2009 IFC® Q&A

This heavily illustrated publication provides more than 270 answers and explains the proper application and enforcement of various IFC® provisions. Interpretations have been developed for the administrative, enforcement and various technical issues. IFC® Q&A is divided into 22 separate chapters addressing the administration of the fire code, definitions, fire service. 152 pp.

Features:

• building and fire protection systems
• means of egress
• special hazards including flammable finishes
• motor vehicle fuel dispensing and high-piled combustible storage
• hazardous materials

This publication covers common and uncommon instances or cases where code officials, design professionals or regulated industries have questioned the various provisions in the IFC®. Code officials and design professionals will appreciate the level of detail and analysis presented in many of the answers because it will help in understanding the purpose and intent of the various fire code provisions.

Some of the questions covered are:

• What is the relation between the IFC and the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and does it apply to one- and two-family dwellings?
• Is there a minimum required separation distance (in feet) and/or fire-resistance rated separation (in hours) for an emergency power generator located adjacent to an exterior wall of a Group R-1 occupancy?
• Does the presence of a pizza oven in a commercial restaurant require the installation of a Type I hood with an automatic fire-extinguishing system?
• Do the pipe hanging and support requirements in Chapter 9 of NFPA 13 comply with the requirements in ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. 
• Is the fire protection required by Section 1504.4 to be applied retroactively? 
• When smoke and heat vents are required for high-piled storage, where is the code requirement that specifies the vent’s opening force? I unable to locate code text specifying the minimum force (measured in pounds per square foot) required for opening the smoke and heat vents once the fusible link has released. Otherwise, if you have a snow load piled on the vent, what is the opening force required for smoke and heat vents to ensure they actually operate under smoke and fire conditions? 
• I have a 150 gallon dip tank classified as a Use-Open System. In my business I mix 25 gallons of 98% sulfuric gallons with 125 gallons of distilled water, creating a mixture of 34% sulfuric acid. It is our position that because we only use 25 gallons of sulfuric acid in the solution, the amount in use is less than the 100 gallon maximum allowable quantity per control area value in Table 2703.1.1(2). However, the fire code official does not agree with this analysis and believes that the entire solution must be evaluated. Who is correct?
• I have a company that wishes to store two-330 gallon portable tanks of 30% hydrogen peroxide inside their building. From the MSDS we understand the material is classified as a Class 2 oxidizer and a corrosive liquid. Table 2703.1.1(1) states the MAQ for Class 2 Oxidizers is 250 pounds. Am I required to make a conversion for liquids and how is it accomplished?