Day Care Limited Review of Plans

An existing building converting to a DHS licensed daycare or DOE Educational occupancy and enrolling between fifty (50) to ninety-nine (99) children or students shall submit plans and specifications for a limited plans review.

Items listed in this review require amended construction documents such as revised sealed plans, supplemental instructions, addenda, field orders, or change orders. All numbered review items must be addressed before plans approval will be issued. Marked up plans may be included to assist the design professional in identifying specific areas referenced in the review comments.

In addition to the revised sealed plans, the designer may also provide a separate letter to explain the changes to the construction documents. All drawing revisions should be clouded with a corresponding revision number tag and be indicated on a drawing index.

This project Select has / has not been reviewed under the Tennessee Public Buildings Accessibility Act. It is the responsibility of the owner and design professional, to comply in full with accessibility codes & standards for the enforcement of the Tennessee Public Building Accessibility Act. TCA 68-120-204

Starting construction before plans approval may be considered as a just cause, by the State, to issue a stop work order. It will also compromise, if not prevent, the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of the project. Rule 0780-2-3-.10

When submitting documents using the Portal application it is important to use correct document type(s) that best match the documents being submitted, e.g. Sprinkler Shop Drawings, Energy Certificates, etc.  In order to ensure an accurate and timely response to your submittal:

  • Provide the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s TFM number and Project number on all plans and correspondence.
  • Provide a corresponding letter which indicates, in the order of the review, where the revised items may be located on the drawings.
  • Identify all corrections by means of a mark or cloud and provide only the sheets that require correction. If the number of corrections warrant complete revised sets of plans, revised sets are acceptable.
  • Ensure that all revised documentation is sealed by the design professional of record.  Please note that corrections in letter form, such as will comply, etc., are not acceptable as a review response.

All review items marked as stipulations must be satisfied by sealed construction documents before such work is performed. 

A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued if stipulations are not satisfied in accordance with Rule 0780-02-03-.10.

Procedures

Provide Adobe PDF plan drawings and specifications within single folders.   Plans and specifications must be prepared by a Tennessee registered architect or engineer (T.C.A. 62-2-102) and sealed, signed, and dated according to the State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners rules for professional conduct (Chapter 0120-02).

Document security settings must allow the application of markups and stamps, allow multiple PDF documents to be combined or merged into a single document, and allow the application of electronic signatures and certification.

Use a standardized font recognized by Adobe Acrobat (such as Arial) to prevent loss of information during the conversion process from DWG to PDF. 

The items below require correction by revised plans, addenda, field orders, or change orders before plans can be approved for construction.

Scope:  An existing building converting to a DHS licensed daycare and enrolling between fifty (50) to ninety-nine (99) children or students shall submit plans and specifications for a limited plans review. 0780-02-03-.02(1)(c)

An existing building converting to a DHS licensed daycare or DOE Educational occupancy and enrolling forty-nine (49) or fewer children or students may submit plans and specifications for limited plans review in lieu of a consultation.  0780-02-03-.02(1)(a)

Limited plans review means the submission of construction documents based on as-built plans and specifications in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 0780-02-02 (Codes and Standards) of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Tennessee.

Minimum Codes Adopted by the State Fire Marshal

  1. Provide the current minimum State of Tennessee adopted codes and standards on the plans as follows:
    1. International Building Code, 2021 edition with the following changes that apply to daycare occupancies:
      1. Chapter 11 is excluded
      2. Classroom doors are permitted to be locked to prevent unwanted entry provided that the locking means meets the requirements in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (2021) Section 15.2.2.2.4.1.
    2. International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 edition
    3. International Mechanical Code, 2021 edition
    4. National Electric Code, NFPA 70, 2017 edition.
    5. International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 edition
      1. For daycares licensed by DHS not located in a dwelling unit, the 2015 edition shall apply, except C408 System Commissioning shall be removed. Rule 0780-02-02-.01(1)(g)(3) 
    6. International Fire Code, 2021 edition.
    7. International Existing Building Code, 2021 edition excluding Section 306 for existing buildings.
    8. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (for buildings required to comply with Tennessee Public Building Accessibility Act)

