Overview
18" of clearance is not maintained from sprinkler heads and/or 24" of clearance is not maintained from the ceiling in non-sprinkled spaces.
When evaluating this checklist item, you first have to determine if the room is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, as evidenced by the sprinkler heads. In some buildings the sprinkler heads are recessed in the ceiling and covered with a 2-3” plastic cover. Most of the newer buildings on campus have automatic sprinkler systems.
- If the room is sprinkled, then the occupant must not do anything to impede the functioning of the sprinkler system. One way that the sprinkler could be impeded is by placing items too close to the sprinkler head, which will interfere with the spray pattern of the head. For these rooms, this checklist item is cited only if the 18" dimension is not maintained directly below the sprinkler head. For our purposes, “directly below” means a cylinder encompassing an 18” radius from the sprinkler head horizontally and 18” below the sprinkler head. In accordance with NFPA explanatory information, the 18” dimension is not intended to limit the height of shelving on a wall or shelving against a wall. Where shelving is installed on a wall and is not directly below a sprinkler head, the shelves, including storage thereon, can extend above the level of a plane located 18" below ceiling sprinkler deflectors.
- In contrast, if the room is non-sprinkled, the 24” dimension extends on a plane throughout the room. In this case, combustible materials, including furnishings, equipment, boxes and other stored material must be kept at least 24 inches from the ceiling to slow the spreading of a fire.
- Exhibit A & B are of non-sprinkled areas. Notice how items are stacked to the ceiling. In Exhibit A, there is the additional problem of blocking the fire strobe (cite under LAB05). Exhibit B, the shelving extends to less than 24” from the ceiling, not to mention the fan blades that extend into the shelving. Exhibit C shows an example of a box encroaching on the 18” clearance directly below the sprinkler head. Take a picture and consult with the Senior Specialist if unsure of whether to cite.
- Be sure to look closely for sprinkler heads in spaces without drop ceilings that have exposed pipes, ducts, and conduit. They are generally turned up with the sprinkler head on top rather than down as depicted in Exhibit C