Attachment 2 - Design Narrative bound-OKC Fire Alarm 2.pdf

VA #635-20-101

Upgrade Existing Fire Alarm System Phase 2 Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center 921 NE 13th Street.

Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Design Narrative

100% Design Package-FOR CONSTRUCTION Volume 1 of 4 April 21, 2021

OKCVAMC- Upgrade Existing Fire Alarm Sys, Ph.2 Project No. 635-20-101 100% Narrative Page 1

April 21, 2021

From: FourFront Design, Inc.

Deborah Shaner, Shaner Life Safety

Re: Oklahoma City VAMC- Upgrade Existing Fire Alarm Sys, Ph.2 100% Narrative

The Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center (OKCVAMC) will undergo a fire alarm system upgrade. This narrative provides an overview of the design process and scope related to the project.

Project Approach/Work Summary

This section documents the work completed to date on the project.

Investigative Phase:

During the investigative phase, the following steps were completed.

1. Code & document review to determine applicable requirements.

Based on the document review, the project design criteria (VA project SOW) and installation requirements will be based on the following codes and standards:

• Department of Veterans Affairs Fire Protection Design Manual, 7th edition, 2015

• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2015 edition

• NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code, 2016 edition

• NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2014 edition

Pertinent sections of the above-mentioned codes and standards are noted in the Codes & Standards section of this report.

2. Site Investigation.

On October 9th and 10th, 2020, a site investigation was completed. The general itinerary included:

October 9, 2020

• Project kickoff meeting

• Review of scope

• Overview of existing fire alarm system

• Observation of specific areas outlined in the project summary

• Review of available drawings

October 10, 2020

• Full site walk with Donnie Knight and Deborah Shaner to investigate the general condition of the system

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During the site investigation, the following observations were made by Deborah Shaner:

1. Two existing fire alarm systems are present. Most of the building is covered by a relatively new FCI/Gamewell system. There are a few areas which are covered by an older Spectronics system. One of the goals of this project is to eliminate the older system and ensure all areas of the hospital are connected to the FCI/Gamewell system.

2. In addition to areas identified by the VA in the project scope, several areas were observed to be deficient in occupant notification coverage – both audible and visual notification. These areas have been identified on the fire alarm drawings and are recommended for upgrade. For the most part, these areas are suites or employee type areas. The corridors, lobbies and common areas are generally afforded compliant coverage.

3. The current system was designed using Private Mode occupant notification as defined by NFPA 72. This is appropriate for a health care facility. Patient rooms do not have occupant notification.

4. Carbon monoxide detection monitored by the fire alarm system is not present in the facility.

5. Stair #10 on the 2nd floor is missing a manual pull station. This is inconsistent with the design criteria in the facility.

6. The Mechanical areas on the 3rd floor are not outfitted with occupant notification.

7. Speakers in the facility are dual-cone and are used for both paging and fire alarm systems.

The systems are separate as the dual-cone speaker basically provides two devices in a single unit.

8. Many manual pull stations are mounted outside of the 42” – 48” AFF allowances of NFPA 72 and ADA Accessibility Guidelines. This condition can be justified as an existing condition to remain.

9. There are areas on the 7th floor that are under construction. Clarification is needed on the scope of work in this space.

10. In the Server Room on the 9th floor, the smoke detectors in the subfloor appear to be inaccessible for service. This has been addressed in the drawing package.

35% Design Phase Effort Summary:

The project summary (VA SOW) presented in the RFP provided specific direction on the project scope.

Each item in this summary is noted below along with the general design direction FourFront has established in the 35% submittal.

Item A.1: Sub-Basement is on the old system and requires upgrades. The sub-basement requires 8 tamper switches, (The 8 tamper module numbers on the old system are 01-28-29, 01-28-30, 01-28-32, 01-28-34, 01-28-36, 01-28-91, 01-28-92, & 01-28-93) an electric fire pump, 4 relay modules, a pull station in stairwell #4, and audio and visual.