Building Information to be Included on the Plan Drawings

  1. Provide building area:
    1. Give the gross square feet of the building.
    2. Identify any occupancy separations (separated/non-separated) and provide the fire-resistance rating of the assemblies.
      IBC 107.1, 107.2.1                                          
  2. For buildings that are a mixed occupancy, identify all rooms and spaces (indoor and outdoor) that students will occupy.  Include any non-educational rooms or spaces that students will pass through such as corridors or intervening rooms. IBC 302.1 Provide a life safety plan.
  3. When the day care occupancy is separated from other portions of the building by 2-hour fire barriers (IBC Sect. 707), plan review is limited to just those areas that children occupy.  If this is the case, provide the gross square feet of the separated daycare occupancy.  For this to apply, all rooms and spaces that children occupy or pass through must have 2-hour fire rated separation. 
  4. Provide an updatable “Index of Drawings” which reflects the most current drawing revision and the date revised with each.  IBC 107.2.1                                          
  5. Provide occupancy classification(s) and identify if this is a proposed change of occupancy for this building.  Show previous and proposed occupancies. IBC 101.4.7, 111.1
  6. Provide a complete Life Safety Plan:
    1. Show the means of egress of rooms to an exit and a public way
    2. Show the travel distance to reach an exit from most remote space in the building
    3. Show the longest common path of travel. IBC 1016.1 and Table 1016.2
    4. Show the fire-resistance ratings and/or smoke ratings of exits and corridors
    5. Show occupant load calculations with occupant load factors for each space based on its intended use.  IBC Table 1004.1.2
    6. Show the number of occupants at exits and exit discharges and the clear width of the doors.
      IBC 1005.3 and 1008.1.1
  7. This group may be classified as I-4, when buildings and structures are occupied by more than five (5) persons of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption and in a place other than the home of the person cared for. This group shall include, but not be limited to adult day care and child day care.  IBC 308.5
    Alternate classifications—IBC 308.5:
    1. A child day care facility that provides care for more than five but no more than 100 children 2-1/2 years or less of age, where the rooms in which the children are cared for are located on a level of exit discharge serving such rooms and each of these childcare rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shall be classified as Group E.  IBC 308.5.1
    2. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy (Group A).  IBC 308.5.2
    3. A facility having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy. IBC 308.5.3
    4. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code. IBC 308.5.4
  8. Provide the building name, 911 street address, city, and county. IBC 107.1, 107.2.1                                          
  9. Identify the construction type of the building or structure in accordance with IBC Chapter 6.
  10. Give the area of the building according to IBC Tables 504.4 and 506.2. Show building area modification calculations per IBC Section 506.
  11. Identify if the building is protected by a fire sprinkler system. Identify the sprinkler standard used and the hazard classification. IBC 107.1, 107.2, 903.2.3
  12. Identify if the building is currently protected by a Fire Alarm System. Identify the type.
  13. Identify the number of stories and height of the building IBC Tables 504.4 and 506.2. 
  14. The following drawings are required but were not provided with the submittal: IBC107.

Day Care Program Information to be Included on the Cover Sheet of the plan drawings.

  1. Provide the following information on the cover sheet of the plans:
    1. The number of clients for which the day care will be licensed for
    2. The state licensing agency
      1. Licensed capacity shall be designated on the license.
      2. Verify a child day care license. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/WebProviderList_TN_NID.xlsx. 
      3. Verify an adult daycare.  https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/ADS%20Provider%20List%209.2.24.pdf.
    3. The number of clients aged 2-1/2 years or less.
    4. The number of clients older than 2-1/2 years
    5. The number of adult clients (in adult daycares)
    6. For each classroom designate:
      1. The age range of the clients
      2. The maximum number of clients 
    7. Whether the clients are / are not capable of responding to an emergency without physical assistance from the staff.
    8. Will there be clients or staff with mobility impairments?
    9. Will this project meet state adopted accessibility codes?
      IBC 107.1, 107.2.1                                          

