Plans for a 6 story hospital with 77 private beds, submitted and reviewed as a Healthcare occupancy.  The building will be constructed as Type IA(I332) and will be provided with fire sprinklers, a fire alarm, standpipes, a fire pump, and a smoke management system. The building square footage is 218,477 with the following breakdown:

1st floor- 61,528sf
2nd floor- 55,972sf
3rd floor- 34,125sf
3rd floor mechanical penthouse- 4,537sf
4rh floor- 26,936sf
5th floor- 26,936sf
6th floor mechanical penthouse- 8,443sf

                                                        
Reviewed using FFPC 7th edition effective Dec. 31, 2020.
Reviewer: PJ Webb 904 209 1744 pwebb@sjcfl.us
 
To schedule fire inspections please call 827-6842 (automated system). Questions about inspections please call 209-1740x1.
Review by the AHJ shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility for compliance with the Code.
 
For questions regarding comments you may reach me at either: 904 209 1744 or pwebb@sjcfl.us.
To schedule fire i

1) In Building Radio Enhancement System (BDA) See also FS633.202(18)

This building is required to have a third party contractor conduct a two-way radio communication test in accordance with NFPA 1:11.10 and NFPA 1221 (2016 ED.) by the time of the framing inspection.

St Johns County Fire Rescue’s radio control frequency is 853.8875. You will need to provide this information to your third party contractor.

NOTE: A copy of this report must be provided and submitted to our office as a revision before the 105 framing inspection.  A 105 Framing Hold has been placed until receipt of the revision.

-If it passes the inspection radio testing at the framing stage, you will need to submit as a revision as we will record the documentation and remove the hold.

- If the third party paperwork indicates the test is not satisfactory, then the contractor will have to submit for a revision. The revision will need to include: the unsatisfactory test paperwork, outline of corrective measures, and plans to illustrate the corrective measures to meet requirements provided by the design professional.

At the final, you will be required to provide satisfactory testing by the third party contractor following the installation of the in building radio enhancement system.

--------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Per RTC "Will Comply". 

3: Does this facility utilize cryogenic systems per NFPA 1:63.4.5?

-------------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Per RTC, the only cryogen is contained in the UL listed MRI equipment. 

5) Doors 2301, 2410, and 3205.1 are indicated in rated walls and do not indicate a door rating in the door schedule. 

----------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Door ratings updated on the A9 series sheets. 

7) Demonstrate stairway identification signage on the plans as required by NFPA 101:7.2.2.5.4.1. 

-----------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Per RTC "Will comply. These signs will be included in the signage and wayfinding package to be issued at a later date."  A hold has been placed on the permit for a revision to address this. 

9) The common path of egress is exceeded from the kitchen area, therefore a second means of egress is required from this space.   Also provide exit and exit access signage accordingly.  NFPA 101:18.2.5.5.2, 18.2.5.3.

------------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Pathway has been identified through the server, AL201 has been updated, exit sign added above 1130.1. 

11) Will you be providing gaseous fire protection in the data/server rooms?

-----------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Per RTC, Yes, a Novec 1230 system will be provided.  A hold has been place on the permit for this submittal. 

13) Will CO2 beverage system exceed 100 pounds? If so, demonstrate compliance with NFPA 55:13.10.

NOTE:Make sure to include CO2 tank location, CO2 piping to mixing location (ex- bag/box), indicate which option will be used (ventilation vs sensor/notification) AND show compliance with chosen option of compliance. If Sensor/notification, show locations of the devices.

---------------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- Pet the RTC, the owner only anticipates 80lbs maximum.  This will be verified at final. 

15) Informational, no response necessary

The FP pages are sealed by Benjamin D. Roseborough PE

A fire pump is indicated, supervised sprinkler system is indicated on sheet FP001(g). 

17) Will this facility store, handle or use radioactive materials in quantities or under conditions that require government oversight? If so, indicate location within facility and compliance with NFPA 801 (2008) will need to be checked.  45:1.1.1.

---------------------------------------

Thursday, November 16, 2023 PJW- The response to comments indicates that a small amount of radioactive material will be stored on site in a lead lined cabinet, and that it will be licensed by the state.  This is per NFPA 801:1.3 in which compliance with this standard is required. 

The requirements of this standard are detailed and include the need for policy creation of a fire hazard analysis, a fire protection program, development of an emergency response plan, creation of a facility fire organization, and a pre incident fire plan. There are also requirements that may affect the design of the building etc. 

