1st Edition

Fire Protection Approaches in Site Plan Review

By Mohammad Nabeel Waseem Copyright 2016
    125 Pages 97 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    The outcome of a fire review can greatly impact the internal fire and life safety features, as well as the architectural design of a building. An insider’s guide for both novice and expert, Fire Protection Approaches in Site Plan Review provides the framework needed to design and evaluate a successful site plan for review. This book outlines the components of a fire review, provides fundamental knowledge of fire principles related to a review, and introduces concepts for site plan development that can reduce or eliminate the problems that take place during the review process and during fire emergencies.

    In addition to providing an overview of site plans, the author explains the items required for fire analysis, the kind of information that will be evaluated, and the items with which a reviewer should be familiar to begin a review. He also implements best practices, internationally recognized codes and standards, and applies real-life examples illustrating relevant ideas and concepts.

    A technical examination that considers an engineering approach to fire emergency service, codes and standards, this book:

    • Establishes the importance of the roads used by fire emergency personnel to get to a site
    • Explains the water requirements for a fully-engulfed building
    • Discusses the strategic positioning of fire hydrants
    • Examines underground fire service lines that supply water to the active fire protection systems of the building
    • Highlights Siamese connections, also known as Fire Department Connections (FDCs)
    • Looks at location and positioning of FDCs, clearance from obstructions, size, and labeling
    • Covers access for emergency vehicles from the fire station and to the building

    Fire Protection Approaches in Site Plan Review describes the basics of fire protection as they relate to site planning and explains the importance of proper site plan review. This book serves as a handy guide for owners seeking to protect their buildings, architects and engineers needing to implement a cost-effective code-compliant design, and plan examiners and inspectors looking to effectively evaluate and review site plans.

    Site Plan Basics

    Building Address

    Measuring Scales

    Profile

    Existing Condition/Demolition

    Revisions

    Site Renovation

    Local Fire Alarm Notification

    Record Keeping

    References

    Grading

    References

    Fire Flow

    ISU Method

    Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute Method

    ISO Method

    Fairfax County Method

    Occupancy Reduction—"OR" Value

    Exposure Distance—"ED" Value

    IFC Method

    Minimum and Maximum Fire Flows

    Example of Fairfax County Method

    References

    Fire Hydrants

    Dry Hydrants

    Wet Hydrants

    Flow and Pressure at Hydrants

    Clear Space around Fire Hydrants

    Distance between Fire Hydrants

    Fire Hydrant Availability and Access

    References

    Underground Fire Lines

    Tall Buildings

    Case Study: NFPA 13R Sprinkler System

    Profiles

    Easement

    Site Renovations

    Case Study

    References

    Fire Department Connections

    Plan View

    Fire Hydrant Serving Siamese Connection

    FDCs for High-Rise Buildings

    Case Study

    Pumper Test Header

    Free-Standing FDC

    References

    Fire Truck Access

    Dead Ends

    Fire Lane Signage

    References

    Aerial Ladder Truck Access

    How Much Access Is Enough Access?

    References

    Code Modifications

    Conclusion

    Glossary

    Appendix

    Biography

    Mohammad Nabeel Waseem has an Advance Diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technology from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology (Ontario, Canada), Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Safety and Engineering Technology from University of Cincinnati, and a Master of Engineering Degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. In addition, he holds an MBA in Project Management from Columbia Southern University, where he also served as an adjunct faculty member. A Professional Member of SFPE, Mr. Waseem is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CPFS), holds NICET Level III certification in water-based systems, is a certified fire plans examiner, a fire inspector, and a Licensed Fire Protection Engineer in Maryland and Virginia, USA.

    "… comprehensive in the fundamentals of site plan review. The real world examples and applications that are provided show how the engineering principles promote fire safety and emergency operations."
    —Battalion Chief John L. Walser, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Virginia, USA