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

HENRY H. FRY
DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY

NEW CONSTRUCTION

EDWARD GREMILLION, P E, C E
DAMMON ENGINEERING, INC
1095 FLORIDA AVE
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000
RE:  P0289481
ARC MECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION
BAYOU LIBERTY
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000

NFPA 101, 2003

BUSINESS
INDUSTRIAL

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.	LRS 40:1730.25  The documentation provided for the subject facility appears to comply with The Commercial Building Energy Conservation Code based on ASHRAE/IES 90.1-1989 (Energy Code). 

NOTE:  THE COMMENTS LISTED BELOW IDENTIFY APPARENT DEFICIENCIES DETECTED IN OUR REVIEW OF THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED.

2.	LRS 40:1731 (Effective 8/15/95)  Provide handicapped accessibility in accordance with ADA-AG
 (Accessibility Guidelines - September 1994).  This does not include a review for compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities (Civil Rights) Act of 1990.  Compliance with state regulations and requirements does not guarantee compliance with federal law.
"PARTICULAR APPARENT DEFICIENCIES" and paragraph references are noted as follows:

Area of Rescue Assistance. (It appears that the exterior stairs are the stairs that will be used for this requirement. Plans indicate and 30" x 48" minimum space at landing and 48" between handrails. No other requirements indicated on plans.)

	a)  4.1.3(9) and 4.3.10  Each required exit at levels above or below the Level of Exit Discharge (L.E.D.) shall be an accessible area of rescue assistance complying with 4.3.11.

	b)  4.3.11.4* Two-way Communication. A method of two-way communication, with both visible and audible signals, shall be provided between each area of rescue assistance and the primary entry. The fire department or appropriate local authority may approve a location other than the primary entry. 
	c)  4.3.11.5 Identification. Each area of rescue assistance shall be identified by a sign which states "AREA OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE" and displays the international symbol of accessibility. The sign shall be illuminated when exit sign illumination is required. Signage shall also be installed at all inaccessible exits and where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the direction to areas of rescue assistance. In each area of rescue assistance, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted adjoining the two-way communication system. 

Stairs/Handrails:

	d)  4.9.2 Treads and Risers. On any given flight of stairs, all steps shall have uniform riser heights and uniform tread widths. Stair treads shall be no less than 11 in (280 mm) wide, measured from riser to riser (see Fig. 18(a)). Open risers are not permitted.   (Details unclear. Appears to have open risers.)

	e)  4.9.4  Provide handrails at both sides of all accessible stairs.  Handrails shall comply with 4.9 and 4.26.

	f)  4.9.4(2)  Handrails at stairs shall extend at least 12" beyond the top riser and at least 12" plus the width of one tread beyond the bottom riser (See Figure 19).

	g)  4.9.4(4)  The gripping surfaces of handrails at stairs shall not be interrupted by newel posts or obstructions.

Breakroom:

	h)  4.1.3(13)  Provide a maximum counter height of 34" at sink OR provide a maximum counter height of 36" at sink if knee space exists under sink.

Bathroom:

	i)  4.23 Shower stalls shall comply with 4.21. (Note: location of 12" clear space adjacent to shower seat. Location of seat not indicated.)

	j)  4.21.4 Shower stall grab bars shall comply with 4.26 and Fig. 37. 
	
3.	101:7.2.2.5.2 and 101:7.2.2.6.3  Protect the exterior walls at exit enclosures, where exposure to other parts of the building is an angle of less than 180 degrees, with one hour fire rated walls for a distance of 10 ft. horizontally and extended vertically from the ground to a point 10 ft. above the topmost stair landing, or to the roofline, whichever is lower.  (See sheet A--4) 

4.	101:36.2.10  Exit signs complying with NFPA 101:7.10 shall define exits and access to exits where the exit is not immediately apparent.  (Do not indicate exit from second floor by interior stairs. Exterior stairs are to be the required exit.) 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

5.	This project is reviewed in accordance with the requirements of the 2003 Edition of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.  Effective January 1, 2004, the 2000 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC) was adopted as part of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code.  This project is subject to the requirements of that code.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal does not review for compliance with the IBC requirements except as noted in RS 40:1728 and LAC 55:V:305. 

6.	 101:8.2.2.3  A required fire separation shall be continuous from foundation through all intervening construction to the roof deck, from outside wall to outside wall or from fire barrier to fire barrier.

	a)  101:8.3.5  Penetrations through rated construction shall be sealed by approved firestop systems or devices tested in accordance with ASTM E-814 or ANSI/UL 1479 or by assemblies of firestopping materials capable of preventing the passage of flames and hot gases when tested and rated in accordance with NFPA 251.

	b)  Notify the District Office identified at the end of this letter for inspection of all completed fire and/or smoke barrier walls before any construction is installed that would conceal such construction and prevent a proper inspection.  Access to randomly selected areas may be required by the inspector at time of final inspection if this notification is not given.

	c)  Provide detailed instructive cut sheets of the fire penetration sealing system used to the inspector at time of inspection.  Random selective sampling by the contractor will be observed by the inspector.

(Interior Stair enclosure.) 

7.	Doors/Locks:

	a)  101:7.2.1.5  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.

	b)  101:7.2.1.5.9  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.	LAC 55:305  Insulation and insulation assemblies shall meet the requirements of Section 718, International Building Code, 2000 Edition.

	a)  Concealed and exposed insulation shall have a flame spread of 0-25 and a smoke developed of 0-450 in accordance with IBC 718. 
	
9.	101:7.2.2.2.1 / 101:7.5.4.4  Stairs shall comply with the appropriate Stair table and ADA-AG.

	a)  44 inch minimum width (48" minimum clear width between handrails at stairs used within an accessible means of egress - See 101:7.2.12.2.3 - rear exterior stairs.)     ( 36" front stairs 7.2.2.21(a) where total occupant load of all stories is fewer than 50)

	b)  7" maximum and 4" minimum rise.

	c)  11" minimum tread depth.

	d)  12 feet maximum height between landings.

	e)  Landings (See 7.2.1.3, 7.2.1.4.4 and 7.2.2.3.2).
 
	f)  Stair treads shall be uniformly slip resistant. 
	
10.	101:7.2.2.4.4.5  Provide a minimum clearance of 2-1/4" between the handrails and the walls or guards to which they are attached.  (Details not provided.) 

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

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

	a)  NFPA 10:1.5.10  Top of fire extinguisher, having a gross weight less than 40 lb, shall be not more than 5 feet above the floor; 3-1/2 feet if gross weight 40 lbs or greater. 
	
13.	Inadequate electrical systems have been found to be a major cause of fires throughout the state.  The "Professional of Record" (Architect/Engineer) if required by LRS 37:155, otherwise, the Owner shall comply with the 2002 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, for all proposed electrical work in this submittal.    

14.	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 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:
LINDA BURCH
PLAN REVIEW DEPUTY

CC:
Arc Mechanical
Slidell Fire Prevention*
City Of Slidell*
New Orleans District*     5045685500