STATE OF LOUISIANA
Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Office of State Fire Marshal Code Enforcement and Building Safety
8181 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana  70806
225-925-4920

H “BUTCH” BROWNING
FIRE MARSHAL

BUILDING REHABILITATION

KEVIN KINCHEN
DAMMON ENGINEERING. INC.
554 OLD SPANISH TRAIL
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000	
RE:  P0440251
SMH CARDIO REHAB RENOVATIONS
1001 GAUSE BLVD
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000

NFPA 101, 2009
IBC, 2009 (CHAPTERS 9 & 10)

BUSINESS

Dear Applicant:

This is to advise that we have reviewed the drawings and specifications for the subject proposed construction and have determined that they appear to satisfactorily comply with the adopted laws, codes, rules and regulations of The State Fire Marshal subject to the following requirements:

1.	Scope of Work: This review is for the renovation to an existing Business portion of an exsiting hospital.  The area affected is 3,708 sf.  The scope of work is classified as Alteration - Level 2 per IEBC Section 404.

Construction Type:  III-B
Sprinkler system:     Yes
Fire Alarm System:   Yes

LSC:
BUSINESS         

IBC:
BUSINESS Group B

IEBC 404.1 Scope.   Level 2 alterations include the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.

IEBC 404.2 Application.  Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 6 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 7.

101:4.6.11.1  Buildings or portions of buildings shall be permitted to be occupied during construction, repair, alterations, or additions only if all means of egress and all fire protection features are in place and continuously maintained for the portion(s) occupied. 

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NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS IDENTIFY ISSUES FOR INFORMATIONAL AND CAUTIONARY PURPOSES OR ISSUES THAT COULD NOT BE VERIFIED IN THE SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS.

2.	101:6.1.14.3 and IBC 508.3.1  Where two or more classes of occupancy occur in the same building or structure and are intermingled so that separate safeguards are impracticable, means of egress facilities, construction, protection, and other safeguards shall comply with the most restrictive life safety requirements of the occupancies involved. 

3.	Modifications to the existing sprinkler system shall be in accordance with NFPA 13. 

4.	LRS 40:1574 and LAC 55:V:303  Submit automatic sprinkler system shop drawings with plan review application and fee prior to installation of any work to this system.

Note: See Interpretive Memorandums 2013-02 and 2013-03 for submittal requirements.

Sprinkler shop drawing submittals are required to be reviewed by the professional of record/owner before being submitted to the Office of State Fire Marshal plan review section. Shop drawings reviewed by the professional of record shall bear his/her shop drawing review stamp indicating reviewed/no exceptions taken. See Interpretive Memorandum 2013-02. In order to expedite the review process, requests by the SFM reviewer for additional information will be sent both to the professional of record/owner and the sprinkler contractor. Contractor will be permitted to respond back to the SFM reviewer and copy the professional of record/owner with their response. Additional information will not require a shop drawing review stamp. Note: this does not include the response sent as a result of Request for Information letter.

Be advised that a sprinkler system that satisfies the requirements of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and/or NFPA 13D may not necessarily be considered by the building insurance underwriters as "full coverage" or "fully sprinklered", for insurance purposes.

NFPA 13:4.3, 22.1.4 (2007 edition) Complete and submit owner's information certificate to system designer in order to identify special occupancies and commodity classifications before start of design. Form can be found in the SFM website/Building Safety/Sprinklers (http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/).

NFPA 13:10 Underground piping shall be installed in accordance with chapter 10. See 10.6 for specific requirements for piping run under buildings.

Fire Pump, if provided, to meet the requirements of NFPA 20, 2007 edition.

NFPA 25:4.1.2* Accessibility. The property owner or occupant shall provide ready accessibility to components of water-based fire protection systems that require inspection, testing, or maintenance. 

5.	LRS 40:1731-( Effective 10/01/11)  Provide access for persons with disabilities in accordance with the ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines, July 23, 2004 (also known as the 2010 Standards).  This does not include a review for compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities (Civil Rights) Act of 1990. NOTE: As per ADA-ABA 2004, Section F103, Office of State Fire Marshal appeal determinations are not valid for facilities that are designed, constructed, altered, or operated with federal funds, or leased by a federal agency.  The authority having jurisdiction over such appeals is the administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA).  Compliance with state regulations and requirements does not guarantee compliance with federal law. 

