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:  P0294928
PYTHON CONSTRUCTION OFFICE WAREHOUSE
TRACT 361 OF N OAKLAWN
LACOMBE, LA  70445-0000

NFPA 101, 2003

STORAGE
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:

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

1.	If the doors to the Bath room and Copy room are relocated, NFPA 101:8.6.8.1 is applicable to this project; 1 hour protection is required at second story.  (See Sheets 5, 6 and 7 of 21.)  Otherwise 101:8.6.7 for full Atrium provision and a Sprinkler system are needed in the business portion of this facility.  (Also note Exhibit  8.23 in NFPA 101 Handbook.)

Note that 101:8.6.8.1 does apply to the spiral stairway, and 1 hour protection is provided at the second story. 

2.	101:7.2.2.6.3  Outside stairs shall be protected with fire rated construction as required for an inside stair.  (See Sheet 8 of 21.) 

3.	101:38.3.4  Provide a fire alarm system in accordance with 101:9.6.  In facilities required to be fully accessible, alarm notification shall be by both audible and visual means in accordance with NFPA 72.  (Business portion of building; occupant load of second story over 50.) 

4.	ADA-AG 4.1.3(9) and 4.3.10  Each required exit shall be an accessible means of egress.  (At both required stairs at second story level.) 

5.	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:

	a)  4.2  Provide adequate reach ranges (Forward max. 48", Side max. 54") as per Figure 5.  (Microwave location in Break Room.)

	b)  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.  (Sink in Break Room.) 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

6.	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).  (Energy code material approved with PO289994; return for final PO# stamp.) 

7.	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.  (Information not provided.) 
	
8.	LRS 40:1711  Provide safety glazing in hazardous locations.  (See enclosed.) 

9.	This exception is intended to apply to the storage and industrial portions of the building only.  (Warehouse portion of larger building and equipment storage building.)

	After consultation with the Office of Rehabilitation Services, it has been determined that this office will not require the storage/industrial area(s) and associated toilet/bath portions of this facility to comply with any of the ADA-AG or LSC requirements for individuals with disabilities, with the following stipulations:

	1. No floor plan modifications are permitted.  Office additions and spaces created which constitute a change in use will require the upgrading of all existing non-complying features to conform with the provisions for new construction.

	2. Provide features of accessibility for the public and administrative areas.

	3. Visual alarm notification shall be provided if a fire alarm system is required by Code.

	4. If a complaint is received about discrimination in hiring of handicapped individuals or concerning handicapped accessibility to any part of the facility, then this office shall reserve the right to investigate the complaint and, if justified, shall reserve the right to require the facility or a portion thereof to be upgraded to comply with the accessibility requirements enforced by this office.

	5. Please note that this document indicates specific compliance with state regulations and does not guarantee nor attempt to circumvent compliance with federal law.  

10.	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.

"CAUTIONARY/INFORMATIONAL" items and paragraph references are noted as follows:

	a)  4.5  Ground and floor surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.

	b)  This exception is intended to allow the exemption from 'truncated dome' provisions of the ADA-AG at areas requiring detectable warning surfaces.  

	After consultation with the Office of Rehabilitation Services, it has been determined that this office will not require this facility to provide 'truncated domes' as the tactile warning at areas required to provide detectable warning surfaces, with the following stipulations:

	1.  The only acceptable alternative tactile warning at areas required to provide detectable warning surfaces is a surface with a profile of minimum 1/4" deep grooves that are spaced 2" to 3" on center and scored into concrete at all locations that detectable warning surfaces are required.

	2.  Other than the profile of the tactile warning, the detectable warning surface must comply with Section 4.29 of the ADAAG.  (Note that the area of the detectable warning surface must have an integral color that contrasts with adjacent pedestrian and vehicular way surfaces.)

	3.  This exemption does not apply to public rights of way.

	4.  If a complaint is received about discrimination in hiring of handicapped individuals or concerning handicapped accessibility to any part of the facility, then this office shall reserve the right to investigate the complaint and, if justified, shall reserve the right to require the facility or a portion thereof to be upgraded to comply with the accessibility requirements enforced by this office.

