[PADG:636] RE: URGENT--NFPA 13, ROP 13-8 Changes

[Jane Hedberg <jane_hedberg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello, all.  After Lorraine Olley sent out the message
about NFPA changes for compact shelving, I queried our fire safety
consultant for more info.  Here is his reply (I have his permission
to forward it to padg):

This applies mostly to the compact mobile shelving design ... It doesnt impact the high-density type of arrangement like HD.

In my opinion, what they are presenting is a good thing.  Past mobile shelving fire tests have shown that the potential for an uncontrolled fire in these arrangements is high if a number of considerations arent taken during the design.  Even slight variations in shelf auto-close spacing, clearance to the ceiling, etc. can make a huge difference in whether or not protection works.  The reason that shelf manufacturers/installers dont like it, and their clients dont want it, is that it will most likely reduce the overall capacity of storage since minimums will be required (spacing, clearance, etc.) that arent required today.  But, its like eating your vegetables, nobody wants to do it but it is still a good thing to do.

Regards,
Tom

Thomas A. Gaitley
Managing Consultant
Copper Harbor Consulting, Inc.
12 Grant Street
Needham, MA 02492
T:  781 400 1305
F:  781 400 1306
E:  tgaitley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise Internet Agent 6.5.5 Beta
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2005 11:44:34 -0500
From: "Lorraine Olley" <lolley@xxxxxxx>
To: <BES-L@xxxxxxx>, <lama-storage@xxxxxxx>, <padg@xxxxxxx>,
   <safety-l@xxxxxxx>
Cc: <mary.breighner@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Jeanne Drewes" <drewes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
   <PaytonW@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [PADG:610] URGENT--NFPA 13, ROP 13-8 Changes
Reply-To: padg@xxxxxxx
Sender: owner-padg@xxxxxxx

SpaceSaver has recently brought to the attention of ALA and LAMA proposed changes in the National Fire Protection Agency rule related to sprinklers in high-density storage areas.  As you can see from the attachments, SpaceSaver is opposed to the proposed rule change.

Neither ALA nor LAMA intends at this time to take a position on the proposed rule change at this time.  However, individuals may want to take the opportunity to respond to NFPA, either in favor or opposition of the changes.  The deadline for public comment is September 2, 2005.

Please review the information in the attachments, which include a comment form.  Let me know if you have any questions about this or any problems receiving the attachments.

Thanks,


Lorraine Olley, MALS, Executive Director
Library Administration & Management Association
50 E. Huron St.     Chicago IL 60611
312-280-5036       lolley@xxxxxxx        www.ala.org/lama

Jane Hedberg
Preservation Program Officer
Weissman Preservation Center
Harvard University Library
Holyoke Center 821
Cambridge, MA 02138
voice: (617) 495-8596   fax: (617) 496-8344
jane_hedberg@xxxxxxxxxxx
http://preserve.harvard.edu