2021 Educational Occupancy Plan Correction List

This list is to be used in conjunction with the attached General Correction List. Note that this correction list is not all inclusive. See additional items on the General Correction List.

Items listed require amended construction documents such as revised plans, supplemental instructions, addenda, field orders, or change orders before plans approval will be issued.  Answers in letter form shall be provided to explain the changes to the construction documents. All drawing revisions should be clouded with a corresponding revision number tag.

This review does not authorize construction to begin. Starting construction before plans approval may result in a Stop Work Order. Rule 0780-02-03-.02(1)

Requirements of T.C.A. 49-6-818 Public School Building Safety are included at the end of this review. 

Construction

1. The area of a Group E building not more than one story above grade plane, of Type II, IIIA or IV construction, shall not be limited provided that the following criteria are met:
   1. Each classroom shall have not less than two means of egress, with one of the means of egress being a direct exit to the outside of the building complying with Section 1022.
   2. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
   3. The building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet in width.
      IBC 507.11

Means of Egress

1. Corridors with an occupant load greater than 30 shall be separated from other parts of the story by walls having a 1-hour fire resistance rating, with 20-minute fire rated door and hardware assemblies and 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, unless protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system.  IBC 1020.2
   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.
   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.
2. Provide items listed in the attached sections of T.C.A. 49-6-818 that apply to new public-school buildings and to existing public school buildings being remodeled are addressed in the plan set.
3. The area of a Group E building not more than one story above grade plane, of Type II, IIIA or IV construction, shall not be limited provided that the following criteria are met IBC 507.11:
   1. Each classroom shall have not less than two means of egress, with one of the means of egress being a direct exit to the outside of the building complying with Section 1022.
   2. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 (NFPA 13).
   3. The building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
4. Delayed egress locking systems shall be permitted to be installed on doors in Group E classrooms with an occupant load of less than 50 in buildings that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or an approved automatic smoke or heat detection system installed in accordance with Section 907. IFC 1010.2.13
5. Classroom doors and doors to other instructional spaces shall be permitted to be locked provided that the locking means is approved and all of the following conditions are met:
   1. The locking means shall be capable of being engaged without opening the door.
   2. The unlocking and unlatching from the classroom side of the door can be accomplished without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort.
   3. Two nonsimultaneous releasing motions shall be permitted.
   4. The releasing mechanism for unlocking and unlatching shall be located at a height not less than 34 in. and not exceeding 48 in. above the finished floor. 
   5. Locks, if remotely engaged, shall be unlockable from the classroom side of the door without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort.  
   6. The door shall be capable of being unlocked and opened from outside the room with the necessary key or other credential.  
   7. The locking means shall not modify the door closer, panic hardware, or fire exit hardware or impair their operation.
   8. Modifications to fire door assemblies, including door hardware, shall be in accordance with NFPA 80.
   9. The emergency action plan, required by 14.7.1 shall address the use of the locking and unlocking means from both sides of the door.
   10. Staff shall be drilled in the engagement and release of the locking means, from within and outside the room, as part of the emergency egress drills required by 15.7.2.
6. Fire-resistance-rated corridors shall be continuous from the point of entry to an exit and shall not be interrupted by intervening rooms. Where the path of egress travel within a fire-resistance-rated corridor to the exit includes travel along unenclosed exit access stairways or ramps, the fire-resistance rating shall be continuous for the length of the stairway or ramp and for the length of the connecting corridor on the adjacent floor leading to the exit. IBC 1020.7. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall terminate at an exit discharge or a public way. IFC 1023.3
7. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the interior exit stairways or ramps shall include any basements, but not any mezzanines. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated but need not exceed 2 hours. IBC 1023.2

Fire Suppression

1. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12. IBC 903.2
2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
   1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) in area.
   2. 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.
   3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.  IBC 903.2.3

Fire Protection Systems

1. Educational occupancies shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with IFC 907.2.3
   A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section IBC 2021 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.
   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 of 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. Stops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
      4. Manual activation is provided from normally occupied location
   4. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
      1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
      2. The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on sprinkler waterflow.
      3. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.

