The laboratory shall include the following fire protection requirements:
a. Sprinkler system required for the laboratory shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 13 and shall provide complete coverage throughout the building.
b. Reference section Automatic Sprinkler systems Design | Installation | Materials for additional design information for the sprinkler systems.
c. Reference section CO2 Extinguishing Systems for additional design information.
d. Class B:C portable dry chemical fire extinguishers shall be provided throughout the building and at the exits in accordance with NFPA 10.
Fire Alarm & Fire Protection of Laboratories
Laboratories shall include the following fire and gas detection requirements:
a. Smoke detectors shall be installed throughout the building.
b. Smoke detector spacing for the building shall not exceed 400 sq. ft. area per detector. Reference NFPA 72 to confirm any additional requirements for reduced spacing that may apply.
c. Smoke detectors are not to be located in the direct stream of the room’s airflow, with a minimum distance of 3’-0” from any supply air diffuser.
d. Duct detectors shall be provided for each HVAC system that exceeds 2000 CFM. Duct mounted smoke detectors with sampling tubes shall be mounted in the supply duct. Duct detectors shall meet the requirements of NFPA 90A for design and installation.
e. Manual fire alarm stations shall be located at each exit at a maximum height of 4’-6”.
f. Monitoring of the sprinkler flow device(s) shall be required. The control valve(s) for the sprinkler system(s) shall be maintained in the locked open position.
g. Combination horn/strobe notification device(s) to be mounted in unobstructed location 8’-0” above finished floor.
h. The smoke detector and manual stations shall communicate to the FGCP, via an analog signaling line circuit.
i. Fire alarm system required for the laboratory shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 72 and section Building Construction and Occupancy Types | Buildings Fire Protection of the Fire and Gas Detection Standard.
j. Two (2) IR combustible gas sensors shall be located at the air intake(s). They shall communicate with the main FGCP, via the integrated network or to the Plant Safety PLC, via 4 – 20 mA signal.
k. Reference section 4 and 5.2 of the Fire and Gas Detection Standard for additional information pertaining to the gas detection circuits.