2016-12-20R Elm Street Fire Alarm Narrative v2
NARRATIVE REPORT
FOR
FIRE PROTECTION & ALARM SYSTEMS
AT
146 ELM STREET
FACULTY OFFICES AT
SMITH COLLEGE
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
PREPARED BY:
WEATHERBY DESIGN & CO.
ENGINEERS
772 UNION STREET
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089
December 20, 2016
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146 ELM STREET – FACULTY OFFICES
FIRE PROTECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM
BASIS OF DESIGN NARRATIVE
December 20, 2016
Information required pursuant to the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, 903.0.
Owner: Trustee of Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts
Designers of Record: Weatherby Design & Co. Engineers
Joel Patruno, PE
Date of Submittal: December 20, 2016
SECTION 1 – BUILDING DESCRIPTION
PROJECT SCOPE:
This project consists of architectural renovations to all floors of the existing Office Building at
146 Elm Street, a building owned by Smith College, in Northampton, Massachusetts. The
building appears to have been originally designed and utilized as a dwelling but has since been
converted to business use. The Renovations to take place will update the property for continued
use as a business occupancy.
The Building is a Use Group: Type B (Business). The Construction Type is 5-B, unprotected
Combustible as defined by the Massachusetts State Building Code.
The building consists of approximately 2,400 square feet on two levels. The building has a full
size basement area, containing mechanical systems and totaling 1200 square feet. An attic
storage area is available and the building footprint is approximately 1,500 square feet.
Fire Department personnel and rescue vehicles can access the site from the north using Elm
Street. The site may also be accessed from the west, using the property driveway/ roadway
connecting Paradise Road and Elm Street.
The fire department main entry/ primary response point for the Main Building is the north entry,
accessible from Elm Street.
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SECTION 2 - APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS
Systems were designed in compliance with the following:
1. 780 CMR 9, Massachusetts State Building Code – 8th Edition;
International Building Code – 2009 Edition - Chapter 9: Fire Protection
Systems. (with amendments).
2. NFPA 72 – 2010 “National Fire Alarm Code”.
3. 521 CMR 40, “Architectural Access Board”.
4. 527 CMR 24, 31
5. “Northampton Fire Department Fire Prevention Checklist and Guide”
SECTION 3 - DESIGN RESPONSIBILITY
The designs for the new fire detection and voice evacuation alarm system were prepared
by:
Weatherby Design & Co Engineers
772 Union Street, West Springfield, MA 01089
SECTION 4 - FIRE PROTECTION
1.0 Basis of Design
The building at 146 Elm Street is not served by an existing sprinkler system. There are
no requirements to provide sprinklers at the building, thus fire protection is not part of the
work scope.
SECTION 5- FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
1.0 Basis of Design
A. The Fire Alarm Control Panel shall be replaced with a Simplex 4007 hybrid
zone/addressable type unit. The panel shall include the following futures:
1. The fire alarm control panel shall be new and feature both addressable and
zone type loop monitoring capability. The Fire Alarm Control Panel shall
be located in the first level of the Main Building at the main entryway, at
the Fire Department Primary response point.
2. Emergency power supply for the fire alarm panel shall be supplied by
battery packs located at the FACP.
B. System Detection Devices are new, and shall provide protection throughout the
building, and shall include the following:
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1. Manual pull stations shall be installed within 5 feet of each exit door from
the first level to the building exterior.
2. System connected smoke detectors will be installed in locations as
required by code, including above the fire alarm system control panel.
Zone type devices shall be installed to provide coverage within building
spaces. Activation of any system smoke detector will initiate the fire alarm
system sequence of events for the building.
C. The fire protective signaling system is new and shall be installed in accordance
with 780 CMR and NFPA 72. Fire protection signaling and detection devices in
this building include the following features:
1. Audio notification devices are typically wall mount horns, installed as
shown on plans. It is the intent of this design that audible notification
devices achieve sound pressure levels of 15dB above ambient sound levels
for the business occupancy, or 5dB above maximum sound pressure levels
having a continued duration of at least one minute.