Due to the complexity and unusual nature of the hazard, our office is requiring that a third party engineer with expertise in the nuclear field evaluate the facility, conduct an analysis and provide a report with any recommendation of changes, in addition to whatever else is required by NFPA 801 in totality.  In addition a 3rd party inspection will be required.  A hold will be placed on framing (105) for this report, inspection,  and any subsequent changes to the building that may be required resulting from the analysis.  The authority for this requirement per NFPA 1:1.15.1.

19) Stair S2

It appears that there is an exit sign on the 1st floor leading into the building.  The stair needs to discharge directly outside as indicated by the exit signage over the exterior door from S2.  Is the sign mentioned intended to be a directional exit access sign guiding people to the exterior door? 

21) Identify for me or direct me to if already provided, what the life safety branch provides power to in accordance with NFPA 99:6.7.5.1.2.4, and 6.7.6.2.1.5(c)

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC:

1. Egress lighting
2. Emergency Lighting
3. Fire Alarm
4. Elevator Cab lighting and controls
5. Med gas alarm system
6. Automatic (electrically powered) doors
7. BDA

It is also noted that the generator and transfer switch loads are part of the Central Energy Plant (CEP) project.  The above can be found on the E100 series plans. 

23) Provide Life Safety branch emergency lighting in the following locations:

- Giftshop
- Security 1175
- Passage 1176
- Facility engineering shop 1416
- Biomed shop 1412
- Receiving 1429 (egress through)
- Physician lounge 2105
- Clinical control 2150
- Men's locker room 2271E
- Woman's Locker room 2273E
- 2nd floor pharmacy area
- Hematology coagulation
- L&D
- Mechanical penthouse Level 3
- ISOL/treatment bay area 4th floor
- Therapy Gym 5100

NFPA 101:18.2.9.2

--------------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- LS branch lighting has been provided in the above locations indicated on sheets E101A, E101B, E102A, E102B, E103A, E104A, and E105A. 

25) Should there be an exit sign located at the intersection of corridor 3200.5 and 3200.3 facing plan south with dual chevrons?

-----------------

Monday, November 20, 2023- Exit sign added. 

27) 3rd floor elevator lobby at family lounge 3105

The egress path that passes the elevators from plan north to south only seems to have 1, D1A fixture near it.  Will this provide enough LS branch coverage for the egress path?

------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Additional downlighting has been provided on the LS branch.  Sheet E103B. 

29) Smoke Control System

Demonstrate compliance with NFPA 92 and NFPA 204, engineering guides, or recommended practice per NFPA 101:9.3.1.  A hold has been placed on this permit for this submittal or revision to address this.

-----------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC, the rational analysis document will be provided for review.  A hold has been placed on the project for this information.   

31) Smoke control system

Acceptance testing shall be performed by a special inspector in accordance with 9.13, in parallel with our office.  NFPA 101:9.3.3.  After completed the associated documentation/report will need to be provided to your inspector prior to final issuance. 

-----------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC, will comply.   

33) On the door schedule, identify the applicable doors that fall under the requirements of delayed egress, sensor release of electrical locking systems, or locks for the needs of patients per 101:18.2.2.4 or 18.2.2.2.5.2, 18.2.2.2.6.   For doors meeting 18.2.2.2.4 provide all component specifications demonstrating requirements for the applicable arrangement code section.  Any doors secured for the clinical needs of patients, show compliance with these sections as well.  18.2.2.5.2, 18.2.2.2.6. 

If you are unable to provide the amount of detail requested at this time, indicate this and it can be addressed by a revision later.  This may be the better option due to the size and complexity of this building, in addition the installing contractor would be involved to provide the needed information (plans, specification, etc.)

----------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- RTC indicates.. "yes, there will be delayed egress in portions of the hospital that must be secured during normal operation.  Any delayed egress being provided will be compliant with 18.2.2.2.4 and 7.2.1.6.1.  Delayed egress openings are identified and described in the door hardware specification 087100 as well as on the Technological drawings. Additional information can be provided once final hardware is submitted by the supplier/installer and approved by architect. 

Monday, November 20, 2023 Reviewer response PJW-  A hold will be placed on the permit for a revision to address the specifics of any special locks including or in addition to what is indicated in the response. Ideally we would like to see a clean floor plan showing only the special locks that are being submitted for.  This includes all locations in accordance with 18.2.2.4 and any doors that will be locked down for the needs of the patients per 18.2.2.2.5.2.  Or any magnetic type locks with card access.   Also please note that the 087100 manual section was not provided with the resubmittal.  I will need that when you submit.   With a building this size please make the submittal sheet as clean as possible without a lot of the underlying layers that may clutter it.  Contact me if you have any questions.     

