Georgia Codes
applicable to fire sprinkler requirements
The
Georgia Amendments to the 2000 International Building Code (IBC), Section 903.1
(see also 120-3-3 amendments to the 2003 IFC, Section 903.2) indicates occupancy
requirements for sprinkler systems shall be established by the 2000 Life Safety
Code (LSC). It goes on to indicate that only if the 2000 LSC did not address any
sprinkler requirement would the 2000 IBC be used as a supplement (a supplement
means the applicable sections of the supplement are added to the original
applicable Code to make-up for a deficiency, i.e. where the original does not
address the specific issue).
Supplement does not mean the most
restrictive applies – this would be if both codes were adopted without the
supplementary restrictions and then the most restrictive would apply. Example:
If a Code section to the 2000 LSC under the Code section titled “Extinguishment
Requirement” indicates ‘none’ such as in the Industrial or Storage Occupancy
requirements, then it has addressed the requirement ~ just because it does not
require any specific level or protection does not mean the requirement has not
been addressed. Again, only if it were not addressed, not indicating ‘none
required’, would it be appropriate to use the 2000 IBC for sprinkler
requirements.
A good example where the supplement would be applicable is
say you have an Industrial Occupancy that is not required by the 2000 LSC to be
sprinklered. However, since the facility is manufacturing fireworks, it would be
required to be sprinklered per 2000 IBC, Section 903.2.4.1 as a Group H-1 High
Hazard facility since the 2000 LSC does not specifically address High Hazard
Occupancies. Additionally, the provisions of Section 3305 of the 2003 IFC would
also be applicable in addition to NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124
requirements.
Typically though for most commercial cases, the 2000 LSC
addresses fire sprinkler requirements adequately. In addition, the local
jurisdiction may have more stringent standards/amendments adopted by their local
ordinance. Furthermore, the local AHJ or Code Official, has the ultimate
decision regarding the criteria to be met when based upon good engineering
practice.