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The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has changed its standards to allow the limited use of antifreeze solutions in residential sprinkler systems.
The antifreeze solutions were banned under Tentative Interim Amendments (TIA) issued by the NFPA in response to concerns over two reported fires involving sprinkler systems with highly concentrated antifreeze solutions.
After completing a review of the issue last month, an NFPA committee issued four TIAs that take a more comprehensive approach to the treatment of antifreeze in the association’s sprinkler standards and provide new requirements for antifreeze in new and existing residential and non-residential buildings.
Antifreeze systems were first recognized and approved for residences in the 1989 edition of the NFPA fire sprinkler installation standards.
More information on the NFPA’s Tentative Interim Amendments to its sprinkler system standards — as well as recommendations for addressing the potential combustibility of antifreeze in sprinkler systems — can be found at www.nfpa.org/antifreeze.
Builders who have questions about the new requirements are encouraged to contact their local building or fire official.
For more information, email Steve Orlowski at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8303.
‘2009 Home Builders’ Jobsite Codes’ Available at NAHB BuilderBooks
“2009 Home Builders’ Jobsite Codes,” available through NAHB BuilderBooks, provides easy access to the code information needed on the job site.
A quick reference to the 2009 International Residential Code, the user-friendly field guide provides easy-to-read code requirements for every aspect of residential construction and is packed with illustrations, tables, figures and a glossary.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