General

  1. Provide door and door hardware schedule. Show fire ratings for rated assemblies.  IBC 107.1, Section 703, Section 716.2, Table 716.1(2). 
  2. Note: If the schedule is included in the specification manual, reference the section and page(s).
  3. Provide glazing schedule.  Specify size and type of glazing.  Indicate location of fire-resistance rated wire glazing or tempered (safety) glazing on door, door frames, and window elevations. IBC 107.1, Section 716.2, Table 716.1(2), 1015.2.1
  4. Provide interior finish schedule.  Interior wall and ceiling finish throughout must be Class A or B.
  5. IBC 107.1, 803.1. Table 803.13
  6. Provide legend for all fire-resistance rated wall enclosures to identify specific ratings and their limits.  Differentiate between smoke partitions, smoke barriers, fire barriers, and fire walls.  Show on Life Safety Plan and all floor plans.  Hour ratings shall be clearly noted for each. IBC 107.1, 107.3.4
  7. Verify ratings of existing construction and provide assembly details on the plans for all of the following:
    • Fire-resistance rated walls, columns, beams, ceilings, roof/ceiling assemblies (IBC Section 703)
    • Fire rated head-of-wall joints.
    • Fire rated curtain walls.
    • Fire stopping penetrations through fire rated construction (IBC Section 714)
    • The details for these elements should be provided in their entirety. 
  8. Provide design live load values on plans for wind, roof, floor, stairs, guard and hand railings, seismic per IBC 1603.1.

Construction

  1. The building exceeds allowable area/number of stories/height for this type of construction and open space in accordance with IBC Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2.  Sprinklered buildings must comply with NFPA 13 to receive allowable building code height, area, and number of stories.  (IBC Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 5 06.2, 504.1, 506.2.1, 506.2.2, 506.3, 602.1) Show calculations on drawings
  2. Show the hour rating of separation(s) between occupancies.  IBC 508.1, 508.3.3, and Table 508.4.
  3. See IBC 508.3.3 for Non-separated Occupancies.
  4. Glazing in non-rated doors, sliding doors, storm doors, within 24 inches of doors, within 18 inches above finished floor, and exceeding 9 square feet within 36 inches of a walking surface must be safety glazed passing the test requirements of CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1201.  IBC Section 2406, Table 2406.2 (1) and (2)
  5. Openings required to have a fire protection rating by Tables 716.1(1) and (2) shall be protected by approved, listed, and labeled fire door assemblies and fire window assemblies and their accompanying hardware, including all frames, closing devices, anchorage, and sills in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 80.  IBC Section 716, Table 716.1(1) and (2)
  6. Approved fire door and fire shutter assemblies shall be constructed of any material or assembly of component materials that conforms to the test requirements of IBC 716.2, 716.2.1, 716.2.1.2 or 716.2.2 and the fire protection rating indicated in Table 716.1(2). Fire door frames with transom lights, sidelights or both shall be permitted in accordance with IBC 716.2, 716.2.5.4. Fire door assemblies and shutters shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this section and NFPA 80. IBC 716.2.2, 716.2.3, 716.2.4
  7. Specify that fire-resistance rated doors must have fire rated frames.  Door hardware and components shall be in accordance with NFPA 80.  IBC 716.1
  8. Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 1020.2. The corridor walls required to be fire-resistance rated shall comply with Section 708 for fire partitions.
    Exceptions:
    1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in a Group E occupancy where each room that is used for instruction has not less than one door opening directly to the exterior and rooms for assembly purposes have not less than one-half of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors specified in this Exception are required to be at ground level.
    2. Corridors adjacent to the exterior walls of buildings shall be permitted to have unprotected openings on unrated exterior walls where unrated walls are permitted by Table 705.5 and unprotected openings are permitted by Table 705.8.
  9. Group E Occupancies having an occupant load of 100 or more must have corridors with a minimum width of 72 inches. IBC Table 1020.3
  10. The following rooms or areas shall comply with Table 509.1:
Room or AreaSeparation and/or Protection
Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per hour input1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15 psi and 10 horsepower1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Laundry rooms over 100 square feet1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Electrical installations and transformersSee Sections 110.26 - 110.34 and sections 450.8 - 450.48 of NFPA 70 for protection and separation requirements.
  1. Fire-resistance rated walls must extend tight against the underside of a roof or floor deck or to the underside of a rated smoke tight ceiling which has the same rating as the wall (throughout building with opening protection).  IBC 704, 707.5, 708.4, 709.4, & 711.2
  2. One hour fire rated floor/ceilings are required in existing two-story houses converted into day care centers. Provide calculated fire resistance in accordance with IBC 722*:
    1. One hour floor/ceiling separation
    2. One hour rated door assemblies at lower or upper floor stairs.  Provide a one-hour fire rated separation with 1-hour rated door assemblies at lower or upper floor stair systems.
      In lieu of fire-rated separation, an equivalency request may be submitted providing the following:
      1. The door(s) accessing the second floor shall be fitted with a keyed lock and shall remain locked at all times that children are in the building.
      2. The second story is equipped with full smoke detection
      3. A letter is provided by the owner stating that the story will not be used in the daycare program and shall be locked at all times that children are in the building.
        Note:  This option is subject to individual approval based on the building’s contents and configuration.
  3. In combustible construction, fire-blocking must be installed to cut off both vertical and horizontal concealed draft openings and must form an effective barrier between floors, between a top story and a roof or attic.  IBC 718.2 and 718.2.1
  4. Where this Code requires an exit to be separated from other parts of the building, the separating construction shall meet the requirements of IBC Section 707 and the following. IBC 707.3.3, 707.5.1, 1020.7, and 1027.6