Discharge waterflow – 01.28.33 West wall below laundry – 01.28.31 Center of sub-basement – 01.28.35 Water flow 28 – 01.28.28

Design Notes: The Sub-Basement is included in the 35% drawings submittal. The above-mentioned devices have been identified for connection to the new fire alarm system.

Item A.2: Basement and Sub-basement tamper switches require supervisory modules.

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Design Notes: These devices have been identified for connection to the new fire alarm system as seen in the 35% drawings submittal.

Item A.3: Building 20 is still on the old system and requires upgrades. This building needs 4 pull stations, 4 smoke detectors and/or heat detectors, audio and visual, 2 tamper switches, and one flow switch.

Design Notes: Building 20 has been noted on the fire alarm site plan. The detailed design will be included in the 65% design package.

Item A.4: Building #1 in stairwells #6, #9, and #10 require strobes and pull stations at the bottom of the stairwells. Stairwell #10 on the second floor needs a pull station.

Design Notes: Strobes are not recommended in stairwells. NFPA 72 contains language supporting this. From NFPA 72, Section 23.8.6.2.1 Visible signals shall not be required in exit stair enclosures and exit passageways. Notification is not included in the 35% design package.

Pull stations have been noted as described.

A.5 AHU #58 and #8A require duct detectors and shutdown relays.

Design Notes: The location of these fans was not identified during the Investigative Phase. This is flagged for follow up during the 10/26 site visit. For now, this item is identified via notes on the drawing package.

A.6 Fire door on first and second floors by stairwell #10 need fire door release magnets.

Design Notes: This was identified to be an already completed by others prior to the investigative phase. Design for this is not included in this design package.

The following summary outlines the recommended upgrades based on additional observations made during the investigative phase, that are not specifically identified by the VA project SOW:

1. Visual notification: Various areas have been identified as missing visual notification, specifically fire alarm strobes. Refer to the 35% drawings submittal for these areas as well as estimated device quantities and locations. Additional detail will be provided as the design evolves into the 65% phase.

2. Audible notification: Several areas have been identified as having potential deficiencies with respect to audible notification, specifically fire alarm speakers. These areas have been flagged for further evaluation during the 10/26 observation of the fire alarm system annual test. The quantities in the cost estimate are approximate only and will be refined as the design progresses to 65% submittal.

3. Carbon monoxide (CO) detection: The facility does not currently have carbon monoxide detectors connected to and monitored by the fire alarm system. Current editions of the International Fire Code and NFPA 101 require carbon monoxide detection. The VA Design Manual also references NFPA 101 for carbon monoxide detection. At a minimum, the Boiler Room is recommended to have CO detection added. Additional locations will be discussed at the 35% design review.

4. Server Room: The smoke detectors in the underfloor of the Server Room as not accessible for testing and maintenance. The wiring to these detectors is potentially problematic. This area has been identified and detailed on the 35% drawings submittal.

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65% Design Phase Effort Summary:

A full review of the existing system design was completed using the as-built fire alarm shop drawings for the recent system upgrade. Specifically, audible and visual notification coverage was evaluated. Areas lacking coverage were identified and have been included in the design in the 65% drawing package.

Specification sections have been generated and included in the 65% submittal. Review comments are welcome by the design team.

As noted in the 35% segment of this narrative, carbon monoxide detection is not present in the facility.

During the 65% review, the VA is asked to advise whether monitored carbon monoxide detection is to be added to the system. Alternatively, this detection may remain standalone.

95% Design Phase Effort Summary:

The Design Team held a meeting with the VA to review the 65% design package. During that meeting, several items were identified and have been implemented into the 95% design package.

Carbon monoxide detection is being provided in the Boiler Plant to provide compliance with applicable VA and NFPA standards.

As represented in the 65% drawings package, speakers are being added to the existing system to address audibility concerns. In addition to this effort, the existing speakers will be replaced on a one-for-one basis. These have been added to the 95% drawings.

Numerous areas of the facility are under construction. Some of the remodels are fast track and related to the COVID pandemic. These areas are not currently documented or as built. The team has agreed that these areas can be reviewed during pre-bid or pre-construction walkthroughs. For design purposes, the drawing package will incorporate notes to advise bidding contractors of the situation.