"CAUTIONARY/INFORMATIONAL" items and paragraph references are noted as follows:
	
a.	202.3 If existing elements, spaces, or common areas are altered, then each such altered element, space, feature, or area shall comply with the accessibility requirements for NEW construction. 
	
b.	216.2 Where signage identifies permanent rooms or spaces OR EXITS, the signage shall comply with Sections 703.1 - 703.5 (raised characters, Braille, visual characteristics, height). 
	
c.	308.1 Reach ranges shall comply with 308 as follows:

       1.  308.2.1 Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the forward reach shall comply in accordance with Figure 308.2.1.
       2.  308.2.2 Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the forward reach shall comply in accordance with Figure 308.2.2.
       3.  308.3.1 Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high reach shall comply in accordance with Figure 308.3.1.
       4.  308.3.2 Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over the obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34" maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24" maximum with a high side reach in accordance with Figure 308.3.2.

d.	404.2.7 Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4.  Hardware shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. 

6.	101:7.2.1.5 and IBC 1008.1.9  Locks on doors in means of egress shall not require the use of a key, special device or special knowledge to open in the direction of egress.

Submit a "REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION" for special locking arrangements in accordance with Interpretive Memorandum 2009-03 available on our website at http://www.dps.louisiana.gov/sfm/ under the PLAN REVIEW / FORMS section.  Also see Interpretive Memorandum 2009-04 for clarification regarding "Magnetic Lock Releasing Devices & Electrified Locks/Latches", or Interpretive Memorandum 2009-05 for clarification regarding Special Healthcare Locking Arrangements.

NOTE:  The "Life Safety and Property Protection Licensing Law" (LRS 40:1664 et seq.) requires locksmiths to be licensed.  Contact the licensing section of this office at 225.925.7047 for guidance and assistance. 

7.	101:7.2.1.5.9 and IBC 1008.1.94 through 1008.1.9.5  Doors shall be openable with ONLY one releasing operation.  A two-step release, such as a knob and an independent slide bolt, is NOT acceptable. 

8.	101:7.5.2.1 and IBC 1014.2  Egress shall not be through a room subject to locking in the direction of egress. 

9.	101:38.3.3  Interior walls and ceilings shall have a flame spread of 0-200 and a smoke development rating of 0-450. 

10.	LAC 55:V:303.D  Provide listed portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10.  (Refer to Appendix E for distribution information.) 

	a)  NFPA 10:5.2  Classifications for fires:  

Class A fires-fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.  
Class B fires-fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars. oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases.  
Class C fires-fires that involve energized electrical equipment.  
Class D fires-fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. 
Class K fires-fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats.) (FOR USE ONLY AFTER ASSOCIATED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM HAS ACTIVATED AND ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE COOKING APPLIANCES HAS SHUNTED) 

11.	HVAC system shall be constructed in accordance with 101:9.2. 

12.	LRS 40:1664.4  All work and inspections of life safety and property protection systems and equipment shall be performed by a contractor licensed with the appropriate endorsement by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. 

13.	LRS 40:1664.4  All work and inspections of portable fire extinguishers shall be performed by a life safety and property protection contractor licensed with the appropriate endorsement by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  Portable fire extinguishers shall  be certified annually.

	a)  For Inspection, see NFPA 10:6.2
	b)  For Maintenance, see NFPA 10:6.3
	c)  For Recharging, see NFPA 10:6.4 
	
14.	Shop drawings for fire protection systems, such as Fire Alarm, Sprinklers, and Suppression Systems, that are required to be submitted to this office for review, shall be routed through the "Professional of Record's" (Architect / Engineer) office, and shall be stamped with his "Shop Drawing Review Stamp" or equivalent, indicating that shop drawings have been reviewed by him for conformance with plans, specifications, and appropriate codes. 

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NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING IS A REVIEW FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOUISIANA STATE UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACT 12 OF THE 2005 FIRST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE. THIS REVIEW IS PERFORMED AT THE REQUEST OF, AND ON BEHALF OF THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THIS PROPOSED PROJECT IS LOCATED.
This office will not be responsible for inspections to certify compliance with applicable requirements. Contact the local Building Official or a Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council certified third-party provider to arrange for inspections.