Electrical

1. Carbon monoxide detection shall be provided in classrooms in Group E occupancies in the locations specified in Section 915.2 where any of the conditions in Sections 915.1.2 through 915.1.6 exist.
2. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in classrooms in Group E occupancies. Carbon monoxide alarm signals shall be automatically transmitted to an on-site location that is staffed by school personnel. IBC 915.2.3
   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.
3. Carbon monoxide detection required by Sections 915.1 through 915.2.3 shall be provided by carbon monoxide alarms complying with Section 915.4 or carbon monoxide detection systems complying with Section 915.5. IBC 915.3
4. Provide tamper-resistant receptacles for preschool and elementary education facilities. NFPA 70 406.12(4)
5. Emergency illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the Group E occupancies where two or more means of egress is required in interior exit access and exit stairways and ramps, corridors, windowless areas with student occupancy, shops, and laboratories. IFC 1104.5.

Mechanical

1. Unvented room heaters shall not be installed within occupancies in Group E.  The location of unvented room heaters shall also comply with IFGC 303.3. IFGC 621.4

Laboratories

1. Laboratories and vocational shops not classified as Group H shall be separated from non-laboratory areas by 1-hour construction or provided with an automatic sprinkler system. IBC Table 509.1 & IBC 509.4.1.
2. Laboratories and vocational shops that contain more than 1 Gallon (4L) of flammable or combustible liquid or greater than 75 SCF of flammable gas must comply with 2019 NFPA 45 1.1.3a & b and must provide either 1-hour separation or be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system per IBC Table 509.
3. Instructional laboratory units shall be classified as Class C or Class D laboratory units limited to the quantities in Table9.1.1(b).  2019 NFPA 45 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2   Educational laboratory units shall be classified as Class D or shall be limited to 50 percent of the flammable and combustible liquids quantity for Class C laboratory units presented in Table 9.1.1(a) and Table 9.1.1(b).
4. Laboratory units in educational occupancies shall be separated from non-laboratory areas by 1-hour construction (NFPA 45, 5.1.3).  Separation requirements based on height allowances shall be in accordance with NFPA 45, Table 5.1.1.
5. Laboratories and laboratory suites must comply with the requirements of IFC Chapters 50 through 67.  Hazardous materials storage, handling and use in laboratories and laboratory suites shall be in accordance with this section. 
6. Provide a hazardous materials inventory. 

Public School Building Safety

 T.C.A. Section 49-6-818 applies to new public-school buildings and to existing public school buildings being remodeled.

‘Remodeled’ means a change to an existing building or facility, including, but not limited to, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, changes or rearrangement in structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.  T.C.A. 49-6-818(d)(1)

The following items will be a stipulation on the initial approval of the project.  A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the design is in compliance with the law.

