Fire Alarm Requirements for an Animal Shelter

[JerryBumgarner]

We are in the process of wiring a new animal shelter for the local Humane Society. Is anyone familiar with the Fire Alarm requirements for this type of building? Is there a section in NFPA 70 or 72? I seem to remember somewhere reading something about stables but can't find it now.

 

[ron]

You need to look in the adopted building code for that jurisdiction, usually Section 907 if based on the ICC Series.

 

[gadfly56]

You need to look in the adopted building code for that jurisdiction, usually Section 907 if based on the ICC Series.

Second the motion. That said, if they haven't made any changes to the classifications in the model code, you don't need a fire alarm system for an animal shelter, unless the size or number of people working hits a trigger. That's highly unlikely. Per the 2009 edition of the IBC, the animal shelter is a "B" occupancy. The triggers are 500 total occupation, or 100 above or below the lowest level of discharge. Even then, it only requires a manual system, no automatic detection.

 

[steve66]

Is there a sprinkler system? If so, I believe you must at least have some type of outside bell for waterflow activation.

If there is no sprinkler system, you may want to suggest a smoke detection system to the owner, even if not required. If they say no, document it.

If there ever was a fire, I wouldn't want to be the one who has to explain why there is no fire alarm system. I would much rather say the owner was given the option, and they rejected it because it wasn't in the budget.