Means of Egress

  1. Spaces with 50 occupants or more must have not less than 2 means of egress.  IBC Table 1006.2.1
  2. Each floor must have a minimum of two exits.  IBC 1006.2.1
  3. In assembly areas, the main exit must accommodate one-half of the occupancy loads.  IBC 1030.2
  4. The occupant load for daycare classrooms and playrooms are calculated using a load factor of 30 net.  Rule 1240-04-01-.21(5)(a) Childcare Group homes, 1240-04-01-.22 (2) Childcare centers.
  5. Where two exits, exit access doorways, exit access stairways or ramps, or any combination thereof, are required from any portion of the exit access, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served measured in a straight line between them. (Show on life safety plan).
    Exceptions:
    1. Where interior exit stairways or ramps are interconnected by a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 1020, the required exit separation shall be measured along the shortest direct line of travel within the corridor.
    2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 (NFPA 13) or 903.3.1.2 (NFPA 13R), the separation distance shall be not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.
      IBC 1007.1.1
  6. Exterior walls of an interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls.
    Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees, the building exterior walls within 10 feet horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
    Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet above the topmost landing of the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever is lower. 
    IBC 1023.7    
  7. Where changes in elevation of less than 12 inches exist in the means of egress, sloped surfaces shall be used. Where the slope is greater than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), ramps complying with Section 1012 shall be used. Where the difference in elevation is 6 inches or less, the ramp shall be equipped with either handrails or floor finish materials that contrast with adjacent floor finish materials.
    Exceptions:
    1. Steps at exterior doors complying with Section 1010.1.4.
    2. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011.5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches of the centerline of the normal path of egress travel on the stair.         
    3. IBC 1003.5
    4. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be not less than 1-1/2 inches. A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. IBC 1014.7
    5. For existing stairs, handrails shall meet the following criteria:
      1. They shall be provided within 44 in. of all portions of the required egress width.
      2. Such stairs shall not have their egress capacity adjusted to a higher occupant load than permitted by the capacity factor in Table 7.3.3.1 if the stair’s clear width between handrails exceeds 60 in.     NFPA 101 7.2.2.4.1.2 (by IEBC exception)
    6. Handrails shall be required at one side only for existing stairs and ramps. 
    7. NFPA 101 7.2.2.4.1.6 (by IEBC exception)
    8. New flights of stairways shall have handrails on each side and shall comply with Section 1014.
      IBC 1011.11
    9. Existing required handrails shall be not less than 30 in., and not more than 38 in., above the surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread.                   
      NFPA 101 7.2.2.4.5.2 (by IEBC exception)
    10. Guards must be provided at the open side of a means of egress that exceed 30 in. above the floor or grade below.  IBC Section 1015.2
    11. Guards must not be mounted less than 42 in. high (see Exception IBC 1015.3 (1-6) (See exceptions for R3) and maximum 4 in. Sphere clearance for intermediate rails at open guards. IBC 1015.3, 1015.4
    12. In existing buildings, a door assembly at the top of a stair shall be permitted to open directly to the stair, provided that the door leaf does not swing over the stair and the door opening serves an area with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons.  NFPA 101 7.2.2.3.2.5 (by IEBC exception)
    13. The walking surface of treads and landings of a stairway shall not be sloped steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in any direction. Stairway treads and landings shall have a solid surface. Finish floor surfaces shall be securely attached.
    14. Exception:  Openings in stair walking surfaces shall be a size that does not permit the passage of 1/2-inch-diameter sphere. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the direction of travel.  IBC 1011.7.1
    15. Existing stairs complying with NFPA 101, Table 7.2.2.2.1.1(b) shall be permitted