1. Provide a door-locking mechanism on each classroom door that allows the classroom door to be locked from the inside.  All of the following conditions must be met in accordance with NFPA 101, Section 15.2.2.2.4.1:
   1. The locking means shall be capable of being engaged without opening the door.
   2. The unlocking and unlatching from the classroom side of the door can be accomplished without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort.
   3. Two nonsimultaneous releasing motions shall be permitted.
   4. The releasing mechanism for unlocking and unlatching shall be located at a height not less than 34 in. and not exceeding 48 in. above the finished floor. 
   5. Locks, if remotely engaged, shall be unlockable from the classroom side of the door without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort.  
   6. The door shall be capable of being unlocked and opened from outside the room with the necessary key or other credential. 
   7. The locking means shall not modify the door closer, panic hardware, or fire exit hardware or impair their operation.
   8. Modifications to fire door assemblies, including door hardware, shall be in accordance with NFPA 80.
   9. The emergency action plan, required by 14.7.1 shall address the use of the locking and unlocking means from both sides of the door.
   10. Staff shall be drilled in the engagement and release of the locking means, from within and outside the room, as part of the emergency egress drills required by 15.7.2.
2. Provide clear, entry-resistant film on the glass panel of each exterior entry or basement level window and door to prevent individuals from entering the school building without authorization by breaking the glass in an exterior entry or basement level window or door; and on the glass panel of each exterior entry or basement level window and door.
   This requirement applies to principal school buildings and standalone assembly buildings such as gymnasiums and theaters.  Entry resistant film or fenestration systems shall be tested to meet a nationally recognized test standard for providing entry resistance.
   At minimum, the entry-resistant film or fenestration system should be applied at the following locations:
   • Each exterior entry door plus adjoining glazing within 50’ horizontal of the entries.  The glazing shall be protected within a minimum of 8’ – 8” height of adjacent grade or floor level.
   • All glazing of secure interior vestibules serving as primary entrances.
     Provide the following:
   1. Product cut sheets and manufacturer’s data that include test results.
   2. Add a note that the film or fenestration system shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
   3. Reference the information on door and window schedules.
3. New school buildings have at least one secure vestibule.  Primary entrances of existing schools undergoing renovations must include a secure vestibule.  Vestibules must contain two separate sets of doors through which a person must pass to gain entrance into the school building that are each capable of being locked separately to prevent a person from entering the school building until a school employee authorizes a person to enter.
   When a secure vestibule also serves as an exit, all Group E means of egress requirements must be met.
4. Include a camera system that continuously monitors each entrance, hallway, and communal area in the school building during regular school hours and during school-related events and activities conducted on school grounds that is accessible by a local law enforcement agency in an emergency situation.

Public School Building Safety

T.C.A. 49-6-818 applies to new public school buildings and to existing public school buildings being remodeled.

‘Remodeled’ means a change to an existing building or facility, including, but not limited to, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, changes or rearrangement in structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions.  T.C.A. 49-6-818(d)(1)

The following items will be a stipulation on the initial approval of the project.  A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the design is in compliance with the law.

1. Provide a door-locking mechanism on each classroom door that allows the classroom door to be locked from the inside.  All of the following conditions must be met:
   1. The locking means shall be capable of being engaged without opening the door.
   2. The unlocking and unlatching from the classroom side of the door can be accomplished without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort.
   3. Two nonsimultaneous releasing operations shall be permitted.
   4. The releasing mechanisms for unlocking and unlatching shall be located at a height not less than 34 in. and not exceeding 48 in. above the finished floor.
   5. Locks, if remotely engaged, shall be unlockable from the classroom side of the door without the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge or effort.
   6. The door shall be capable of being unlocked and opened from outside the room with the necessary key or other credential.
   7. The locking means shall not modify the door closer, panic hardware, or fire exit hardware.
   8. Modifications to fire door assemblies, including door hardware, shall be in accordance with NFPA 80.
      T.C.A. 49-6-818(a)(1)    
2. Provide clear, bullet-resistant or entry-resistant film on the glass panel of each exterior entry or basement level window and door.
   This requirement applies to principal school buildings and standalone assembly buildings such as gymnasiums and theaters.  At minimum, the film should be applied at the following locations:
   • Exterior entrance doors, side lights, and directly adjacent storefront glazing.
   • Each basement level window and door
   1. Specify the product
   2. Add a note that the film shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
      T.C.A. 49-6-818(a)(2)      
3. Provide a camera system that continuously monitors each entrance, hallway, and communal areas in the school building. T.C.A. 49-6-818(a)(3)    
4. New school buildings and primary entrances undergoing renovations must include a secure vestibule.  The vestibule must contain 2 separate sets of doors through which a person must pass to gain entrance into the school building that are each capable of being locked separately to prevent a person from entering the school building until a school employee authorizes a person to enter. All glazing of the secure vestibule must be bullet-resistant or entry resistant glazing.  T.C.A. 49-6-818(a)(2) & (4)