BCAB #1484 - Standpipe Connections, Sentence 3.2.5.11.(1) (1992 BCBC)

June 28, 1999

BCAB #1484

Re: Standpipe Connections, Sentence 3.2.5.11.(1) (1992 BCBC)

Project Description

The project in question is a sprinklered four storey wood frame residential building, part of complex of nine buildings. A class II standpipe and hose system is being installed.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.2.5.11.(1) states that "required hose stations shall be located in or near exits …"

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that NFPA 14, "Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems," determines the number of hose connections that are "required" based on the size of the building. The Building Code then stipulates these "required" hose connections are to be located "in or near exits." A Class II standpipe system such as the one in question is required by NFPA 14 to have all portions of the floor level within 130 ft (39.7 m) of a hose connection. In this building that can accomplished with one hose station located in one exit.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that 5-3.2 and 5-4 of NFPA 14 require standpipes in each required stairway.

Appeal Board Decision #1484

The Board notes that the applicable edition of NFPA 14 is the 1990 edition in which Section 3-2.2 requires all portions of a floor area to be within 30 feet of the end of not more than a 100 foot hose. There is no requirement for the standpipe or hose connections to be in each required exit stairway.

George R. Humphrey, Chair