20080312065045.pdfMarch 10, 2008
Ann Bullis, Plan Reviewer and
Assistant Code Official
Development Services Department
121 5th Avenue North, Second Floor
Edmonds, Washington 98020
Dear Ann Bullis:
This is a plan review of the:
Project Name: Refrigeration System for PCC Natural Foods
Plan Review N2:1129-108 (Your Plan Check Number is MECH BLD 2008-0097)
I have determined the following general criteria that apply for this project:
NON-STRUCTURAL DESIGN CRITERIA:
Occupancies: Group M, Retail Sales; Group S, Division 1, Storage
Codes Used: 2006 International Fire® and Mechanical® Codes + State Amendments
Valuation: N/A — Hourly basis for fees
This letter report provides a review of relevant issues related to the new refrigeration system in
a local grocery store in Edmonds, WA. The review has revealed some areas where more details
or further explanation is required in order for me to conclude that they do comply with the
IFC and IMC provisions. Even though the report is addressed to you, Ms. Bullis, and is
written as "advisory recommendations", the designers need to address them and resolve the
issues unless you find otherwise. Some comments may require a change of plans and/or
specifications. In order for you and me to quickly determine that the issue has been solved, it
would be appreciated if they would show a cloud around the change. If they dispute the issue,
they should provide their analysis of why they are correct in writing in order for you and me to
address then and agree or provide further argument or questions.
Mechanical and Building Code Comments (Section # are to IMC, unless noted)
1. Analyzing hazards associated with the installation. Sections 1102.1 and 1103.1:
a. They are using R404A, Zeotrope, which is an A-1 refrigerant. Table 1103.1. That
category means that it is a product with a lower toxicity (A) and material doesn't show
flame propagation (1). Section 202, Definition, Refrigerant Safety Classification.
b. The MSDS sheet for this R404A refrigerant should be provided to verify its hazards.
c. The occupant load is 500+, the occupancy class is Commercial. Section 1103.2, 11 4
d. The system Hazard Category is Compressed Gas and the Health Hazard is 2-0-0.
e. I wasn't able to find where Compressor B is located on the limited sheets I received.
f. Table 1103.1 allows 17 lbs of R404A refrigerant per 1,000 cf of open space. Section
1104.4.1 requires the space to be a "refrigeration machinery room." if it exceeds
0.017 lbs/c.f. The four "protocol." units have 367.8 lbs of R404A contained in a space
of about 25,000 c.f. That calculates out to be 0.0014 Ibslcf so no room is required.
Ann Bullis, City of Edmonds
Refrigeration System -PCC Market
Plan Review Number 1129-108
March 9, 2008
Page 2 of 3
2. The listing and label for these mechanical equipment should be provided to show
compliance with the IMC requirements. Section 1101.2
3. Details are needed for refrigerant piping to determine if it complies with Section 1107 for the
proper copper tubing to be used.
4. The label should include items 1 and 2 of Section 301.6.
5. Seismic restraints for the machinery and piping need to be shown. IMC Section 301.15 and
305.1, and the '05 ASCE 7 Sections 13.3, 13.4, and 13.6.
6. The size and spacing of the pipe supports need to be given too. Section 305
7 Roof top units need to be braced resisting wind pressures or seismic movement. Sections
301.13 and 301.15
8. A ladder is necessary to reach the roof top units. Section 306.5
9. The details of that ladder and the one shown in the cross section up to the mezzanine need
to be provided too and can be modeled on the one in Section 306.5.
10. The details of the guard at the mezzanine shown on the cross section at Grid 5 to include
spacing of the horizontal and vertical rails, how far to the side of the equipment they are and
specific connections to the floor deck. IBC Section 1013.5.
11. It would seem that the guards should be on the open sides of the mezzanine at the exit
corridor if there is no floor deck there.
12. A statement of special inspection is necessary for the connections of certain structural items.
IBC Sections 1705.1, 1705.2 (and Section 1705.3 unless exception lapplies)
13. The contractor has to provide a statement of responsibility prior a permit is given. Sec. 1707
14. The method and details of providing for condensate also needs to be shown. Section 307.2
15. Details of through -penetration fire stops are necessary. IBC Sections 712.3 and 712.4 and
IMC Sections 302.2 and 1105.1.
16. The main exit corridor around the back and side of the store:
a. How will the enclosed exit access (corridor?) work with the machinery room over it
unless the lid extends the entire length of the corridor? IBC Section 1017.1
b. Unless the building is completely sprinkled, the corridor needs to be protected to
one-hour construction with 20 minute door assemblies. Table 1017.1
c. The doors into this corridor block the required width of 44" by more than 7". Sections
1008.1.2 and 1017.2. if they can open nearly 180°, they would comply.
Fire Code Comments (unless noted otherwise, references are to the '06 IFC)
1. Refrigerant R404A, Zeotrope, has no TLV -TWA value in Table 1103.1, so no refrigerant
detector is necessary. Section 606.8.
2. Sections 606.9 thorough 606.15 are not relevant to this installation, since no mechanical
refrigeration room is necessary.
Ann Bullis, City of Edmonds
Refrigeration System -PCC Market
Plan Review Number 9929-908
March 9, 2008
Page 3 of 3
CLOSING
As stated in the beginning of this letter, the designer should revise the plans and specifications
and resubmit them with a letter explaining their rebuttal and indicating on which sheet or detail the
correction may be found. If the engineer or architect disputes some of my comments, they or you
shouldn't hesitate to call me and discuss those issues.
Thank you for the opportunity to be once more of service. The invoice for this service and the
plans and specifications will follow under separate cover after the recheck is done.
Sincerely,
Jerry J. Barbera, P.E., M. ASCE
Construction Codes Consultant