To assist the VA in addressing the remodel and construction areas, the bid documents and specifications prepared by the design team will include a request for unit pricing. This list will ask bidding contractors to provide a single price, per unit for various equipment, labor and technician time. This will establish a fair price for any change orders that arise as a result of changes to the facility that are not correctly reflected on current floorplans.

To provide better direction to bidding contractors, audibility levels and mode of notification have been added to the overall floorplans in the drawing package. Areas requiring Public vs. Private mode notification have been identified. The required audibility ratings, per NFPA 72, have been added.

100% Design Phase Effort Summary:

A site visit was conducted on February 23, 2021. The scheduled 95% review meeting did not occur as planned. Donnie Knight and Deborah Shaner conducted an informal review of the 95% design package and performed a site walk to clarify specific scope items. The site walk allowed the design team to observe the numerous renovations that are occurring within the facility because of COVID-19.

As a result of the site visit, the following elements were added to the 100% design package:

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1. Fire alarm devices were added to Substation #4.

2. COVID renovations:

a. 3A137 is now a waiting room, formerly 138 & 138A

b. 8E100 – module needed at double doors for access control

c. New waiting area outside of GA103, eye clinic waiting room

3. Sub-basement sprinkler clarifications:

a. +2 subbasement lower backflow tampers

b. +2 subbasement upper backflow tampers

100% Construction Documents

The 100% submittal has been signed and sealed with Professional Engineer stamps.

Next Steps:

The project will move into construction. Construction Administrative services will be provided in accordance with the project contract.

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Codes and Standards:

This section provides a summary of prominent sections of applicable codes and standards that will be used throughout the project:

VA Fire Protection Design Manual

Section 7.2-D: All fire alarm wiring shall be installed in raceway separate from all other systems.

Section 7.2-F:

Notification Appliances: Placement and spacing of notification appliances shall be in accordance with NFPA 72 and shall be selected based on the purpose of the notification (i.e., general evacuation or staff response) as follows:

1. General Evacuation (See output 1 of Table 7.3): Where general evacuation is required, the audible signal shall conform to ANSI S3.41, Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal (i.e., temporal three pattern).

a. Provide audible notification appliances to be heard in all locations throughout the protected premises (building).

b. Provide visible notification appliances in all public accessible areas of the building such as corridors, auditoriums, cafeterias, open assembly rooms >= 750 ft2, canteens, retail stores, etc. Exception: Visible notification appliances are not required in the following spaces which are not considered to be public accessible:

1. Individual office spaces unless the space is known to have a hearing impaired person stationed there.

2. Closets (janitor’s, clothes, etc.)

3. Utility shafts.

4. Crawl spaces.

5. Normally unoccupied rooms <= 100 ft2.

6. Normally unoccupied storage spaces where no regular activities take place other than placement and retrieval of storage.

7. Stairway enclosures and elevators.

8. Patient exam/treatment rooms.

2. Staff response (See output 2 of Table 7.3):

a. Upon operation of a fire alarm initiating device, the fire alarm system will, in the zone of alarm origin only,

1. Notify staff/occupants by activating a temporal three alarm signal and

2. Activate the visible appliances (strobes).

b. Simultaneously the fire alarm system will send a voice message to the rest of the building and other buildings as necessary to notify enough staff to respond to the zone of alarm origin. No visible appliances will be activated outside of the zone of alarm origin.

c. Subsequent activations of initiating devices in the same zone of alarm origin will not initiate any new alarm outputs, but will appear at the fire alarm control unit and printer.

Subsequent to the original alarm, activation of initiating devices in a different zone will initiate the temporal three signal and visible appliances in the new zone and will initiate a new voice message to the locations as determined above, to identify the new location of alarm.

d. The temporal three signal is to be designed to the private operating mode requirements contained in NFPA 72.