 

FeatureDimensional Criteria
ft/in.mm
Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections not more than 4½ in. (114 mm) at or below handrail height on each side36 in.915
Maximum height of risers8 in.205
Minimum tread depth9 in.230
Minimum headroom6 ft 8 in.2030
Maximum height between landings12 ft3660
LandingSee 7.2.1.3 and 7.2.1.4.3.1. 
  1. Approved existing corridors that require passage through a room to access an exit shall be permitted to continue to be used, provided that all of the following criteria are met:
    1. The path of travel is marked in accordance with Section 7.10.
    2. Doors to such rooms comply with 7.2.1.
    3. Such arrangement is not prohibited by the applicable occupancy chapter.
      NFPA 101 7.5.1.2.2 (by IEBC exception)
  2. Egress must not be through kitchens, storage rooms, closets, or any space identified as a hazardous location.  IBC 1016.2 (2-5)
  3. In unsprinklered buildings of occupancies Groups A, E, I-4, interior corridors serving 30 people or more shall be constructed of walls having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating with 20-minute fire rated door and hardware assemblies in accordance with IBC Section 708.  Unsprinklered buildings of Group R occupancies, with an occupant load served by a corridor greater than 10 are not permitted.
    Exceptions:
    1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group E where each room that is used for instruction has not less than one door opening directly to the exterior and rooms for assembly purposes have not less than one-half of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors specified in this Exception are required to be at ground level. 1020.2 exception 1
    2. Corridors adjacent to the exterior walls of buildings shall be permitted to have unprotected openings on unrated exterior walls where unrated walls are permitted by Table 705.5 and unprotected openings are permitted by Table 705.8. IBC 1020.2 & Table 1020.2
  4. Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall be arranged such that dead-end corridors do not exceed 20 feet in unsprinklered buildings. Dead-end corridors in Group I-4 occupancies, shall not exceed 50 feet (exception 1). Dead-end corridors shall not exceed 50 feet in sprinklered Group E buildings (exception 2).  IBC 1020.5
  5. For spaces with one exit or exit access doorway, the common path of egress travel is limited in accordance with Table 1006.2.1:
OccupancyMaximum Occupant Load Of SpaceMaximum Common Path Of Egress Travel Distance (feet)
Without Sprinkler System (feet)With Sprinkler System (feet)
Occupant Load
OL ≤ 30OL > 30
Ac, E49757575a
I-410NPNP75a
  1. Landings shall have a width not less than the width of the stairway or the door, whichever is greater. Doors in the fully open position shall not reduce a required dimension by more than 7 inches. Where a landing serves an occupant load of 50 or more, doors in any position shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half its required width. Landings shall have a length measured in the direction of travel of not less than 44 inches.  IBC 1010.1.5
  2. Raised thresholds and floor level changes greater than 1/4 inch at doorways shall be beveled with a slope not greater than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50 percent slope).  IBC 1010.1.6
  3. Doors serving rooms or spaces with an occupant load of 50 or more shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic hardware or fire exit hardware.   IBC 1010.2.9
  4. Every door latch to closets, storage areas, kitchens, and other similar spaces or areas shall be such that clients can open the door from inside the space or area.  IBC 1010.2, 1010.2.1, 1010.2.6, 1010.2.8
  5. Every bathroom door lock shall be designed to allow opening of the locked door from the outside by opening device that shall be readily accessible to the staff.  IBC 1010.2.8