Codes Referenced: 	
	2009 International Building Code (IBC) not including Chapters 1, 11, 27, and 29;
	2009 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) not including Chapter 1;
	2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC);
	2013 Louisiana State Plumbing Code (LSPC);
	2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC);
	2011 National Electric Code (NEC)

15.	Building Planning:

	a)  Special Occupancy Areas:
There are NO special detailed requirements for NO.

	b)  Incidental/Accessory Use Areas:
There is NO incidental use area and NO accessory occupancy per IBC Section 508.

	c)  Construction Type/Building Limitations:
The construction type is indicated to be Type III-B per IBC Section 602. 
The proposed construction IS EXISTING. 

16.	Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction and Interior Finishes:

            a.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at exit enclosures and exit passageways shall be Class B: Flame spread 0-75 smoke-developed 0-450.

            b.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at corridors shall be Class C: Flame spread 0-200; smoke-developed 0-450.

            c.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at rooms and enclosed spaces shall be Class C: Flame spread 0-200; smoke-developed 0-450.

17.	Fire Protection Systems:

Refer to Life Safety Code review above for fire protection system requirements. 

18.	Means of Egress:

	a)  Refer to Life Safety Code review above for means of egress requirements.

19.	Structural: THE STRUCTURE IS EXISTING

20.	Mechanical Systems:    Complete mechanical drawings were not provided for review.  The nature of the work appears to be such that review of design documents will not be necessary to obtain compliance. Inspection for compliance will be performed in the field.  
IT IS ASSUMED THAT THE EXISTING EQUIPMENT WILL BE UTILIZED WITH MINOR RE-ROUTING OF EXISTING DUCTWORK.

21.	Plumbing Systems:
Review for compliance with the requirements of the Louisiana State Plumbing Code [Part XIV (Plumbing) of the State Sanitary Code] is performed at the request of the jurisdiction in which this proposed project is located AND on behalf of the State Health Officer.  In accordance with R.S. 40:4.A(7), R.S. 40:5, and R.S. 40:1730.28.A(5), the State Health Officer and the Office of Public Health of the Department of Health and Hospitals holds the exclusive jurisdiction, control, and authority over Part XIV (Plumbing) of the State Sanitary Code.  Interpretations and/or adjustments to the requirements contained in this code should be directed to that department for ruling.

NO APPARENT DEFICIENCIES DETECTED 

22.	Fuel Gas: NO NEW WORK INDICATED, NOT REVIEWED 

23.	Electrical Systems: NO APPARENT DEFICIENCIES DETECTED 

24.	NOTE: Please ENCLOSE A COPY OF THIS LETTER WITH FUTURE SUBMITTALS OR OTHER CORRESPONDENCE pertaining to this project. 

Changes to construction in the field which are not consistent with the reviewed documents are not authorized unless reviewed by this office for compliance with Code.  Modifications to reviewed plans must be submitted to this office by the Architect/Civil Engineer for review prior to final inspection.  If an Architect or Civil Engineer is not required by RS 37:155, revisions shall be submitted by the Owner.  Submittals shall include plans, completed application, a minimum $55.00 review fee, and a copy of the most current plan review letter.

Compliance with code requirements for fire protection systems, such as Fire Alarm, Sprinkler and Suppression Systems, is determined by separate shop drawing submittal and is not included in this review.

This review applies to work indicated in the drawings or specifications.  Existing portions of the facility or building unaffected by the new work shall comply with LAC 55:103B.

This review shall in no way permit and/or authorize any omissions or deviations from the specific requirements of the adopted codes, rules and regulations in accordance with R.S. 40:1574.1(B).

This review is valid for 180 days from the date of this letter.  Construction permits must be issued and/or construction must commence within this time period.

This office requires certification of the completed project in accordance with the approved documents (certificate enclosed).

Occupancy of the project will not be permitted until we receive the completed certificate and a satisfactory inspection of the completed construction has been made by this office.

To arrange for inspection of the project, please contact the District Office at the phone number below two (2) to three (3) weeks in advance.  The plans stamped reviewed by this office must be available on job site at time of inspection.  Certificate of completion must be provided to the inspecting Deputy for final inspection.

REVIEWED BY:
DAVID JONES
ARCHITECT

NOTE:	Please call the REVIEWER identified above if you have any questions regarding this review.
Do not call the Inspection Office until you are ready for inspection.

CC:
Slidell Memorial Hospital
St Tammany Fire Protection District No 1*
City Of Slidell*
New Orleans District Ofc*     5045688506
City Of Slidell*
St Tammany Fire District #1*