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e. The strobes are to be installed as outlined below and synchronized if necessary within the zone in accordance with NFPA 72. Both audible and visible signals are to be programmed to continue to operate for five minutes or until the system is acknowledged and turned off/silenced by an operator. The strobes are only to be activated in the zone of alarm origin and not in the zones where the voice message is used.

f. The voice message is to be preceded by a tone alert. No less than three rounds of a voice message to bring staff to the zone of alarm origin is required to be announced.

g. Manual operation of the voice system will override all automatic voice messages in the system.

h. To help ensure that the alarm is initiated in the zone of alarm origin, smoke detectors that are installed to hold open smoke barrier doors at smoke zone barriers shall be installed on both sides even though NFPA 72 allows, in some cases, a detector to be installed on one side only. Detectors shall then be programmed for their respective zone to initiate the proper alarm as well as to close the door served.

i. While fire alarm voice communication systems are not permitted to be used as general paging systems, they may be used for emergency communications other than fire emergencies where the operators are trained in the use of the system.

j. Provide speakers to be heard in all locations throughout the protected premises from where staff must respond. This may include more than one building if the number of staff within a building is not adequate. For health care, nursing ward areas should be utilized for responders since areas other than nursing wards (e.g., administration areas) will generally be occupied only during normal business hours.

k. Speakers shall be installed and arranged so they are clearly heard and understood by staff under normal working conditions. A rule of thumb for speaker layout is to install them every twenty-five to thirty feet on center and not to expect them to be clearly heard through more than one wall.

1. Do not locate audible notification appliances within surgical operating rooms.

However, ensure that the temporal three signal can be heard within all surgical operating rooms.

2. Provide subdued audible notification appliances in critical care areas.

l. Provide visible notification appliances in the following areas:

1. Spaces subject to noise, such as mechanical equipment rooms, where the message delivered by the audible appliance might not be heard or might be unintelligible.

2. Audiometric booths (not required if the light from the appliance can be seen from within the booth.)

3. Public restrooms.

4. Public accessible areas of the building such as corridors, auditoriums, cafeterias, open assembly rooms >= 750 ft2, canteens, retail stores, etc.

Exception: Visible notification appliances are not required in the following spaces which are not considered to be public accessible:

a. Individual office spaces unless the space is known to have a hearing impaired person stationed there.

b. Closets (janitor’s, clothes, etc.)

c. Utility shafts.

d. Crawl spaces.

e. Normally unoccupied rooms <= 100 ft2.

f. Normally unoccupied storage spaces where no regular activities take place other than placement and retrieval of storage.

g. Stairway enclosures and elevators.

h. Patient sleeping rooms and adjoining patient bathrooms.

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i. Patient exam/treatment rooms.

5. Do not provide visible notification appliances inside critical care areas, surgical operating rooms, or patient sleeping rooms.

6. Do not provide visible notification appliances in any health care and ambulatory health care occupancy where their presence would interfere with patient treatment (such as psychiatric areas). Consult with the facility.

Section 7.6: Carbon Monoxide Detection: A. Carbon monoxide detection shall be provided as required by

NFPA 101.

NFPA 72

3.3.183 Operating Mode.

3.3.183.1 Private Operating Mode. Audible or visible signaling only to those persons directly concerned with the implementation and direction of emergency action initiation and procedure in the area protected by the fire alarm system.

18.4.4 Private Mode Audible Requirements.

18.4.4.1* To ensure that audible private mode signals are clearly heard, they shall have a sound level at least 10 dB above the average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, measured 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system using the A-weighted scale (dBA).

18.4.4.3.2 Visible notification appliances shall be installed in the affected areas in accordance with Sections 18.5 or 18.6.

18.6* Visible Characteristics—Private Mode. Visible notification appliances used in the private mode shall be of a sufficient quantity and intensity and located so as to meet the intent of the user and the authority having jurisdiction.

Design Submittal Schedule:

Below are the milestone dates for current and future submittals. This current submittal is being delivered on or before the due date electronically. Future submittal milestones shown below.

35%- 14 Oct 2020 65%- 8 Dec 2020

The 95% and 100% milestones were adjusted as follows:

95%- 17 Feb 2021 100%- 17 Mar 2021 100% For Construction – 21 April 2021

End of Design Narrative