	5.  Please note that this document indicates specific compliance with state regulations and does not guarantee nor attempt to circumvent compliance with federal law.

	c)  4.29.2  The "detectable warning" on walking surfaces shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light.  The material used to provide the contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface.

	d)  4.13.9  Door hardware shall comply with this section. Hardware shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.

	e)  4.28.1 Where emergency warning systems are provided, they shall include both audible alarms and visual alarms complying with 4.28.2 and NFPA-72.

	f)  4.1.3(16)  Permanent signage shall comply with 4.30.

	1.  Signage, where provided for permanent rooms and spaces shall provide;
		a.  braille and raised lettering as per 4.30.4, 
		b.  letter/symbol to background color contrast as per 4.30.5, and 
		c.  a 60" height from floor to the centerline of the sign as per 4.30.6.

	g)  4.1.3(16)(a)  Provide low level mounted exit signage in accordance with 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5 and 4.30.6 (raised character, letter size, mounting) at all required exit doors to the exterior, exit stair doors and horizontal exit doors. 
	
11.	101:7.2.12  Area of Refuge:

	a)  A stair from an area of refuge shall be a minimum of 48" clear between handrails.

	b)  Provide two-way communication between an area of refuge and a central control point.

	c)  The two-way communication system shall;
	1.  include posted instructions explaining how to use the system,
	2.  include written identification of the location of the area of refuge,
	3.  be in accordance with A-7.2.12.2.6 and ADA-AG 4.3.11.4,
	4.  be in accordance with ADA-AG 4.3.11.5 for telephones. 

12.	101:7.2.12.3  Area of refuge details:

		a)  Provide an identification sign at each area of refuge.

		b)  Door to an area of refuge shall be identified with required tactile signage.

		c)  All required signage shall be illuminated in accordance with 7.10.

		d)  Required signage shall be in accordance with ADA-AG 4.3.11.5. 
	
13.	ADA-AG 4.1.3(9) and 4.3.10  Each required exit shall be an accessible means of egress or an accessible area of rescue assistance (4.3.11). 

14.	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.  (Reminder.) 

15.	101:7.2.2.2.1 / 101:7.5.4.4  Stairs shall comply with the appropriate Stair table and ADA-AG.  (No stair details.)

	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).

	b)  7" maximum and 4" minimum rise.

	c)  11" minimum tread depth.

	d)  Landings (See 7.2.1.3, 7.2.1.4.4 and 7.2.2.3.2).
 
	e)  Stair treads shall be uniformly slip resistant. 
	
16.	101:7.2.2.4.4.1  Handrails shall be no lower than 34" nor higher than 38" above the leading edge of the tread surface.  (As applicable.  Note that 101:7.2.2.4.4.3 does allow top rail of 42" guard rail to serve as handrail.) 

17.	101:7.2.2.4.4.10  Where a stair handrail is not continuous between landings, it shall continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser and shall extend 12" level with the landing at the top riser.  In addition, if a handrail is to provide for handicapped accessibility, an additional 12" extension is required at the bottom level with the landing in accordance with ADAAG:4.9.4(2).  (Where applicable.) 

18.	101:7.2.2.4.4.7 and 7.2.2.4.4.6(1)  Handrails shall be continuously graspable along the entire length.  Handrails shall be from 1-1/4" to 2" in diameter.  (As applicable.) 

19.	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.  (As applicable; new to the 2003 edition of NFPA 101.) 

20.	101:7.2.2.2.3.1  Spiral stairs shall meet all listed requirements of 7.2.2.2.3.2, 7.2.2.2.3.3, or 7.2.2.2.3.4. 

21.	101:7.5.2.1  Exit access shall not be through kitchen, storeroom, workroom or similar space.  (Reminder; egress from business portion of first story not to be through warehouse area.) 

