BCAB #1720 - Fire Hose Connections on a Roof, Sentence 3.2.5.9.(1)

October 17, 2012

BCAB #1720

Re: Fire Hose Connections on a Roof, Sentence 3.2.5.9.(1)

Project Description

The project in question is a sprinklered four storey wood frame multi-family residential building with underground parking. A standpipe system is provided in accordance with Clause 3.2.5.8.(1)(a) with hose connections in the exit stairs in accordance with Sentence 3.2.5.10.(1).

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.2.5.9.(1) requires standpipe and hose systems to be installed in accordance with NFPA 14, “Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems,” but references several exceptions in the remainder of Article 3.2.5.9. as well as Articles 3.2.5.10., 3.2.5.11., and 3.2.5.12. Sentence 3.2.5.10.(1) requires hose connections to be installed in exits and Sentence 3.2.5.10.(2) stipulates hose connections are not required in floor areas.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the Code makes specific reference to hose connections being located in exits and does not provide any additional requirements. Sentence 3.2.5.9.(1) requires NFPA be applied except as noted in Article 3.2.5.10. that requires hose connections in exits and makes no mention of roofs. If the Code had intended that hose connections be provided on roofs then it would have made that specific requirement.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that if the Code had intended to exempt the NFPA requirement for hose connections on the roof it would have made the specific exemption similar to one in Sentence 3.2.5.10.(2) which says hose connections are not required within floor areas. 

Appeal Board Decision #1720

It is the determination of the Board that Sentences 3.2.5.10.(1) & (2) are intended to supersede the requirements of NFPA 14 and require hose connections only in exits. Hose connections are not required on the roof of this building.

George Humphrey, Chair