Fire damper email.pdfr a8c i vi
Bjorback, Leif
From: Bjorback, Leif
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2011 11:11 AM
To: 'Dave Miller'; Mike Mesneak
Cc: Yarberry, Leonard; Steinike, Russell; Lawler, Patrick
Subject: Mechanical Room
Hi Dave and Mike,
Thank you for meeting with me on site yesterday. Afterward, I met with our building official and
discussed the situation of the fire -rated mechanical room that is missing fire damper protection
where the existing ducts penetrate the walls of the room. Our records show that this room was
previously fire rated, and the existence of at least a couple of old fire dampers still in place seem
to support the need for the fire rating. We are not sure what size of equipment has been in the
room previously, but the installation of the new boiler under the current permit would itself
trigger the code requirement for a protected room. The size of the boiler as listed on the
approved plans exceeds the minimum horsepower and pressure ratings found in IBC Table
508.2.5, requiring a 1 hour separation or an automatic fire -extinguishing system. According to
IBC 716.5.2, fire dampers are required where ducts or air transfer openings penetrate a fire
barrier wall.
The building department believes this is a safety issue that must be addressed before we can
approve the work currently underway. To address this issue, we ask that you submit a revised
plan that shows the addition of fire dampers where applicable. This revision will be reviewed by
the building department as expeditiously as possible in order to minimize any delay in your
progress. If you feel that this request is not reasonable or appropriate, please provide a written
submittal to the building official justifying that the current construction meets the minimum safety
standards of the building code. Please understand that our main concern is to ensure a properly
constructed building for the safety of all of its occupants.
Thank you,
Letif 16j(w Tac
Assistant Building Official
City of Edmonds
(425) 771-0220