Signs/Banners in Exhibit Halls

[slcfpb]

I am looking to clarify fire sprinkler requirements (obstructions and pattern development) as is relates to signs and banners hung in exhibit halls.

[fire49]

Should be fire retardant

As far as sprinklers there are quite a few rules

Depends if banner is to the side, below and how far, and what type of sprinkler head

There is no set rule to give you

But would go with three feet clear of the head


Is this in a city that has a fire code , if so which one and what edition??

[slcfpb]

I believe we have a handle on the fire retardant properties. The heads are an older style pendant, the exhibit hall is an older property. Salt Lake City uses IFC 2009 edition. Where did you come up with the three feet clearance?
Thanks for you input!
Dan

[fire49]

Like I said there are a number of different rules for obstructions, so it is hard to give you them

The three foot is not in the book but my rule without looking at the book, but I try normally to research and find the correct answer


You might talk to a sprinkler company and they can give you some guidance

[FWDbuff]

If it obstructs the flow from the head in any manner whatsoever, make them remove it.

If they balk, give them the option of hiring a Fire Protection Engineer (at their cost) to prove whether or not it is an obstruction.

99% of the time they will comply and remove the banner/obstruction. I have yet to come across the other 1%.

[pasobuff]

Generally obstructions shall be 18 inches from the sprinkler/ceiling (unsprinklered building 24 inch clearance from the ceiling).

Hangings must either be inherently retardant, or treated (and should have documentation).

Where I work we deal with hangings every year around the holidays - they are generally about 2 feet (or more) down from the ceiling and treated material.

[tfpd109]

if u need signs and banners hung in exhibit halls...i can provide the best resources. I would suggest about Company is leading with display systems, printing packaging, signage banners, real estate banners and brochure printing.

Does it ever end? Geez.

[DeputyMarshal]

I believe we have a handle on the fire retardant properties. The heads are an older style pendant, the exhibit hall is an older property. Salt Lake City uses IFC 2009 edition. Where did you come up with the three feet clearance?
Thanks for you input!
Dan

IFC references NFPA 13. I sugggest you check there for the applicable clearances.

Typically, sprinklers are required to have 18" clear below the level of the sprinkler deflector but that can vary under some circumstances.