13 & 14 Building Code Updates (2)

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Amend Section 718.4, Draftstoppina in attics, Exception, to read as follows: 718.4 Draftstopping in attics. [Body of text unchanged] Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and provided that in combustible construction, sprinkler protection is provided in the attic space. Amend Section 901.6.1. Standpipe testing, by adding Section 901.6.1.1 to read as follows: 901.6.1.1 Standpipe Testing. Building owners f managers must maintain and test standpipe systems as per NFPA 25 requirements. The following additional requirements shall be applied to the testing that is required every 5 years: 1. The piping between the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and the standpipe shall be backflushed or inspected by approved camera when foreign material is present or when caps are missing, and also hydrostatically tested for all FDC's on any type of standpipe system. Hydrostatic testing shall also be conducted in accordance with NFPA 25 requirements for the different types of standpipe systems. 2. For any manual (dry or wet) standpipe system not having an automatic water supply capable of flowing water through the standpipe. the tester shall connect hose from a fire hydrant or portable pumping system (as approved by the fire code official) to each FDC, and flow water through the standpipe system to the roof outlet to verify that each inlet connection functions properly. Confirm that there are no open hose valves prior to introducing water into a dry standpipe. There is no required pressure criteria at the outlet. Verify that check valves function properly and that there are no closed control valves on the system. 3. Any pressure relief, reducing, or control valves shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 25. All hose valves shall be exercised. 4. If the FDC is not already provided with approved caps, the contractor shall install such caps for all FDC's as required by the fire code official. S. Upon successful completion of standpipe test, place a blue tag (as per Texas Administrative Code, Fire Sprinkler Rules for Inspection. Test and Maintenance Service (ITM) Tag) at the bottom of each standpipe riser in the building. The tag shall be check -marked as "Fifth Year" for Type of ITM. and the note on the back of the tag shall read "S Year Standpipe Test" at a minimum.