Suppression Requirements

  1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for day care occupancies in accordance with IBC Sections 903.2.3 and 903.2.6 as follows:
    1. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
      Exception:  In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
    2. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
    3. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet in area.
      IBC 903.2.3
  2. Group I-4 Occupancies shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout the building.  
    Exceptions:
    1. An automatic sprinkler system is not required where Group I-4 day care facilities are at the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer than one exterior exit door.
    2. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 shall be installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care and the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than areas classified as an open parking garage.
      IBC 903.2.6
  3. Provide automatic sprinkler system Design Intent information by a Tennessee registered engineer.  See the attached Sprinkler Design Intent correction list. IBC 107.1, 107.2.2
  4. After a Plans Approval for this building has been issued, complete automatic sprinkler system shop drawings must be reviewed and approved prior to installation.  The shop drawings shall be reviewed by the registrant that provided the design intent prior to submittal to the State Fire Marshal.  Shop drawing information will be a stipulation on the plans upon initial approval of the project.  You do not need to respond to this item at this time. IBC 107.2.2
  5. Portable fire extinguishers must be provided. IBC Section 906.1, 906.2, 906.3, Tables 906.3 (1) and (2), 906.5,

Carbon Monoxide Detection

  1. Each room where care is provided to children must have installed a carbon monoxide alarm that is listed according to the code.  TN Public Chapter No. 733
  2. Where any of the following conditions exist, carbon monoxide alarm signals shall be automatically transmitted to an on-site location that is staffed by school personnel.
    • Fuel-burning appliances and fuel-burning fireplaces.
    • Fuel burning, forced air furnaces.
    • Fuel-burning appliances outside of classrooms. See exceptions.
    • Buildings with attached private garages that have communicating openings between the private garage and the classroom. See exceptions.
      Exception: Carbon monoxide alarm signals shall not be required to be automatically transmitted to an on-site location that is staffed by school personnel in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 30 or less. IBC 915.2.3

