Visual Fire Alarm Notification Device in seating side of Arena

[JLL0131]

I have a question for those of you that do electrical work in Arenas...We just recently got our temp. CO for an indoor arena under the condition we provide strobes in the seating area.
We have a sound system that is interlocked with the fire alarm. If the fire alarm system is alarmed, the sound system turns over to emergency mode and announcements can be made to alert the audience. There are strobes in all other areas (corridors, restrooms, concession stands, suites, etc.) The owner does not want strobes (bright flashing lights could scare animals, mass hysteria from audience if strobes are activated). We are in a debate with state fire marshall wether or not the strobes are required. He says yes, we say no.
What kind of fire protection systems have you all seen in other arenas or similar locations.

 

[KentAT]

I have ZERO experience with this, but I would think the fire marshall would cite the following to back up his/her position:

From the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2009:

12.3.4.3 Notification. The required fire alarm system shall activate an audible and visible alarm in a constantly attended receiving station within the building when occupied for purposes of initiating emergency action.

12.3.4.3.1 Positive alarm sequence in accordance with 9.6.3.4 shall be permitted.



12.3.4.3.2 Reserved.


12.3.4.3.3 Occupant notification shall be by means of voice announcements in accordance with 9.6.3.9, initiated by the person in the constantly attended receiving station.



12.3.4.3.4 Occupant notification shall be by means of visible signals in accordance with 9.6.3.5, initiated by the person in the constantly attended receiving station, unless otherwise permitted by 12.3.4.3.5.


12.3.4.3.5* Visible signals shall not be required in the assembly seating area, or the floor area used for the contest, performance, or entertainment, where the occupant load exceeds 1000 and an approved, alternative visible means of occupant notification is provided. (See 9.6.3.5.7.)


12.3.4.3.6 The announcement shall be permitted to be made via a voice communication or public address system in accordance with 9.6.3.9.2.



12.3.4.3.7 Where the authority having jurisdiction determines that a constantly attended receiving station is impractical, both of the following shall be provided:


(1)Automatically transmitted evacuation or relocation instructions shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 , National Fire Alarm Code.

(2)The system shall be monitored by a supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 , National Fire Alarm Code.

And here is the 9.6.3.5 mentioned above...

9.6.3.5 Unless otherwise provided in 9.6.3.5.1 through 9.6.3.5.8, notification signals for occupants to evacuate shall be audible and visible signals in accordance with NFPA 72 , National Fire Alarm Code, and ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, or other means of notification acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction shall be provided.

 

[JLL0131]

What code are you referencing?

 

[roger]

From the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2009:

What code are you referencing?

Ken is referencing the Life Safety Code.

Roger

 

[JLL0131]

Sorry didn't read the top line of the message...

The building was under NFPA 101 2003 during design so I will see if the wording has changed between the 2003 and 2009 versions. Thanks for the reference.