Hi,
So...this comes up every now and again when we are cramming into a tight roof and I scratch my head not so sure about it. The way I read the code (IFC 2015), all roofs need a centerline pathway; however, nobody else seems to interpret it that way. The installer says its only needed if the array is greater than 150', which in my eyes is something entirely different, that is a venting pathway specifically. I say OK get FMO approval and we'll stamp it as FMO approved exemption. Every time they get the approval and questioned why they even asked. What am I missing or is everyone else just missing it because that's how everyone does it and the FMOs have never thought about it that detailed in our area.
Thoughts?
605.11.1.3.2 Pathways.
The solar installation shall be designed to provide designated pathways. The pathways shall meet the following requirements:
605.11.1.3.3 Smoke ventilation.
The solar installation shall be designed to meet the following requirements:
So...this comes up every now and again when we are cramming into a tight roof and I scratch my head not so sure about it. The way I read the code (IFC 2015), all roofs need a centerline pathway; however, nobody else seems to interpret it that way. The installer says its only needed if the array is greater than 150', which in my eyes is something entirely different, that is a venting pathway specifically. I say OK get FMO approval and we'll stamp it as FMO approved exemption. Every time they get the approval and questioned why they even asked. What am I missing or is everyone else just missing it because that's how everyone does it and the FMOs have never thought about it that detailed in our area.
Thoughts?
605.11.1.3.2 Pathways.
The solar installation shall be designed to provide designated pathways. The pathways shall meet the following requirements:
- The pathway shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof.
- The centerline axis pathways shall be provided in both axes of the roof. Centerline axis pathways shall run where the roof structure is capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof.
- Pathways shall be a straight line not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear to roof standpipes or ventilation hatches.
- Pathways shall provide not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear around roof access hatch with not less than one singular pathway not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear to a parapet or roof edge.
605.11.1.3.3 Smoke ventilation.
The solar installation shall be designed to meet the following requirements:
- Arrays shall be not greater than 150 feet (45 720 mm) by 150 feet (45 720 mm) in distance in either axis in order to create opportunities for fire department smoke ventilation operations.
- Smoke ventilation options between array sections shall be one of the following:
2.1.A pathway 8 feet (2438 mm) or greater in width.
2.2.A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering roof skylights or gravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents on not less than one side.
2.3.A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering all sides of nongravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents.
2.4.A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering 4-foot by 8-foot (1290 mm by 2438 mm) “venting cutouts” every 20 feet (6096 mm) on alternating sides of the pathway.