Mechanical

  1. Fire dampers are required where ductwork penetrates a one or more-hour fire-resistance rated wall. IMC Section 607.5 and IBC 717.2.1
    Exception: fire dampers may be omitted in 1-hour fire partitions where the duct penetrating the wall is not larger than 100 in², the duct does not terminate at a wall register, steel duct material is 0.0217 in. thick, and the duct is located above the ceiling.  IBC 717.5.4 and IMC 607.5.3
  2. Ductwork penetrating a fire-resistance rated horizontal assembly such as a floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly must be enclosed within a fire rated shaft: 1-hour up to 3-stories and 2-hours for 4-stories or more.  Fire dampers may be used in lieu of a shaft where only one floor is penetrated. IBC 713.4, 717.5, Section 717.6 Ceiling/floor assembly radiation dampers shall be consistent with the specified UL listing of the rated assembly.
  3. Ductwork penetrating non-fire rated floor/ceiling horizontal assemblies must be equipped with a fire damper where the duct connects no more than 3-stories.  Ducts connecting 4 or more stories must be enclosed in a 2-hour fire rated shaft.  IBC 717.6.3 and IMC 607.6.3
  4. Provide combination fire/smoke dampers in transfer air grille openings through fire rated walls.  A smoke damper is required at transfer openings for unrated walls that must resist the passage of smoke such as a smoke partition or smoke barrier.  IBC 716.2, 716.2.2.1.1, 717.5, 1026.3, IMC 607.5
  5. Smoke dampers must be installed in duct penetrations of smoke barriers unless the duct is a part of a smoke removal system.  IBC 716.2.2.3, IMC 607.5.4, IMC 607.5.4.1
  6. Ceiling dampers or other methods of protecting openings in rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies must comply with the construction details of the tested floor/roof/ceiling assemblies, with listed ceiling air diffusers, or listed ceiling dampers.  IBC 717.6, IMC 607.6
  7. Where air ducts and openings are used in a fire-resistance rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, all materials and the construction of the assembly including the air duct materials and the size and protection of the openings must conform to the design details of its listing. IBC Section 717
  8. HVAC systems greater than 2,000 cfm must have a duct mounted smoke detector installed in the return air stream duct or plenum upstream of any filters, exhaust air connections, outdoor air connections, or decontamination equipment and appliances (IMC 606.2.1).  These smoke detectors must be wired to a fire alarm system when one is provided in a constantly attended location for supervisory signals.  IMC 606.4.1, IFC 907.2
  9. HVAC return air riser systems serving two or more stories and which serve any portion of a return air system having a design capacity greater than 15,000 cfm must have a duct-mounted smoke detector shutdown at each story (IMC 606.2.3).  These smoke detectors must be wired to a fire alarm system when one is provided in a constantly attended location for supervisory signals. IMC 606.4.1
  10. Corridors must not serve as supply, return, exhaust, relief, or ventilation air ducts.  IBC 1020.6
  11. Materials exposed to plenum airflow must be noncombustible or limited combustible and have a maximum smoke developed index of not more than 50.  IBC 718.5, IMC 602.2.1 see exceptions.
  12. Provide commercial kitchen hood ventilation system Design Intent information by a Tennessee registered engineer.  See the attached Hood and Duct Design Intent correction list. IBC 107.1 and IFC 606.1

Fire Alarm

  1. Design Intent Minimum Required Documentation
    1. The system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the 2019 edition of NFPA 72.
    2. Description of the system including:
      • Sequence of operation and method(s) of initiation
      • Operation of the types of devices activated by the system (door hold open devices, fire shutters, etc.) and description of their operation.
    3. Floor plan layout showing locations of all devices including:
      • Fire alarm control panel.
      • Manual pull devices
      • Initiating devices
      • Notification appliances
        Each sheet must show room use identification and building features that will affect the placement of initiating devices and notification appliances.
    4. Specify the types and operation of initiating devices.
    5. Specify the types and operation of notification appliances.  Include candela ratings, decibel rating, etc.
    6. Mounting height elevation for wall-mounted devices and appliances
      IBC 107.1, 107.2.1
  2. A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies. Where automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.  IBC 907.2.3 
    Exceptions:
    1. A manual fire alarm system shall not be required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.
    2. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in accordance with Section 907.5.
    3. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all the following apply:
      1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
      2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and similar areas are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
      3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
      4. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
    4. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all the following apply:
      1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13
      2. The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler waterflow.
      3. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
  3. An automatic sprinkler system when installed must be connected to the fire alarm system. IBC 907.2.3
  4. Show the following electrical and fire alarm connections on the plans.
    1. Location of connections of all air handling shutdowns
    2. Location of connections to the kitchen hood fire extinguishing system that activates the fire alarm system.
    3. Location of all connections for cooking equipment shutdowns such as shunt trip circuit breakers and gas solenoid valves unless a mechanical gas line shut-off is specified.
    4. Location of flow switch or alarm check valve connection(s) to the general building alarm and central station or fire department.
    5. Location of supervisory alarm connection from tamper switches on sprinkler system water control valves.
      IBC 107.1, 107.2.1
  5. Automatic smoke detection must be provided at each fire alarm control panel (excludes annunciator panels) in areas not continuously occupied that contain controlling equipment.  IFC 907.4.1
  6. Note: Heat detection is permitted if ambient conditions prohibit installation of smoke detection.
  7. Smoke detectors controlling hold open devices must be located in accordance with IBC 716.2.6.6, 907.3, IFC 1026.3
  8. Hold open devices must release in accordance with IBC 407.6, 407.6.1 and must be supervised by the fire alarm system.  IBC 407.8.
  9. Each floor must be zoned separately, and no zone may exceed 22,500 ft² for the fire alarm system in non-sprinklered buildings.  IBC 907.6.4