22.	101:38.3.2  Separate Incid. Sto. on second story from other parts of the building by 1 hour fire resistive construction with self-closing 45 minute labeled door/frame assembly or provide automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with Section 9.7 and smoke partitions with self-closing doors in accordance with 8.7.1.2 and 8.4. (Sprinkler piping for isolated hazardous areas connected to domestic water supply shall comply with 101:9.7.1.2).

In Business uses, according to NFPA 101:A38.3.2.1,  "It is not the intent of this provision that rooms inside individual tenant spaces, used to store routine office supplies for that tenant, be required to be either separated or sprinklered."  If A38.3.2.1 is applicable, this item and related construction requirements relevant to Incid. Sto. are not applicable.

23.	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.  (Reminder; note Sheet 9 of 21.) 

24.	101:8.2.3  Floor-ceiling assemblies and walls used as fire barriers shall be of a design that has been tested and listed by an approved testing laboratory for the intended application. (NFPA 251:1-3.2 does not permit variations from test assemblies).

	a)  IDENTIFY the listed assemblies that are properly tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual (FM), or other approved testing laboratory; provide assembly cut sheets to Inspector for review at inspection time.  Please be advised that a failure to provide this information in a timely manner may cause substantial delays at final inspection and may adversely impact subsequent occupancy. 
	
25.	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.

	a)  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.

	b)  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.  (Reminder.) 
	
26.	10:1.5.3  Fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire. Preferably they shall be located along normal paths of travel, including exits from areas. 

27.	10:5.1.4  Provide portable fire extinguishers within the following travel distances (See Tables 10:5.2.1 and 5.3.1);

	a)  Travel distance to a fire extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet for Class A, C and D fires.  (Locations not indicated.) 
	
28.	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  (Information not provided.). 

29.	LRS 40:1651  Submit fire alarm system shop drawings with plan review application and fee prior to installation of any work of this section.  Such work shall not commence until shop drawings have been found to be in compliance with applicable codes by this office.  The submittal shall include a copy of this letter and shall be in accordance with the submittal requirements outlined in the memorandum dated June 24, 1993 which was distributed from this office to all state licensed fire alarm contractors, architects and engineers.  Specify the "Type of Signaling System" to be utilized, identify the monitoring station, describe the evacuation system ("zoned" or "general"), and include information concerning the means of protecting fire command centers, circuitry, and other essential equipment, such as may be required for high-rise buildings, as applicable. 

30.	LRS 40:1653 and 40:1628  All work and inspections of fire alarm, fire suppression, automatic sprinkler and fire extinguishing systems or portable fire extinguishers shall be performed by a State of Louisiana certified agent. 

31.	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. 

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

33.	101:9.2.1  Install smoke detectors on supply side to automatically stop the fan in HVAC duct systems over 2000 cfm in accordance with NFPA 90A:6.4.2(1).  Where fire alarm system is required, duct detectors shall be connected to building alarm system. 

34.	101:7.1.5  Suspended unit heaters shall have a minimum clearance of 6'-8" above finished floor.  (If any such units installed.) 

35.	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.  Electrical work/modifications may include, but not limited to the following: lighting fixtures (interior, exterior and site); receptacles; panelboards; panel schedules; load schedules; utility company or service transformer KVA size, number of phases, voltage and secondary short circuit amps; fixture schedules; wire type, size and circuiting; single line diagram; properly sized new and existing protective equipment, including service disconnect(s), panelboard(s), circuit breakers and fused switches, sized for available short circuit amps; properly sized system grounding conductor and grounding electrode(s); connection of the system grounding and bonding at the service disconnect enclosure(s); properly sized overload or overcurrent and short circuit protective devices for conductors, motors, transformers and equipment; properly sized conductors for equipment grounding and bonding of all metallic conduit and enclosures; installation of ground fault circuit receptacles; etc. 

36.	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:
WILLIAM JENSEN
ARCHITECT

CC:
Python Corp
Division Of Permits & Inspections (Stam)*
New Orleans District*     5045685500