There is an ongoing effort around the need to decrease insurance premiums for grocery and distribution clients by increasing protection. In the original builds in these scenarios, consultants were not used, and the designs were delegated to the contractors resulting in under protected facilities. The client does not operate a standard mercantile where Ordinary Hazard Group 2 (OH2) protections would be sufficient.
The Challenges
- Increasing the protection in rural environments with poor quality (low pressure/flow) water supplies and avoiding the addition of a fire pump.
- Upgrading fire protection systems in a facility that operates 24/7/365.
- Completing the projects in the same calendar year.
The Solution
- Henderson Engineers, using data collected from our efforts in a Commodity Classification study, is teaming with Henderson Building Solutions to provide turn-key upgrade solutions at various facilities utilizing a variety of FM Global protection schemes from FMDS 8-9, table 4.
Working with the original architect, we review record drawings and hydraulic data and then perform a flow test to evaluate the water supply. While on site performing the flow test, we evaluate and document existing conditions to ensure the data in the record documentation is accurate. This data is then run through various scenarios and calculations to determine which options are best. Determining factors for best options include material cost, labor cost, timing of completion, and remaining safety factors. With these being in previously rural areas that are developing, we’re planning for impacts of future/added users.
We then present the options to the client and work with contractors to build schedules and proposals. Our request for proposals (RFPs) include the record data and the new design direction, along with assumptions for off peak work hours to keep the store operating with minimal impact. Our strategy for selection has been to find national and regional contractors that operate local offices near the client locations as this should provide pricing advantage by minimizing travel, lodging, procurement scheduling/handling, and other functions required when using trades that are not local. For most sites, the original contractor is no longer in business.
Henderson Knows Fire & Life Safety
Henderson fire protection engineers know design, life safety technology, and construction. Our diverse group of fire protection specialists includes licensed engineers with backgrounds in fire protection, mechanical, chemical, civil, and architectural engineering; NICET certified technicians; and fire service professionals. We provide thought leadership and expertise on multiple code and standards technical committees for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and other national organizations.
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