Fire Protection Standards for Garage, Repair Shop and Parking Lot Design
Introduction
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the leading resource for fire-related safety measures, codes, and standards. The NFPA develops and maintains these resources to provide both fire safety engineers and building code officials with the knowledge and evidence for proper fire protection and prevention. In compliance with the NFPA fire protection standards, this document presents the fire safety criteria for the design of garages, repair shops, and parking lots. This document covers the fire protection requirements for vehicle storage spaces, fire detection systems, ventilation systems, automatic sprinkler systems, and smoke control systems.
Vehicle Storage Spaces
The design of vehicle storage spaces must be done in accordance with NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and NFPA 13R, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies. There are three primary design criteria for vehicular storage spaces: occupancy load, maximum capacity, and fire resistance.
The occupancy load of a vehicle storage space is determined by the number of vehicles and the square footage of the space. The occupancy load of a vehicle storage space should not exceed 25 net square feet per vehicle. The maximum capacity of a vehicle storage space is determined by the number of vehicles and the vehicle width, length, and height. The maximum capacity of a vehicle storage space should not exceed 600 vehicles. The fire resistance of a vehicle storage space is determined by the material used to construct the walls, ceiling, and floor. The fire resistance of a vehicle storage space should not be less than an assembly having a 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
Fire Detection Systems
The fire detection system is the most important part of any fire prevention and detection system. The fire detection system must be designed according to the requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. The fire detection system must be capable of detecting all fires in a timely manner and alerting occupants to evacuate the area or take protective measures. The fire detection system must be capable of detecting both heat and smoke in order to provide an early warning of a fire.
Ventilation Systems
Ventilation systems are essential for the safe operation of any vehicle storage space or repair shop. The design and installation of ventilation systems must be done in accordance with NFPA 96, Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, and NFPA 204, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment. The ventilation system must be capable of providing an adequate supply of fresh air and of exhausting the smoke, fumes, and other combustion byproducts generated by vehicle operations.
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
The installation of an automatic sprinkler system is a critical element of fire protection for garages, repair shops, and parking lots. Automatic sprinkler systems must be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems. The automatic sprinkler system must be capable of providing an adequate, uniform application of water to all parts of the protected space. The water supply system must be capable of supplying the necessary water demand of the sprinkler system.
Smoke Control Systems
The installation of a smoke control system is essential for the safe operation of a vehicle storage space or repair shop. The design of smoke control systems must be done in accordance with NFPA 204, Standard for Smoke Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differentials. The smoke control system must be capable of controlling the spread of smoke and providing safe evacuation routes for occupants when a fire occurs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NFPA fire protection standards provide the necessary criteria for the design of garages, repair shops, and parking lots. This document highlights the fire safety requirements for vehicle storage spaces, fire detection systems, ventilation systems, automatic sprinkler systems, and smoke control systems. Following these recommendations will ensure that garages, repair shops, and parking lots are properly protected from fires and comply with the requirements of NFPA fire protection standards.
