Building Construction Deficiency Due to Unprotected Structural Elements
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain building construction requirements, as evidenced by unprotected structural steel columns and beams above the suspended ceiling assemblies and pan-style ceiling diffusers lacking full 'blanket' protection. This resulted in the building being classified as unprotected ordinary construction. The building, classified as two stories, exceeds the maximum height allowed for unprotected ordinary construction by one story. This deficiency was confirmed during an exit interview with the Facility Administrator and Maintenance Director.
Plan Of Correction
The facility was evaluated by an engineering firm in 2018. The evaluation determined that the building is permitted to be of Type II (000) construction, which means that the steel in the building is permitted to be non-rated and unprotected. An analysis of the facility structure type was conducted by an engineer. The analysis provided concluded that the "construction type of the two-story, sprinkler protected, existing health care building is permitted to be Type II (000)." Type II (000) is an unprotected non-combustible construction. The facility has been classified as a Type III (200), unprotected ordinary construction. A request for a Time Limited Waiver was submitted to the Director of Safety Inspection on 9/8/21, to last through 1/1/2025. The FSES worksheets will be reviewed and revised by an engineer to identify if alternative corrections will be needed. The FSES worksheets (5.5) from the 2010 edition of the NFPA Guide on Alternative approaches to Life Safety will be included in the analysis.