large Orifice(17/32")

APPLICATION: Used In Ordinary Hazard Application:Warehouses, Retail, Etc.
Typically used around space heaters in a warehouse

SPECIFICATIONS: 155 Degree Temperature Rating

Automatic Sprinkler protection

Automatic Sprinkler protection is a facility designed to discharge water automatically in sufficient density to control or extinguish a fire in its early stages. It consists of water discharge devices (Sprinkler heads), one or more reliable sources of water at the desired pressures, valves to control the water flow, piping to distribute and convey water to the sprinklers and auxiliary equipment such as alarms and supervisory devices.


Automatic sprinkler protection has been widely used in a variety of locations. Every Sprinkler installation is tailor-made to suit various factors such as features of building construction, dimensions of the compartment, fire load of the occupancy, the possible type of fire etc…. Designing the sprinkler installation, therefore calls for a thorough understanding of these factors. An installation which has not been properly designed cannot be expected to function in the desired manner.


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