35) Door S2.1 HW group 56, which side is the secure side?

----------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- The door is staff access to stair only, not egress.  The corridor side is secured.  Occupants egress through the elevator lobby. 

37) What is pediatric multipurpose room 4110 (4th floor) used for?  Does it fall under the requirements of NFPA 101:18.2.3.6?

------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC, the rooms have been increased to 44"  The room description is indicated in the RTC. 

39) 6th floor mechanical penthouse has an exit sign indicted on the plan upper door that leads out to the roof.  Where does this lead?

-------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC the pair of doors leads to the roof to the north if the southern egress was obstructed.  To the north personnel could re enter the exit stair vestibule.  The doors will always allow free ingress to the stairs. 

41) The plans indicate that motion sensors will be used in the areas of egress. At time of fire final be prepared to show compliance with NFPA 101 7.8.1.2.2:

(1) switch controllers must be listed (2) switch controllers equipped for fail-safe operation and evaluated for this purpose (3)  timers be set for a minimum 15 minute duration. (4)  motion sensor be activated by any occupant movement in the area served by lighting units (5) If building has a fire alarm, activation of fire alarm must activate the switch controller (6)  lighting control device may not turn off any lights realized upon for activation of photo luminescent exit signs or path markers (7) Lighting control devices may not turn off any battery equipped emergency luminaries, unit equipment or exit signs

--------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC the egress lighting will not be controlled by occupancy sensors, they will be on 24/7.  Also the patient floor corridors will have relays.   The above requirements will be verified at final. 

43) Egress from corridor 3100.4 travels through family lounge 3105 to get to the egress stair.  Egress cannot pass through intervening rooms per NFPA 101:18.2.5.4.  Same issue on the 4th and 5th floors lounges 4100 and 5110.  These spaces do not appear to meet 18.3.6.1. 

------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- The RTC indicates the following.."The corridor continues to the south past the Family Lounge.  Per NFPA 18.3.6.1(1) the Family Lounges can be open to the corridor as they meet all of the criteria of (a) through (d). "Spaces shall be permitted to be unlimited in area and open to the corridor, provided that all of the following criteria are met..."

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW Reviewer Response-  The 18.3.6.1(1) reference provided is regarding just what it says, spaces that are permitted to be open to the corridor as it relates to protection of the corridor.  That is a separate requirement from the section originally in question which is NFPA 101:18.2.5.4 which is regarding means of egress which states..."Every corridor shall provide access to not less than two approved exits in accordance with sections 7.4 and 7.5 without passing through any intervening rooms or spaces other than corridors and lobbies."  Corridor 3100.4 continues through the family lounge to get to the exit stair.  Since the family lounge is not a corridor or a lobby, it is a intervening space per this section, which is not permitted.   I see two options for compliance.  Option 1: continue corridor 3100.4 south past the family lounge essentially creating a wall separating the lounge from the corridor with a door leading into the lounge.  This would alleviate passing through the lounge.  Option 2: If travel distance and other egress calculations allow, the door leading into the family lounge from corridor 3100.4, instead of exit signage directing occupants through the family lounge, direct them by chevron to plan left towards the hallway to the left of the stairs to continue down and around to the stair.  Make sure the measurements work and demonstrate.  It appears that that section of corridor is used already labeled and utilized form plan left. 

45) Travel distance from the kitchen suite starting point (as indicated on AL201) exceeds 200 feet to all exits, including vestibule 1000.1, doors 1000.6, doors 1400 and vestibule 1300.11. 

----------------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per the RTC, sheet AL201 has been updated to clarify the distances.   It does not appear that the measurements provided start where required by the code, however using the original travel distance starting point, since egress was not added through the server, this requirement is met.   

47) Will this facility have hyperbaric chambers?  NFPA 101:8.7.5

-------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Per RTC, NO. 

49) Identify accumulation space per 101:18.3.7.5. 

---------------

Monday, November 20, 2023 PJW- Provided on Life Safety Plans. 

51) New Comment

When resubmitting, ensure that all plans are securely bound.  With a plan-set of this size it is extremely difficult to process when loose.  Our office will not review the resubmittal if loose.