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BCAB #1702 - Article 3.2.5.10., Hose Connections

Last updated on March 24, 2016

October 20, 2011

BCAB #1702

Re: Article 3.2.5.10., Hose Connections

Project Description

The project consists of 4 sprinklered buildings of mixed use, primarily of residential occupancy.  The buildings are separated by firewalls with openings to provide horizontal exits.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.2.5.10.(1) requires hose connections to be located in exits, in accordance with NFPA 14, “Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.” Sentence 3.2.5.10.(2) states “Hose connections are not required within a floor area”. Floor area is defined as the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls and required firewalls, including the space occupied by interior walls and partitions, but not including exits, vertical service spaces, and their enclosing assemblies.

Sentence 7.3.2.(2) of NFPA 14 requires Class I standpipe systems to be provided with 65-mm hose connections on each side of the wall adjacent to the exit openings of horizontal exits.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends hose connections are not required at either side of the firewall, as Sentence 3.2.5.10.(2) states hose connections are not required in a floor area.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains hose connections are required at the horizontal exit, as required by Sentence 3.2.5.10.(1) and NFPA 14.

Appeal Board Decision #1702

It is the determination of the Board that hose connections are required on each side of a firewall adjacent to the exit openings of a horizontal exit in conformance with the requirements of NFPA 14. Each floor area is considered an exit for the adjacent floor area, therefore the hose connections adjacent to the horizontal exit are “in” an exit facility. The exemption in Sentence 3.2.5.10.(2) does  not apply to hose connections adjacent to the horizontal exit, it relates to additional hose connections in a floor area that are required by NFPA 14 but are not considered necessary in buildings conforming to the BC Building Code.

George Humphrey, Chair