2. Visual notification devices as shown on the plans. It is the intent of this
design that all rooms have proper strobe coverage throughout all common
areas, meeting rooms, office spaces, bathrooms, basement, and other areas
where required. All Visual notification devices shall be synchronized.
3. A Red exterior strobe for exterior notification will be installed at the fire
department primary response point. The red exterior strobe shall be
interlocked with the general building alarm.
D. Duct smoke detectors are not required in this project. Air handling equipment
does not exceed flow requirements for such device use.
E. Carbon monoxide detection device has been provided in the basement and
interconnected to the fire alarm system. The device is located adjacent the
basement boiler unit, the only fossil fuel burning appliance on.
F. Remote Reporting shall be provided by means of 2-line autodialer
G. A Knox (key) box, in accordance with local requirements, shall be located at the
building exterior of each Fire Department Primary response point.
2.0. Sequence of Operation:
A. The activation of a fire alarm initiating device will send a signal via the Simplex
FACP to the Supervised Campus Security Station at Smith and Mount Holyoke
Colleges. The alarm shall then be relayed the appropriate responders including
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the City of Northampton Fire Department. The newly upgraded system will be
continuously monitored as part of the campus network system. All areas of the
building are protected by the fire alarm system in accordance with Code.
This fire alarm system is designed to detect fires normally associated with this
type of facility. The system can be activated manually through the use of manual
pull stations. The system shall also be activated automatically via smoke detector
activation. The system shall initiate the fire alarm sequences of events.
Initiation of the fire alarm sequence of events will immediately and
simultaneously activate all horns and visual units in the building to notify
occupants, and perform all activities as programmed. The exterior strobe shall be
engaged. The Fire Alarm control panel shall transmit an alarm signal to the
Supervised Campus Security Station; via the 2-line autodialer, and keltron
monitoring system. Security department personnel will in turn relay alarm
information to appropriate responders including the City of Northampton Fire
Department.
The Fire Alarm System reset button returns the system to its normal state.
Display messages shall provide operator assurance of the sequential steps as they
occur. The Fire Alarm Control Panel is equipped with battery back-up capacity to
support 24 hours of standby plus 15-minutes of alarm. The Fire Alarm Control
Panel is equipped with visible and audible signals to indicate alarm and trouble
conditions.
3.0 Test Criteria:
A. All features, devices, components, and modes of operation shall be tested for
acceptance in accordance with the code and NFPA 72.
B. Testing personnel shall be qualified and experienced in the arrangement and
operation of interface equipment and fire safety functions.
C. Before proceeding with testing, all persons and facilities receiving alarm,
supervisory or trouble signals and all occupants shall be notified of the testing to
prevent unnecessary response. The same shall be notified when the testing is
complete.
D. Prior to Fire Department Testing, the fire alarm system shall undergo a complete
engineer’s test to ensure proper operation. The Engineer’s test shall include the
following:
1. Prior to operational testing, the system components and devices shall be
visually inspected.
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2. The fire alarm control panel LCD display and LED indicators shall be
tested to verify that the alarm, trouble and supervisory signals are properly
displayed. Detection of open circuits, ground faults, and power supply
supervision for detection of loss of AC power and disconnection of
secondary batteries. The primary power shall be disconnected and
associated trouble signal produced. The primary power shall continue to
be disconnected and general alarm operated for a minimum of 5 minutes
and primary power restored after completion of the test.
3. Conductors shall be tested for stray voltages between conductors and
between conductors and ground, for ground faults, for short circuits, for
loop resistance and for supervision.
4. Smoke detectors shall be tested using smoke or listed aerosol.
5. Manual pull stations shall be tested by initiating an alarm in accordance
with the manufacturer’s published instructions.
6. Notification audible devices shall be tested by measuring sound pressure
levels with sound level meter meeting ANSI SI.4a, Type 2 requirements.
7. Notification visual devices shall be tested by observing synchronized
strobe operation and verifying field settable candela setting.
E. The testing personnel shall complete an inspection and testing record per NFPA
72.
F. After the Engineer’s inspection and testing is complete, the Contractor shall
schedule testing with the Northampton Fire Department.
*** End of Basis of Design Narrative ***