Electrical

  1. Emergency lighting shall be provided in the following areas:
    1. Interior stairs and corridors
    2. Assembly use spaces
    3. Flexible and open plan buildings
    4. Interior or limited access portions of buildings
    5. Shops and laboratories
    6. Exterior egress components at other than their levels of exit discharge until exit discharge is accomplished for buildings required to have two or more exits.
    7. Exterior landings as required by IBC Section 1008.2.3, 1010.1.5 for exit discharge doorways in buildings required to have two or more exits.
      IBC 1008.3, 1008.3.5, & 1204.5
  2. In the event of power supply failure in buildings that require two or more means of egress, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate all of the following areas:
    1. Interior exit access stairways and ramps.
    2. Interior and exterior exit stairways and ramps.
    3. Exit passageways.
    4. Vestibules and areas on the level of discharge used for exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.2
    5. Interior exit stairways and ramps
    6. Exterior landings as required by Section 1010.1.5 for exit doorways that lead directly to the exit discharge.
      IBC 1008.3.2
  3. In the event of power supply failure, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate all the following areas: IBC 1008.3.3
    1. Electrical equipment rooms.
    2. Fire command centers.
    3. Fire pump rooms
    4. Generator rooms
    5. Public restrooms with an area greater than 300 square feet.
      IBC 1008.3.3
  4. Emergency lighting must have a stand-by power source and automatically provide the required illumination in the event of any interruption of normal lighting in areas where emergency lighting is required by IBC 1008.3.(1-5) due to any of the following: 
    1. Failure of a public utility or other outside electrical power supply
    2. Opening of a circuit breaker or fuse
    3. Manual act(s), including accidental opening of a switch controlling normal lighting facilities.
      NFPA 70 Article 700, and IBC 1008.3, 1008.3.4
  5. Exit signs must be visible from all directions of travel. IBC 1013.1
  6. Exits signs shall be illuminated at all times & shall be connected to an emergency power source or be a listed self-illuminating type of sign. IBC 1011.6.3
  7. Tactile exit signage must be located at each exit door requiring an exit sign.  IBC 1013.4
  8. Exit signs must have an emergency power source or be a listed self-illuminating type of sign.
  9. IBC 1013.6.3, and NFPA 70, 700.12(F)
  10. Recessed light fixtures in fire-resistance rated ceilings must be protected or be listed for use in a rated assembly.  IBC 714.4.1.2
  11. All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles in the areas specified in 406.12(1) through (7) shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.
    1. Dwelling units in all areas specified in 210.52 and 550.13
    2. Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels
    3. Childcare facilities
    4. Preschools and elementary education facilities
    5. Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices and outpatient facilities
    6. Subset of assembly occupancies described in 518.2 to include places of waiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, and auditoriums
      406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.
  12. Electrical outlet boxes located on opposite sides of rated walls must be separated by a horizontal distance of 24 in. IBC 714.4.2
  13. Provide a minimum 3 ft. horizontal, 6-½ ft. vertical, and 30 in. width working space in front of electrical equipment. NFPA 70, 110.26(A) (1-3) and Table 110.26(A)(1)].  Working spaces may not be used for storage and may not contain ductwork, piping, etc.
  14. Dry-type transformers installed indoors and rated 112½ kVA or less must have a separation of at least 12 in. from combustible material unless separated from the combustible material by a fire-resistant, heat-insulated barrier.  NFPA 70, 450.21(A)
  15. Individual dry-type transformers of more than 112½ kVA rating must be installed in a transformer room of minimum 1-hour fire-resistance construction unless specified otherwise.
    NFPA 70, 450.21(B)