Regulatory Update: Understanding Sprinkler Requirements for Healthcare Buildings Specific to Features and Components of Elevators and Elevator Shafts

In healthcare there are specific requirements for automatic sprinkler systems based upon occupancy classification (ex. Healthcare, Business, Ambulatory), height of a building (ex. Highrise), building components (ex. Elevators, shafts), and requirements based upon Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s). Life Safety Code Surveyors (LSCS) occasionally encounter facilities where the elevator shaft is not sprinklered based upon direction of the local approving authority. How can a surveyor quickly analyze these specifics to determine if sprinkler protection is required?

NFPA 101 (2012) requires all new hospital buildings to be designed with automatic sprinkler systems. Existing hospital buildings falling under the definition of a healthcare occupancy are required to be fully sprinklered if determined to fall under the classification of a high-rise structure (75’ in height) by July 5, 2028, or if areas are undergoing major rehabilitation projects.

There are exceptions granted by the life safety code regarding sprinkler protection requirements for building components such as elevators (traction vs. hydraulic) and shafts (accessible vs. inaccessible). These exceptions are outlined below. In addition, NFPA 101 (2012) grants an exception for AHJ’s to allow alternative protection measures in place of sprinkler protection in areas in which they have prohibited the addition of sprinklers.

Elevator / Shaft Sprinkler Exclusion Exceptions

Exception #1	When AHJ’s allow alternative protection measures in place of sprinkler protection.
Exception #2	If the building’s sprinkler protection status is less than Fully Sprinklered (existing buildings that do not meet the requirements of a high-rise).
Exception #3	If the building’s sprinkler protection status is less than Fully Sprinklered (existing buildings that do not meet the requirements of a high-rise) and a major rehabilitation project specific to the elevators has not been completed.
Exception #4	Exclusion of sprinkler protection at the bottom of the shaft for enclosed, non-combustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.
Exception #5	Exclusion of sprinkler protection at top of the shaft where the hoistway for passenger elevators is noncombustible or limited combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

See information and code excerpts below for supporting documentation.

NFPA 101 (2012) Life Safety Code

18/19.3.5 Extinguishment Requirements

18.3.5.1* Buildings containing health care occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7, unless otherwise permitted by 18.3.5.5

19.4.2.1 All high-rise buildings containing health care occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 9.7 within 12 years of the adoption of this code (July 5, 2028), except as otherwise provided in 19.4.2.2.

NFPA 101 (2012) 18/19.3.5.5 In Type I and Type II construction, alternative protection measures shall be permitted to be substituted for sprinkler protection without causing a building to be classified as non-sprinklered in specified areas where the authority having jurisdiction has prohibited sprinklers.

NFPA 13 (2010) Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

8.15.5 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms

8.15.5.1* Sidewall spray sprinklers shall be installed at the bottom of each elevator hoistway not more than 2 ft (0.61 m) above the floor of the pit.

8.15.5.2 The sprinkler required at the bottom of the elevator hoistway by 8.15.5.1 shall not be required for enclosed, non-combustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.

8.15.5.5 The sprinkler required at the top of the elevator hoistway by 8.15.5.4 shall not be required where the hoistway for passenger elevators is noncombustible or limited combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

8.15.5.6 Sprinklers shall be installed at the top and bottom of elevator hoistways where elevators utilize polyurethane-coated steel belts or other similar combustible belt material.

Hydraulic Elevators vs. Traction Elevators

Hydraulic Elevators

Use compression of hydraulic fluids to lift cab
Commonly not found in high-rise buildings
Elevator pits require sprinkler protection unless hydraulic fluid & shaft are non-combustible
Top of hoistway does not require sprinkler protection if hoistway is noncombustible or limited combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

Traction Elevators

Use cables, pulleys, and counterweights to lift cab
Can be used in buildings of all heights
Travels at higher speeds than hydraulic elevators
Elevator pits do not require sprinkler protection
Top of hoistway does not require sprinkler protection if hoistway is non-combustible or limited combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
Sprinkler protection is required at the top and bottom of elevator hoistways where elevators utilize polyurethane-coated steel belts or other similar combustible belt material

Can State AHJ’s permit HCO’s to not provide sprinkler protection in elevator shafts, to include the pit and the top of the hoistway?

Yes, dependent upon the building construction type, state AHJ’s are permitted to allow alternative protection measures in lieu of providing sprinkler protection for the components of the elevator shaft.

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